Emory or UT (I know, enough of these BS posts already) Forum

[PrezRand]

I posted this in Reddit if you want to chime in.

https://www.reddit.com/r/lawschooladmis ... h=5c54f425

Here's the text:

Hey all, you may not recognize me, but I'm that guy who gives lots of unsolicited advice and may have ruined some of yalls futures (though I do try my best to help). Now, the tables have turned..

Here's what I got
Emory - near full ride, with lots of ties professionally and through family in Atl, will have low COA

Ut - ~90k, no ties (haven't submitted a reconsideration form yet, so maybe more)

Difference in big law employment is around 7% (can't apply for fed since I'm a former criminal. I'm still waiting on some schools (NYU, UVA, and HLS, but not counting on it at all. Even if I got in, I would likely not go due to $$$)

Main goal is to come back to ATL, but the employment numbers at Emory are borderline abysmal (UT isnt that much better. Also, don't mind Austin for three years, but I'm Asian, so living in Houston/Dallas might be tough. UT has "approximately 65 asians" and open carry laws, so that's a bummer.

Also, end game is to go back and get a PhD in literature, not law.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Go to Emory. You aren't built for UT

That part you bolded was maybe uncalled for, but for minorities, the struggle is real. But that's a whole other conversation

Houston is more diverse than Chicago, LA, NYC, and every other major city lmfao. Have you ever lived in Texas? Man, I swear people on TLS are in this liberal-elitist bubble and they will never escape

[pleasesendhelp]

Because I want to be a prof later in life that means I have no interest in being a lawyer? How'd you come to that conclusion?

Maybe it was when you said that your endgame was to get a PhD and become a literature prof. Or it could be when you said:

I get y'all, but the plan goes like this:

Go to law school
Get the Big Law Job and stick to it for as long as possible
Then think about academia

Becoming a legal professor is near impossible, I know, but I want to become a liberal arts prof, doesnt matter where, but I'm thinking wayyyy down to the line when I'm old and grey.

Professor is the end game, but I'll stay in Big Law until they fire me or I make enough money so I dont have to worry about COL while pursuing a PHD.

You've seen rounders right? Professorship is the World Poker Tournament, and Big Law is games with John Malkovich in the basement of a Chinese restaurant.

Basically, I need money, and lots of it to pursue a career in academia without having to eat ramen and feel less shitty about brown nosing professors during my PhD education.

It's my ideal plan, but not my only one.

Aside from just being generally incoherent, this "plan" makes it quite clear that your only reason for wanting a legal degree is to make money from your biglaw job (not even close to guaranteed at either of these schools) as long as you can "stick it out". You go to law school to be a lawyer, not to make money. If your goal is to be a literature professor, go get your PhD. Your worries about COL are baseless, because any halfway-decent doctorate program pays you a living stipend while you're earning your doctorate.

You're telling me people solely become lawyers because they want to be lawyers? Then why give a shit about going about going to a T14 (T13)? As long as you pass the bar and get a job then you're dream has come true. Sure I want to help people and be a defender of justice, but it's bullshit to say money isn't a huge factor

[pleasesendhelp]

I posted this in Reddit if you want to chime in.

https://www.reddit.com/r/lawschooladmis ... h=5c54f425

Here's the text:

Hey all, you may not recognize me, but I'm that guy who gives lots of unsolicited advice and may have ruined some of yalls futures (though I do try my best to help). Now, the tables have turned..

Here's what I got
Emory - near full ride, with lots of ties professionally and through family in Atl, will have low COA

Ut - ~90k, no ties (haven't submitted a reconsideration form yet, so maybe more)

Difference in big law employment is around 7% (can't apply for fed since I'm a former criminal. I'm still waiting on some schools (NYU, UVA, and HLS, but not counting on it at all. Even if I got in, I would likely not go due to $$$)

Main goal is to come back to ATL, but the employment numbers at Emory are borderline abysmal (UT isnt that much better. Also, don't mind Austin for three years, but I'm Asian, so living in Houston/Dallas might be tough. UT has "approximately 65 asians" and open carry laws, so that's a bummer.

Also, end game is to go back and get a PhD in literature, not law.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Go to Emory. You aren't built for UT

That part you bolded was maybe uncalled for, but for minorities, the struggle is real. But that's a whole other conversation

Houston is more diverse than Chicago, LA, NYC, and every other major city lmfao. Have you ever lived in Texas? Man, I swear people on TLS are in this liberal-elitist bubble and they will never escape

I sincerely apologize. I didn't mean to say Texas in general wasn't diverse. I was just shocked by the letter I got from the UT Asian society. I've never been and I jumped to conclusions. I'm genuinely sorry if I offended you and all the other Texans. I just wanted advice on where to go..

