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Berkeley $ vs UCLA $$?

Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2021 11:54 pm
by Happylemonhehe
I'm certain that I want to do Biglaw and at the moment, I'm leaning more towards staying on the west coast: Bay Area, LA, or Seattle. But I've worked in NY Biglaw as a paralegal and would not be opposed to living in NY again, so I am looking for mobility (not sure if I'll change my mind during law school). Does Berkeley provide significantly more Biglaw security? Is Berkeley worth $50K more than UCLA?

My COA is:
UCLA: ~150K (95K scholarship)
Berkeley: ~200K (60K scholarship)

I know there is an older another post that asks if Berkeley is worth $50K more than UCLA, but my COA is higher for both schools, if that makes a difference... Any advice would be helpful! :)

Re: Berkeley $ vs UCLA $$?

Posted: Sat May 01, 2021 11:04 am
by crazywafflez
I'd take Berkeley. At those price levels you need biglaw either way and UCB gives you that. It is also a lot more transportable.

Re: Berkeley $ vs UCLA $$?

Posted: Sun May 02, 2021 5:18 am
by CanadianWolf
Berkeley due to portability.

Re: Berkeley $ vs UCLA $$?

Posted: Mon May 03, 2021 6:58 pm
by ESQ92
Berkley no question.

I know PLENTY of people from UCLA who didn't get biglaw. If it was UCLA on a full ride v. Berkeley sticker you'd have more of a decision, but with only $50k difference it is a no-brainer (IMO).

UCLA is no golden ticket. I know plenty of UCLA grads working in shitlaw lol. You just can't bank on being in the top of your class. Everyone there will be a gunner.

Re: Berkeley $ vs UCLA $$?

Posted: Mon May 03, 2021 9:37 pm
by omar.comin
I turned down a substantial scholarship from UCLA for a law school in the same tier as Berkeley as a CA native. I'd do it again. UCLA Law students are smart and hardworking (and I'd expect no different from my peers at my law school), but UCLA Law doesn't provide commensurate employment opportunities. So it's a tough place to be in.