UNC 1L taking questions Forum

[gdizz01]

2. A lot of people here seem to say a lot of stuff along the lines of "biglaw is difficult, but I don't care because I don't want biglaw." Is there anyone here on a biglaw track that can comment on their experiences, OCI, availability of 1L/2L internships in a corporate field, and placement into large firms in primary markets? Does anyone have any information as to rep among large NYC firms?
At OCI a most of the jobs were PI related, although I do remember a few big law firms were on the list. Hopefully someone who is interested in Big Law jumps on here to answer this for you.

3. Someone said that there are no class ranks. So what do you have, just grades with nothing to relate them to? Is there any system at all one can use to compare themselves to others? I'm not a gunner, but as I said am interested in large corporate work and clerkships, and obviously rankings are important to corporate firms and judges, so they have to be important to me by default.
Don't take this for gospel, but I believe that the top 10 students get their individual rank. After that the grade cutoffs for the top 10%, top 30% and top 50% are posted.

Sorry, I was only able to answer a few of the questions.

I wasn't attacking anyone or anything, I was just asking if there were people present with interests more in line with my own who could answer some Q's about it- that's all.


One more question- what have been the 1L's experiences with getting their fall semester grades in a timely fashion (and 2L's, did you have any issue with spring semester grade delays)? I've heard horror stories about certain profs at other schools basically never getting grades in until their students are no longer competitive for time-sensitive internship applications, transfer apps, etc....have there been any problems like this at UNC?

Thanks!!!

[IhateFoxHunting]

2. A lot of people here seem to say a lot of stuff along the lines of "biglaw is difficult, but I don't care because I don't want biglaw." Is there anyone here on a biglaw track that can comment on their experiences, OCI, availability of 1L/2L internships in a corporate field, and placement into large firms in primary markets? Does anyone have any information as to rep among large NYC firms?
At OCI a most of the jobs were PI related, although I do remember a few big law firms were on the list. Hopefully someone who is interested in Big Law jumps on here to answer this for you.

3. Someone said that there are no class ranks. So what do you have, just grades with nothing to relate them to? Is there any system at all one can use to compare themselves to others? I'm not a gunner, but as I said am interested in large corporate work and clerkships, and obviously rankings are important to corporate firms and judges, so they have to be important to me by default.
Don't take this for gospel, but I believe that the top 10 students get their individual rank. After that the grade cutoffs for the top 10%, top 30% and top 50% are posted.

Sorry, I was only able to answer a few of the questions.

I wasn't attacking anyone or anything, I was just asking if there were people present with interests more in line with my own who could answer some Q's about it- that's all.


One more question- what have been the 1L's experiences with getting their fall semester grades in a timely fashion (and 2L's, did you have any issue with spring semester grade delays)? I've heard horror stories about certain profs at other schools basically never getting grades in until their students are no longer competitive for time-sensitive internship applications, transfer apps, etc....have there been any problems like this at UNC?

Thanks!!!

What? Who said you were attacking anyone???

It felt like forever while I was waiting for grades, but really it wasn't that bad. I think I had them all a couple of weeks into the 2nd semester. The one prof who was supposedly always slow to grade was actually the first to get grades back to us

The only thing I know about UNC that is kinda not transfer friendly is their transcript policy. Basically they'll send 3 copies of your transcripts out (for transfer purposes), and after that you will have to meet with the dean in order for them to send out more (at least I think I read/heard this somewhere).

[beccabea]

I'm still trying to figure out the laptop stuff -- do you guys know if people have had trouble trying to use LexusNexus or WestLaw on a MacBook? Or any problems in general with using Macbooks at law school? I remember somebody from UGA telling me that there was some citation tool on Lexus that didn't work with MacBooks. I want this to not be true. :[

Not ignoring you, but I'm a PC Have to wait on someone else.

I'm a Mac. The only problem I have had is with Lexis. The actual research/site is seamless, but there is a plug-in for Word (Lexis for Word) that is weird on a Mac. It is technically compatible, but it is so awkward that I don't ever use it. But, if you wanted to spend an hour or two learning it, it would technically work with a Mac.

Otherwise, everything is completely fine, including the exam software. I would guess that around 50% of students use a Mac.

