Top Law Schools

Hi everyone. I just finished my first year of law school and will be putting in several applications to transfer this summer and was looking for some advice from others who have experience with transferring.

I am currently a student at Western State University College of Law. I really enjoyed my first year at Western State and was very impressed with the professors and students at the school. I was able to get an internship at the district attorney's office and at a personal injury law firm. I would recommend the school to others and will be a proud Western State Alum if that is where I graduate from.

That being said, I want to be a Plaintiff's lawyer and transferring to another school may open some doors that are not currently available, specifically class action firms. After my first semester I was ranked 14/195 (top 7%). I felt really good about my finals this spring semester, but will not get my overall standing until early June.

I would like to live in Los Angeles, but have no loyalty to any city. I just want to go to the best law school I can get into for my situation.

GPA: 3.31
Class Standing: 14/195 (7%)
Life Experience: Collegiate QB, US Marine Corps Infantry Captain, Interning at District Attorney's Office (Orange County)

Schools Interested In: I would like to live in Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago, but will go anywhere for the right school.
UCLA, USC, Cal, Davis, Loyola, Pepperdine, Fordham, St. Johns, Seton Hall, Cornell, Georgetown, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Kent, DePaul,

Dream Job: After I establish a successful practice I want to represent professional athletes in contract negotiations.

I appreciate any advice.

Thanks in advance,

Nick

ncs2518 wrote:Hi everyone. I just finished my first year of law school and will be putting in several applications to transfer this summer and was looking for some advice from others who have experience with transferring.

I am currently a student at Western State University College of Law. I really enjoyed my first year at Western State and was very impressed with the professors and students at the school. I was able to get an internship at the district attorney's office and at a personal injury law firm. I would recommend the school to others and will be a proud Western State Alum if that is where I graduate from.

That being said, I want to be a Plaintiff's lawyer and transferring to another school may open some doors that are not currently available, specifically class action firms. After my first semester I was ranked 14/195 (top 7%). I felt really good about my finals this spring semester, but will not get my overall standing until early June.

I would like to live in Los Angeles, but have no loyalty to any city. I just want to go to the best law school I can get into for my situation.

GPA: 3.31
Class Standing: 14/195 (7%)
Life Experience: Collegiate QB, US Marine Corps Infantry Captain, Interning at District Attorney's Office (Orange County)

Schools Interested In: I would like to live in Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago, but will go anywhere for the right school.
UCLA, USC, Cal, Davis, Loyola, Pepperdine, Fordham, St. Johns, Seton Hall, Cornell, Georgetown, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Kent, DePaul,

Dream Job: After I establish a successful practice I want to represent professional athletes in contract negotiations.

I appreciate any advice.

Thanks in advance,

Nick

I think you're going about it with the right attitude and I'll do my best to clear up a few things for you.

First, you are not top 7%. You are top 8%. Yes, this sucks, but hopefully you'll overcome that little hump this semester. Second, I think some of the schools you listed will be out of reach unless you miraculously get a 4.0 this semester. Cornell, Georgetown, and Northwestern will require at the very least Top 3-5% to have any shot from a TTTT. Unless you can break top 5% I wouldn't waste my money. With USC and UCLA, top 8% might give you at least a chance, so I would at least apply. I would also add Hastings to the list of schools to apply to unless you have something against this school. Also, if you are interested in Chicago, and it looks like you are, I would at least throw an app at UIUC. Also, WUSTL should be on your radar.

Good luck.

Apply broadly and as early as possible (like last week). Coming from a T4 transfer cycles are really unpredictable and you can land as high as a t14 or miss the boat on all of the t1, there just aren't a lot of data points for guys like us. Play up your summer job / military background / college sports experience and you should land somewhere good.

Your military experience will really help sell you. You need to apply to every single T14 you'd be willing to attend, including HYS. Those schools are real longshots, but if anyone can pull it off it's someone with your background.

Realistically, you're not strong for T14 but you have a shot. You should also apply to every T1 in every market you mentioned. Apply broadly, but only to schools you'd actually attend if accepted to. Focus on strong PS and LORs, those are going to help you stand out. Good luck.

add vanderbilt to the list.

Thanks for the info everyone.