[pleasesendhelp]

Speaking as a 0L, but my impression is that life as an attorney in big law would be pretty much the polar opposite of life as an academic. There are other ways to make money, so my concern is if you're going into this only for financial security rather than out of any desire to be a lawyer, you'll just be setting yourself up for years of hating your job (or not getting big law, and therefore not making much money) without getting closer to your eventual goal.

Other ways, yes. Jobs I qualifies for? No.

[cavalier1138]

You're telling me people solely become lawyers because they want to be lawyers? Then why give a shit about going about going to a T14 (T13)? As long as you pass the bar and get a job then you're dream has come true. Sure I want to help people and be a defender of justice, but it's bullshit to say money isn't a huge factor

No, I'm telling you that going to law school when you don't actually want to be a lawyer is fucking stupid. Plenty of people do it, and they're often the people complaining about how much a career in the law sucks five years down the line.

And of course money is a factor in the decision to pursue any career, but it can't be the only one when you're considering law school. You will not be able to force yourself to stay in biglaw (if you even get that job) because of the money. Money (closely followed by political ambition) is the worst reason to go to law school. Also, you clearly don't give a shit about being a "defender of justice", so can it with the cutesy language. You want to be a professor, and for reasons only known to you, you think that a short stint in biglaw is the best way to achieve that goal. It isn't, and your plan is bad.

[brinicolec]

I posted this in Reddit if you want to chime in.

https://www.reddit.com/r/lawschooladmis ... h=5c54f425

Here's the text:

Hey all, you may not recognize me, but I'm that guy who gives lots of unsolicited advice and may have ruined some of yalls futures (though I do try my best to help). Now, the tables have turned..

Here's what I got
Emory - near full ride, with lots of ties professionally and through family in Atl, will have low COA

Ut - ~90k, no ties (haven't submitted a reconsideration form yet, so maybe more)

Difference in big law employment is around 7% (can't apply for fed since I'm a former criminal. I'm still waiting on some schools (NYU, UVA, and HLS, but not counting on it at all. Even if I got in, I would likely not go due to $$$)

Main goal is to come back to ATL, but the employment numbers at Emory are borderline abysmal (UT isnt that much better. Also, don't mind Austin for three years, but I'm Asian, so living in Houston/Dallas might be tough. UT has "approximately 65 asians" and open carry laws, so that's a bummer.

Also, end game is to go back and get a PhD in literature, not law.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Go to Emory. You aren't built for UT

That part you bolded was maybe uncalled for, but for minorities, the struggle is real. But that's a whole other conversation

Houston is more diverse than Chicago, LA, NYC, and every other major city lmfao. Have you ever lived in Texas? Man, I swear people on TLS are in this liberal-elitist bubble and they will never escape

I sincerely apologize. I didn't mean to say Texas in general wasn't diverse. I was just shocked by the letter I got from the UT Asian society. I've never been and I jumped to conclusions. I'm genuinely sorry if I offended you and all the other Texans. I just wanted advice on where to go..

First of all, PrezRand is sensitive when it comes to Texas, so don't feel the need to apologize.

Second of all, it's a genuine concern and you're allowed to have it; however, a quick Google search has suggested that the Asian population in Houston is growing.

Third of all, PRESENCE of minorities doesn't equate to minorities who think/act/have similar beliefs as you do. As an example of this: PrezRand is a minority himself but I probably agree with him on only a handful of issues, if that many. You'll be in the south in TEXAS and you'll be able to tell - even in Austin. Also, if you are more on the liberal side (which honestly isn't a bad thing, even if PrezRand wants to try to shame you into feeling like it is), the politics in Texas may be problematic for you. Even though there are blue cities, it is a SUPER red state and their laws show it.

Honestly, if you can, I'd recommend you go to Texas yourself. Step foot in these cities. See how you feel in them. I was sold on UT for awhile (hadn't visited yet) and I appreciated the pride/focus on students being happy and whatever else and I had a lot of people saying, "Austin is great! It won't even feel like you're in the south" etc. etc. but when I visited, that's not at all how I felt about it. There weren't many places (night-life-wise) that I could find that catered to the crowd I'm used to being in and the music almost everywhere sucked. Even at the places that seemed to be somewhat more like what I'm used, the crowd itself was strange. It didn't feel right to me. Also, while all the black students I spoke to really loved UT and wanted me to come, I noticed that a lot of them couldn't really give me the kind of perspective on living there that I needed because they'd all grown up in Texas.

TLdr; Ignore PrezRand, he's touchy about Texas. Your concern is a fair one, but if it's just the presence of other Asians you're worried about, I think you'll be okay. If you're more concerned about feeling like you fit there/politics, that's something else entirely. Visit if you can.

