Indiana University - Bloomington students taking questions Forum

[aquasalad]

So, what can I expect for Orientation?

Boredom.

Get a good night of sleep. Do not stay at Sports until 4am. Ask me how I know.

[sporkdevil]

Employment prospects at IU-B suck. Even the few who get BigLaw are getting BigLaw in Indy at one of 3-4 firms. I don't know why anyone from outside the midwest would go here.

Patently false. Not saying IU tops employment stats, but they did manage to put up better stats than UI, Wisconsin, Notre Dame, and pretty sure GW-St. Louis. Not by a huge margin, but according to the data the ABA released, IU had better numbers than better and similarly ranked schools.

Good luck trying to find concrete big law numbers. They aren't really hiring anyone. Turns out they can pick up laterals for the same cost. I know some of the recent class picked up the high paying jobs in NY, DC, Chicago and (sigh) Indy, but there is also a portion of the top 10% who are still unemployed or severely underemployed.

Employment statistics are above average, and better (maybe slightly) than those similarly ranked law schools. I can't find the exact article, but it was linked at Above the Law and the WSJ law blog.

[ScottPilgrim]

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142 ... 58142.html

I think you meant the "JD required" field, but seems right.

[Chippy]

Employment prospects at IU-B suck. Even the few who get BigLaw are getting BigLaw in Indy at one of 3-4 firms. I don't know why anyone from outside the midwest would go here.

Patently false. Not saying IU tops employment stats, but they did manage to put up better stats than UI, Wisconsin, Notre Dame, and pretty sure GW-St. Louis. Not by a huge margin, but according to the data the ABA released, IU had better numbers than better and similarly ranked schools.

Good luck trying to find concrete big law numbers. They aren't really hiring anyone. Turns out they can pick up laterals for the same cost. I know some of the recent class picked up the high paying jobs in NY, DC, Chicago and (sigh) Indy, but there is also a portion of the top 10% who are still unemployed or severely underemployed.

Employment statistics are above average, and better (maybe slightly) than those similarly ranked law schools. I can't find the exact article, but it was linked at Above the Law and the WSJ law blog.

JD required means nothing by itself. Doc Review is JD required. I like what Law School Transparency does with the stats.


IU Large Firm score was 13% w/ 23 percent undermployment
Notre Dame was 20%
George Washington was 20% w/ only a 8.7 underemployment score
St. Louis was 17%

http://www.lawschooltransparency.com/

Granted, they all kind of suck. But IU is a slight tier below the schools you mentioned. The stats are closer to other big ten schools (30-50 range) than they are to the real T14.

As for my experience, outside the top 10 is a crap shoot. If you are in, you are ok. Otherwise, you better have a great personality and connections. Unlike T20/25 schools and more like low T1/high T2, there doesn't seem to be any room for error.

[Verity]

Anyone know when the write-on results come out? What do they tell you when you're notified?

[lawschoolgrapedme]

as a transfer out of IU, I can honestly say that employment stats are atrocious. I have friends in the top 5% that are unemployed for the summer, and knew several top 10% students who just graduated with no jobs.

The "biglaw" jobs referenced above aren't actually biglaw imo, but I guess each individual is free to define that term to comply with whatever point he/she is trying to make.

That is not to say that I did not enjoy my time in bloomington, and that it is not a great school full of wonderful students and profesorss. however, the fact remains that it doesn't place well in any geography, even its own state.

Having seen the difference in opportunityy between a top 5 and IU, i feel sorry for those left behind (unless they weree on full rides, but then they just get to graduate debt free and unemployed).

[JamesChapman23]

Looks like my stat about this year's employment was pretty well confirmed now. The employment situation is horrific but it seems like people prefer to talk about buying apple v. windows or the best place to park. learnallthelawz isn't me btw.

[Verity]

bump:

Anyone know when the write-on results come out? How are you notified? What do they tell you when you're notified?

[c-monster]

bump:

Anyone know when the write-on results come out? How are you notified? What do they tell you when you're notified?

This

[iowalum]

Summer starter here -

I have 2.5 weeks until my Torts final with Gjerdingen. Tips? I did a search and read that he wants as many issues as possible, but any other advice on him (or really just finals in general)?

