UC Irvine Law c/o 2019 Applicants (2015-2016) Forum

[spencercross]

Hey all! Admitted back in November GPA>75% LSAT=25%, unique softs, excellent undergrad institution. Wondering, has anyone had success negotiating scholarships. They must put a lot of emphasis on LSAT because I feel low balled compared to other offers. Problem is the offers I had were last year ( I had to withdraw due to personal circumstances). I made the mistake of not reapplying to similarly ranked schools that I lost interest in and I hadn't thought to use for negotiating. I honestly thought Irvine would've offered more. Anyway I do have one school offering me 75% + need but it is ranked 20 spots lower and is in a different state. Do you think Irvine would consider upping any? I genuinely am interested in the other school because of the $$. Any thoughts let me know!! And good luck to everyone!

I can't speak to this cycle, but they were extremely reticent to negotiate last year. Given that applications are up something like 40% this year folliwng the USNWR ranking, I'd guess they're probably even less likely. That said, it can't hurt to try. I was able to negotiate a bump last year, but it was hard fought and I had a lot of incentive to go to another school so it was an honest negotiation with lots of back and forth (not just "hey, any chance you can give me more money.")

Yeah me too. One thing I found was that if you negotiate after other schools require deposits you are more likely to be taken serious. Dont give up after one attempt. I recommend being courteous and respectful, but keep making your case for more money. However, sometimes they just max out and there is nothing more to be done. Also, if you go to ASW or visit they are more likely to take your interest as genuine. I raised my scholarship twice at specific points where I felt the opportunity was ripe. If they weren't budging I would back off and wait for another time.

Thanks! Also as far as housing goes, what do you all think of Verano Place vs. Palo Verde? Are either worth checking out? I've heard bad things (bad construction, domestic disputes, overall outdated) but for the price... in the area especially....they don't seem that bad. Any thoughts?

I commute from LA, so unfortunately I can't give you any insight into on-campus housing. I can definitely recommend against commuting from LA, though!

[calmtigers]

I commute from LA, so unfortunately I can't give you any insight into on-campus housing. I can definitely recommend against commuting from LA, though!

Thanks for all the info on raising schol, I'm currently waiting on Davis which I assume (hopefully) will be in with more money than Irvine. With the small difference in ranking and family housing in Sacramento it will make for a difficult decision, though I do want to work in So Cal.

As a assumed Irvine 1L would you say you were happy with the decision you made for Irvine over other schools/offers? Also maybe you can give us some insight on what might help convince us deciding for or against Irvine?

[zot1]

Not a 1L, but I'm happy I went to Irvine.

What helped me choose was simple: I saw UCI as the best school to help me accomplish my goals. I get that it might be cheaper to go somewhere else--just ask yourself which school will take you where you want to go.

[agent_hibachi]

Would love for a current or former student comment on the hiring success, or prospect of hiring, in LA from UCI. Given the fact that there are many higher ranked schools around California as well as a comparatively smaller legal market to other major cities, thus making it much more difficult for UCI grads, I'm skeptical of the likelihood of getting biglaw/mid-sized firms jobs unless you're in the top 10%. Nevertheless, what UCI's done in the recent few years is certainly impressive and has clearly drawn increased attention.

[Zotty11]

Southern California: UCI over Davis and its not even close

Northern California: Davis and its not close...unless you want a clerkship. The numbers are not even remotely similar if that is on your radar. If you are serious about a clerkship UCI over Davis.

[calmtigers]

Not a 1L, but I'm happy I went to Irvine.

What helped me choose was simple: I saw UCI as the best school to help me accomplish my goals. I get that it might be cheaper to go somewhere else--just ask yourself which school will take you where you want to go.

If you dont mind, what goals put UCI over Davis for significantly more money (assuming this was the case). Also what rate of students would you say go to Big Law?

[zot1]

Not a 1L, but I'm happy I went to Irvine.

