Notre Dame Law School c/o 2018 (2014-2015 applicants) Forum

[SparkyZZZ]

Speaking of cheeseburgers, it looks like there is a new Five Guys across from campus. I can't wait!

[PattyCake]

I'd love the money but no one said anything in my acceptance letter about a scholarship. Boo! And normally I'd love a burger... but I'm transitioning to vegetarianism/veganism.

Sidenote. Can someone at ND speak to the food options? I'd be moving from new york, and am anxious about not having access to yummy things.

Cannot speak to South Bend. However, IN will be quite a transition (if you mean moving from NYC food scene). There are some great restaurants around the state. Probably a few great restaurants in SB, but what I miss in IN (have lived in Indy & Bloomington) compared to the big cities I've lived in (CHI and PHX) is the choice of quality foods in the ($8-$14/meal range). For something moderately healthy for that $ one is often either forced to drive a ways or eat at a chain (Panera mostly). International food options aren't great in the state but are much better in college towns, so hopefully that bodes well for SB.

On a related note - general access to healthy food for people who cook their own meals? I'm also in NY and I'm used to having Whole Foods/Trader Joe's a few blocks away. I've been gluten free for about a decade, not looking forward to choosing between 3 years of nothing but chicken & rice or 3 years of being sick.

[Nonconsecutive]

Speaking of cheeseburgers, it looks like there is a new Five Guys across from campus. I can't wait!

[SparkyZZZ]

I'd love the money but no one said anything in my acceptance letter about a scholarship. Boo! And normally I'd love a burger... but I'm transitioning to vegetarianism/veganism.

Sidenote. Can someone at ND speak to the food options? I'd be moving from new york, and am anxious about not having access to yummy things.

Cannot speak to South Bend. However, IN will be quite a transition (if you mean moving from NYC food scene). There are some great restaurants around the state. Probably a few great restaurants in SB, but what I miss in IN (have lived in Indy & Bloomington) compared to the big cities I've lived in (CHI and PHX) is the choice of quality foods in the ($8-$14/meal range). For something moderately healthy for that $ one is often either forced to drive a ways or eat at a chain (Panera mostly). International food options aren't great in the state but are much better in college towns, so hopefully that bodes well for SB.

It looks like there is a Whole Foods in Mishawaka, so you can stock up on healthy food. Not a few blocks away, but close enough.

[gbelle]

I'd love the money but no one said anything in my acceptance letter about a scholarship. Boo! And normally I'd love a burger... but I'm transitioning to vegetarianism/veganism.

Sidenote. Can someone at ND speak to the food options? I'd be moving from new york, and am anxious about not having access to yummy things.

Cannot speak to South Bend. However, IN will be quite a transition (if you mean moving from NYC food scene). There are some great restaurants around the state. Probably a few great restaurants in SB, but what I miss in IN (have lived in Indy & Bloomington) compared to the big cities I've lived in (CHI and PHX) is the choice of quality foods in the ($8-$14/meal range). For something moderately healthy for that $ one is often either forced to drive a ways or eat at a chain (Panera mostly). International food options aren't great in the state but are much better in college towns, so hopefully that bodes well for SB.

Thanks for the feedback!

[gbelle]

I'd love the money but no one said anything in my acceptance letter about a scholarship. Boo! And normally I'd love a burger... but I'm transitioning to vegetarianism/veganism.

Sidenote. Can someone at ND speak to the food options? I'd be moving from new york, and am anxious about not having access to yummy things.

Cannot speak to South Bend. However, IN will be quite a transition (if you mean moving from NYC food scene). There are some great restaurants around the state. Probably a few great restaurants in SB, but what I miss in IN (have lived in Indy & Bloomington) compared to the big cities I've lived in (CHI and PHX) is the choice of quality foods in the ($8-$14/meal range). For something moderately healthy for that $ one is often either forced to drive a ways or eat at a chain (Panera mostly). International food options aren't great in the state but are much better in college towns, so hopefully that bodes well for SB.

