Does it help to know people who work at a law school? Forum
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Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
Do you think knowing people who work at a law school is beneficial to your application? I've been waitlisted at my top pick and it just so happens that my uncle has an administrative position at that school. He has a solid relationship with the Dean and I just found this out so I'm just wondering if this may help my chances. Does anyone have any previous experience with a favorable outcome of acceptance due to someone they know?
- glitter178
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
why don't you try it and let us know how it goes?Derekj032 wrote:Do you think knowing people who work at a law school is beneficial to your application? I've been waitlisted at my top pick and it just so happens that my uncle has an administrative position at that school. He has a solid relationship with the Dean and I just found this out so I'm just wondering if this may help my chances. Does anyone have any previous experience with a favorable outcome of acceptance due to someone they know?
- lovejopd
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
What do you expect your Uncle to do something for you? Study LSAT Keep up your GPA. Do not ask him a favor.
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
Ugh have you ever heard the saying its not what you know but who you know? If I'm waitlisted, I'm obviously being considered. How could it be bad for someone to bring up my name or ask the dean about my application? If you think this does not happen all the time you are wrong.lovejopd wrote:What do you expect your Uncle to do something for you? Study LSAT Keep up your GPA. Do not ask him a favor.
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- KMaine
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
I don't understand this attitude on TLS. If you are comfortable asking your uncle, and you don't think it will put him in an uncomfortable position, go for it. It has more to do with your relationship than anything else.lovejopd wrote:What do you expect your Uncle to do something for you? Study LSAT Keep up your GPA. Do not ask him a favor.
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- lovejopd
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
So why do you bother to ask a question in TLS while you have 'absolute knowledge' about it? You put other waitlists at disadvantages if you get something(Which I do not believe at all). You define your action as 'social network,' but I define it as unethical edges.Derekj032 wrote:Ugh have you ever heard the saying its not what you know but who you know? If I'm waitlisted, I'm obviously being considered. How could it be bad for someone to bring up my name or ask the dean about my application? If you think this does not happen all the time you are wrong.lovejopd wrote:What do you expect your Uncle to do something for you? Study LSAT Keep up your GPA. Do not ask him a favor.
You Wow Me...
Hey dude, give it a shot and see the wonders your Uncle can do for you!

I hope your uncle is not stupid enough to bring up your precious name. Period.
- lovejopd
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
KMaine wrote:I don't understand this attitude on TLS. If you are comfortable asking your uncle, and you don't think it will put him in an uncomfortable position Bingo!, go for it. It has more to do with your relationship than anything else.lovejopd wrote:What do you expect your Uncle to do something for you? Study LSAT Keep up your GPA. Do not ask him a favor.
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- ODBCP
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
I would assume it depends heavily on what position your uncle holds. "Administrative position" could mean any number of things.
I think the best course of action would be to send your LOCI just as you would if your uncle wasn't in the picture, and then simply let him know that you're waitlisted and would definitely attend if accepted. He'll know whether or not he has any influence or could be of any help. However, make sure that you'd definitely attend if you're asking your uncle to stick his neck out a bit for you.
Good luck.
I think the best course of action would be to send your LOCI just as you would if your uncle wasn't in the picture, and then simply let him know that you're waitlisted and would definitely attend if accepted. He'll know whether or not he has any influence or could be of any help. However, make sure that you'd definitely attend if you're asking your uncle to stick his neck out a bit for you.
Good luck.
- ArthurDigbySellers
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
Be careful who you ask to speak on your behalf. Anything and everything about their demeanor, tone, etc they take with the admissions people WILL reflect upon you, for better or for worse. And if you don't believe that you're delusional.
That said, it really does depend on how much power your uncle has. If he doesn't have that much sway, there's a strong chance that it could reflect poorly upon you and detriment your chances. If he does, it can help. Also, it depends on who he knows. AN admissions officer is not as powerful a contact as the DEAN of admissions who makes the final decision.
Find out as much as you can and tread carefully. This is NOT a case where you have "nothing to lose," and if your uncle doesn't hold sway it won't hurt you. It very well may and you'd be foolish not to consider that.
That said, it really does depend on how much power your uncle has. If he doesn't have that much sway, there's a strong chance that it could reflect poorly upon you and detriment your chances. If he does, it can help. Also, it depends on who he knows. AN admissions officer is not as powerful a contact as the DEAN of admissions who makes the final decision.
Find out as much as you can and tread carefully. This is NOT a case where you have "nothing to lose," and if your uncle doesn't hold sway it won't hurt you. It very well may and you'd be foolish not to consider that.
- YaSvoboden
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
I would try and use it. Does your uncle like you? Does he actually know you? Talk to your uncle, tell him you are waitlisted, ask if there is anything he might be able to help you out with. If he is in a position to help you out, he probably will. If he can't help you, he should tell you that and not go to the dean to tattle-tale on you for trying to circumvent the system.
