Law School and Area of Employment Forum

[2011Law]

I've read here before that unless you go to a t14, don't plan on practicing in a different state than where you studied immediately after graduating. Would someone who graduated from a t20 school, worked in that state for some years (how long would be enough?) and proved themselves in their field be able to move to a state of their choosing, even outside their region (assuming they pass the bar)? Would the same be for a t40 or 50 school?

[radek]

in terms of career prospects (especially ITE) there's very little difference between a t20 and a t40

[03121202698008]

I've read here before that unless you go to a t14, don't plan on practicing in a different state than where you studied immediately after graduating. Would someone who graduated from a t20 school, worked in that state for some years (how long would be enough?) and proved themselves in their field be able to move to a state of their choosing, even outside their region (assuming they pass the bar)? Would the same be for a t40 or 50 school?

There are always exceptions but you have T14 grads who are unemployed after looking all over the US. At some point, your book of business is more important but it would be hard to obtain a book of business that would be relevant in another area. Like most things, the further out from school you are the less important it will be. But for some situations like clerking and Biglaw...it will always matter a great deal.

[AJRESQ]

I've read here before that unless you go to a t14, don't plan on practicing in a different state than where you studied immediately after graduating. Would someone who graduated from a t20 school, worked in that state for some years (how long would be enough?) and proved themselves in their field be able to move to a state of their choosing, even outside their region (assuming they pass the bar)? Would the same be for a t40 or 50 school?

I think that's generally true.

The problem with moving after a few years is that you also leave your network -- your mentors, your referral sources, clients, etc. That's why my advice is, outside T10, go to law school in an area where you want to practice, NOT the best law school you get into. For instance, if your dream is to practice in Philadelphia, go to Temple / Rutgers / Villanova over American. There is a regional bias outside biglaw / T14.

"in terms of career prospects (especially ITE) there's very little difference between a t20 and a t40"

Depends on the market. Like I said above, I would attend Temple / Rutgers / Villanova over a school like say American or Brooklyn. Even though American and Brooklyn are "better" schools, the market in Philadelphia is regionally biased. So you're better off from a "worse" school that's local. However, outside the Philly area, it's tough to find work with a Temple / Rutgers degree. Villanova is easier because their basketball team is recognized and it's Catholic, but it's still a regional school...