Top Law Schools

I am interested in beginning my 2L year at one of the following two schools. My biggest fear is that I may get a job out of Emory that I could have gotten coming out of GSU (but with triple the debt). I interned this summer with a smaller firm and received an offer. Part of me is still interested in working at a mid/bigger sized firm. Part of me likes the atmosphere of a smaller firm. Is Emory really worth the tuition spike? Is leaving a practical safety net really worth the investment in prestige? I finished top 10% 1L year and won CALI awards for LWRA if that helps at all. Also, I'm not sure how pertinent this may be in making a decision, but I am a minority female. All [friendly] advice is welcome!

Emory Pro's:
Prestige
National Network
$51k yearly

Emory Con's:
EXPENSIVE
Less convenient

Georgia State Pro's:
Practical
Convenient
CHEAP $16k yearly
Brand New Facility
Strong GA network

Georgia State Con's:
Less prestige
Weak national network

Tmd445 wrote:I am interested in beginning my 2L year at one of the following two schools. My biggest fear is that I may get a job out of Emory that I could have gotten coming out of GSU (but with triple the debt). I interned this summer with a smaller firm and received an offer. Part of me is still interested in working at a mid/bigger sized firm. Part of me likes the atmosphere of a smaller firm. Is Emory really worth the tuition spike? Is leaving a practical safety net really worth the investment in prestige? I finished top 10% 1L year and won CALI awards for LWRA if that helps at all. Also, I'm not sure how pertinent this may be in making a decision, but I am a minority female. All [friendly] advice is welcome!

Emory Pro's:
Prestige
National Network
$51k yearly

Emory Con's:
EXPENSIVE
Less convenient

Georgia State Pro's:
Practical
Convenient
CHEAP $16k yearly
Brand New Facility
Strong GA network

Georgia State Con's:
Less prestige
Weak national network

If you're top 10% at GSU and an URM female I think you've got to be good just about any biglaw job in Atlanta. I transferred schools, but am not an URM. However, I noticed at my previous institution many URM students (that were not 10% or even close) got 1L SA's at biglaw firms (state flagship). I wouldn't do it if I wanted to stay in Atlanta tbh. If you want to venture out of GA, I'd consider it, but honestly I think you could get some interest even with your top 10% GSU URM status in other markets as well.

Honestly, It's too late now, but with your grades and a desire to practice in the south, I would have tried to apply to a T14 if you want biglaw outside of Atlanta.

I think you will be good to go at GSU with your stats. I don't think Emory is worth the $$$. Congratulations!!!!

foregetaboutdre wrote:

Tmd445 wrote:I am interested in beginning my 2L year at one of the following two schools. My biggest fear is that I may get a job out of Emory that I could have gotten coming out of GSU (but with triple the debt). I interned this summer with a smaller firm and received an offer. Part of me is still interested in working at a mid/bigger sized firm. Part of me likes the atmosphere of a smaller firm. Is Emory really worth the tuition spike? Is leaving a practical safety net really worth the investment in prestige? I finished top 10% 1L year and won CALI awards for LWRA if that helps at all. Also, I'm not sure how pertinent this may be in making a decision, but I am a minority female. All [friendly] advice is welcome!

Emory Pro's:
Prestige
National Network
$51k yearly

Emory Con's:
EXPENSIVE
Less convenient

Georgia State Pro's:
Practical
Convenient
CHEAP $16k yearly
Brand New Facility
Strong GA network

Georgia State Con's:
Less prestige
Weak national network

If you're top 10% at GSU and an URM female I think you've got to be good just about any biglaw job in Atlanta. I transferred schools, but am not an URM. However, I noticed at my previous institution many URM students (that were not 10% or even close) got 1L SA's at biglaw firms (state flagship). I wouldn't do it if I wanted to stay in Atlanta tbh. If you want to venture out of GA, I'd consider it, but honestly I think you could get some interest even with your top 10% GSU URM status in other markets as well.

Honestly, It's too late now, but with your grades and a desire to practice in the south, I would have tried to apply to a T14 if you want biglaw outside of Atlanta.

Thank you for the advice! That is extremely helpful. I am leaning towards GSU - I just didn't know if Emory's name was worth an extra 6 figures of debt!

Hutz_and_Goodman wrote:I think you will be good to go at GSU with your stats. I don't think Emory is worth the $$$. Congratulations!!!!

Thank you!