I really don't see how it could hurt to give your uncle a call and see what he can do.
I really don't see how it could hurt to give your uncle a call and see what he can do.
- ArthurDigbySellers
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
Possible, but I think people underestimate how "calling in favors" and the like can reflect poorly on you in the process. It can hurt, you just have to make an informed decision.YaSvoboden wrote:I would try and use it. Does your uncle like you? Does he actually know you? Talk to your uncle, tell him you are waitlisted, ask if there is anything he might be able to help you out with. If he is in a position to help you out, he probably will. If he can't help you, he should tell you that and not go to the dean to tattle-tale on you for trying to circumvent the system.
I really don't see how it could hurt to give your uncle a call and see what he can do.
- lovejopd
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
Yes, If I were Dean of Law School, I would not pick up someone who wants any special treatment.ArthurDigbySellers wrote:Possible, but I think people underestimate how "calling in favors" and the like can reflect poorly on you in the process. It can hurt, you just have to make an informed decision.YaSvoboden wrote:I would try and use it. Does your uncle like you? Does he actually know you? Talk to your uncle, tell him you are waitlisted, ask if there is anything he might be able to help you out with. If he is in a position to help you out, he probably will. If he can't help you, he should tell you that and not go to the dean to tattle-tale on you for trying to circumvent the system.
I really don't see how it could hurt to give your uncle a call and see what he can do.
I think OP should ask his Uncle to write a recommendation letter for him...

- thecilent
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
Dude I would call my uncle and TELL him to talk to the head of admissions! ASAP
For real though, I would. Shit happens all the time
For real though, I would. Shit happens all the time
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
This is the attitude that doesn't get ahead in life.lovejopd wrote:So why do you bother to ask a question in TLS while you have 'absolute knowledge' about it? You put other waitlists at disadvantages if you get something(Which I do not believe at all). You define your action as 'social network,' but I define it as unethical edges.Derekj032 wrote:Ugh have you ever heard the saying its not what you know but who you know? If I'm waitlisted, I'm obviously being considered. How could it be bad for someone to bring up my name or ask the dean about my application? If you think this does not happen all the time you are wrong.lovejopd wrote:What do you expect your Uncle to do something for you? Study LSAT Keep up your GPA. Do not ask him a favor.
You Wow Me...
Hey dude, give it a shot and see the wonders your Uncle can do for you!![]()
I hope your uncle is not stupid enough to bring up your precious name. Period.
- thecilent
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
Shut up already you are annoying. We get it, you have been waitlisted places and have no connections and suck - stop whining.lovejopd wrote:Yes, If I were Dean of Law School, I would not pick up someone who wants any special treatment.ArthurDigbySellers wrote:Possible, but I think people underestimate how "calling in favors" and the like can reflect poorly on you in the process. It can hurt, you just have to make an informed decision.YaSvoboden wrote:I would try and use it. Does your uncle like you? Does he actually know you? Talk to your uncle, tell him you are waitlisted, ask if there is anything he might be able to help you out with. If he is in a position to help you out, he probably will. If he can't help you, he should tell you that and not go to the dean to tattle-tale on you for trying to circumvent the system.
I really don't see how it could hurt to give your uncle a call and see what he can do.
I think OP should ask his Uncle to write a recommendation letter for him...
- ArthurDigbySellers
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
I'm not whining I'm giving advice. Just because it's not what the OP wants to hear doesn't mean it's whining you microcephalic little shit. For what it's worth, I do have connections and am considering not using them because I'm not convinced that they have enough political capital to help me. EVERYONE knows *someone*, it's a question of how much influence they have.thecilent wrote:Shut up already you are annoying. We get it, you have been waitlisted places and have no connections and suck - stop whining.lovejopd wrote:Yes, If I were Dean of Law School, I would not pick up someone who wants any special treatment.ArthurDigbySellers wrote:Possible, but I think people underestimate how "calling in favors" and the like can reflect poorly on you in the process. It can hurt, you just have to make an informed decision.YaSvoboden wrote:I would try and use it. Does your uncle like you? Does he actually know you? Talk to your uncle, tell him you are waitlisted, ask if there is anything he might be able to help you out with. If he is in a position to help you out, he probably will. If he can't help you, he should tell you that and not go to the dean to tattle-tale on you for trying to circumvent the system.
I really don't see how it could hurt to give your uncle a call and see what he can do.
I think OP should ask his Uncle to write a recommendation letter for him...
- thecilent
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
lol not you weirdo. learn to understand the quotes.ArthurDigbySellers wrote:m not whining I'm giving advice. Just because it's not what the OP wants to hear doesn't mean it's whining you microcephalic little shit. For what it's worth, I do have connections and am considering not using them because I'm not convinced that they have enough political capital to help me. EVERYONE knows *someone*, it's a question of how much influence they have.
