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Been struggling with this for a while now. I've been soliciting the opinions of virtually everybody I encounter, so why should TLS be any different?

I'm a rising 2L at WUSTL. Top 10% (barely), graded on to law review. Have a couple profs who seem to like me. No scholarship, and my inquiries into getting one were shot down.

Have been admitted to Michigan. Waiting on Chicago, so let's enter that into the equation as a hypothetical destination.

Like many folks on this board, I'm aiming for Biglaw. Also would like a federal appellate clerkship -- who doesn't? I'm from the Chicago area, and I'd like returning, but I'm also interested in DC, NYC, and any major city (in that order.) Job location won't play a huge factor in my ultimate decision; career opportunity will.

What do you all think the pros and cons of transferring are, besides the obvious loss of credentials? Is there something about either school that would make it a better landing point for me? E.g., I've been very impressed by how Michigan seems to handle its transfer students.

Thanks.

In 1844, the Democrats were split...

I don't think I'd leave for Michigan. Chicago is a much tougher call if you get in. Your clerkship chances are probably lower if you transfer, but you'll have a lot more access to Chicago firms at OCI. What is the WUSTL OCI looking like with Chicago?

Top 10%+LR at WashU is a lock for big law and almost as close as you could be for a lock on a federal clerkship. I'm not sure that I would transfer from such a good position at WashU to anything less than HYS.

While it is unfortunate that you do not have a scholarship to WashU, you would give up a great set of potential credentials (Summa or Magna Cum Laude, Order of the Coif, LR, etc.) for a better school name on your diploma. I think mass mailing in your position would result in a lot of interest in Chicago.

Aberzombie1892 wrote:While it is unfortunate that you do not have a scholarship to WashU

It's borderline irrelevant, I think. Just trying to stave off the "ask for money!" responses.

<---- is a former President, and an abolitionist.

Chicago is a yes, I think. I'd probably turn down Michigan because of the law review difference.

Your appellate clerkship odds are very low either way. I'm seeing only 2-5 circuit clerks from WUSTL a year -- looks like on the low end the last few years. (--LinkRemoved-- http://lawclerkaddict.blogspot.com/2007 ... chool.html)

So you'd probably need top 3 percent grades plus law review to have a realistic shot (and even then probably 50/50).

I'd think you'd be a strong candidate for a district clerkship at WUSTL+law review or Chicago.

Nothing to lose -- go for the better degree, it'll serve you better with firms and over time.