Top Law Schools

Hello all

I am currently a 1L at a school ranked in 50s on the West Coast. I have a 3.94 GPA and am unsure about class ranking, because my school only does it after the summer (I assume top 5-10% I had the highest score on two of three finals last semester in a section of 80+). I will be working at a federal district court this summer. I am considering applying to Chicago ED and wondering if I have a snowball's chance in hell? I have no ties to the area, but am interested in going because I am looking for more academic rigor. Post LS, I would like to clerk, then possibly do litigation somewhere, or teach.

I have a supportive partner who should be able to transfer within his company if we make a move. I would be giving up on $20k / yr in scholy for years 2 and 3.

So, why am I considering a transfer? I am pretty competitive, love challenges, and now that I am actually in LS, I am enjoying it and really want to see what I can do. Downside is that being a middle-aged 1L is no picnic, and starting over in a more competitive environment would be tough. I actually really like my school, but know that job prospects are tough when not coming from a top school. On the other hand, if I stay where I am, stay in top 10%, and do LR and moot court, I think I should be ok.

So, does anyone think I have a shot? Anyone know how UC looks at nontraditional students? (I have professional experience, but went to a small liberal arts college for undergrad). I like the ED option because it lets me know sooner and I can better plan for a move by not renewing current lease, journal write-on, etc.

Thanks.

I'm in a similar situation not as high GPA though. Congrats.

With your class rank, I wouldn't limit yourself to just UC. I'd apply to all the T10 and move to your favorite city. Judging from most of the responses here, you probably have a great shot at all but Yale.

Good luck

You should get in. I'd apply to Harvard also if a company transfer is feasible

Thanks. Are grades and a LOR the primary criteria they consider with transfers? My LSAT was not great (median).

DMBfan1 wrote:Thanks. Are grades and a LOR the primary criteria they consider with transfers? My LSAT was not great (median).

The former two are the primary criteria. LSAT only comes into the calculus really at HYS, and even there, only at the very margin...Good luck!

Academic rigor and more competition are bad reasons to transfer. Focus on your career goals. Which schools will set you up best for a federal clerkship? It is a tough question to answer. On one hand your current school may actually set you up best for a clerkship if you can get all the institutional backing they have to offer. On the other hand, going to a school in the CCN-HYS range gives you a better shot at landing a clerkship in general. One thing to keep in mind is that if you do transfer and pursue a clerkship you will likely be relying on a couple of LOR's from your original school. Just some food for thought.