Wisconsin-Madison 1L Taking Questions Forum

[theavrock]

Do any of you know how generous Madison is with in state students for scholarships? There is barely any info on LSN to get any sort of idea for us Wisconsinites. I know in state tuition is already pretty cheap, but I'm hoping they still try to throw some incentives to attend next fall.

PM'ed

What Gail is the perception and UW is tight on scholarships in general, but in state students do get schollys and when coupled with the dirt cheap tuition can make it pretty cheap.

As to the will be getting cheaper. I am assuming the reference is to the $250 million in budget cuts. While this will have effects on other parts of the system I wouldn't put a ton of stock in that affecting scholly's for the law school.

[wisc14]

Some questions:

- How is the LGBT community there? Are there a good amount of gay bars/nightlife? What about on campus?

- I want to go into criminal law. Generally, how is the job outlook for this? Are 1Ls able to easily secure internships?

- What are the main job markets that WI feeds into?

Thanks!

The LGBT community is horrible. There are gay bars/nightlife, but Madison has one of the worst gay scenes in the nation. There is a new gay bar Sotto that is hardly crowded. Another popular place, Plan B, is always crowded with straight females.

There is a LGBT group at the law school. It is small, which makes you wonder how many law students are closeted.

Crim Law - the legal market is barely hiring. You will have to show a strong interest in public service work, have competitive grades, or network. Otherwise, you are facing a tough legal market. The word "easy" should not be in your vocabulary when it comes to legal employment. You will need to hustle.

Wisconsin feeds into cities in Wisconsin - Milwaukee & Madison. And Minneapolis/Chicago on a lighter scale. If you are wanting to work outside of the midwest, you will have a hill to climb and Wisconsin might not be for you.

[wisc14]

1. How awesome is Madison?
2. On the same note, are you ever bothered by the raucous undergrads?
3. Do you have a sense for how competitive the student body is?

Thanks!

1) Madison is a great college town. However, it is not a place I would want to call home for the summer or long term.
2) Yes, the undergrads can be problematic depending on where you live. The closer to campus - the more of an issue they are.
3) The student body is naturally competitive because this is law school. First year is graded on a curve. However, you can find people who will share notes, teach you the material, or answer any questions that you have. I never feel that I'm truly competing with my classmates. I just feel I need to do well because there is a curve.

[wisc14]

I applied recently and am really interested in the L.E.O program. Can any of you shed some light on it? Is there a good amount of diversity? Also are there a good amount of firms doing O.C.I? Is there enough time in 1L to go tail gating and watching the football games? Any advice would be welcomed!

L.E.O is nothing too spectacular. However, it is good to meet new people, especially if you are a minority. Also, L.E.O has programs to help you succeed (for example, tutoring for Contracts).

No. There is not a good amount of firms doing O.C.I. These positions won't be available to you unless you have strong grades (i.e. Top 10-25%). You will most likely find a job by hustling.

Yes. First semester is overrated. The key to success in law school is not studying your ass off per se. Also, you do not need to know too much of the law to do well. People will tell you to outline, don't. It is a waste of time. I watched football every weekend, minus two weekends where it was against cupcake teams. I encourage you to go to games. It is what makes Wisc unique.

[wisc14]

Bump

No need to bump after five hours. We'll get to you.

I'm not in LEO, but I know a bunch of people who are, and it is a pretty diverse group. I'm a white dude, but I'm eligible to join anyways, just chose not to. Same goes for the various student groups; I know non-URM in the Black Law Students Association, non-Jewish in the Jewish Law Students Association, non-LGBT in QLaw, and so on. So there IS plenty of diversity, and it's not limited to a bunch of small groups hanging out only amongst themselves.

A white guy joined BLSA? LOLOL

lol. I didn't. But they recruited me. Face-to-face.

BLSA is one of the best ran groups at the law school. They send their participants to events across the country (sometimes for free) and always have food at their events (not just pizza). Additionally, they have exam preparation workshops and are a NATIONAL organization with clout. You are a fool not to take advantage of BLSA.

[wisc14]

Do any of you know how generous Madison is with in state students for scholarships? There is barely any info on LSN to get any sort of idea for us Wisconsinites. I know in state tuition is already pretty cheap, but I'm hoping they still try to throw some incentives to attend next fall.

If you bring the heat - strong academic credentials and LSAT, Wisconsin will show you the money. Additionally, Wisconsin favors applicants who are underrepresented - ethnicity, students from rural communities, low income, etc. If this is you, you are encouraged to apply.

[tooswolle]

I applied recently and am really interested in the L.E.O program. Can any of you shed some light on it? Is there a good amount of diversity? Also are there a good amount of firms doing O.C.I? Is there enough time in 1L to go tail gating and watching the football games? Any advice would be welcomed!

