Define "Ties" Forum

[SPE155]

There is always a lot of discussion of needing ties to a specific area, state, etc. to get jobs from schools outside T14 and even for some within the T14, but I'm curious as to how close any tie needs to be or how you define ties to an area. For instance, I think one of the most insular markets is SC, so you need to have big ties to SC to think about cracking into let's say Charleston. Do these ties need to be within the legal community only? Like if I went to The Citadel for ug (which is a big deal in Charleston apparently), but didn't have connections to the Charleston legal market, would my connection to the Citadel be a worthy tie to SC?

Please don't harp on the SC/Citadel example above, it is only an example to try to launch a discussion. We can use any number of similar state/school/etc. connection to get the same point across, but the real question is do ties need to be legal market specific to be meaningful? If not, what alternatives would fit the definition of ties to an area which would benefit employment?

[Teoeo]

Ties don't have to be to the legal community. The reasons firms care about ties (mainly) is to avoid having associates move somewhere else after they have invested a lot of money in them.

[Ludo!]

From my experience "ties" don't really have anything to do with ties to the legal market, just ties to the geographic area that give you a reason to want to practice there long term. Especially in smaller markets, firms want to make sure you don't work there for a month and then decide you hate living in the area and want to leave. Going to undergrad in the area is probably enough of a connection. The important thing is that if/when you are asked about it in interviews you really sell why you want to live there.

[20130312]

Try using the search function. This exact same thread popped up earlier this week.

Because I'm nice, here it is: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 2&t=178650

Also useful: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 1&t=178938

[SPE155]

Try using the search function. This exact same thread popped up earlier this week.

Because I'm nice, here it is: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 2&t=178650

Also useful: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 1&t=178938

Thanks.