University of Idaho College of Law? Forum

[bpilotsz]

So the misses and I are looking into Idaho to start our family i.e she wants to move to Idaho but i'm not to fond of the idea lol. She already has family there with ties to federal and state offices (connections) and it's pretty darn beautiful with those potato fields and all. The employment rates for this school are far from impressive but given my situation I'm willing to give it a strong consideration. In essence, I am a disabled vet and law school will be paid for. During my time attending I will have enough income to pay for my housing and living expenses so I wouldn't need much, if any extra in loans. I currently receive $3000 monthly for life due to injuries sustained during combat, so whatever salary I obtain after law school I add +36k a year. Am I really selling myself short from attending lets say UCLA or Berkley and then going back to Idaho? Or am I worrying about prestige too much?

I'm also a minority fluent in spanish*

*I figured I'll add this for consideration in terms of employment but I wholeheartedly dislike its emphasis; I present myself with qualifications. Not to get too political but apparently theres some clause to being a minority which makes me more employer-friendly.

[kellyfrost]

I think you need to visit Moscow, Idaho first and use that to help you make your decision. Some people love it and some people hate it.

If you can get into Cal or UCLA -- that would be awesome, especially since school is paid for; however, you might need cost of living loans.
Living in Moscow with your school paid for and living stipend, you will be living better off than probably 75% of the population of that town.

[sluggla]

I can't speak for your employment outcomes coming out of university of Idaho (I'd imagine not great), but the time I spent living in Idaho was wonderful. Moscow is a gorgeous town, but if that's not your thing then they have the program available from Boise (where I spent most of my time). Understandably my experience speaks more to recreation, affordability, etc. - but you could do a lot worse than Idaho when starting a family.

[bpilotsz]

I think you need to visit Moscow, Idaho first and use that to help you make your decision. Some people love it and some people hate it.

If you can get into Cal or UCLA -- that would be awesome, especially since school is paid for; however, you might need cost of living loans.
Living in Moscow with your school paid for and living stipend, you will be living better off than probably 75% of the population of that town.

From my understanding their Boise campus will be offering 1st year classes to new students starting 2017. I envision Boise to be a much better setting, her family lives on the outskirts of it as well.

[w00kash]

I think you need to visit Moscow, Idaho first and use that to help you make your decision. Some people love it and some people hate it.

If you can get into Cal or UCLA -- that would be awesome, especially since school is paid for; however, you might need cost of living loans.
Living in Moscow with your school paid for and living stipend, you will be living better off than probably 75% of the population of that town.

From my understanding their Boise campus will be offering 1st year classes to new students starting 2017. I envision Boise to be a much better setting, her family lives on the outskirts of it as well.

Idaho is MUCH more than potato fields. I would move back to Boise in a heartbeat, especially if I were looking to start a family. Not much of a market in Idaho, but U of I kids do tend to "dominate", for whatever that's worth. If you want to be a lawyer in Boise and don't care about making lots of money, U of I on a large scholarship could be an option. But their employment statistics are pretty, pretty, pretty bad. Especially if you aren't 100% sold on Idaho with a low salary.

[bpilotsz]

I think you need to visit Moscow, Idaho first and use that to help you make your decision. Some people love it and some people hate it.

If you can get into Cal or UCLA -- that would be awesome, especially since school is paid for; however, you might need cost of living loans.
Living in Moscow with your school paid for and living stipend, you will be living better off than probably 75% of the population of that town.

From my understanding their Boise campus will be offering 1st year classes to new students starting 2017. I envision Boise to be a much better setting, her family lives on the outskirts of it as well.

Idaho is MUCH more than potato fields. I would move back to Boise in a heartbeat, especially if I were looking to start a family. Not much of a market in Idaho, but U of I kids do tend to "dominate", for whatever that's worth. If you want to be a lawyer in Boise and don't care about making lots of money, U of I on a large scholarship could be an option. But their employment statistics are pretty, pretty, pretty bad. Especially if you aren't 100% sold on Idaho with a low salary.

In my rationale ~80k a year would be ample to living comfortably considering the cost of living in Idaho. Factoring in 30k from disability and starting at around ~45k as a brand new attorney. Or is 50k expecting to much graduating with a JD from U of I? I know I'm selling myself really short on 50k but worst case scenario.