[c-monster]

Summer starter here -

I have 2.5 weeks until my Torts final with Gjerdingen. Tips? I did a search and read that he wants as many issues as possible, but any other advice on him (or really just finals in general)?

I didn't have him, but there is a massive outline for his final, called son of tortzilla. If you don't have it (some of your classmates certainly do) message me with your e-mail address and I'll send it to you. Also, I always hear that with Gjerdingen the thing is to write as many words as possible. Just take everything you know about everything and spill it onto paper as quickly as you can.

[c-monster]

Summer starter here -

I have 2.5 weeks until my Torts final with Gjerdingen. Tips? I did a search and read that he wants as many issues as possible, but any other advice on him (or really just finals in general)?

I didn't have him, but there is a massive outline for his final, called son of tortzilla. If you don't have it (some of your classmates certainly do) message me with your e-mail address and I'll send it to you. Also, I always hear that with Gjerdingen the thing is to write as many words as possible. Just take everything you know about everything and spill it onto paper as quickly as you can.

Also, take as many practice exams as you can. Do them in the library preferably, in a full four-hour block (unless his exam is three hours). I know you still have a lot to study, but this will pay off. Do it and then read whatever practice exam examples he may have. Ask him if he will look at your completed practice exam or discuss it with you.

[iowalum]

Summer starter here -

I have 2.5 weeks until my Torts final with Gjerdingen. Tips? I did a search and read that he wants as many issues as possible, but any other advice on him (or really just finals in general)?

I didn't have him, but there is a massive outline for his final, called son of tortzilla. If you don't have it (some of your classmates certainly do) message me with your e-mail address and I'll send it to you. Also, I always hear that with Gjerdingen the thing is to write as many words as possible. Just take everything you know about everything and spill it onto paper as quickly as you can.

Damn, I was really hoping he would be into the concise answer thing. Maybe if I just quote Cardozo and Posner enough he'll be happy and give me an A.

[Verity]

Summer starter here -

I have 2.5 weeks until my Torts final with Gjerdingen. Tips? I did a search and read that he wants as many issues as possible, but any other advice on him (or really just finals in general)?

I didn't have him, but there is a massive outline for his final, called son of tortzilla. If you don't have it (some of your classmates certainly do) message me with your e-mail address and I'll send it to you. Also, I always hear that with Gjerdingen the thing is to write as many words as possible. Just take everything you know about everything and spill it onto paper as quickly as you can.

Damn, I was really hoping he would be into the concise answer thing. Maybe if I just quote Cardozo and Posner enough he'll be happy and give me an A.

don't do that

[Verity]

bump:

Anyone know when the write-on results come out? How are you notified? What do they tell you when you're notified?

This

second bump

[TommyK]

Anybody have suggestions for torts professor? Or probably more valuable - suggestions on which professor to not rank for torts?

[c-monster]

Anybody have suggestions for torts professor? Or probably more valuable - suggestions on which professor to not rank for torts?

I'm a big Heidt fan. Although Gjerdingen often comes recommended, a lot of things I've heard about him really turned me off. These include the fact that number of words typed is highly correlated to exam grade and that he doesn't seem to delve too deeply into cases. Heidt takes you deep into the theory of Torts. I've heard good things about Brown, too, but very different. Such as that he really addresses torts from a philosophical standpoint.

My list would be:

1. Heidt
2. Brown
3. Gjerdingen

[Verity]

Anybody have suggestions for torts professor? Or probably more valuable - suggestions on which professor to not rank for torts?

Brown does a 4/12 hour open notes exam (well, he lets you bring in one sheet of paper with whatever you can fit on it). You want to write a lot for him.

I think Gjerdy's is closed book; not sure about the time length either, but I do hear consistently that his exam is a typing contest.

Heidt is a 3-hour closed book exam, and he gives you a shit ton to read. Forget about learning the black-letter law in class; he spends most of class talking policy.

Each one has its pros and cons, and there's no way for you, as an 0L, to know which prof is better for you. Put their names in a hat and pick one at random.

[danquayle]

Anybody have suggestions for torts professor? Or probably more valuable - suggestions on which professor to not rank for torts?

