Top Law Schools

Hey, I'd love to hear any thoughts on how Yale and Stanford might compare to each other in terms of criminal law offerings/strengths for an aspiring white collar criminal defense trial lawyer. Some advice I've received is to clinic as much as possible, to work a summer with the USAO, to clerk with a district court, and to develop trial skills with the PD/DA after graduation. Any other factors you'd recommend to consider? Or equal and just a fit decision?

I don't know, but both will get you a good shot at a federal clerkship, which will be useful for getting a USAO.

IrvingWashington wrote:Hey, I'd love to hear any thoughts on how Yale and Stanford might compare to each other in terms of criminal law offerings/strengths for an aspiring white collar criminal defense trial lawyer. Some advice I've received is to clinic as much as possible, to work a summer with the USAO, to clerk with a district court, and to develop trial skills with the PD/DA after graduation. Any other factors you'd recommend to consider? Or equal and just a fit decision?

You can do clinics as a first year at Yale.

IrvingWashington wrote:Hey, I'd love to hear any thoughts on how Yale and Stanford might compare to each other in terms of criminal law offerings/strengths for an aspiring white collar criminal defense trial lawyer. Some advice I've received is to clinic as much as possible, to work a summer with the USAO, to clerk with a district court, and to develop trial skills with the PD/DA after graduation. Any other factors you'd recommend to consider? Or equal and just a fit decision?

The advice isnt bad but it isnt necessary at Yale or Stanford. Choose the school you enjoy more, dont fail out (Ive never heard of someone failing out) and youll get a job in the white collar defense group of a major NY law firm straight out of school. Pick up a couple of Hs along the way and youll get your pick of the litter. Chances for academic growth are a wash. Both have top criminal law professors, clinics and so on. Go wherever youll be happier.