CUNY Law vs Seton Hall Law Forum

[Yankees718]

I would really appreciate your help making a decision between my top two choices: CUNY and Seton Hall. Including cost of living, CUNY would cost me a total of 60k and Seton Hall would cost me a total of 120k. I'm interested in jobs in the public sector but also have a small interest in corporate law. Is it worth taking out an additional 60k just to have more of an opportunity to land a corporate law job? I'm really torn and would appreciate your feedback.

[grades??]

Neither will give you any chance for a "corporate" law job generally defined as working in biglaw. Neither are good options

[UVA2B]

What jobs in the public sector interest you? Where do you see yourself working following graduation? And you should probably disavow yourself of "corporate law" right now, because you're not getting those jobs from these schools.

Going to CUNY with goals of being a DA in a non-competitive job around NY while relying on PSLF (to the extent that can be trusted) can be a good outcome. But your goals will still matter here.

[Yankees718]

Thanks UVA! I have a background in government and would be interested in working for the NYC Legal Deprtment, managing contracts/legal matters for a city agency, or maybe even working as a DA. My line of thinking is similar to yours but I wanted to hear people's opinions on the matter. I might even be able to swing CUNY for less, but 60k includes all expenses.

[UVA2B]

Because I'm not willing to do the research for you, I'd just recommend you look into the hiring processes at the NYC legal department and DA offices that interest you. CUNY could make sense, but you're dealing with the most competitive public service market in the country (arguably), and as such you could be foreclosing yourself from being competitive for those jobs by going to CUNY.

CUNY is reasonable debt, particularly if you're relying on PSLF, but saying I want Manhattan DA from CUNY makes it a much worse decision because Manhattan DA is incredibly selective. Same goes for Bronx Defenders, and I'd imagine NYC Legal Dept. too.

I refrain from giving a recommendation, but I implore you to do your research into the jobs you want to end up in. Manhattan DA is one thing, upstate or less desirable DA jobs are another.

Edited for verb confusion

[Pure Applesauce]

Seton Hall at that price is 100% out of the question. Do not attend. In fact, withdraw right now.

Do not attend CUNY until you reevaluate your goals and get your COA lower than it is now, but it is not entirely out of the question

[ernie]

CUNY is reasonable debt, particularly if you're relying on PSLF, but saying I want Manhattan DA from CUNY makes it a much worse decision because Manhattan DA is incredibly selective. Same goes for Bronx Defenders, and I'd imagine NYC Legal Dept. too.

Yes, law department is on the competitive side. The pay and hours are decent + good benefits and job security, so they tend to attract qualified candidates. I've generally been impressed by the lawyers there, and I know a few people with good credentials from local schools who couldn't get in. Fair number of biglaw refugees too. Caveat is that I'm sure it varies by division.

[Yankees718]

Thank you for all of your feedback, its brought more clarity. Having worked for the city, I know for sure that recent CUNY grads work for the legal department and outer borough DA offices, as well as the Bronx Defenders. The fact that Seton Hall precludes me from big law is a big help.