[BNA]

Northern Idaho is one of my favorite places in the country. Sailing, skiing, four distinct seasons, and relatively nice people. You could do a lot worse.

[Wipfelder]

With a decent LSAT, you'd be going to NU or almost any other T14 for free. They have a good alumni network in Boise.
The "V" card and T-14=You get first pick of jobs in the PNW, even over UW/UI/UO people....

[w00kash]

I think you need to visit Moscow, Idaho first and use that to help you make your decision. Some people love it and some people hate it.

If you can get into Cal or UCLA -- that would be awesome, especially since school is paid for; however, you might need cost of living loans.
Living in Moscow with your school paid for and living stipend, you will be living better off than probably 75% of the population of that town.

From my understanding their Boise campus will be offering 1st year classes to new students starting 2017. I envision Boise to be a much better setting, her family lives on the outskirts of it as well.

Idaho is MUCH more than potato fields. I would move back to Boise in a heartbeat, especially if I were looking to start a family. Not much of a market in Idaho, but U of I kids do tend to "dominate", for whatever that's worth. If you want to be a lawyer in Boise and don't care about making lots of money, U of I on a large scholarship could be an option. But their employment statistics are pretty, pretty, pretty bad. Especially if you aren't 100% sold on Idaho with a low salary.

In my rationale ~80k a year would be ample to living comfortably considering the cost of living in Idaho. Factoring in 30k from disability and starting at around ~45k as a brand new attorney. Or is 50k expecting to much graduating with a JD from U of I? I know I'm selling myself really short on 50k but worst case scenario.

If you're asking whether 50k is a lot of money in Idaho, then unless you're looking to buy a house in Sun Valley, yes that's plenty. I have no idea how realistic 50k is. I know firms like Holland and Hart would obviously pay well above that, but most small firms probably don't go much higher than 30k. When I lived in boise I made about 35k/year and went out often. I didn't have a family to support, so that would throw a wrench into the equation, but I lived very comfortably. Like went out most nights of the week and got season passes to the local ski resort every winter comfortably.

[bpilotsz]

I think you need to visit Moscow, Idaho first and use that to help you make your decision. Some people love it and some people hate it.

If you can get into Cal or UCLA -- that would be awesome, especially since school is paid for; however, you might need cost of living loans.
Living in Moscow with your school paid for and living stipend, you will be living better off than probably 75% of the population of that town.

From my understanding their Boise campus will be offering 1st year classes to new students starting 2017. I envision Boise to be a much better setting, her family lives on the outskirts of it as well.

Idaho is MUCH more than potato fields. I would move back to Boise in a heartbeat, especially if I were looking to start a family. Not much of a market in Idaho, but U of I kids do tend to "dominate", for whatever that's worth. If you want to be a lawyer in Boise and don't care about making lots of money, U of I on a large scholarship could be an option. But their employment statistics are pretty, pretty, pretty bad. Especially if you aren't 100% sold on Idaho with a low salary.

In my rationale ~80k a year would be ample to living comfortably considering the cost of living in Idaho. Factoring in 30k from disability and starting at around ~45k as a brand new attorney. Or is 50k expecting to much graduating with a JD from U of I? I know I'm selling myself really short on 50k but worst case scenario.

If you're asking whether 50k is a lot of money in Idaho, then unless you're looking to buy a house in Sun Valley, yes that's plenty. I have no idea how realistic 50k is. I know firms like Holland and Hart would obviously pay well above that, but most small firms probably don't go much higher than 30k. When I lived in boise I made about 35k/year and went out often. I didn't have a family to support, so that would throw a wrench into the equation, but I lived very comfortably. Like went out most nights of the week and got season passes to the local ski resort every winter comfortably.

Oh boy, starting at anything close to $30k after right after law school does not sound appealing at all. I would settle for ~50k as a new graduate. Is the market really that bad?

[w00kash]

I think you need to visit Moscow, Idaho first and use that to help you make your decision. Some people love it and some people hate it.

