ASU ($$$) vs Minn ($$$) Forum

[dave20405]

Hi guys,
I just want to get opinions on ASU Sandra Day O'Connor Law vs University of Minnesota Law. No tuition or fees at ASU and full tuition scholarship at U of Minnesota. I am interested in civil litigation. I am aware that both schools are regional and am resigned to practicing in either area. Although I am interested in civil litigation at this early stage, I believe that my career choice will be influenced by what interests me while in law school, so this is not necessarily a deal breaker. I am very curious about students' and alumni experience at either of these schools. For example what was the student culture like (did books go missing before important deadlines, do people share notes, are students generally friendly, do students have big egos, etc...)? I am not set on working in a particular field (Big Firm Law, Clerkship, Public Interest, Gov, etc...), although I think I want to stay on the litigation side of things as opposed to the corporate side of things. I want to avoid a really stressful job and, therefore, I see great value in the scholarship because I believe it will allow me to not chase the money after graduation, if I find some aspect of law that I really think I would enjoy. Location (Phoenix vs Minneapolis) is a consideration, though certainly the quality of education and learning environment are much more important to me. I know that my preferences are not particularly well defined, but any feedback would be much appreciated. I have poured through the numbers over and over again, so any feedback with people who actually have experience with either of these schools and can elaborate on some of the less quantifiable aspects would be of great value to me. Thank you!!!

[trebekismyhero]

If they're both free rides, it really comes down to do you want to be in Arizona or Minnesota? The rest of the stuff is interesting, but it seems that location is the number 1 factor here for you to decide

[BigZuck]

If they're both free rides, it really comes down to do you want to be in Arizona or Minnesota? The rest of the stuff is interesting, but it seems that location is the number 1 factor here for you to decide

Yeah

Also just generally speaking I'd probably avoid law school if you want to avoid having a stressful job. Also saying you're open to different things/fields/types of employers sounds good in theory but these (really the vast majority of) schools will be quite limiting in terms of what types of employment will likely be available to you after graduation. If you want to go to a school that will leave doors open and allow you to go where you feel like going then you need to go to, like, Cornell. Not ASU or Minnesota. Those schools are for people with particular goals in mind.

[Rigo]

Quality of education will be the same.

It comes down to where you want to live and practice.
Have you visited both? Have you visited Minnesota in winter and Arizona in summer? Haha

I echo BigZuck's concerns as well.

[zot1]

You don't get paid the big bucks to have a stress-free job.