[pleasesendhelp]

You're telling me people solely become lawyers because they want to be lawyers? Then why give a shit about going about going to a T14 (T13)? As long as you pass the bar and get a job then you're dream has come true. Sure I want to help people and be a defender of justice, but it's bullshit to say money isn't a huge factor

No, I'm telling you that going to law school when you don't actually want to be a lawyer is fucking stupid. Plenty of people do it, and they're often the people complaining about how much a career in the law sucks five years down the line.

And of course money is a factor in the decision to pursue any career, but it can't be the only one when you're considering law school. You will not be able to force yourself to stay in biglaw (if you even get that job) because of the money. Money (closely followed by political ambition) is the worst reason to go to law school. Also, you clearly don't give a shit about being a "defender of justice", so can it with the cutesy language. You want to be a professor, and for reasons only known to you, you think that a short stint in biglaw is the best way to achieve that goal. It isn't, and your plan is bad.

Why are you assuming I don't want to be a lawyer because I want to be a prof later on? I want to be a lawyer, and when I inevitably don't make partner I'd like to transition to academia. Forgive the cutesy talk, but you make it seem like only people who want to be lawyers till they die should even try. I mean this entire forum warns that people burn out after two three years. I have a backup plan. Is that so wrong? I don't think law is the best way. I'm just being realistic and planning for the worst. If I make it past three years it's likely I'll stay and abandon the thought of teaching altogether.

[brinicolec]

Speaking as a 0L, but my impression is that life as an attorney in big law would be pretty much the polar opposite of life as an academic. There are other ways to make money, so my concern is if you're going into this only for financial security rather than out of any desire to be a lawyer, you'll just be setting yourself up for years of hating your job (or not getting big law, and therefore not making much money) without getting closer to your eventual goal.

Other ways, yes. Jobs I qualifies for? No.

Why can't you just pursue the phd now?

[pleasesendhelp]

I posted this in Reddit if you want to chime in.

https://www.reddit.com/r/lawschooladmis ... h=5c54f425

Here's the text:

Hey all, you may not recognize me, but I'm that guy who gives lots of unsolicited advice and may have ruined some of yalls futures (though I do try my best to help). Now, the tables have turned..

Here's what I got
Emory - near full ride, with lots of ties professionally and through family in Atl, will have low COA

Ut - ~90k, no ties (haven't submitted a reconsideration form yet, so maybe more)

Difference in big law employment is around 7% (can't apply for fed since I'm a former criminal. I'm still waiting on some schools (NYU, UVA, and HLS, but not counting on it at all. Even if I got in, I would likely not go due to $$$)

Main goal is to come back to ATL, but the employment numbers at Emory are borderline abysmal (UT isnt that much better. Also, don't mind Austin for three years, but I'm Asian, so living in Houston/Dallas might be tough. UT has "approximately 65 asians" and open carry laws, so that's a bummer.

Also, end game is to go back and get a PhD in literature, not law.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Go to Emory. You aren't built for UT

That part you bolded was maybe uncalled for, but for minorities, the struggle is real. But that's a whole other conversation

Houston is more diverse than Chicago, LA, NYC, and every other major city lmfao. Have you ever lived in Texas? Man, I swear people on TLS are in this liberal-elitist bubble and they will never escape

I sincerely apologize. I didn't mean to say Texas in general wasn't diverse. I was just shocked by the letter I got from the UT Asian society. I've never been and I jumped to conclusions. I'm genuinely sorry if I offended you and all the other Texans. I just wanted advice on where to go..

First of all, PrezRand is sensitive when it comes to Texas, so don't feel the need to apologize.

Second of all, it's a genuine concern and you're allowed to have it; however, a quick Google search has suggested that the Asian population in Houston is growing.

Third of all, PRESENCE of minorities doesn't equate to minorities who think/act/have similar beliefs as you do. As an example of this: PrezRand is a minority himself but I probably agree with him on only a handful of issues, if that many. You'll be in the south in TEXAS and you'll be able to tell - even in Austin. Also, if you are more on the liberal side (which honestly isn't a bad thing, even if PrezRand wants to try to shame you into feeling like it is), the politics in Texas may be problematic for you. Even though there are blue cities, it is a SUPER red state and their laws show it.

Honestly, if you can, I'd recommend you go to Texas yourself. Step foot in these cities. See how you feel in them. I was sold on UT for awhile (hadn't visited yet) and I appreciated the pride/focus on students being happy and whatever else and I had a lot of people saying, "Austin is great! It won't even feel like you're in the south" etc. etc. but when I visited, that's not at all how I felt about it. There weren't many places (night-life-wise) that I could find that catered to the crowd I'm used to being in and the music almost everywhere sucked. Even at the places that seemed to be somewhat more like what I'm used, the crowd itself was strange. It didn't feel right to me. Also, while all the black students I spoke to really loved UT and wanted me to come, I noticed that a lot of them couldn't really give me the kind of perspective on living there that I needed because they'd all grown up in Texas.

