Top Law Schools

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Hmmm... I would say Stanford. Harvard is great, but:
1) LR is great not only because it helps with clerkship placement (and to some extent, academia)... but it gives you a chance to get to know a lot of people who have similar interests (and may be part of the network that you would want to have access to in the future). This is assuming you would get LR of course (although I hear Stanford's LR comp for transfers is pretty generous, but don't quote me on that). Although, an argument could be made for Harvard's secondary journals.... Stanford LR is clearly > Harvard's secondary journals...
2) Stanford's clerkships (per lawclerkaddict) per capita are much better than Harvard's
3) Small class size could be a better argument for getting to know your professor's better

A0566 wrote:Hmmm... I would say Stanford. Harvard is great, but:
1) LR is great not only because it helps with clerkship placement (and to some extent, academia)... but it gives you a chance to get to know a lot of people who have similar interests (and may be part of the network that you would want to have access to in the future). This is assuming you would get LR of course (although I hear Stanford's LR comp for transfers is pretty generous, but don't quote me on that). Although, an argument could be made for Harvard's secondary journals.... Stanford LR is clearly > Harvard's secondary journals...
2) Stanford's clerkships (per lawclerkaddict) per capita are much better than Harvard's
3) Small class size could be a better argument for getting to know your professor's better

Fully agree.

Edit: You might want to make this sort of thing into a poll though. Easier to keep track of.

Thirded. If you haven't already made HLR, you can't make it. (Of course, if you have made it, go to HLS). SLR is open to transfers through an eminently fair process. SLS w/possibility of SLR >> HLS w/out HLR.

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either are great options. Arguably you'll have an easier time with OCI at SLS b/c there's fewer people to compete with. However, since you want DC you'll be facing a lot of competition regardless of where you transfer to.

phoenixsoars wrote:I'm interested in opinions on the choice between H or S. I have interest in academia...

Good question. I'm biased because of the weather on the west coast, but still inclined to say HLS because of the faculty. Nesson, Lessig (who sadly left sls for hls), and others who recently left UChi for HLS.

And since you have a future in academics, HLS is the mecca for scholarly writers. You will probably publish 5 papers before you graduate. As a 1L, my torts professor was at SLS but he transferred to HLS because he thought it would give him better professorship prospects. Statistically, I think 50% of tenured law faculty nationwide are HLS grads, 40% YLS, and 9% from the remaining top T14. That 1% is non-t14-ers. (Please let me know if there is a way we can verify this, without going through every school's website.)

http://www.leiterrankings.com/jobs/2009 ... hing.shtml

Yes, Harvard's per capita placement rankings are higher than Stanford's, but I still think that OP's situation makes SLS a better choice (unless there are very specific professors at Harvard you want to work with and feel you might develop a relationship with):

1) Okay... to be fair. Publication is probably the biggest factor, and if you feel that H is more conducive to that.. then I can see H being attractive. But if you want to be an academic. Stop being lazy. Go get to know some professors. And write something. You don't need to go to H to do that, and I'm sure S is more than helpful in that regard.
2) Again. I will reiterate. Stanford is spectacular for clerkships.
3) You will be competing at Harvard with those that made their LR (45 students?), which gives you a much harder time distinguishing yourself. Holding all other things equal, I think Stanford with LR is much better than H wout LR for academia. (especially considering the stronger COA clerkship placement)
4) I think the previous post mentions that Harvard places the most people into academia. This is true, but not a per capita basis. Also, there is a fair amount of self-selection going on here. It is quite possible that more people at H want academia than S, but that's just pure speculation. Other more informed posters would better answer on this point.

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I would assume Stanford professors are more accessible due to the smaller class size, but of course I'd defer to one with superior knowledge.