What helped me choose was simple: I saw UCI as the best school to help me accomplish my goals. I get that it might be cheaper to go somewhere else--just ask yourself which school will take you where you want to go.

If you dont mind, what goals put UCI over Davis for significantly more money (assuming this was the case). Also what rate of students would you say go to Big Law?

That wasn't my specific situation. My point is that a good way to figure this out for yourself is to determine which school would help you achieve the goals you have in mind.

I originally wanted to work in some sort of government job. I didn't have a great idea of what that meant at the time. UCI's location would allow me to participate in externships during the year with several government entities either in LA or OC. UCI also emphasizes experiential learning and I knew government employers would take that into account during the hiring process. Also, I was personally concerned about law school's heavily competitive environment because I knew I didn't necessarily thrived in those environments. So I liked the school's warmer culture. I also thought the smaller class in general would allow for easier opportunities to get involved and easier access to faculty. All of that turned out to be true. I'm sure there were more stuff but of course I'm not remembering much right this second.

UCI I think places about 20% in biglaw plus 10-15% in clerkships. The clerkship people are either going to biglaw after the clerkship or hoping to. What you also have to account for is that unlike many students who go to the top20 (yes, I know Irvine is not top20), UCI doesn't draw an entire class of people who want to go to biglaw. There were a good amount of people in my class who were gunning for federal government or public interest jobs. So you can't just look at the stats and think only the top 30% of the class gets biglaw because a good amount of people in that 30% want other stuff.

I hope that helps.

[spencercross]

I commute from LA, so unfortunately I can't give you any insight into on-campus housing. I can definitely recommend against commuting from LA, though!

Thanks for all the info on raising schol, I'm currently waiting on Davis which I assume (hopefully) will be in with more money than Irvine. With the small difference in ranking and family housing in Sacramento it will make for a difficult decision, though I do want to work in So Cal.

As a assumed Irvine 1L would you say you were happy with the decision you made for Irvine over other schools/offers? Also maybe you can give us some insight on what might help convince us deciding for or against Irvine?

I'm 100% happy with my decision, but I'm a super non-traditional student and was making my decision under a very different set of considerations than most 0L's so the factors that decided it for me are not likely to analogize. That said, generally if you want to work in SoCal, then UCI is probably a better choice. If you want to work in northern CA and the Bay Area, then Davis is probably a better choice (mostly because UCI just doesn't have a robust alumni population in northern CA). It also depends on what kind of work you want to do. If you're interested in public interest/public service work, I'd have a hard time not recommending UCI over Davis.

[law1313]

Does anyone have a schedule or any details to share about the ASW this weekend? I don't see any times, events, etc. in the correspondence so far.

[ppt5]

Does anyone have a schedule or any details to share about the ASW this weekend? I don't see any times, events, etc. in the correspondence so far.

There was a tentative schedule attached to one of the reminder emails we got!

[ppt5]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/233179193698466/

2019 FB page!

Bump

[lawschool0070]

Any movement on the waitlist yet?

[LShopeful2016]

Any movement on the waitlist yet?

I was told from the school that they don't start looking at the WL until May

[middleawkward123]

Would you negotiate now (like asap) or after ASW this Fri & Sat.? I guess since it's already this week, it would not make a huge difference. But is one's chance of succeeding negotiation greater if done earlier than doing it about 2 weeks before submitting SIR? I am concerned that I should've sent my negotiation letter way early on instead of waiting till now...

Thanks!

[desperatedreams]

withdrew today good luck

[Zotty11]

Would you negotiate now (like asap) or after ASW this Fri & Sat.? I guess since it's already this week, it would not make a huge difference. But is one's chance of succeeding negotiation greater if done earlier than doing it about 2 weeks before submitting SIR? I am concerned that I should've sent my negotiation letter way early on instead of waiting till now...

Thanks!

No now or even later is probably effective. Too early is the mistake with UCI I think. I would try before and two/three weeks after ASW probably.