TLdr; Ignore PrezRand, he's touchy about Texas. Your concern is a fair one, but if it's just the presence of other Asians you're worried about, I think you'll be okay. If you're more concerned about feeling like you fit there/politics, that's something else entirely. Visit if you can.

Thanks so much for this. I actually grew up in Georgia so I'm not some yankee liberal (though I am more left wing than right) thanks for the informative response I was looking for. I still have no clue. Seems like a lot of answers are out of spite so... no help at all except for yours and a few other posts.

[cavalier1138]

You're telling me people solely become lawyers because they want to be lawyers? Then why give a shit about going about going to a T14 (T13)? As long as you pass the bar and get a job then you're dream has come true. Sure I want to help people and be a defender of justice, but it's bullshit to say money isn't a huge factor

No, I'm telling you that going to law school when you don't actually want to be a lawyer is fucking stupid. Plenty of people do it, and they're often the people complaining about how much a career in the law sucks five years down the line.

And of course money is a factor in the decision to pursue any career, but it can't be the only one when you're considering law school. You will not be able to force yourself to stay in biglaw (if you even get that job) because of the money. Money (closely followed by political ambition) is the worst reason to go to law school. Also, you clearly don't give a shit about being a "defender of justice", so can it with the cutesy language. You want to be a professor, and for reasons only known to you, you think that a short stint in biglaw is the best way to achieve that goal. It isn't, and your plan is bad.

Why are you assuming I don't want to be a lawyer because I want to be a prof later on? I want to be a lawyer, and when I inevitably don't make partner I'd like to transition to academia. Forgive the cutesy talk, but you make it seem like only people who want to be lawyers till they die should even try. I mean this entire forum warns that people burn out after two three years. I have a backup plan. Is that so wrong? I don't think law is the best way. I'm just being realistic and planning for the worst. If I make it past three years it's likely I'll stay and abandon the thought of teaching altogether.

Ok, my mistake. Why do you want to be a lawyer? And why do you think that academia is going to be a feasible "backup plan"?

More importantly, if your goal is to make it three years in biglaw (again, I can't emphasize this enough, that outcome is not guaranteed or even likely from these schools) before deciding whether it's your life's work, that's a stupid goal and an unrealistic understanding of how the legal profession works.

[A. Nony Mouse]

Yeah, if you want to be a prof (in literature), go get your PhD and forget law. This is a weird and terrible plan and it's probably not going to help you in academia.

Don't see how it's weird. I don't want to be poor while I get my PhD and I'm in no rush to get it. I have the opportunity to make money as a lawyer, so what's all the fuss about? Can I only lateral to consulting or IB? Do I have to limit myself to what's typical of other lawyers/lawyer dropouts? I'm planning to get a PhD after like twenty years if I even last that long at a firm. What's wrong with having dreams..

You don't have any idea what you're going to want to do in 20 years. Also if you want to get a PhD in 20 years, there's nothing about that decision that has anything to do with your decision now, so there's no reason to mention it. You're right that you can do whatever you like, but the PhD thing doesn't have anything to do with what you're choosing to do now.

[jjcorvino]

I am actually surprised that I don't find OP's plan that crazy. He is saying that he wants a 20-30 year law career, then might exit and pursue other interests. Those interests at the moment aren't really relevant to our discussion right now. If he gets big-law, those debts will be paid off long before then and he can start saving some money. Now, the problem is getting biglaw, which should be primary factor in your decision.

I would take UT, 90K is not a bad debt at all for the increased job prospects compared to Emory.

Disclaimer: If you only want to work in law for 10 years instead of 20-30, I would say that law school is a bad decision.

[pleasesendhelp]

Speaking as a 0L, but my impression is that life as an attorney in big law would be pretty much the polar opposite of life as an academic. There are other ways to make money, so my concern is if you're going into this only for financial security rather than out of any desire to be a lawyer, you'll just be setting yourself up for years of hating your job (or not getting big law, and therefore not making much money) without getting closer to your eventual goal.

Other ways, yes. Jobs I qualifies for? No.

Why can't you just pursue the phd now?

For personal reasons I need money ASAP. Medical bills and such. Got family to take care of.

[jjcorvino]

Yeah, if you want to be a prof (in literature), go get your PhD and forget law. This is a weird and terrible plan and it's probably not going to help you in academia.

