Not entirely sure how law school works (location-wise) Forum

[senorhosh]

I don't understand how ~T14 are "national" schools. Since your first year is important for being hired during the sumer and hence, a permanent job later, how does it work for national schools?

For example, if someone goes to Cornell or Northwestern but wants to practice in California, wouldn't his summer position be useless (besides "experience") for a secure job? I'm guessing it's the name of the school that gets you nationwide?

Also how does it work for higher ranked schools (T20+)? Are you stuck in that state forever?

[nealric]

If the Cornell person is looking to work in California, they would summer in California.

You are not stuck in a state for ever from a lower-ranked school, but it is much more likely you will end up for a local-type employer and with a local network.

[Grizz]

Think of it this way: all law schools are regional.

Where you can get a job after school is a function of 1) your grades, 2) your ties to the area you're targeting, and 3) your school's prestige in the area you are targeting.

[senorhosh]

so basically, you want to apply to a school within a certain mile radius of where you want to work after graduation? (and the rest of your life I'm guessing?)

[omninode]

so basically, you want to apply to a school within a certain mile radius of where you want to work after graduation? (and the rest of your life I'm guessing?)

It's not quite as simple as a mile radius. Every job market has certain schools that feed into it more than others. It does not always correspond to how close they are geographically. You will have to do a little research into the schools you are considering. That is why you see a lot of posts on TLS asking questions like "Is X or Y school better for Chicago placement?"

[senorhosh]

so how difficult is it to relocate while practicing?
I'm assuming relocating means losing most, if not all, of your network, and having to retake the BAR.

Since I've been in CA my whole life, I'd like to practice elsewhere. But I also would like the option of moving back if I absolutely despise the changes.

How difficult would it be to move back to CA after practicing in NY or Chicago for a couple years?