On a related note - general access to healthy food for people who cook their own meals? I'm also in NY and I'm used to having Whole Foods/Trader Joe's a few blocks away. I've been gluten free for about a decade, not looking forward to choosing between 3 years of nothing but chicken & rice or 3 years of being sick.

Sounds like you and I might be commuting to the Whole Foods together.....

[PattyCake]

I'd love the money but no one said anything in my acceptance letter about a scholarship. Boo! And normally I'd love a burger... but I'm transitioning to vegetarianism/veganism.

Sidenote. Can someone at ND speak to the food options? I'd be moving from new york, and am anxious about not having access to yummy things.

Cannot speak to South Bend. However, IN will be quite a transition (if you mean moving from NYC food scene). There are some great restaurants around the state. Probably a few great restaurants in SB, but what I miss in IN (have lived in Indy & Bloomington) compared to the big cities I've lived in (CHI and PHX) is the choice of quality foods in the ($8-$14/meal range). For something moderately healthy for that $ one is often either forced to drive a ways or eat at a chain (Panera mostly). International food options aren't great in the state but are much better in college towns, so hopefully that bodes well for SB.

On a related note - general access to healthy food for people who cook their own meals? I'm also in NY and I'm used to having Whole Foods/Trader Joe's a few blocks away. I've been gluten free for about a decade, not looking forward to choosing between 3 years of nothing but chicken & rice or 3 years of being sick.

Sounds like you and I might be commuting to the Whole Foods together.....

Works for me, as long as you don't mind carpooling with a 2 year old who will DEFINITELY be chanting "Mishawaka! Mishawaka!" the whole way there... how could a kid resist a word that fun?

[kyle010723]

Speaking of cheeseburgers, it looks like there is a new Five Guys across from campus. I can't wait!

I actually live right on top of Five Guys, it is quite convenience and dangerous at the same time (cant I just have burger for breakfast, lunch, and dinner???). But let me know if anyone has question about the school or SB, I'd be happy to answer them as always.

[mx23250]

Speaking of cheeseburgers, it looks like there is a new Five Guys across from campus. I can't wait!

I actually live right on top of Five Guys, it is quite convenience and dangerous at the same time (cant I just have burger for breakfast, lunch, and dinner???). But let me know if anyone has question about the school or SB, I'd be happy to answer them as always.

How's parking? If you live a few miles away and not on a bus route, could you find parking around campus and, if so, how far would you probably have to walk to get to class? And do you know how expensive a parking permit is? I'm beginning to look at housing options and that's one thing I'm curious about from a student's perspective when comparing on/near campus vs off campus. Thanks again for answering our questions!

[PattyCake]

Speaking of cheeseburgers, it looks like there is a new Five Guys across from campus. I can't wait!

I actually live right on top of Five Guys, it is quite convenience and dangerous at the same time (cant I just have burger for breakfast, lunch, and dinner???). But let me know if anyone has question about the school or SB, I'd be happy to answer them as always.

This May or May not be something you can answer, but for applicants with families: what are the public schools like? Job market (for spouses, I mean)? Is the area basically just packed with college students or is there a decent non-student population?

[kyle010723]

This May or May not be something you can answer, but for applicants with families: what are the public schools like? Job market (for spouses, I mean)? Is the area basically just packed with college students or is there a decent non-student population?

I dont know much about the public schools, but with a large population of faculty and staff, I would imagine that there are some decent schools in the area. And no, while Notre Dame is packed with college students, the City of South Bend and Mishawaka are their own cities with "normal people," further away you get from campus, the less college students you will find. What I would add is unlike most college towns you can think of, South Bend is really not a college town. Sure, ND is huge here, but you get that college town feel near the school, once you are in downtown South Bend, it feels just like any other city.

[kyle010723]

How's parking? If you live a few miles away and not on a bus route, could you find parking around campus and, if so, how far would you probably have to walk to get to class? And do you know how expensive a parking permit is? I'm beginning to look at housing options and that's one thing I'm curious about from a student's perspective when comparing on/near campus vs off campus. Thanks again for answering our questions!