Don't see how it's weird. I don't want to be poor while I get my PhD and I'm in no rush to get it. I have the opportunity to make money as a lawyer, so what's all the fuss about? Can I only lateral to consulting or IB? Do I have to limit myself to what's typical of other lawyers/lawyer dropouts? I'm planning to get a PhD after like twenty years if I even last that long at a firm. What's wrong with having dreams..

You don't have any idea what you're going to want to do in 20 years. Also if you want to get a PhD in 20 years, there's nothing about that decision that has anything to do with your decision now, so there's no reason to mention it. You're right that you can do whatever you like, but the PhD thing doesn't have anything to do with what you're choosing to do now.

A lot of people leave law after 25 years practicing. I don't think it is that odd. I think he just wants to build up some savings so that when he is unemployed with a literature PHD he doesn't end up homeless.

[PrezRand]

I posted this in Reddit if you want to chime in.

https://www.reddit.com/r/lawschooladmis ... h=5c54f425

Here's the text:

Hey all, you may not recognize me, but I'm that guy who gives lots of unsolicited advice and may have ruined some of yalls futures (though I do try my best to help). Now, the tables have turned..

Here's what I got
Emory - near full ride, with lots of ties professionally and through family in Atl, will have low COA

Ut - ~90k, no ties (haven't submitted a reconsideration form yet, so maybe more)

Difference in big law employment is around 7% (can't apply for fed since I'm a former criminal. I'm still waiting on some schools (NYU, UVA, and HLS, but not counting on it at all. Even if I got in, I would likely not go due to $$$)

Main goal is to come back to ATL, but the employment numbers at Emory are borderline abysmal (UT isnt that much better. Also, don't mind Austin for three years, but I'm Asian, so living in Houston/Dallas might be tough. UT has "approximately 65 asians" and open carry laws, so that's a bummer.

Also, end game is to go back and get a PhD in literature, not law.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Go to Emory. You aren't built for UT

That part you bolded was maybe uncalled for, but for minorities, the struggle is real. But that's a whole other conversation

Houston is more diverse than Chicago, LA, NYC, and every other major city lmfao. Have you ever lived in Texas? Man, I swear people on TLS are in this liberal-elitist bubble and they will never escape

I sincerely apologize. I didn't mean to say Texas in general wasn't diverse. I was just shocked by the letter I got from the UT Asian society. I've never been and I jumped to conclusions. I'm genuinely sorry if I offended you and all the other Texans. I just wanted advice on where to go..

First of all, PrezRand is sensitive when it comes to Texas, so don't feel the need to apologize.

Second of all, it's a genuine concern and you're allowed to have it; however, a quick Google search has suggested that the Asian population in Houston is growing.

Third of all, PRESENCE of minorities doesn't equate to minorities who think/act/have similar beliefs as you do. As an example of this: PrezRand is a minority himself but I probably agree with him on only a handful of issues, if that many. You'll be in the south in TEXAS and you'll be able to tell - even in Austin. Also, if you are more on the liberal side (which honestly isn't a bad thing, even if PrezRand wants to try to shame you into feeling like it is), the politics in Texas may be problematic for you. Even though there are blue cities, it is a SUPER red state and their laws show it.

Honestly, if you can, I'd recommend you go to Texas yourself. Step foot in these cities. See how you feel in them. I was sold on UT for awhile (hadn't visited yet) and I appreciated the pride/focus on students being happy and whatever else and I had a lot of people saying, "Austin is great! It won't even feel like you're in the south" etc. etc. but when I visited, that's not at all how I felt about it. There weren't many places (night-life-wise) that I could find that catered to the crowd I'm used to being in and the music almost everywhere sucked. Even at the places that seemed to be somewhat more like what I'm used, the crowd itself was strange. It didn't feel right to me. Also, while all the black students I spoke to really loved UT and wanted me to come, I noticed that a lot of them couldn't really give me the kind of perspective on living there that I needed because they'd all grown up in Texas.

TLdr; Ignore PrezRand, he's touchy about Texas. Your concern is a fair one, but if it's just the presence of other Asians you're worried about, I think you'll be okay. If you're more concerned about feeling like you fit there/politics, that's something else entirely. Visit if you can.

I'm sure anyone who lives in a city or state that is stereotyped would be offended by comments that don't represent the city or state. It isn't just me. And I'm not sensitive or touchy about Texas. That's just an excuse everyone uses to justify their stereotypes

[pleasesendhelp]

Yeah, if you want to be a prof (in literature), go get your PhD and forget law. This is a weird and terrible plan and it's probably not going to help you in academia.

Don't see how it's weird. I don't want to be poor while I get my PhD and I'm in no rush to get it. I have the opportunity to make money as a lawyer, so what's all the fuss about? Can I only lateral to consulting or IB? Do I have to limit myself to what's typical of other lawyers/lawyer dropouts? I'm planning to get a PhD after like twenty years if I even last that long at a firm. What's wrong with having dreams..