Thanks! Is this a useful enough tool so that I should rethink getting a Mac? (Right now I'm a PC, so it's not like staying on PC would be a huge inconvenience, there are just a lot of things about Macs that are tempting me to change.) Also, do you think the Lexis problem could be solved by running parallel operating systems?

[ZeroEll]

I'm still trying to figure out the laptop stuff -- do you guys know if people have had trouble trying to use LexusNexus or WestLaw on a MacBook? Or any problems in general with using Macbooks at law school? I remember somebody from UGA telling me that there was some citation tool on Lexus that didn't work with MacBooks. I want this to not be true. :[

Not ignoring you, but I'm a PC Have to wait on someone else.

I'm a Mac. The only problem I have had is with Lexis. The actual research/site is seamless, but there is a plug-in for Word (Lexis for Word) that is weird on a Mac. It is technically compatible, but it is so awkward that I don't ever use it. But, if you wanted to spend an hour or two learning it, it would technically work with a Mac.

Otherwise, everything is completely fine, including the exam software. I would guess that around 50% of students use a Mac.

Thanks! Is this a useful enough tool so that I should rethink getting a Mac? (Right now I'm a PC, so it's not like staying on PC would be a huge inconvenience, there are just a lot of things about Macs that are tempting me to change.) Also, do you think the Lexis problem could be solved by running parallel operating systems?

I don't think so, but again I haven't really used it so I might just be unaware of Lexis for Words usefulness. I took a 20 minute training on it, never used it again, and never felt like I was missing anything.

I know a lot of people use Bootcamp, and I assume it would work that way. I've never done it though. Sorry I can't be more helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.

[PDL]

.

[DeeCee]

When are you guys planning on moving to Chapel Hill?

August 1

[beccabea]

When are you guys planning on moving to Chapel Hill?

August 1

Have you and your SO figured out where you want to live, DeeCee?

[DeeCee]

When are you guys planning on moving to Chapel Hill?

August 1

Have you and your SO figured out where you want to live, DeeCee?

no, but we looked at Shadowood, which we liked. We also looked at Sunstone. Also, we looked at some of those places that were at the housing fair, but many of them were just way too expensive for us. We want to come back to CH in late May/early June and look at potential places in Carrboro before we sign a lease, that way we know we have looked everywhere we can think of. Have you looked at Glen Lennox? We weren't really keen on it.

[beccabea]

no, but we looked at Shadowood, which we liked. We also looked at Sunstone. Also, we looked at some of those places that were at the housing fair, but many of them were just way too expensive for us. We want to come back to CH in late May/early June and look at potential places in Carrboro before we sign a lease, that way we know we have looked everywhere we can think of. Have you looked at Glen Lennox? We weren't really keen on it.

I haven't had a chance to look at it yet, and I don't know when I will have time. :/ What didn't you like about it? It's probably where I'm going to end up just because I don't know the area and I can really only look at stuff online. It's okay, the place where I live now literally has water pour out of the vents in the ceiling when it rains too hard, and our landlords gave out way more parking passes than there are spaces, so my standards aren't very high. :] I just know myself too well to pretend that I'd be able to cope with a complicated/time-consuming route to school early in the morning.

[CloseToGood]

I lived in Shadowood for a while, about 8 yrs ago. It was totally decent, though I was more UG age back then so I can't vouch for my standards at the time. I have some friends who live in glen lenox now, and really like it. It was originally built for GI's after WWII, who were going to school through the GI bill. One of the earlier examples of American urban planning. If I didn't already own a house in the Triangle, I would probably choose glen lenox. It's also right down the hill from the law school, so you're looking at a 3 minute bus ride and getting dropped off right by the school. It would also be walkable if you found yourself holed up at the law school after hours. Try to get an end unit, if possible (since the 'neighbor' walls can be a bit on the thin side), but it's not the end of the world if you can't.

[DeeCee]

no, but we looked at Shadowood, which we liked. We also looked at Sunstone. Also, we looked at some of those places that were at the housing fair, but many of them were just way too expensive for us. We want to come back to CH in late May/early June and look at potential places in Carrboro before we sign a lease, that way we know we have looked everywhere we can think of. Have you looked at Glen Lennox? We weren't really keen on it.