It is about a 10-15 min walk from the parking lot to the law school. Students park at the stadium lot across from the stadium. I want to say parking is like $150 a year? I really cannot remember off my head, but it is somewhere in the proximity. I would say most people do not live in a walking distance from the school, so it is perfectly fine if you plan on driving. But be aware of the lake effect snows and how that might impact your commute during the winter.

[mx23250]

How's parking? If you live a few miles away and not on a bus route, could you find parking around campus and, if so, how far would you probably have to walk to get to class? And do you know how expensive a parking permit is? I'm beginning to look at housing options and that's one thing I'm curious about from a student's perspective when comparing on/near campus vs off campus. Thanks again for answering our questions!

It is about a 10-15 min walk from the parking lot to the law school. Students park at the stadium lot across from the stadium. I want to say parking is like $150 a year? I really cannot remember off my head, but it is somewhere in the proximity. I would say most people do not live in a walking distance from the school, so it is perfectly fine if you plan on driving. But be aware of the lake effect snows and how that might impact your commute during the winter.

Excellent! Thanks!

[hos9903]

Speaking of cheeseburgers, it looks like there is a new Five Guys across from campus. I can't wait!

I actually live right on top of Five Guys, it is quite convenience and dangerous at the same time (cant I just have burger for breakfast, lunch, and dinner???). But let me know if anyone has question about the school or SB, I'd be happy to answer them as always.

Can you give a general overview of the social atmosphere of ND Law students, specifically K-JD? I guess this questions also includes any information you can offer about nightlife in South Bend, and whether or not Notre Dame students take advantage (when they can).

[kyle010723]

Can you give a general overview of the social atmosphere of ND Law students, specifically K-JD? I guess this questions also includes any information you can offer about nightlife in South Bend, and whether or not Notre Dame students take advantage (when they can).

Majority of the students are K-JD, students here are pretty friendly, and because the law school does not rank, it is perhaps less competitive than other schools. By nightlife, I am guessing you are referring to bars. Beside the weekly bar review, there are plenty of bars in the area. But really, it is unlikely that a 1L would have that much time to go out every night.

[mx23250]

Thanks again, Kyle, for answering all our questions. We really appreciate it!

I have a question about OCI at ND. About how many firms come to ND for OCI? Do ND students seem to have good luck with landing multiple interviews and/or getting offers? I'm sure being outside a major market makes it more difficult, but I'm guessing with the national reputation of ND you probably get a good amount of major firms from all over coming to campus? Any insights? Thanks again!

[gbelle]

Thanks again, Kyle, for answering all our questions. We really appreciate it!

I have a question about OCI at ND. About how many firms come to ND for OCI? Do ND students seem to have good luck with landing multiple interviews and/or getting offers? I'm sure being outside a major market makes it more difficult, but I'm guessing with the national reputation of ND you probably get a good amount of major firms from all over coming to campus? Any insights? Thanks again!

This is the thing I'm most interested in. Especially with respect to firms in New York City...

[kyle010723]

Thanks again, Kyle, for answering all our questions. We really appreciate it!

I have a question about OCI at ND. About how many firms come to ND for OCI? Do ND students seem to have good luck with landing multiple interviews and/or getting offers? I'm sure being outside a major market makes it more difficult, but I'm guessing with the national reputation of ND you probably get a good amount of major firms from all over coming to campus? Any insights? Thanks again!

I dont remember the exact amount of firms that was here, but looking at my bidlist, I had more than 50 closer to 60 firms. Now keep in mind I focused mainly in the Midwest, and while most firms are from the Midwest, there were also some firms from the coasts. So if I have to take a guess, probably 100+ came to the main OCI. We also have OCIs in NY and LA, but I didnt go to those, my guess is probably 10 firms or so would interview at one of those.