You don't have any idea what you're going to want to do in 20 years. Also if you want to get a PhD in 20 years, there's nothing about that decision that has anything to do with your decision now, so there's no reason to mention it. You're right that you can do whatever you like, but the PhD thing doesn't have anything to do with what you're choosing to do now.

A lot of people leave law after 25 years practicing. I don't think it is that odd. I think he just wants to build up some savings so that when he is unemployed with a literature PHD he doesn't end up homeless.

^this 100%

[cavalier1138]

Yeah, if you want to be a prof (in literature), go get your PhD and forget law. This is a weird and terrible plan and it's probably not going to help you in academia.

Don't see how it's weird. I don't want to be poor while I get my PhD and I'm in no rush to get it. I have the opportunity to make money as a lawyer, so what's all the fuss about? Can I only lateral to consulting or IB? Do I have to limit myself to what's typical of other lawyers/lawyer dropouts? I'm planning to get a PhD after like twenty years if I even last that long at a firm. What's wrong with having dreams..

You don't have any idea what you're going to want to do in 20 years. Also if you want to get a PhD in 20 years, there's nothing about that decision that has anything to do with your decision now, so there's no reason to mention it. You're right that you can do whatever you like, but the PhD thing doesn't have anything to do with what you're choosing to do now.

A lot of people leave law after 25 years practicing. I don't think it is that odd. I think he just wants to build up some savings so that when he is unemployed with a literature PHD he doesn't end up homeless.

Where does the OP say he's planning on practicing for 25 years?

He specifically said that he plans on seeing whether he can survive biglaw for 3 years, which will apparently be a sign from the heavens that he is meant to continue on that career path. He gave no other career aspirations outside of "make as much money as possible from biglaw".

[jjcorvino]

Yeah, if you want to be a prof (in literature), go get your PhD and forget law. This is a weird and terrible plan and it's probably not going to help you in academia.

Don't see how it's weird. I don't want to be poor while I get my PhD and I'm in no rush to get it. I have the opportunity to make money as a lawyer, so what's all the fuss about? Can I only lateral to consulting or IB? Do I have to limit myself to what's typical of other lawyers/lawyer dropouts? I'm planning to get a PhD after like twenty years if I even last that long at a firm. What's wrong with having dreams..

You don't have any idea what you're going to want to do in 20 years. Also if you want to get a PhD in 20 years, there's nothing about that decision that has anything to do with your decision now, so there's no reason to mention it. You're right that you can do whatever you like, but the PhD thing doesn't have anything to do with what you're choosing to do now.

A lot of people leave law after 25 years practicing. I don't think it is that odd. I think he just wants to build up some savings so that when he is unemployed with a literature PHD he doesn't end up homeless.

Where does the OP say he's planning on practicing for 25 years?

He specifically said that he plans on seeing whether he can survive biglaw for 3 years, which will apparently be a sign from the heavens that he is meant to continue on that career path. He gave no other career aspirations outside of "make as much money as possible from biglaw".

I can only go off of what OP says in their posts, and OP said they want to practice for "10, 20, 30 years".

[pleasesendhelp]

Yeah, if you want to be a prof (in literature), go get your PhD and forget law. This is a weird and terrible plan and it's probably not going to help you in academia.

Don't see how it's weird. I don't want to be poor while I get my PhD and I'm in no rush to get it. I have the opportunity to make money as a lawyer, so what's all the fuss about? Can I only lateral to consulting or IB? Do I have to limit myself to what's typical of other lawyers/lawyer dropouts? I'm planning to get a PhD after like twenty years if I even last that long at a firm. What's wrong with having dreams..

You don't have any idea what you're going to want to do in 20 years. Also if you want to get a PhD in 20 years, there's nothing about that decision that has anything to do with your decision now, so there's no reason to mention it. You're right that you can do whatever you like, but the PhD thing doesn't have anything to do with what you're choosing to do now.

A lot of people leave law after 25 years practicing. I don't think it is that odd. I think he just wants to build up some savings so that when he is unemployed with a literature PHD he doesn't end up homeless.

Where does the OP say he's planning on practicing for 25 years?

He specifically said that he plans on seeing whether he can survive biglaw for 3 years, which will apparently be a sign from the heavens that he is meant to continue on that career path. He gave no other career aspirations outside of "make as much money as possible from biglaw".

I edited the OP, but you definitely jumped to conclusions. I said that I'm aware people burn out around three years or get fired. If I can hack it, I will be a lawyer as long as I can, but I'd like to teach when I'm through with being a lawyer. I didn't say I'd work until my debt is paid then go straight to getting a PhD.