L.E.O is nothing too spectacular. However, it is good to meet new people, especially if you are a minority. Also, L.E.O has programs to help you succeed (for example, tutoring for Contracts).

No. There is not a good amount of firms doing O.C.I. These positions won't be available to you unless you have strong grades (i.e. Top 10-25%). You will most likely find a job by hustling.

Yes. First semester is overrated. The key to success in law school is not studying your ass off per se. Also, you do not need to know too much of the law to do well. People will tell you to outline, don't. It is a waste of time. I watched football every weekend, minus two weekends where it was against cupcake teams. I encourage you to go to games. It is what makes Wisc unique.

Sucks to hear that they aren't as awesome as the pamphlets make it sound. Of course it is something that's grabbed my attention as well as the summer minority clerkship program offered by the state bar. Does anybody know how much clout the hispanic law student association has? Or any events they do? Does any body know how things have improved with the marginal economic recovery? As for football; that is actually one of the things I'm looking forward to if I get accepted. Wisconsin plays good football and watching that live would be awesome. Also how are the ladies (don't mean to be a chauvinist but you know it's a crucial thing haha)

[Kaves]

1. How awesome is Madison?
2. On the same note, are you ever bothered by the raucous undergrads?
3. Do you have a sense for how competitive the student body is?

Thanks!

1) Madison is a great college town. However, it is not a place I would want to call home for the summer or long term.
2) Yes, the undergrads can be problematic depending on where you live. The closer to campus - the more of an issue they are.
3) The student body is naturally competitive because this is law school. First year is graded on a curve. However, you can find people who will share notes, teach you the material, or answer any questions that you have. I never feel that I'm truly competing with my classmates. I just feel I need to do well because there is a curve.

For what its worth this is just one persons opinion. I know myself and a lot of my friends at the law school are looking forward to the summer in Madison a great deal. In fact I think a lot of us share the opinion that it is the best place to spend the summer. As far as the undergrads, in the big complexes they can be loud, if you want to avoid that stay out of the big complexes on University and you will be ok.

[Panther7]

(2L here)

A few clarifications:

The URM programs at Wisc are good imo (although i'm an outsider). They don't seem like much, but the best jobs I heard of from my classmates were all Diversity positions (very good jobs, I might add). They do place minorities very well. I seriously wish I had been able to access those resources.

For the person asking about LBGT (i think i got that acronym right), I think prior criticisms are a little harsh. There are several options for someone into that scene (I can name 4-5 bars off the top of my head that are considered "gay bars"). I've never noticed anything negative towards QLaw from any student.

Madison is awesome in the summer. Parking sucks, but the public transit system is good enough that you don't need a car if you don't want one (I don't). You can also live within walking distance to the school and never need a car.

Our criminal law program is spectacular. Our clinicals are great, I'm currently in one and it's hands on work during my second year. I have real clients where I make real decisions, file my own briefs, and counsel clients in state prisons. Everyone in the criminal law system knows who we are and is familiar with our programs.

We also have a really awesome judicial internship program for those who don't secure jobs in clinicals or at firms. They will place 1L's with Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices and the local Federal Judges. These are incredible experience. I did one my 1L summer and it has gotten me interviews that I had no business getting. Also, there is no better feeling than seeing something you wrote published in a reporter.

That said, our LRW program blows. Our class was the first to go through this new system, and there were numerous complaints. I know they are in the process of making some significant changes to the department. It's enough that you'll be able to learn how to do it during your summer jobs, but you're definitely behind in this aspect. My one complaint about the education. Everything else has been spectacular.

[17ShortFuse]

(2L here)

A few clarifications:

The URM programs at Wisc are good imo (although i'm an outsider). They don't seem like much, but the best jobs I heard of from my classmates were all Diversity positions (very good jobs, I might add). They do place minorities very well. I seriously wish I had been able to access those resources.

For the person asking about LBGT (i think i got that acronym right), I think prior criticisms are a little harsh. There are several options for someone into that scene (I can name 4-5 bars off the top of my head that are considered "gay bars"). I've never noticed anything negative towards QLaw from any student.

Madison is awesome in the summer. Parking sucks, but the public transit system is good enough that you don't need a car if you don't want one (I don't). You can also live within walking distance to the school and never need a car.

Our criminal law program is spectacular. Our clinicals are great, I'm currently in one and it's hands on work during my second year. I have real clients where I make real decisions, file my own briefs, and counsel clients in state prisons. Everyone in the criminal law system knows who we are and is familiar with our programs.