As far as interview goes, I cannot speak for everyone, but myself got 30ish interviews during OCI. I do not have outstanding grades or anything (although I do have an IP background). That being said, I am still looking for jobs. So you will probably get lots of interviews, but they are not handing out jobs like candy by any means.

In terms of a major market, Chicago is more of a home market for ND than Indy is, basically every single mid to large firm interviewed at ND. ND also has strong connections to NY and CA (more 1Ls come from CA than any other states).

The bottom-line is that grade is still the MOST important factor in getting you a job, but with a name like ND would get you interviews, and it is still up to you to land that job.

[gbelle]

Thanks again, Kyle, for answering all our questions. We really appreciate it!

I have a question about OCI at ND. About how many firms come to ND for OCI? Do ND students seem to have good luck with landing multiple interviews and/or getting offers? I'm sure being outside a major market makes it more difficult, but I'm guessing with the national reputation of ND you probably get a good amount of major firms from all over coming to campus? Any insights? Thanks again!

I dont remember the exact amount of firms that was here, but looking at my bidlist, I had more than 50 closer to 60 firms. Now keep in mind I focused mainly in the Midwest, and while most firms are from the Midwest, there were also some firms from the coasts. So if I have to take a guess, probably 100+ came to the main OCI. We also have OCIs in NY and LA, but I didnt go to those, my guess is probably 10 firms or so would interview at one of those.

As far as interview goes, I cannot speak for everyone, but myself got 30ish interviews during OCI. I do not have outstanding grades or anything (although I do have an IP background). That being said, I am still looking for jobs. So you will probably get lots of interviews, but they are not handing out jobs like candy by any mean.

In terms of a major market, Chicago is more of a home market for ND than Indy is, basically every single mid to large firm interviewed at ND. ND also has strong connections to NY and CA (more 1Ls come from CA than any other states).

The bottom-line is that grade is still the MOST important factor in getting you a job, but with a name like ND would get you interviews, and it is still up to you to land that job.

THANK YOU!

[kyle010723]

For those of you interested in Chicago though, here is an excellent program ND offers. We have a gorgeous building on Michigan Ave, so I guess we are "technically" a Chicago law school. Anyway, ND is really trying hard to establish more of a presence in Chicago, and the ND Club Chicago is said to be the "largest alumni club in the nation." Also, the first thing about ND Alumni is that they will zealously help a Domer, maybe they cannot offer you a job, but they can put you in touch with those that can.

[Decimus]

Late application, checking in.

[gbelle]

For those of you interested in Chicago though, here is an excellent program ND offers. We have a gorgeous building on Michigan Ave, so I guess we are "technically" a Chicago law school. Anyway, ND is really trying hard to establish more of a presence in Chicago, and the ND Club Chicago is said to be the "largest alumni club in the nation." Also, the first thing about ND Alumni is that they will zealously help a Domer, maybe they cannot offer you a job, but they can put you in touch with those that can.

I've only read wonderful things about the connections made possible by the alumni. But I worry that political affiliation affects networking; Am I off base? For example, would I still reap the same benefits of networking if I am liberal leaning, and proponent of traditionally non-conservative policies/laws/philosophies....

[kyle010723]

I don't think that is a problem at all. By going to ND doesn't mean you are a conservative. In fact, we have several very active student groups that are liberal leaning as well. And I really do not think political leaning is something employer consider during hiring process especially at larger firms where you will work with people that have very different beliefs.

[gbelle]

I don't think that is a problem at all. By going to ND doesn't mean you are a conservative. In fact, we have several very active student groups that are liberal leaning as well. And I really do not think political leaning is something employer consider during hiring process especially at larger firms where you will work with people that have very different beliefs.

Very good to know.

[kyle010723]

I think if anything, the conservative reputation only helps us. Especially with clerkship placements. Justice Scalia regularly hires clerks from ND, Chief Justice Robert just recently hired a ND grad, and Justice Thomas will be teaching a class here this semester. Our clerkship placement is on par with some T14 schools. So if you think clerking is something you might consider down the road, ND is a great place to be outside of T14.