Top Law Schools

Let's say you end up going to a school with a better regional than national rep. Someday, in maybe 5, 10 years post LS--you MIGHT want to explore a different territory in the U.S. How many years does a person have to establish himself/herself in the field (not big law, most likely public interest, non-profit) to easily make such a transition? Or will the law school haunt you whenever you leave and hurt your chances FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. I know it's better to go to a better ranked school, a better rep nationally, but as scholarships come in from lower ranked, more regionally reputable schools, I might be lowering standards. I also just generally don't know where the heck I want to end up, if I do choose something with more of a regional name; I could see myself getting sick of any of the areas, after long enough.

Depends entirely on your practice. You could become truly national (or international) or actually become even less portable based on what niche you establish in.

Im sure the above poster is correct in that your practice area will have a lot of impact on your prospects. But I think the bigger issue is that after years as a lawyer in a certain area, you will have connections, prospects, relationships, etc in that area, and therefore it would be pretty hard to leave just because of that. Getting up and tearing out your roots, forgoing your connections and going somewhere else would be pretty rare, I'd imagine, unless it was an expat assignment or to another office of the firm youre working with.

I personally know an extremely successful attorney (like, photo with Obama successful) who went to a TTT law school. So, that is to say, 10+ years out (maybe less so with 5) it depends on how successful you are as a lawyer and the connections you make and reputation you develop as a result. Big name schools give you early cache, but it can't overcome poor performance, while skill can certainly make up the difference longer term.

You just have to keep in mind that out of law school, talent is the driving force behind hiring decisions - but after law school, it's connections. Talent breeds connections, but if you're the most established, go-to guy for local government contracts in Miami there just isn't going to be a firm clamoring to hire you in Philadelphia. It's nothing personal, it's just the way of things, you know? Certain career paths will open doors in certain markets and close them in others.

keep in mind the vast majority of people graduating from law school will be thoroughly average lawyers. "i'm gonna kick ass once i start working" is just as dumb as "i'm going to make top 5%!"

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Anonymous User wrote:I personally know an extremely successful attorney (like, photo with Obama successful) who went to a TTT law school.

Anonymous User wrote:I personally know an extremely successful attorney (like, photo with Obama successful) who went to a TTT law school. So, that is to say, 10+ years out (maybe less so with 5) it depends on how successful you are as a lawyer and the connections you make and reputation you develop as a result. Big name schools give you early cache, but it can't overcome poor performance, while skill can certainly make up the difference longer term.

This.

TTT-LS wrote:

nealric wrote:Depends entirely on your practice. You could become truly national (or international) or actually become even less portable based on what niche you establish in.

This sounds about right.

Agreed.

The prestige of your firm will probably be as much of a factor as your law school. So to the extent that the regional school helps get your foot in the door at a great firm in that region, then it is less of a detriment. Neither is important as your personal connections. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending), a national law school will give you both a (geographically) broader rollodex of personal connections as well as a broader list of alumni you have an excuse to call.