Top Law Schools

Hey all,

My question is: how tangible is the T14 barrier in the real world compared to schools just above it. Right now I am in at UCLA transfer and have family in Los Angeles. I also got into Georgetown( who gave me 4 days to make a decision) and expect that I will possibly get into Cornell.

Since they are only one or two ranks above UCLA I am leaning towards my preference to staying near my family. At the same time tbose one or two ranks breach into the T14. How important is that? Is it something that recruiters actually pay attention to or is the ranking pretty much all linear after you clear hvs?

opinions appreciated! Thanks.

For flexibility as to location- yes. If you want to work in LA though, just go to UCLA. A Cornell grad isn't going to have an advantage over you.

dtl wrote:Hey all,

My question is: how tangible is the T14 barrier in the real world compared to schools just above it. Right now I am in at UCLA transfer and have family in Los Angeles. I also got into Georgetown( who gave me 4 days to make a decision) and expect that I will possibly get into Cornell.

Since they are only one or two ranks above UCLA I am leaning towards my preference to staying near my family. At the same time tbose one or two ranks breach into the T14. How important is that? Is it something that recruiters actually pay attention to or is the ranking pretty much all linear after you clear hvs?

opinions appreciated! Thanks.

Rankings are entirely irrelevant. Look at the employment data for each school, and try to gauge its placement power in the region where you want to practice.

Where do you want to practice?

Depends upon your target market. In your case, I suspect that you are targeting law firms in Southern California. With substantial ties to that geographic area, Georgetown & Cornell will work as well as or, possibly, better than UCLA for biglaw placement in SoCal. If this is your target market, then it comes down to personal preference among UCLA, Cornell & Georgetown but interviewing will be easier if attending a local, dominant law school, in my opinion.

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