Top Law Schools

Hi Guys
,
I am interested in deciding what school would give me the best chance at Big Law? And by that I mean the best firm possible. While I know that each school has regional limitations I would like to practice either in D.C. or Chicago.

Indiana's current ranking of, 20, atop the US News and World report is really attractive to me. I would go to school there if and only if I would end up Chicago or D.C. I am not interested in living in Indiana after school.

Loyola Chicago is also attractive because of its location. However, I am concerned about how BIG LAW firms will view it since it is in the middle of the second tier. The big plus with this school however is that I could network year round.

William and Mary has a fantastic reputation so I really can't say anything negative about it other than its location in a small town. However, if it can get me to a BIG LAW firm I will go in a new york minute.

American has good reputation and is located in D.C.

I would really appreciate any advice.

Thanks in Advance,
IoVenti

For BigLaw, none of the above.

None of these schools will give you more than a slim (< 10 %) chance at big law.

If I finish at the top ten percent at these schools what do these schools give me a good chance at doing?

W&M i think, not sure though. definitely don't go to American or Loyola.

IoVenti wrote:If I finish at the top ten percent at these schools what do these schools give me a good chance at doing?

Your mind set is incorrect. You should be considering schools where you would be content (not happy) finishing median after year 1. If the prospect of finishing at that school makes you uncomfortable when you consider the cost, scholarships and job prospects, then you should not attend that school.

However, top 10% at those schools, as long as you have a personality that can get through an interview or two, will land you a job that you should be happy with.

IoVenti wrote:If I finish at the top ten percent at these schools what do these schools give me a good chance at doing?

Whatever they have a good chance of doing for those in the top 10%, the fact remains that 90% of the time you're not going to be in the top 10%.

What's wrong with American or loyola Chicago?

IoVenti wrote:What's wrong with American or loyola Chicago?

A marginal fraction of the graduates from both schools secure employment sufficient to pay off their student loan debt and/or that they're happy with. In short, their students have shitty job prospects.

RMstratosphere wrote:

IoVenti wrote:What's wrong with American or loyola Chicago?

A marginal fraction of the graduates from both schools secure employment sufficient to pay off their student loan debt and/or that they're happy with. In short, their students have shitty job prospects.

I really do apologize for spamming this, but it's required reading for anyone applying to law school. Your industry is changing, and you best be ready.

http://www.abajournal.com/magazine/arti ... digm_shift

scammedhard wrote:For BigLaw, none of the above.

This

If you really want BigLaw, and only BigLaw, and this is the range of schools you have a shot at, try Fordham - i.e. BigLaw or bust

ahduth wrote:

RMstratosphere wrote:

IoVenti wrote:What's wrong with American or loyola Chicago?

A marginal fraction of the graduates from both schools secure employment sufficient to pay off their student loan debt and/or that they're happy with. In short, their students have shitty job prospects.

I really do apologize for spamming this, but it's required reading for anyone applying to law school. Your industry is changing, and you best be ready.

http://www.abajournal.com/magazine/arti ... digm_shift

The irony is that an IU prof. wrote that piece.

So, what is the better school between William and Mary and Indiana?

IoVenti wrote:So, what is the better school between William and Mary and Indiana?

Score above 170 on retake, hopefully you have above a 3.7, get T10 or above, go biglaw, profit.


But if you wanted a serious answer: Which one would you rather go to? Ultimately your chances of biglaw from either are the same.

Yeah, if you're BigLaw or bust, and not going to a T14, you've got a good chance of setting yourself up for "bust".