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- ArthurDigbySellers
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
Just saw that, sorry Man of Steel. Transfer the rage to the guy you were ragging on. I believe in ethical rage.thecilent wrote:lol not you weirdo. learn to understand the quotes.ArthurDigbySellers wrote:m not whining I'm giving advice. Just because it's not what the OP wants to hear doesn't mean it's whining you microcephalic little shit. For what it's worth, I do have connections and am considering not using them because I'm not convinced that they have enough political capital to help me. EVERYONE knows *someone*, it's a question of how much influence they have.
- ArthurDigbySellers
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
I'm not convinced it's unethical to call in favors. Everyone will always do whatever they can to get ahead in life, and if you don't use your advantages it can be detrimental to you. That said, if you were waitlisted you were probably reasonably qualified enough. Unless you're connection is a billionaire or high powered government official you're not getting in unless you're at least decently qualified, so that should assuage some guilt. So much of life is luck, might as well get some...that said, I'd feel shitty if someone got in over me because of a connection. It's more likely than not to fail, so, it's not the greatest moral quandary, but still.
- 99.9luft
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
interesting username choice. I envy your alleged freedom.YaSvoboden wrote:I would try and use it. Does your uncle like you? Does he actually know you? Talk to your uncle, tell him you are waitlisted, ask if there is anything he might be able to help you out with. If he is in a position to help you out, he probably will. If he can't help you, he should tell you that and not go to the dean to tattle-tale on you for trying to circumvent the system.
I really don't see how it could hurt to give your uncle a call and see what he can do.
- YaSvoboden
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
Valid point. I trust the uncle has an understanding of what would be in good taste and what would backlash. This trust could be totally misplaced.ArthurDigbySellers wrote:Possible, but I think people underestimate how "calling in favors" and the like can reflect poorly on you in the process. It can hurt, you just have to make an informed decision.YaSvoboden wrote:I would try and use it. Does your uncle like you? Does he actually know you? Talk to your uncle, tell him you are waitlisted, ask if there is anything he might be able to help you out with. If he is in a position to help you out, he probably will. If he can't help you, he should tell you that and not go to the dean to tattle-tale on you for trying to circumvent the system.
I really don't see how it could hurt to give your uncle a call and see what he can do.
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- TurtlesAllTheWayDown
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
Do you see what happens when you fuck a stranger in the ass, Derek?ArthurDigbySellers wrote:I'd feel shitty if someone got in over me because of a connection.
Couldn't help myself.
- lovejopd
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
Superman Returns!!thecilent wrote:Shut up already you are annoying. We get it, you have been waitlisted places and have no connections and suck - stop whining.lovejopd wrote:Yes, If I were Dean of Law School, I would not pick up someone who wants any special treatment.ArthurDigbySellers wrote:Possible, but I think people underestimate how "calling in favors" and the like can reflect poorly on you in the process. It can hurt, you just have to make an informed decision.YaSvoboden wrote:I would try and use it. Does your uncle like you? Does he actually know you? Talk to your uncle, tell him you are waitlisted, ask if there is anything he might be able to help you out with. If he is in a position to help you out, he probably will. If he can't help you, he should tell you that and not go to the dean to tattle-tale on you for trying to circumvent the system.
I really don't see how it could hurt to give your uncle a call and see what he can do.
I think OP should ask his Uncle to write a recommendation letter for him...
- YaSvoboden
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
Thank you? We both seem to have chosen foreign language songs to identify ourselves.99.9luft wrote:interesting username choice. I envy your alleged freedom.YaSvoboden wrote:I would try and use it. Does your uncle like you? Does he actually know you? Talk to your uncle, tell him you are waitlisted, ask if there is anything he might be able to help you out with. If he is in a position to help you out, he probably will. If he can't help you, he should tell you that and not go to the dean to tattle-tale on you for trying to circumvent the system.
I really don't see how it could hurt to give your uncle a call and see what he can do.
- 99.9luft
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Re: Does it help to know people who work at a law school?
Da. Das ist korrect, amigo.YaSvoboden wrote:Thank you? We both seem to have chosen foreign language songs to identify ourselves.99.9luft wrote:interesting username choice. I envy your alleged freedom.YaSvoboden wrote:I would try and use it. Does your uncle like you? Does he actually know you? Talk to your uncle, tell him you are waitlisted, ask if there is anything he might be able to help you out with. If he is in a position to help you out, he probably will. If he can't help you, he should tell you that and not go to the dean to tattle-tale on you for trying to circumvent the system.
I really don't see how it could hurt to give your uncle a call and see what he can do.
Seriously? What are you waiting for?
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