[brinicolec]

I posted this in Reddit if you want to chime in.

https://www.reddit.com/r/lawschooladmis ... h=5c54f425

Here's the text:

Hey all, you may not recognize me, but I'm that guy who gives lots of unsolicited advice and may have ruined some of yalls futures (though I do try my best to help). Now, the tables have turned..

Here's what I got
Emory - near full ride, with lots of ties professionally and through family in Atl, will have low COA

Ut - ~90k, no ties (haven't submitted a reconsideration form yet, so maybe more)

Difference in big law employment is around 7% (can't apply for fed since I'm a former criminal. I'm still waiting on some schools (NYU, UVA, and HLS, but not counting on it at all. Even if I got in, I would likely not go due to $$$)

Main goal is to come back to ATL, but the employment numbers at Emory are borderline abysmal (UT isnt that much better. Also, don't mind Austin for three years, but I'm Asian, so living in Houston/Dallas might be tough. UT has "approximately 65 asians" and open carry laws, so that's a bummer.

Also, end game is to go back and get a PhD in literature, not law.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Go to Emory. You aren't built for UT

That part you bolded was maybe uncalled for, but for minorities, the struggle is real. But that's a whole other conversation

Houston is more diverse than Chicago, LA, NYC, and every other major city lmfao. Have you ever lived in Texas? Man, I swear people on TLS are in this liberal-elitist bubble and they will never escape

I sincerely apologize. I didn't mean to say Texas in general wasn't diverse. I was just shocked by the letter I got from the UT Asian society. I've never been and I jumped to conclusions. I'm genuinely sorry if I offended you and all the other Texans. I just wanted advice on where to go..

First of all, PrezRand is sensitive when it comes to Texas, so don't feel the need to apologize.

Second of all, it's a genuine concern and you're allowed to have it; however, a quick Google search has suggested that the Asian population in Houston is growing.

Third of all, PRESENCE of minorities doesn't equate to minorities who think/act/have similar beliefs as you do. As an example of this: PrezRand is a minority himself but I probably agree with him on only a handful of issues, if that many. You'll be in the south in TEXAS and you'll be able to tell - even in Austin. Also, if you are more on the liberal side (which honestly isn't a bad thing, even if PrezRand wants to try to shame you into feeling like it is), the politics in Texas may be problematic for you. Even though there are blue cities, it is a SUPER red state and their laws show it.

Honestly, if you can, I'd recommend you go to Texas yourself. Step foot in these cities. See how you feel in them. I was sold on UT for awhile (hadn't visited yet) and I appreciated the pride/focus on students being happy and whatever else and I had a lot of people saying, "Austin is great! It won't even feel like you're in the south" etc. etc. but when I visited, that's not at all how I felt about it. There weren't many places (night-life-wise) that I could find that catered to the crowd I'm used to being in and the music almost everywhere sucked. Even at the places that seemed to be somewhat more like what I'm used, the crowd itself was strange. It didn't feel right to me. Also, while all the black students I spoke to really loved UT and wanted me to come, I noticed that a lot of them couldn't really give me the kind of perspective on living there that I needed because they'd all grown up in Texas.

TLdr; Ignore PrezRand, he's touchy about Texas. Your concern is a fair one, but if it's just the presence of other Asians you're worried about, I think you'll be okay. If you're more concerned about feeling like you fit there/politics, that's something else entirely. Visit if you can.

I'm sure anyone who lives in a city or state that is stereotyped would be offended by comments that don't represent the city or state. It isn't just me. And I'm not sensitive or touchy about Texas. That's just an excuse everyone uses to justify their stereotypes

You've always been touchy about Texas. You defend it when people aren't even attacking it. You have some kind of chip on your shoulder about it, which is whatever I guess, but at least own it. It's not like the OP said, "TEXANS ARE HICKS AND RACIST AND I'M ASIAN SO I'M DOOMED!" In fact, OP didn't attack Texas at all. Maybe you took the wording wrong, but I understood it as, "I'm a minority (Asian) and am worried that my demographic may not be present in the state," which is something you could've responded to without trying to come for their throat about it.

Anyway, I said what I said and I meant it. The concern was fair for someone unfamiliar with the area. You're on your Texas high-horse. Life goes on.

[cavalier1138]

I edited the OP, but you definitely jumped to conclusions. I said that I'm aware people burn out around three years or get fired. If I can hack it, I will be a lawyer as long as I can, but I'd like to teach when I'm through with being a lawyer. I didn't say I'd work until my debt is paid then go straight to getting a PhD.

No, I read your actual posts and drew my conclusions from your own words. You want to be "a lawyer", but your only specified career path is to do biglaw for as long as you can survive. And your sole motivation is to make lots of money.