[calmtigers]

Probably dumb question but what are people wearing to ASW, read a few threads obviously no suit but business casual seems to be the general consensus but what exactly does this mean (for a male here).. I was going to wear dark jeans and a long sleeve button up, possibly short sleeve the next day?

Also, any recommendations on bringing a guest? Would it be seen as strange?

[alvmew]

Probably dumb question but what are people wearing to ASW, read a few threads obviously no suit but business casual seems to be the general consensus but what exactly does this mean (for a male here).. I was going to wear dark jeans and a long sleeve button up, possibly short sleeve the next day?

Also, any recommendations on bringing a guest? Would it be seen as strange?

I've always struggled to find a consensus of what business casual really is. Jeans tend to never be included, but I like the dark jeans and button-up look so I tend to go with that. Otherwise, slacks/khakis. No tie. If going short sleeve, I would do a nice polo.

[ppt5]

Probably dumb question but what are people wearing to ASW, read a few threads obviously no suit but business casual seems to be the general consensus but what exactly does this mean (for a male here).. I was going to wear dark jeans and a long sleeve button up, possibly short sleeve the next day?

Also, any recommendations on bringing a guest? Would it be seen as strange?

I've always struggled to find a consensus of what business casual really is. Jeans tend to never be included, but I like the dark jeans and button-up look so I tend to go with that. Otherwise, slacks/khakis. No tie. If going short sleeve, I would do a nice polo.

As a girl, I second the dark jeans and button up look. I think an earlier post said that it would be mostly casual save for the reception/meet and greet stuff.

On the other hand....girls? are any of you doing dark jeans and a nice top? dresses? slacks?

[sbenj]

Probably dumb question but what are people wearing to ASW, read a few threads obviously no suit but business casual seems to be the general consensus but what exactly does this mean (for a male here).. I was going to wear dark jeans and a long sleeve button up, possibly short sleeve the next day?

Also, any recommendations on bringing a guest? Would it be seen as strange?

I've always struggled to find a consensus of what business casual really is. Jeans tend to never be included, but I like the dark jeans and button-up look so I tend to go with that. Otherwise, slacks/khakis. No tie. If going short sleeve, I would do a nice polo.

As a girl, I second the dark jeans and button up look. I think an earlier post said that it would be mostly casual save for the reception/meet and greet stuff.

On the other hand....girls? are any of you doing dark jeans and a nice top? dresses? slacks?

We just got the email saying to dress comfortably with comfortable shoes. Does this mean it is a little more casual?

[crystallize]

Probably dumb question but what are people wearing to ASW, read a few threads obviously no suit but business casual seems to be the general consensus but what exactly does this mean (for a male here).. I was going to wear dark jeans and a long sleeve button up, possibly short sleeve the next day?

Also, any recommendations on bringing a guest? Would it be seen as strange?

I've always struggled to find a consensus of what business casual really is. Jeans tend to never be included, but I like the dark jeans and button-up look so I tend to go with that. Otherwise, slacks/khakis. No tie. If going short sleeve, I would do a nice polo.

As a girl, I second the dark jeans and button up look. I think an earlier post said that it would be mostly casual save for the reception/meet and greet stuff.

On the other hand....girls? are any of you doing dark jeans and a nice top? dresses? slacks?

We just got the email saying to dress comfortably with comfortable shoes. Does this mean it is a little more casual?

I think more on the casual side sounds like the way to go. As a girl I'm going to wear black pants and debating between a nice top or a button up shirt.

[ktbee]

Probably dumb question but what are people wearing to ASW, read a few threads obviously no suit but business casual seems to be the general consensus but what exactly does this mean (for a male here).. I was going to wear dark jeans and a long sleeve button up, possibly short sleeve the next day?

Also, any recommendations on bringing a guest? Would it be seen as strange?

I've always struggled to find a consensus of what business casual really is. Jeans tend to never be included, but I like the dark jeans and button-up look so I tend to go with that. Otherwise, slacks/khakis. No tie. If going short sleeve, I would do a nice polo.

