Top Law Schools

First off, let me state that I don't want to go into biglaw regardless, and I'm aware I can't be there. I am interested in a career in prosecution, hopefully culminating in being an Asst. US Atty. I'm at UMKC and kind of got stuck here due to some obligations I had in KC until a couple of weeks ago. I'd like to transfer to a school in the mid T2 range, with Wisc/UDen being where I'd like to land and Minnesota or Iowa being the dream schools (I'd like to practice in Minneapolis, KC, or Denver....I have no desire to go and practice in a large market), although any school in the appropriate rank and somewhat close geographically to those three markets would be acceptable. If anyone has any advice on the issue, I would greatly appreciate it.

Also, if anyone knows about the transfer process for the JD/PhD option at Wisconsin, I would appreciate some insight on that (although not similar, a PhD in poli-sci is a dream and it would allow a lot of availability for consulting/lobbying/academia jobs).

PS: I know I should have taken a year off and just gone to the better schools I had been accepted to once my obligation here was clear, but no sense in worrying about that now.

Thanks a lot.

The only thing that anyone can really tell you is to get the highest possible grades you can, since grades are by far the #1 factor being considered when you transfer. Schools don't care about UGPA or LSAT because 1) transfers are not reported for USNWR rankings and 2) 1L grades are a better predictor of law school success than UGPA/LSAT anyway. I've heard it said by different people that 95% of your transfer application is your grades (and where those grades are from), and I believe it. So just work your ass off, fight like hell to get the absolute best grades, and you'll be in the best chance to transfer.

As a result, where you can transfer to will depend on how well you do. If you're #1 or 2 in your class you probably have a shot at even some T1 schools like Minnesota. If you're top 5% you're probably good at a number of schools, and top 10% will make it at least worth applying to T2 schools to see what happens. Beyond that as a rough guide, though, it's hard to really say for sure.

I hope that helps; you have to understand that until you actually have grades, it's practically impossible to give you more specific guidance. Great grades are about the only thing you need to worry about between now and December; the rest you can figure out after you have them. For that, I'd suggest studying what people who finished top 10% or better in their class did, and trying to figure out an exam-taking strategy that works well for you... But that's more appropriate to other conversations.

I think it could be really dangerous to assume the government job is easier to get than a biglaw job ITE. In all sincerity, work your tail off and do as well as you can and shoot for the best school possible. It is certainly possible to make the jump from T3 to T14, and for government, I would aim for it. My disclaimer is I am not working for government next summer, that said I know the DOJ and IRS positions are incredibly competitive to get, much like a biglaw position. So, if you can make the large leap from T3 to T14, do it. If not, your theory on settling in a school near the secondary market of your choice is credited, just temper your expectations and don't be terribly upset if you don't get the US attorney's office right away.

Top 25% should result in a myriad of transfer options to Tier Two & lower tier one law schools.

CanadianWolf wrote:Top 25% should result in a myriad of transfer options to Tier Two & lower Tier One law schools.

I don't think this is true, ITE transfer cycles are becoming increasingly competitive and I don't think top 1/4 from a T3 would get you very far outside of a lateral or a very low ranked T2.

There's really only one sure way to find out. You can't win if you don't play.

#1 or 2 in your class will open up the t14. Possibly even CCN (depending what t3 you go to, and partially GPA -- a 3.2 GPA just doesn't look that attractive, even if you are #2 in your class).

You probably won't get into federal government prosecution your 2L summer. Federal government jobs like Asst. US Atty are way more competitive than just some biglaw shop. But DoJ does have 3L honors, which is something you would have a legitimate shot at if you really kick ass at the t14 you transfer to (as well as have other factors going for you).

This is like transfering from living in a dumpster behind the XXX adult bookstore, to the trash bin behind the hotel hilton.

MTal wrote:This is like transfering from living in a dumpster behind the XXX adult bookstore, to the trash bin behind the hotel hilton.

The former sounds better than the latter...

MTal wrote:This is like transfering from living in a dumpster behind the XXX adult bookstore, to the trash bin behind the hotel hilton.

Seriously this dude just takes up space. Ban hammer for the love of God.

to OP...get the best grades possible and cross your fingers. if you end up better than expected come back here or to the yahoo group so you can figure out what schools to apply to. Good luck.

And furthermore...enjoy your current school as much as possible...you might enjoy it more than you think. you're in a fun market. KC can be a good time. don't sell it short. StL is cool too and not impossible from where you're at. Weigh your options and WORK HARD.

Dr. Van Nostrand wrote:

CanadianWolf wrote:Top 25% should result in a myriad of transfer options to Tier Two & lower Tier One law schools.

I don't think this is true, ITE transfer cycles are becoming increasingly competitive and I don't think top 1/4 from a T3 would get you very far outside of a lateral or a very low ranked T2.

Completely disagree with this. I have a friend with a GPA outside the top 25 percent of his TTT who transferred to Minnesota, another one outside of the top 25 percent who transferred to Ohio State.

Some schools are much less selective about transfers than you'd think.