So again, why do you want to be a lawyer? And why do you think that academia will be a feasible exit option?

[pleasesendhelp]

Yeah, if you want to be a prof (in literature), go get your PhD and forget law. This is a weird and terrible plan and it's probably not going to help you in academia.

Don't see how it's weird. I don't want to be poor while I get my PhD and I'm in no rush to get it. I have the opportunity to make money as a lawyer, so what's all the fuss about? Can I only lateral to consulting or IB? Do I have to limit myself to what's typical of other lawyers/lawyer dropouts? I'm planning to get a PhD after like twenty years if I even last that long at a firm. What's wrong with having dreams..

You don't have any idea what you're going to want to do in 20 years. Also if you want to get a PhD in 20 years, there's nothing about that decision that has anything to do with your decision now, so there's no reason to mention it. You're right that you can do whatever you like, but the PhD thing doesn't have anything to do with what you're choosing to do now.

You're right, there's no reason to mention it in the choosing a law school thread. Just thought this was a community where I could share a bit. It's not like I asked how I should go about becoming a professor. Just wanted to share with you guys since you've all been so much help during this whole process. But I guess my end game is a stupid ass one.

[PrezRand]

I don't know what you are getting at. Because I make jokes about Texas being the best state I somehow am constantly defending it? I barely talk about the state and the only time I do is when someone else mentions it first and their comment is usually negative. This doesn't make me touchy at all. If someone was constantly talking about the gang violence in Chicago and how Chicago was a terrible place to live, there would be a number of people from Chicago responding and defending the city. The OP clearly made an error and then addressed it. I didn't stretch anything considering the fact that TX is normally stereotyped as a state that lacks diversity.

[pleasesendhelp]

I edited the OP, but you definitely jumped to conclusions. I said that I'm aware people burn out around three years or get fired. If I can hack it, I will be a lawyer as long as I can, but I'd like to teach when I'm through with being a lawyer. I didn't say I'd work until my debt is paid then go straight to getting a PhD.

No, I read your actual posts and drew my conclusions from your own words. You want to be "a lawyer", but your only specified career path is to do biglaw for as long as you can survive. And your sole motivation is to make lots of money.

So again, why do you want to be a lawyer? And why do you think that academia will be a feasible exit option?

My goal is big law, yes. Will I achieve it maybe not. But I can't imagine anyone doing big law for anything other than the money after reading all the horror stories on this forum. If it was PI or Fed work that'd be a different story. Those people need passion. I don't want to do either of the two.

Legal academia is impossible for me, I'm aware. But I can go to a community college and teach literature, or is that impossible?

Look, I appreciate that deep down your trying to save me from racking up debt and squandering three years of my life. Thank you, seriously. This is what I love about this forum. No bullshit.

But back to my question... UT or Emory

Sorry didn't answer. Why do I want to be a lawyer? I don't. I want to go to law school and learn the law, and I want to work at a firm to learn more about the law because I've been fucked in the past because the other party knew more about the law than me and I got hustled. I don't ever want to be taken advantage again. Does that satisfy your questions?

[brinicolec]

I edited the OP, but you definitely jumped to conclusions. I said that I'm aware people burn out around three years or get fired. If I can hack it, I will be a lawyer as long as I can, but I'd like to teach when I'm through with being a lawyer. I didn't say I'd work until my debt is paid then go straight to getting a PhD.

No, I read your actual posts and drew my conclusions from your own words. You want to be "a lawyer", but your only specified career path is to do biglaw for as long as you can survive. And your sole motivation is to make lots of money.

So again, why do you want to be a lawyer? And why do you think that academia will be a feasible exit option?

My goal is big law, yes. Will I achieve it maybe not. But I can't imagine anyone doing big law for anything other than the money after reading all the horror stories on this forum. If it was PI or Fed work that'd be a different story. Those people need passion. I don't want to do either of the two.

Legal academia is impossible for me, I'm aware. But I can go to a community college and teach literature, or is that impossible?

Look, I appreciate that deep down your trying to save me from racking up debt and squandering three years of my life. Thank you, seriously. This is what I love about this forum. No bullshit.

But back to my question... UT or Emory

If you def. want BL, I'd recommend considering sitting out and retaking and trying to crack the T13.

I'm not really sure if UT is going to get you back to ATL. It's hard to know how much is self-selection vs. having difficulty getting the job, but when I went to the ASD, it seemed like they insisted people could get jobs elsewhere if they wanted to. However, it has moved up in the rankings, so maybe that'll help with placement, idk. Since you want to be in ATL, Emory seems like it would make more sense from that standpoint, but since you seem kinda like you're BL or bust, neither of them seem like they're a great choice.