Top Law Schools

Hey All,

Rising 2L here. I go to a T3 in NY. Just got into Pepperdine for next year, with a top 20 school in Socal still pending. I would be able to go for free at Pepperdine b/c I was prior Military, but would have a pay about 20,000 out of pocket if I attend the top 20 school. My goal is to practice in California when I'm done. However, I have a great set up here in NY, feel very comfortable that I could finish high in my class, and get a relatively good job out law school. Also, I am not paying anything at my current school either. My goal is too be involved with Intl Business in some fashion, and if I'm going to do BigLaw it would have to be on the West Coast, so I could hike and play on the mountains with any free time they gave me off.

I was wondering:
1) How well Pepperdine places in different areas of the state?
I would prefer NorCal honestly, but get the indication that SF is a long shot.

2) How much easier is it to place in a secondary market, i.e. Sacramento, even San Diego from Pepperdine, say middle of the class, as opposed to finishing high at a T3 from NY?

3) It is worth giving up a journal? and being the President of one the biggest associations at my current law school?

4) Clerkship opportunities at Pepperdine v. Top 20 Socal school?

5) Should I go?

Any and all advice will be much appreciated!

Anonymous User wrote:Hey All,

Rising 2L here. I go to a T3 in NY. Just got into Pepperdine for next year, with a top 20 school in Socal still pending. I would be able to go for free at Pepperdine b/c I was prior Military, but would have a pay about 20,000 out of pocket if I attend the top 20 school. My goal is to practice in California when I'm done. However, I have a great set up here in NY, feel very comfortable that I could finish high in my class, and get a relatively good job out law school. Also, I am not paying anything at my current school either. My goal is too be involved with Intl Business in some fashion, and if I'm going to do BigLaw it would have to be on the West Coast, so I could hike and play on the mountains with any free time they gave me off.

I was wondering:
1) How well Pepperdine places in different areas of the state?
I would prefer NorCal honestly, but get the indication that SF is a long shot.

2) How much easier is it to place in a secondary market, i.e. Sacramento, even San Diego from Pepperdine, say middle of the class, as opposed to finishing high at a T3 from NY?

3) It is worth giving up a journal? and being the President of one the biggest associations at my current law school?

4) Clerkship opportunities at Pepperdine v. Top 20 Socal school?

5) Should I go?

Any and all advice will be much appreciated!

Definitely not worth it for Pepperdine. Pepperdine is only 7% BigLaw. You'd be better off going to Loyola than Pepperdine if you're aiming for BigLaw. Your opportunities will increase dramatically by going to the Top 20 school. I'm guessing you're thinking of USC/UCLA? Those would be worth the 20k out of pocket, no question.

I'd go for the Top 20 school or bust. I'm transferring out of a CA TT school, and the employment prospects for people outside the top 20% do not look great. I wouldn't recommend transferring in to any CA TT school.

Im not really into biglaw. I just want to be in a nice location, and make okay money. My only debt will be what I take out for living expenses. I fell in love with California when I was stationed out there, and really would love to move back. If Pepperdine offers good job prospects in the state, even if it happens to be San Diego or Sacramento. I will pull the trigger. I'm just wondering if its worth starting all over and risking a sure bet at a good job albeit paired with an undesirable location (New York) for the uncertainty that transferring provides but the higher ceiling of being happy.

I dont necessarily want to practice law forever (but who knows). As of right now, my vision is too gain some international contracting / general business experience and start my own business. However, I do want all this to happen in California, and fear if I dont go out there now, passing the daunted cali bar will be even more of a bear. And looking into retirement, I like the idea of being able to move within the state I'm already barred in, to a desirable location to grow old, say Santa Barbara, and being able to pick up a client here or there, and pocket some cash to maintain.

Thanks for the advice.

mr.mizzou wrote:Im not really into biglaw. I just want to be in a nice location, and make okay money. My only debt will be what I take out for living expenses. I fell in love with California when I was stationed out there, and really would love to move back. If Pepperdine offers good job prospects in the state, even if it happens to be San Diego or Sacramento. I will pull the trigger. I'm just wondering if its worth starting all over and risking a sure bet at a good job albeit paired with an undesirable location (New York) for the uncertainty that transferring provides but the higher ceiling of being happy.

I dont necessarily want to practice law forever (but who knows). As of right now, my vision is too gain some international contracting / general business experience and start my own business. However, I do want all this to happen in California, and fear if I dont go out there now, passing the daunted cali bar will be even more of a bear. And looking into retirement, I like the idea of being able to move within the state I'm already barred in, to a desirable location to grow old, say Santa Barbara, and being able to pick up a client here or there, and pocket some cash to maintain.

Thanks for the advice.

If you get into the top 20 school it's a no brainer. I'd go. Why didn't u submit an app to USD? It places better in SD than Pepp/Loyola.

I think if you're inclined on living in CA, and tuition is free I'd transfer.

mr.mizzou wrote:Im not really into biglaw. I just want to be in a nice location, and make okay money. My only debt will be what I take out for living expenses. I fell in love with California when I was stationed out there, and really would love to move back. If Pepperdine offers good job prospects in the state, even if it happens to be San Diego or Sacramento. I will pull the trigger. I'm just wondering if its worth starting all over and risking a sure bet at a good job albeit paired with an undesirable location (New York) for the uncertainty that transferring provides but the higher ceiling of being happy.

I dont necessarily want to practice law forever (but who knows). As of right now, my vision is too gain some international contracting / general business experience and start my own business. However, I do want all this to happen in California, and fear if I dont go out there now, passing the daunted cali bar will be even more of a bear. And looking into retirement, I like the idea of being able to move within the state I'm already barred in, to a desirable location to grow old, say Santa Barbara, and being able to pick up a client here or there, and pocket some cash to maintain.

Thanks for the advice.

It sounds like you already have your mind made up then. Pepperdine isn't really going to place well in San Diego, though. Probably more the LA market. San Diego is pretty much USD, T20, or bust.

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