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Hi all, here's my situation. I'm interested in seeing what others would do in my shoes.

I'm in at Chicago, and the deposit deadline is tomorrow.

Career goals: I'd absolutely love to clerk for a federal judge. Afterwards, I'd ideally like big law, but a mid-sized firm would be fine too. I'm primarily interested in soft IP.

Geographic preferences: My school is a short drive away from a secondary market, which usually employs the majority of my school's graduates. I've lived in the state all my life. I think this secondary market would be a pretty nice place to work, but I'm not dead set on working in this particular city. I just want a job, and I'll take that wherever I can get it.

Option A
Stay at my current school, which is one of the many ranked at #28. I just missed out on top 10% and ended up inside the top 12%, and I'm on law review. Federal clerkship placement is ~10%.

Option B
Chicago.

I mean, it's Chicago. Enough said. I'd love to be able to say I went to Chicago, but I'm trying to keep my prestige whoring from clouding my judgment.

Which would you choose and, if it wouldn't be too much trouble, why?

Thanks!

The debt issue is really what makes this tricky (as if that's news to you). Having said that, #28, top 12% and law review does not equal biglaw or federal clerkship anymore. Obviously you're competitive for biglaw (but maybe not for that clerkship), but there's a real possibility of striking out at OCI.

Chicago's new loan repayment deal seems relatively ok, and combined with IBR or whatever else you can think of, you'll probably be ok if you miss biglaw from Chicago. In my opinion, I don't think there's a real nightmare scenario either way. Plus, you saved a year of tuition at Chicago by transferring!

I'm pretty biased toward transferring to Chi because I'm giving up a fat scholly to do so from a T28 as well. If you're looking for reasons to transfer, there are many. The reasons to stay are compelling as well. With two great options, I'd say follow your gut...

...and come to Chicago.

^ ditto.

But seriously, you gotta make the call yourself. It's a really personal decision. Good luck, you're in a great position.

bizen boat wrote:...but there's a real possibility of striking out at OCI.

For real. I had a long talk with someone in career services at my current school today, and he said he felt confident in saying that I looked good on paper, so I'd get *some* interviews at OCI. There was definitely emphasis on that "some." I appreciate the honesty, I guess. It's rough out there.

megaTTTron wrote:But seriously, you gotta make the call yourself. It's a really personal decision. Good luck, you're in a great position.

Yeah, yeah...but I was hoping someone would swoop in and enlighten me.

By the way, shout out to megaTTTron, who convinced me my Chicago app fee wouldn't go to waste.

If it comes down to debt, you'd be earning a Chicago degree at a 33% discount. That should count for something.

zcc2012 wrote:

megaTTTron wrote:But seriously, you gotta make the call yourself. It's a really personal decision. Good luck, you're in a great position.

Yeah, yeah...but I was hoping someone would swoop in and enlighten me.

By the way, shout out to megaTTTron, who convinced me my Chicago app fee wouldn't go to waste.

Haha. It had to be said . . . but, you're going to Chicago. I've actually just decided. For you. Welcome! The OCI list just got released so you haven't missed a beat. Now that that's over with come on over here (http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 7&t=117901) and hang out. It's where the cooler kids hang.

patrickd139 wrote:If it comes down to debt, you'd be earning a Chicago degree at a 33% discount. That should count for something.

Definitely a good point to consider!

Chicago does really well with clerkships, and their BigLaw placement in Chicago is unparalleled. I say go for it.

The thing is though, Chicago without Law Review and grades somewhere more in the middle of the pack isn't going to guarantee biglaw or a clerkship either. Just look at ToTransferOrNot's Chicago transfer horror stories. But I'm biased because I'd like you to decline so I can get in. That said I honestly don't think it's an obvious choice.

Rightly or wrongly, prestige does matter a lot in this field. My mom is in management at a big corporation (T30 in the Fortune 500) and often works with the in-house counsel. She asked them about the credentials they looked for in laterals and, beyond the obvious success in a big firm and experience in certain practice areas, they listed strong academic achievement from an elite law school, or some BS like that. While I'm sure a superstar lawyer who made biglaw from a lower tier school could still get an in-house position at that corporation, I think it's telling that school rank is even a factor in lateral hiring.

The long-term effects of a Chicago degree might be overestimated by some, underestimated by others, but there is doubtless some advantage to be had in the long term. We've spent the past year being "brainwashed" by our professors, administrators, and even ourselves into thinking our T28's are really awesome. And they are. But Chicago is on a completely different level. I know I'd always regret it if I didn't go for it.

You got into chicago with top 12% at #28? What the hell is going on this transfer cycle? Someone was dinged today from GULC at top 5% from a t30.

If you want a clerkship, I'd go to Chicago.

FWIW, I wouldn't base your decision on clerkships. You can feel free to look my posts up for why, but suffice it to say.. eh. No law review and you're in a tough spot because of the retarded way UChicago handles the clerkship process.

That said, this shouldn't be a debate. You didn't do well enough at your current school to justify sticking around (no offense). You're (incredibly) lucky that you got in at Chicago, so I would take that as a sign and go.

Edit: And yeah, I think the adcoms this cycle are on crack for transfers.

Agree with the above post - top 12% is good, but it's not good enough to justify staying. Chicago for sure.

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

zcc2012 wrote:Thanks for the feedback everyone!

Eh, you're welcome. NAO TELL US THAT YOU'VE DECIDED TO TRANSFER TO CHICAGO!!!

Little late to the party, but I'd definitely transfer. I did T2 to T10 and, even though I missed the old school, things couldn't of gone better. Your degree will follow you your whole life. Especially in the current market, I'd be hesitant to stay where you are, even if you do have a scholly and LR. This is compounded by the fact that you want to clerk and work biglaw. I know TTON has mentioned the feedback he received from Chicago, and since he goes there, he would know more about their system from the perspective of a rising 3L. That said, if you do well at the new school and cultivate relationships with professors, I think you have a good shot at a federal clerkship. When I applied, I was pretty high up in the class at a T10 and got mutliple COA interview calls, including calls from what some on this board have characterized as "difficult to get"/prestigious judges. I didn't have LR at the new school, either. Good luck with your deliberations.

Officially going to Chicago!!

Hellz yeah you are! Congrats on making the decision. See you in August.

zcc2012 wrote:Officially going to Chicago!!

Told you. Congratulations my friend. We're going to the bar as soon as you (and/or I) get in!