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Hey everyone! I was accepted at NU and UPenn, but do not know which one I should take. I ultimately would like to work in the corporate sector of a big law firm. As of now, I would like to be in Chicago and work at a firm there. Obviously UPenn is ranked higher and is a more prestigious school, but do not know if that ultimately means I have a better shot. Any advice would be great. Thank you all.

For Chicago, NU > Penn imo

If you are targeting Chicago, Northwestern is the better choice.

CanadianWolf wrote:If you are targeting Chicago, Northwestern is the better choice.

OP here: Do you think I would have almost the same chances at UPenn? Also, do you think that UPenn is a better choice in the long run because of the more markets open to the alumni v. NU which is really more regional?

If willing to consider NYC & Philadelphia, Penn is the better choice. But, NU for Chicago employers. Penn's overall placement numbers are amazing.

I know someone who works at career services in NU, no joke. Call the school and ask how transfers do at placing Big Law in Chicago. I know it sounds like they won't be honest, but I've had schools tell me that they aren't a good fit for what I want.

CanadianWolf wrote:If willing to consider NYC & Philadelphia, Penn is the better choice. But, NU for Chicago employers. Penn's overall placement numbers are amazing.

Thank you for your help. I know as of now that Chicago is where I want to be, but that could always change after a few years of experience at a corporate firm. With that being said, if I am not positive I want to live in Chicago the rest of my life, would you think UPenn is a safer choice? Honestly I believe NU is the best choice for what I currently want, but everyone I talk to says that it is a stupid choice over UPenn.

What school you went to won't help with lateraling generally speaking, so focus on where you want to be placed out of law school, in this case NW makes sense for Chicago.

Penn is the safer choice for East Coast employment, including DC. Northwestern places well in Chicago. A comparison of their placement numbers should be a significant factor in your decision. Have you looked at Law School Transparency ? Also, your primary concern should be for the immediate future as law school is important for your first few years after getting your JD. After several years, the fact that you have a T-14 law degree from either Penn or Northwestern is less important than what you have accomplished since graduating law school.
It would be most helpful to get info. from others who have transferred to these schools re: job placement. I know that Columbia transfers do very well at OCI, but I cannot speak for Penn & NU transfers. Also, FWIW, most biglaw jobs are on the East Coast.