We also have a really awesome judicial internship program for those who don't secure jobs in clinicals or at firms. They will place 1L's with Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices and the local Federal Judges. These are incredible experience. I did one my 1L summer and it has gotten me interviews that I had no business getting. Also, there is no better feeling than seeing something you wrote published in a reporter.

That said, our LRW program blows. Our class was the first to go through this new system, and there were numerous complaints. I know they are in the process of making some significant changes to the department. It's enough that you'll be able to learn how to do it during your summer jobs, but you're definitely behind in this aspect. My one complaint about the education. Everything else has been spectacular.

+1

[wisc14]

(2L here)

A few clarifications:

The URM programs at Wisc are good imo (although i'm an outsider). They don't seem like much, but the best jobs I heard of from my classmates were all Diversity positions (very good jobs, I might add). They do place minorities very well. I seriously wish I had been able to access those resources.

For the person asking about LBGT (i think i got that acronym right), I think prior criticisms are a little harsh. There are several options for someone into that scene (I can name 4-5 bars off the top of my head that are considered "gay bars"). I've never noticed anything negative towards QLaw from any student.

Madison is awesome in the summer. Parking sucks, but the public transit system is good enough that you don't need a car if you don't want one (I don't). You can also live within walking distance to the school and never need a car.

Our criminal law program is spectacular. Our clinicals are great, I'm currently in one and it's hands on work during my second year. I have real clients where I make real decisions, file my own briefs, and counsel clients in state prisons. Everyone in the criminal law system knows who we are and is familiar with our programs.

We also have a really awesome judicial internship program for those who don't secure jobs in clinicals or at firms. They will place 1L's with Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices and the local Federal Judges. These are incredible experience. I did one my 1L summer and it has gotten me interviews that I had no business getting. Also, there is no better feeling than seeing something you wrote published in a reporter.

That said, our LRW program blows. Our class was the first to go through this new system, and there were numerous complaints. I know they are in the process of making some significant changes to the department. It's enough that you'll be able to learn how to do it during your summer jobs, but you're definitely behind in this aspect. My one complaint about the education. Everything else has been spectacular.

I would like to reiterate that the Madison gay scene is atrociously boring. Yes, there are a number of gay bars/clubs, however, that does not mean anything. As stated, one of the premiere clubs is Plan B, which is highly populated with straight females. Any respectable gay man will tell you that the gay nightlife in Madison is horrific. The crowds are small. Everyone knows everyone. If you are looking for a respectable gay scene, your only hope is that Minneapolis and Chicago are 2.5 - 4 hours away.

QLaw - if you are looking for a progressive gay scene at the law school, you won't find it. There is a LGBT community, so you won't be alone, but if you want a progressive student body, try NYU. The scene here is zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

[Dick Dastardly]

Bumping because I'm bored, and decided to log into TLS.

I can't speak to the gay scene at all, but I've been impressed with the LEO organizations. At the bare, bare minimum, you can count on an extra half-day of orientation, some sort of outline bank, some easy ways to meet upperclassmen, at least one annual organized function where you have a built-in excuse to go introduce yourself to LEO alumni (some of whom are influential), and the chance to throw your hat in the ring for some of the legit diversity employment opportunities. I'm not sure WTF wisc14 meant by "LEO is nothing special." Maybe he was referring to "LEO" as the umbrella title under which all the LEO organizations operate (e.g., BALSA, APALSA-SALSA, ILSA, etc.), rather than including the groups themselves. As a whole, the programs are run very well, and provide a lot of opportunities.

Oh, and because I'll be brave enough to anonymously answer tooswole's last question: the ladies of the law school are pretty solid, but probably not a group disproportionately hot, compared to some places. There are a few ranging from "hot enough" to "whoa." But (and I think this advice is good no matter where you go) try not to have too much sex with your classmates: gossipers gotta gossip. That is why god invented undergrad girls and med students.

[Panther7]

That is why god invented undergrad girls and med students.

Pretty Much.

Not to say law girls aren't attractive, but to be honest,at the end of the day the last thing i want to have in common is law school. Just Sayin.

[tyro]

What percentage of students make the Wisconsin LR? From the website it looks like they aim for about 15% or 40 students but I'm not really sure if I'm calculating it right.

[theavrock]

That is correct. Around 40 people. It is solely write on, no grade on. The top 10 people in the class are reserved a spot if they are in the top 2/3 of the write on competition (i believe). If those aren't the exact numbers its something close to that.

[HappyMadison]

Can anyone that currently attends Wisconsin tell me about the admissions and what it was like for you? I know the LSAT is around the range for other schools similarly ranked, but my question is about the 3rd and 4th things they say they look for on the admissions site (being diverse, and being a Wisconsin resident), and if anyone can comment on those that would be appreciated (how much it could potentially help, etc.).