I haven't had a chance to look at it yet, and I don't know when I will have time. :/ What didn't you like about it? It's probably where I'm going to end up just because I don't know the area and I can really only look at stuff online. It's okay, the place where I live now literally has water pour out of the vents in the ceiling when it rains too hard, and our landlords gave out way more parking passes than there are spaces, so my standards aren't very high. :] I just know myself too well to pretend that I'd be able to cope with a complicated/time-consuming route to school early in the morning.

I seriously think you should look at it in person and make sure you are OK with it before you commit. On the outside the homes looked depressing/old/military-ish to me, not so much like the picture online. Also, when we drove through, it was the middle of the day on a Saturday and all the parking was full on the street and in the spots. A lot of cars were banged up, I take it from parking on the street, and I have a relatively new vehicle that I'm not willing to park on the street all the time.

Also, as a person who has major apartment problems, like you do with not having parking, I could just imagine myself going through parking issues again at GL. I don't have high standards either; hell I don't even have A/C right now. I just think for the same price there are nicer accommodations around town, IMO. And all the places I've looked are about 2 or so mi away and the bus comes to, so you have options.

[DeeCee]

I lived in Shadowood for a while, about 8 yrs ago. It was totally decent, though I was more UG age back then so I can't vouch for my standards at the time. I have some friends who live in glen lenox now, and really like it. It was originally built for GI's after WWII, who were going to school through the GI bill. One of the earlier examples of American urban planning. If I didn't already own a house in the Triangle, I would probably choose glen lenox. It's also right down the hill from the law school, so you're looking at a 3 minute bus ride and getting dropped off right by the school. It would also be walkable if you found yourself holed up at the law school after hours. Try to get an end unit, if possible (since the 'neighbor' walls can be a bit on the thin side), but it's not the end of the world if you can't.

I knew it looked like military housing! I kept telling my SO this.

[gdizz01]

Hey, does anyone know anything about the dual JD/MPP program with Duke, such as how selective it is for UNC Law students (ex I've heard for some school's JD/MBA programs so long as you're a law student doing well and have the numbers, the b-school basically takes everyone who wants to do it so you can almost just walk into it, while others put applicants through the same rigorous process as regular b-school applicants, and many don't make it)

Any other info such as people's impression of the program or any other anecdotes would be very welcome!

Thanks!!!

PS- if there are any OOS people here looking for a/roomate/s for an apartment very near or easily accessible to the law school, PM me! Thanks everyone, definately looking forward to my arrival in NC!!

[beccabea]

PS- if there are any OOS people here looking for a/roomate/s for an apartment very near or easily accessible to the law school, PM me! Thanks everyone, definately looking forward to my arrival in NC!!

Just curious, why do you specify OOS?

[beccabea]

Anybody have any idea how much time we have before Glen Lennox will fill up?

[narayan1121]

How has OCI been? I've visited twice and asked the same question, but didn't really get a straight answer. I'd like to know how many firms, where they were from, etc.

Also, has anyone had much contact with alums? Do they seem loyal to the school and willing to help out those that aren't in the top half of the class?

Any idea how the Charlotte market is, in general and for UNC grads? I've gotten into some higher ranked schools OOS, but I'd like to work in Charlotte so I'm considering UNC. Thanks to whomever can help me out.

[narayan1121]

Anybody have any idea how much time we have before Glen Lennox will fill up?

I swung by the office this weekend and they indicated that they generally have lots of space through June and even through July.

[DeeCee]

Anybody have any idea how much time we have before Glen Lennox will fill up?

I swung by the office this weekend and they indicated that they generally have lots of space through June and even through July.

Hey beccabea, I'd say this is true of the 5 or so apartments I visited. I was looking to get an apartment ASAP, but most informed me that they will not even know what is available August 1 until June 1, because they require their tenants to give a 60 day notice. If you want to move in July 1, then you should probably get something lined up around May 1 (just my thoughts here).

[gdizz01]

PS- if there are any OOS people here looking for a/roomate/s for an apartment very near or easily accessible to the law school, PM me! Thanks everyone, definately looking forward to my arrival in NC!!

