Flappy Scribbleneck wrote:wl1l wrote:Hey guys, I'm a current 1L at W&L. I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have, whether specific to W&L or about applications in general. Feel free to post here or shoot me a PM.
The above was posted over a month ago, but if poster, or anyone else, would like to discuss VA Law markets I would be interested. Where in VA does W&L place? Are there markets in the surrounding areas that are worth looking at (WV, Maryland, NC, PA)? Is Washington DC even a possibility? Judicial Clerkships? Is the Texas OCI thing for real (I am from Dallas)?
I'd probably defer to the 2Ls/3Ls on this thread in reference to OCI, since I haven't been through the process yet. I know there are several regional OCIs you can sign up to attend, but again, I don't know much about them. But yes, they are real.
My impression is that W&L does very well in the VA market. I remember reading in some OCP (Office of Career Planning) brochure that about 20% of graduates find jobs in DC, although I'm not sure if these are firms jobs, clerkships, or government gigs. Either way, DC is definitely possibility, and I know people do well there. I am probably headed there this summer myself.
We also place well with clerkships, particularly in the VA/NOVA/DC area. When you get to campus in the fall there are TONS of OCP workshops where you can speak with 2Ls/3Ls and alumni about different prospects. W&L is also super transparent about placement statistics, so I'd be sure to check out those documents on the admissions website to really get a sense of where you could realistically end up. Our alumni network is also incredibly strong, and every alumni I've reached out to so far has been very nice and helpful.
Overall, W&L degrees are obviously going to most marketable on the east coast. The school has an excellent reputation, and I get the impression that people like to hire W&L graduates (sometimes over grads from more highly ranked schools in the area...)
However, I know people who have gone on to jobs in other regions. It helps a lot if you are actually FROM the area in which you want to practice. In interviews you would just make it clear that you went to W&L for the education, but plan to return to wherever you're from to practice. If you can demonstrate a compelling reason (i.e., your entire family is there) for practicing in a city, I think a W&L degree can definitely get you there.
I realize I just painted a really rosy picture. The fact remains that it is still REALLY difficult to get a job. But, if you work hard and get decent grades, the jobs are out there. You just have to know where to look!