Transfer or Not? Forum

[Machine Spirit]

An unoriginal topic obviously, but I still thought I might as well ask some of the members here on where they would stand.

Basically, the overall question is whether a transfer to Columbia/NYU (the latter really isn't in contention tbh), due to connections with the NY market, overcomes the obvious sacrifice of having to give up my rank, Law Review invitation, and Moot Court position. The cost of living isn't an issue for me, nor is anything like "quality of life." I don't want to work in DC, and am aware that GW still places graduates heavily in the NY market, but I was still wondering whether it would be worth it to transfer instead.

Thoughts?

Edit: If you vote, please provide an explanation. I would be greatly appreciative.

[Teoeo]

Tough choice, but I think wanting to work in NY clinches Columbia (Unless you are interested in PI [somehow I doubt this..] in which case I think NYU might have a better LRAP/PI program).

[slayerbtvs]

I am in the same boat...I have no idea what I should do...Columbia or LR + top 10%

[slayerbtvs]

also, at NYU you have a chance at LR still...

[prncaspian3]

Honestly, GW has enough of a national reputation that--IF you continue to do well there, which you have proven you can--then the odds are you would be a more appealing biglaw candidate, compared to what happens if you "roll the dice" by going to Columbia. Rolling the dice is essentially what you're doing in the latter case--the pressure will be enormous to do well in a new setting, and you will have to continue hoping that the lack of LR is overlooked.

So that's why I voted for you to stay.

[Machine Spirit]

also, at NYU you have a chance at LR still...

True...but I don't think I'd take that particular chance. I probably shouldn't have put it in the poll, but I thought I may have overlooked something. In any case, I'd likely choose Columbia over NYU, regardless.

[A'nold]

Columbia all the way.

[Machine Spirit]

Lol...well, it stands as a tie. Sigh.

A lawyer I spoke to said that, if I was certain that I wanted to practice in NY, then Columbia would be the best choice. The Judge I'm interning for seems to be echoing that notion, but is also quick to say how I'm in a good place right now. I mean, there's clearly no "bad choice" to be made here...so I suppose I should be thankful for that. I'd still like some closure on this though, lol.

In any case, thanks for the advice to all who responded. Does anyone else have any suggestions...maybe some of the people who voted but didn't speak?

[concurrent fork]

Unless you are getting a full ride from GW, go and don't look back. Keep in mind that some TLS'ers probably want your NYU/Columbia spot so the poll may be a bit skewed.

[270910]

This is simple, even if it's not easy.

You're golden in DC. Want a big firm in DC? Sit your ass down, ride LR / top flight school / top flight grades. GW has huge pull in town, especially (honestly, maybe exclusively, but that's another story) at the top of the class.

If you want to work in a corporate NYC practice, pack your bags. It's not going to be night and day, but your stats are great and you'll get many more interviews and opportunities from NYU or CLS.

[Machine Spirit]

Just wanted to do a quick update thanking you guys for all of your advice. After speaking with some more people (i.e. professors, attorneys, Judge) I decided to withdraw from GW. Yay Columbia.

Thanks again guys.

[CanadianWolf]

I would be very interested in the advice that you received from attorneys, profs & a judge that prompted you to give up law review, moot court & a top 10% ranking at GWU to attend Columbia. I am not sure whether I agree or disagree with your decision, I would just like to know what advice & considerations affected your decision. Also, are you happy at GWU? If not, what don't you like?
Thanks!

[Sell Manilla]

^ +1

[Machine Spirit]

I would be very interested in the advice that you received from attorneys, profs & a judge that prompted you to give up law review, moot court & a top 10% ranking at GWU to attend Columbia. I am not sure whether I agree or disagree with your decision, I would just like to know what advice & considerations affected your decision. Also, are you happy at GWU? If not, what don't you like?
Thanks!

The most pertinent part of the discussion, and the one that was brought up in every one of my conversations, was consideration of marketplace aspirations. I simply have no desire to work/live anywhere else but NY. In that sense, Columbia is far and away better situated than GW in attaining a NY firm position. Many people will say that being that rank at GW or having LR or Moot Court would change that equation, but it honestly isn't that simple. Frankly, many posters here seem to misconstrue the overall value of LR, nor do they consider regional performance vs. national performance. So far, disco_barred has provided the advice most similar to that I received from those other parties.

Go ahead and look at the Vault 100 firms. Even a cursory glance at the associate/partner make-up of those firms will demonstrate that GW has very little comparative presence. In fact, the only top firm on that list where the presence of GW students is notable is that of Covington & Burling, which is of course DC based. Do I have any doubt in my mind that, if I had stayed at GW and participated in the OCI, that I would have gotten an interview from them? No. But do I want to work in DC, or even that Covington branch in NY? No. The fact of the matter is, according to the attorneys I spoke with, the Judge and his clerks whom I intern for, and several professors, the networking and clout of Columbia, even without LR, outweighs that of GW in most situations. It all came down to which market I wanted to work in, and in that sense, the answer became clear. The Judge, who is a particularly laconic man, was actually very vocal about that.

Finally, I have absolutely nothing against GW. I thought it to be a phenomenal school with phenomenal professors. It just simply wasn't what I needed for my goals.