If you can get into Cal or UCLA -- that would be awesome, especially since school is paid for; however, you might need cost of living loans.
Living in Moscow with your school paid for and living stipend, you will be living better off than probably 75% of the population of that town.

From my understanding their Boise campus will be offering 1st year classes to new students starting 2017. I envision Boise to be a much better setting, her family lives on the outskirts of it as well.

Idaho is MUCH more than potato fields. I would move back to Boise in a heartbeat, especially if I were looking to start a family. Not much of a market in Idaho, but U of I kids do tend to "dominate", for whatever that's worth. If you want to be a lawyer in Boise and don't care about making lots of money, U of I on a large scholarship could be an option. But their employment statistics are pretty, pretty, pretty bad. Especially if you aren't 100% sold on Idaho with a low salary.

In my rationale ~80k a year would be ample to living comfortably considering the cost of living in Idaho. Factoring in 30k from disability and starting at around ~45k as a brand new attorney. Or is 50k expecting to much graduating with a JD from U of I? I know I'm selling myself really short on 50k but worst case scenario.

If you're asking whether 50k is a lot of money in Idaho, then unless you're looking to buy a house in Sun Valley, yes that's plenty. I have no idea how realistic 50k is. I know firms like Holland and Hart would obviously pay well above that, but most small firms probably don't go much higher than 30k. When I lived in boise I made about 35k/year and went out often. I didn't have a family to support, so that would throw a wrench into the equation, but I lived very comfortably. Like went out most nights of the week and got season passes to the local ski resort every winter comfortably.

Oh boy, starting at anything close to $30k after right after law school does not sound appealing at all. I would settle for ~50k as a new graduate. Is the market really that bad?

I mean, 30k starting out is not all that rare coming out of most law schools, especially once we're out of the t14. This may be too broad of a statement but it seems to be that unless you go to a larger sized firms, jobs that pay less than 50k starting out are fairly common. And Idaho has a low cost of living, with correspondingly low wages in general. Even the largest firm there doesn't pay 100k starting out from what I understand.

[sluggla]

If you're asking whether 50k is a lot of money in Idaho, then unless you're looking to buy a house in Sun Valley, yes that's plenty. I have no idea how realistic 50k is. I know firms like Holland and Hart would obviously pay well above that, but most small firms probably don't go much higher than 30k. When I lived in boise I made about 35k/year and went out often. I didn't have a family to support, so that would throw a wrench into the equation, but I lived very comfortably. Like went out most nights of the week and got season passes to the local ski resort every winter comfortably.

I <3 Sun Valley. I'd retire there now if given the opportunity.

[TragicBronson]

For me, the only important thing to know here is that your tuition will be paid for. In my opinion that should be a sign to go to the highest ranked school possible, period. If you want to go back to Idaho after that's great, your Berkeley JD will be fine there too. But it'll also open more doors in case you guys change your mind during law school or further down the road.

[Johann]

So the misses and I are looking into Idaho to start our family i.e she wants to move to Idaho but i'm not to fond of the idea lol. She already has family there with ties to federal and state offices (connections) and it's pretty darn beautiful with those potato fields and all. The employment rates for this school are far from impressive but given my situation I'm willing to give it a strong consideration. In essence, I am a disabled vet and law school will be paid for. During my time attending I will have enough income to pay for my housing and living expenses so I wouldn't need much, if any extra in loans. I currently receive $3000 monthly for life due to injuries sustained during combat, so whatever salary I obtain after law school I add +36k a year. Am I really selling myself short from attending lets say UCLA or Berkley and then going back to Idaho? Or am I worrying about prestige too much?

I'm also a minority fluent in spanish*

*I figured I'll add this for consideration in terms of employment but I wholeheartedly dislike its emphasis; I present myself with qualifications. Not to get too political but apparently theres some clause to being a minority which makes me more employer-friendly.

A disabled vet, fluent in spanish, with government connections is probably a winning combination no matter what school you go to. If there is a part of you that wants to make six figures busting your ass, then you should go to a better school. But the fact that this is free, and you have a solid income to fall back on, makes this a no-lose situation if you are content working in Idaho in either govt or a small law firm. If you aren't quite sure you want to be in Idaho forever working a very middle class law job, try to get in somewhere like UCLA or Berkely.