As a girl, I second the dark jeans and button up look. I think an earlier post said that it would be mostly casual save for the reception/meet and greet stuff.

On the other hand....girls? are any of you doing dark jeans and a nice top? dresses? slacks?

We just got the email saying to dress comfortably with comfortable shoes. Does this mean it is a little more casual?

I think more on the casual side sounds like the way to go. As a girl I'm going to wear black pants and debating between a nice top or a button up shirt.

+1

[eaternation]

Probably dumb question but what are people wearing to ASW, read a few threads obviously no suit but business casual seems to be the general consensus but what exactly does this mean (for a male here).. I was going to wear dark jeans and a long sleeve button up, possibly short sleeve the next day?

Also, any recommendations on bringing a guest? Would it be seen as strange?

Current student. Guest should be OK. Or has in the past. If it's a significant other. Totally normal. Your mom or dad. More strange but I'm pretty sure it's been done.

[spencercross]

Probably dumb question but what are people wearing to ASW, read a few threads obviously no suit but business casual seems to be the general consensus but what exactly does this mean (for a male here).. I was going to wear dark jeans and a long sleeve button up, possibly short sleeve the next day?

Also, any recommendations on bringing a guest? Would it be seen as strange?

I've always struggled to find a consensus of what business casual really is. Jeans tend to never be included, but I like the dark jeans and button-up look so I tend to go with that. Otherwise, slacks/khakis. No tie. If going short sleeve, I would do a nice polo.

As a girl, I second the dark jeans and button up look. I think an earlier post said that it would be mostly casual save for the reception/meet and greet stuff.

On the other hand....girls? are any of you doing dark jeans and a nice top? dresses? slacks?

We just got the email saying to dress comfortably with comfortable shoes. Does this mean it is a little more casual?

I think more on the casual side sounds like the way to go. As a girl I'm going to wear black pants and debating between a nice top or a button up shirt.

As a current student and previous ASW attendee, I can guarantee that as long as you're dressed in normal human clothes and not wearing a garbage bag or something, you can pretty much wear anything you want and it won't matter. If you need a lot of face time with admissions because you're preparing to negotiate or on the waitlist or something, you might consider dressing up more. But otherwise, I frankly wouldn't worry about it so much.

[Zot2L]

Not a 1L, but I'm happy I went to Irvine.

What helped me choose was simple: I saw UCI as the best school to help me accomplish my goals. I get that it might be cheaper to go somewhere else--just ask yourself which school will take you where you want to go.

If you dont mind, what goals put UCI over Davis for significantly more money (assuming this was the case). Also what rate of students would you say go to Big Law?

I can't speak for past years or even the graduating 3L class in terms of the percent going into BigLaw after graduation, but I can speak to the current 2L class that just went through OCI/FIP earlier in the school year. Our class size is approximately 90 students (yours will be larger), and we had around 40 students (~44%) get BigLaw jobs through OCI and the program immediately following OCI, Fall Interview Program (FIP) (as well as renewed offers for the couple 2Ls who had firm jobs 1L summer). I want to say that our first-time ranking just a few months prior really helped assuage any concerns that BigLaw employers had about the quality of students at UCI (and the perception in the community). I honestly felt like our school was viewed quite positively by OC employers and still positively by LA employers. OC employers gave me the impression that they were quite happy to have a strong school in OC and a few of them even mentioned to me in callback interviews that they were planning on only drawing from the UCI pool. Previously, they had drawn from LLS, USC, UCLA, and perhaps Chapman. We had several of the big boys (local and national) there too, each of which hired at least one or two of the 2L class for a summer associateship - O'Melveny; Gibson; Latham; Snell; Greenberg; Morgan Lewis; K&L Gates; Milbank; Knobbe; White & Case; Kirkland, and many more. Our CDO was immensely pleased and saw it as a sign that, with our ranking, we were now perceived as a very viable source of legal talent for OC and LA.

And FWIW, I got an OC BigLaw job, too Hope this helps.