Top Law Schools

rudejudethedude wrote:Hello, this is my first post.

Coming from a so-cal t-4, ranked in the top 9%, 1 CALI award, at 65% scholarship right now (hopefully up to 75-80% if I can negotiate).
I locked down a Law Clerk position with the city’s largest tax law firm for the summer, and they want me to continue through my JD, with potential to hire when I finish. I have submitted transfer applications to UCLA/USC/Loyola/USD/UCI/UCHastings.

My real question is first, what are my chances of getting into UCLA and USC? I know I have a good shot at Loyola and I am for sure about USD.
Second, is it even worth transferring?

I have a potential job lined up, and could graduate with minimal debt. I would be giving up the scholarship and law review if I transferred, so I understand there are benefits of staying at the T4. However, I heard that USD offers academic merit scholarships for transfers, but I can’t imagine it being that much.

My hopes are to land a big law job. I have 6 years of prior professional work experience as an Accountant on my resume, and I will have my CPA by the time I graduate. I don’t think finding a job at one of the big four, or big law would be an issue with a better name behind my JD.
I’ve talked with a co-worker who graduated from UCLA who thought it would be a good idea to graduate with the least amount of debt possible, work at this firm for a year, and then lateral into big law. (Literally, exactly what the guy did).

Thank you in advance!

eyeofvigilence wrote:

rudejudethedude wrote:Hello, this is my first post.

Coming from a so-cal t-4, ranked in the top 9%, 1 CALI award, at 65% scholarship right now (hopefully up to 75-80% if I can negotiate).
I locked down a Law Clerk position with the city’s largest tax law firm for the summer, and they want me to continue through my JD, with potential to hire when I finish. I have submitted transfer applications to UCLA/USC/Loyola/USD/UCI/UCHastings.

My real question is first, what are my chances of getting into UCLA and USC? I know I have a good shot at Loyola and I am for sure about USD.
Second, is it even worth transferring?

I have a potential job lined up, and could graduate with minimal debt. I would be giving up the scholarship and law review if I transferred, so I understand there are benefits of staying at the T4. However, I heard that USD offers academic merit scholarships for transfers, but I can’t imagine it being that much.

My hopes are to land a big law job. I have 6 years of prior professional work experience as an Accountant on my resume, and I will have my CPA by the time I graduate. I don’t think finding a job at one of the big four, or big law would be an issue with a better name behind my JD.
I’ve talked with a co-worker who graduated from UCLA who thought it would be a good idea to graduate with the least amount of debt possible, work at this firm for a year, and then lateral into big law. (Literally, exactly what the guy did).

Thank you in advance!

I don't think it's worth it for USD or Loyola. Kids at median there don't even get jobs and get killed at OCI. Plus, there's plenty of Cal Western or Thomas Jefferson lawyers in San Diego if that's where you're at, and you can do okay if you're at the top.

You have a shot at WUSTL, Notre Dame, and Vandy, but not sure if you're interested in that.

IMO, USD and Loyola are definitely not worth it. Now that I think about it, you would probably get in to UCI. That might be okay.