Brooklyn Law School's Reputation? Forum

[EgonzSD]

Does anyone know if Brooklyn Law has any programs that have an especially strong reputation?

[legends159]

it has strong clinics

[Rsrcht]

Does anyone know if Brooklyn Law has any programs that have an especially strong reputation?

It seems like a typical city law school to me where the problem comes from competition from T14 and local/regional law schools like NYLS etc... There is bound to be one or two people who like the school. This is also one of the schools that some love to hate. I'm not sure about the positive rep, but it does have a negative one in certain pockets of the internet. It has been described as "The Cooley of NYC."

In terms of programs, they are #9 on US news for their legal writing program, but aren't listed for anything else.
http://www.top-law-schools.com/brooklyn-law-school.html

[reasonable_man]

BLS is known for its ability to place candidates in low end practice areas with starting salaries in the 35k to 60k range.. Their career placement numbers are the topic of endless debate and its been suggested that they may "cook the books" more than most other similarly situated law schools.. Personally, I don't think its a bad school, just know what you're getting into.. High cost of living, expensive tuition and starting salaries in the 35 to 60k range..

[jrod]

I think 35K is stretching it a little bit.

Why havent I gotten a decision from them yet...............?

[reasonable_man]

I think 35K is stretching it a little bit.

Why havent I gotten a decision from them yet...............?

HAHAHAHA.... ok... Sadly, thats not stretching it at all my man... Take a look through recent job listings in NYC.. I know many BLS grads making 50 or 60k to start.... I also know an equal amount making 35 to 45K, or worse, people with NO employment.. If you are in the top 5 to 10% at BLS, you will likely make biglaw.. If you are in the remaining 90 to 95% of the class, you will be left with VERY few options.. Those include, insurance defense, plaintiff's side personal injury, small time bankruptcy, residential real estate and the like.. Small and "mid-sized" firms in these areas boast starting salaries in the 35 to 60k range.. Thats not stretching anything, its the truth.. I'm practicing in NY, trust me.. Its brutal.. I'm in the lucky few of my friends from lower ranked schools earning over 65k my first year out.. But to be honest, I'm the exception, not the rule.. Most of my friends are jealous, because they are working at smaller firms for far less $$.. My best friend from law school just got a bump because he was recently admited to practice.. he now earns 42k per year, up from 36k after graduation... 35k is not a stretch, it represents the secondary bottom starting salary you can expect coming out of a non-T14 in NYC... The first bottom is, of course, extended unemployment... But like most people attending BLS, NYLS, and Dozo, I'm sure you will be in the top 10% and not have to worry about any of this... right? However, if you aren't insane and can realize that there is a 90% chance you'll be in the lower 90% of the class.. I'd do the math on what you're taking out vs. what a real potential starting salary will be...

[sentinal5656]

I think 35K is stretching it a little bit.

Why havent I gotten a decision from them yet...............?

HAHAHAHA.... ok... Sadly, thats not stretching it at all my man... Take a look through recent job listings in NYC.. I know many BLS grads making 50 or 60k to start.... I also know an equal amount making 35 to 45K, or worse, people with NO employment.. If you are in the top 5 to 10% at BLS, you will likely make biglaw.. If you are in the remaining 90 to 95% of the class, you will be left with VERY few options.. Those include, insurance defense, plaintiff's side personal injury, small time bankruptcy, residential real estate and the like.. Small and "mid-sized" firms in these areas boast starting salaries in the 35 to 60k range.. Thats not stretching anything, its the truth.. I'm practicing in NY, trust me.. Its brutal.. I'm in the lucky few of my friends from lower ranked schools earning over 65k my first year out.. But to be honest, I'm the exception, not the rule.. Most of my friends are jealous, because they are working at smaller firms for far less $$.. My best friend from law school just got a bump because he was recently admited to practice.. he now earns 42k per year, up from 36k after graduation... 35k is not a stretch, it represents the secondary bottom starting salary you can expect coming out of a non-T14 in NYC... The first bottom is, of course, extended unemployment... But like most people attending BLS, NYLS, and Dozo, I'm sure you will be in the top 10% and not have to worry about any of this... right? However, if you aren't insane and can realize that there is a 90% chance you'll be in the lower 90% of the class.. I'd do the math on what you're taking out vs. what a real potential starting salary will be...

wow....

[reasonable_man]

Care to expand on the "wow?" I take it you disagree?

[fnm]

Geraldo's alma mater. It doesn't get any more prestigious than that.

[EgonzSD]

Does anyone know anything about the quality of faculty and in-class experience at Brooklyn?

[reasonable_man]

Does anyone know anything about the quality of faculty and in-class experience at Brooklyn?

I guess none of those other things i posted made you even pause to think lol... I've actually heard the profs aren't half bad.. Truth is, most schools have good professors. They also pull some really good adjuncts from the local market which probably enhances the quality of many of the classes. some of my favorite classes in LS were taught by adjuncts..

[EgonzSD]

I read your post, and I appreciate you taking the time to help me with my decision. Most of what you said, however, seemed to focus on how much money you and your fellow grads are making now. Granted, that's very important but I am more concerned with the quality of education I'm going to get and the experience of going to law school. Did you enjoy your years at Brooklyn? Did you find the professors approachable? Was the student body competitive, but still friendly and cohesive? These are the kinds of questions I'm interested in...

[reasonable_man]

I didn't attend BLS.. I have many friends there though.. Big classes are the norm.. I've never heard anyone comment that its overly cohesive.. Location isn't terrible, (my gf goes to school around the corner).. Problem with it is... big class of grads with poor prospects at graduation... quality of education is nice... but the cost of BLS and the return on investment are EXTREMELY questionable...