Top Law Schools

I've always wondered what happens to these people. I'm assuming since they went to top schools they still get small/mid law jobs or just PI stuff?

Very curious myself...

First, you are interpreting the stats wrong. Simply because 70% of a class gets big law does not mean that that is the top 70% (this is never the case). Therefore, you question would be, what do people do from T14s that don't get big law, federal clerkships, federal government, and desirable PI.

Second, the answer to that question varies significantly. Some of them work for their relatives. Some of them work for state government or small firms. Some don't enter the legal profession. Some do fellowships. Some get other advanced degrees. Essentially, outcomes that people from any other school could get. This is part of the reason why a lot of people are so down when they miss the big law (and comparable job) train at these schools - after they miss it, their job opportunities are not any different than students of any other law school and as the National Jurist reported, the value of a T14 degree erodes over time. Thus, once you miss the boat, you have a very limited advantage over someone who didn't. This is why OCI is so important at those schools versus non-T14 schools (bc that is where the advantage is).

I'm assuming mid-law and boutiques become a viable option. While the law review student from the local TTT might always have priority and an in with those firms, I imagine that someone carrying a prestigious degree who solicits an interview through mailing or otherwise can at least get their foot in the door for a call back if a job exists.

nah, probably decent gigs if you interview well and hustle your ass off. I assume you're not HYS - they'll still have a good shot at biglaw. CCN though.....sketchy.

If you're in this spot after Spring start preparing an absurd number of mass mails immediately.

I'll tell you in 9 months! ZZZZZZZZING!

or...small firms and non-prestigious PI.

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