Just curious, why do you specify OOS?

You know what, I don't know. I think I accidentally blended two thoughts when I wrote that: 1. Are there any OOS people looking for an apartment (i.e. who else is in the same boat as me, completely clueless, etc.); and 2. Are there any people looking for roomates. I know that's not at all what I wrote, but I come on this site very quickly at work, spit something out, and get off of it asap, so I didn't properly express my thoughts. Let me try again.

Is there anyone here looking for a roomate(s)?

There, that was much better. Also, could anyone provide a list of apartment communities and neighborhoods that are either within walking distance or are essentially directly serviced by a bus line that runs to the law school? I will not have a car at UNC (although it seems that it wouldn't help as a 1L even if I did) and like the person above me, I want as absolutely simple a commute as possible, but I can't really find a resource that specifically says what neighborhoods I really want to be looking at- although I've heard glen lenox houses a significant number of law students, I haven't heard the same about any other areas. Thanks!

[fish tacos]

There, that was much better. Also, could anyone provide a list of apartment communities and neighborhoods that are either within walking distance or are essentially directly serviced by a bus line that runs to the law school? I will not have a car at UNC (although it seems that it wouldn't help as a 1L even if I did) and like the person above me, I want as absolutely simple a commute as possible, but I can't really find a resource that specifically says what neighborhoods I really want to be looking at- although I've heard glen lenox houses a significant number of law students, I haven't heard the same about any other areas. Thanks!

Alta Springs, Southern Village, and Meadowmont are popular grad school options. There are lots of others, but those tend to attract an older crowd (they are also a bit further away than most UG apartment complexes, which sounds like it may be a negative in your book).

[predent/prelaw]

UNC is such a crummy school why would anyone want to be a tarheel?

[skw]

How has OCI been? I've visited twice and asked the same question, but didn't really get a straight answer. I'd like to know how many firms, where they were from, etc.

Also, has anyone had much contact with alums? Do they seem loyal to the school and willing to help out those that aren't in the top half of the class?

Any idea how the Charlotte market is, in general and for UNC grads? I've gotten into some higher ranked schools OOS, but I'd like to work in Charlotte so I'm considering UNC. Thanks to whomever can help me out.

I live in the Triangle and have since graduating 12 years ago. As to your first question: UNC alums are FIERCELY loyal to their school. This applies to undergrad and grad alums. I'm not sure how willing they'd be to put their rep on the line for a bottom half-er if they don't know you, but you'll have 3 years at law school to network with local alums, and once they know you, they will be more likely to go the extra mile in recommending you.

The Charlotte market is touch and go (aren't they all right now), but improving. Some of the major banks folded, but new companies are opening all the time and it is one of the 2 hot-beds of finance in the good old South. Since corporate law is big in Charlotte, the launch of new companies and the expansion of existing ones is good for the legal market. (To those trolling, yes I know 'big' is relative -- as in NC is not NY or LA -- no need to educate me on this ) I suspect by 2014 graduation, there will be sufficient employment for legal grads in Charlotte.

Just curious -- why Charlotte over the Triangle for the long term? I have a sister who lives in Charlotte, so I've spent a good bit of time there, and I'm hands down staying in the Triangle. I like everything about it better...

[DeeCee]

UNC is such a crummy school why would anyone want to be a tarheel?

again, troll.jpg

[LSATfromNC]

At this point I don't know of anyone without a summer job, but I'm sure they exist somewhere. From who I know about 2/3 got their job from OCI (as did I), and most of the others got theirs through family/friends. I think a majority of the students are working unpaid internships, but will probably get a little cash from the school. I have a low paying government job that I'm willing to bet has gone to a UNC law student for at least the last 10 years if not longer.

So can you get something from OCI at this point in the economy? Probably. Will you be eating Ramen all summer? Probably.

Can't really speak for the 3L's because I don't really talk to that many, but the few that I do know, most have something lined up. The only one I know of for certain that is struggling with finding something is "extremely" laid back, and I have the feeling that shows in her grades and work ethic. Again, I don't really know that many, and the few I talk to could be the only one's with jobs.

[beccabea]

How did the current students on here end up finding roommates for 1L?