Top Law Schools

Hi all,

I've made my deposit to Villanova, I am still waiting on Fordham's WL.

My ultimate goal is big law no matter where it is. I was just looking at rankings, is 76 a well ranked school? Would being at median get big law? or top 20%?

Also, will I only have options in Philly or would I be able to practice else where specifically NYC?

Also, what are gov positions like for Villanova?

Any input appreciated.

Thanks!

Villanova had a 15% big law number, don't think big law should be your ultimate aspiration

DCfilterDC wrote:Villanova had a 15% big law number, don't think big law should be your ultimate aspiration

Do you think part of the 15% is for diversity purposes or would I be set if I was in the top 15% of my class regardless of diversity?

PhillyVilla wrote:

DCfilterDC wrote:Villanova had a 15% big law number, don't think big law should be your ultimate aspiration

Do you think part of the 15% is for diversity purposes or would I be set if I was in the top 15% of my class regardless of diversity?

It's a lot more complicated than that. A median student with a great resume who's super like-able might be able to get a biglaw job through hustling. Someone who is in the top 5% who sucks at interviews and is K-JD might strike out. Being around the top 15% puts you in the running but you most certainly are not "set."

If biglaw is your goal, do not go to Villanova.

PhillyVilla wrote:

DCfilterDC wrote:Villanova had a 15% big law number, don't think big law should be your ultimate aspiration

Do you think part of the 15% is for diversity purposes or would I be set if I was in the top 15% of my class regardless of diversity?

I don't think you can ever say you're "set" with low %, but I'd imagine a number are diversity and a number are people who have significant connections (read family) who can pull strings to get you hired. Then whatever's left is through the sweat of their brow

hmmm, starting to rethink my decision that was quick. Figured losing a deposit isn't much. Big law is much harder than I thought. I love the school though can't see myself not going.

What is your LSAT and GPA? How many times have you taken the LSAT?

hairbear7 wrote:What is your LSAT and GPA? How many times have you taken the LSAT?

3.5 (3.47), 157. Thanks for all the help!

PhillyVilla wrote:

hairbear7 wrote:What is your LSAT and GPA? How many times have you taken the LSAT?

3.5 (3.47), 157. Thanks for all the help!

Just once, don't think I could put myself through taking it again though.

Dudeeeeeeee retake the LSAT.

Please read this thread: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 4#p9245514

Happy to answer any questions you may have

For mathematical (or statistical? whatever the word is...) reasons, you should assume you will end up at median wherever you attend. No matter how smart and capable you think you are, you won't know how you perform on law school tests until you actually do it.

Median from Villanova isn't going to get Biglaw. So unless you have other reasonable career goals, plan to attend on a good scholarship, and want to practice in the area, going to Villanova with the sole expectation of biglaw could be a life changing mistake.

It'll be much easier to retake that stupid multiple choice test and get into a school with better employment prospects on a better scholarship.

PhillyVilla wrote:hmmm, starting to rethink my decision that was quick. Figured losing a deposit isn't much. Big law is much harder than I thought. I love the school though can't see myself not going.

For the love of God, please do not do what you are about to do. It is clear that you have not researched what you are about to get into and are likely going to be very, very disappointed. There are people top 15% penn state law who have nothing (forget big law - only 3 people in my ENTIRE CLASS got that).

Seriously, OP, I urge you to please just view the nova deposit as a sunk cost, take the year to learn more about the practice of law and where you are likely to become employed with a JD from a school that will take you with a 157 and then, if you still really, really, REALLY want to go to law school, retaking to get a fullride at nova.

See if Villanova wins tonight, that should be your sign.

But really please retake. Villanova isn't necessarily a bad option depending on individual goals, but do not go there if your only hope is biglaw (speaking of which, why do you really want biglaw? Lots of people hate it). Take it from someone who is in the top 10% at a school with similar biglaw placement...it's still not guaranteed.

With last night's dramatic win, Villanova will rise into t14

That's how this works right

Leagles5161 wrote:With last night's dramatic win, Villanova will rise into t14

That's how this works right

Duke won last year and dropped in this year's rankings. Villanova going to the TTTT.