I'm a big Heidt fan. Although Gjerdingen often comes recommended, a lot of things I've heard about him really turned me off. These include the fact that number of words typed is highly correlated to exam grade and that he doesn't seem to delve too deeply into cases. Heidt takes you deep into the theory of Torts. I've heard good things about Brown, too, but very different. Such as that he really addresses torts from a philosophical standpoint.

My list would be:

1. Heidt
2. Brown
3. Gjerdingen

Gjerdingen was my least favorite professor during my years. He thinks of himself as some kind of legal/philosophical mentor, not a law prof. He once said something like, "It's not my job to teach you the law, you learn that through reading the cases."

He also used to show up at Bluebird at like 2 AM.

[aquasalad]

Summer starter here -

I have 2.5 weeks until my Torts final with Gjerdingen. Tips? I did a search and read that he wants as many issues as possible, but any other advice on him (or really just finals in general)?

I didn't have him, but there is a massive outline for his final, called son of tortzilla. If you don't have it (some of your classmates certainly do) message me with your e-mail address and I'll send it to you. Also, I always hear that with Gjerdingen the thing is to write as many words as possible. Just take everything you know about everything and spill it onto paper as quickly as you can.

Damn, I was really hoping he would be into the concise answer thing. Maybe if I just quote Cardozo and Posner enough he'll be happy and give me an A.

don't do that

Lol def don't do that. The one person I know who quoted Cardozo on the summer start final got a B and knew pretty much everything.

[kruiz88]

Cardozo law student- Did any of you ever have a Ann Gellis? She is teaching a course at Cardozo and I am taking her for real estate transactions, and wanted to know of any thoughts or opinions. Thanks

[K Rock]

Bump.

[stars2134]

Hi,

I am considering doing the Summer Start program at IU-B. I want some opinions and would like to hear about some of your experiences with it. Here's what I've learned so far:

pros:
- ease in to law school environment with one class
- adjust to the area because no one is on campus during the summer
- "small" group of 70 people-- heard everyone becomes really close
- get torts out of the way--opportunity for an extra elective?

cons:
- start law school early
- heard that summer starters are the most competitive students of the entering class
- have to find a sublet
- tuition? does anyone know how this works? I have a scholarship, so does it apply to this?

any help is much appreciated!

[kay2016]

I would just say that finding a sublet will not be difficult... Maybe a hassle but definitely not difficult

[TommyK]

Hi,

I am considering doing the Summer Start program at IU-B. I want some opinions and would like to hear about some of your experiences with it. Here's what I've learned so far:

pros:
- ease in to law school environment with one class
- adjust to the area because no one is on campus during the summer
- "small" group of 70 people-- heard everyone becomes really close
- get torts out of the way--opportunity for an extra elective?

cons:
- start law school early
- heard that summer starters are the most competitive students of the entering class
- have to find a sublet
- tuition? does anyone know how this works? I have a scholarship, so does it apply to this?

any help is much appreciated!

Yeah, you're pretty much on the right track. Having one law school exam under your belt when preparing for your first semester exams is a nice benefit. If you don't do that well and get a B or B-, you have enough time to adjust your studying habits and learn how to take a law school exam. If you don't summer start and you learn these lessons after your first set of exams, that's 15 credit hours that are in the books.

Torts is a nice class to get out of the way, too. The class struck me as memorization-intensive, which would be nice to remove from your finals studying for Fall semester. Everybody who summer starts takes criminal procedure in its place in the Fall, which I would wager is less memorization intensive. You'll start knowing how to read and brief a case so your first few weeks in the Fall will be more productive (but that advantage will disappear as everybody else learns these skills as the semester wears on).

I guess the main drawback is that you're spending your summer doing not-so-fun things. Finding a sublet won't be hard at all. Tons of people take internships out of town for the summer and desperately want somebody to sublet their place. It's a buyer's market. I haven't heard that about the competitiveness re: summer starters and I'm not sure how you would quantify the classes comparative competitiveness. I think everybody is competitive the semester, but I didn't hear of anybody being nasty to each other.

I'm not sure if all scholarships cover it. That would be a question you would want to take up with the Admissions office. I know at least some do, but that was mentioned in the acceptance offer in my case.

I wanted to do it and wish I could have, but it didn't work out with my work schedule.