Brooklyn Law School 2011 Cycle Forum

[ktg808]

Just withdrew, good luck to everyone!

[abonda01]

I visited the campus today, and my existing opinion of BLS was more or less reinforced...

I didn't get a good feeling gut feeling from the staff, students, promotional materials, etc.

I also left wondering what all that tuition money is going into. Seems like way too expensive a school for what it is.

I'm going to withdraw when I get back to Boston. Good luck to others with waitlists / scholarship money.


Should I even go to the Skadden Arps event tonight? I'm kind of bummed, but I guess visiting their firm can't hurt.

[goosey]

For what its worth, I think the school is pretty impersonal and sells itself poorly. I just went to the ASD and heard students talking on my tour about how they wished someone had told them not to come. I don't think having a reception at a law firm is going to make up for the sometimes downright hostile attitude of the school. I think they come across like they are defensive about something.

while I can understand that some may feel that way, I think its important to know background info. For example, how are their grades? What other schools did they get into?

As a 1L, I can honestly say that I dont know anyone that did slightly median and above that says they wish they never came here, despite the fact that many know they will lose parts of their scholarship. I have a feeling that many that are bitter did poorly...and likely didnt have harvard or yale waiting on the backburner either, so the complaints are probably more about law school in general than brooklyn.

I came here over half tuition at fordham..and I reallllly wanted to go to fordham but came to bls for the scholarship and I am really happy with my decision. I also never got the "defensive" vibe from the school--I can honestly say I was pleasantly surprised my first semester--the faculty is amazing and the students are super nice. We all had 2Ls and 3Ls just randomly approach us and ask us if we needed anything. I personally randomly emailed a 3L on law review that I knew did well and asked him how he did it and he replied back with a LOT of info/study aids/etc...so I mean, I think it depends on actually being a part of the community. And I would venture to say that those who you heard complaining are at the bottom of the class

[jplwine]

Enjoyed the Skadden event last night. Lots of profs, current students and alumni to talk to. Made me feel even better about Brooklyn.

[akcorps]

while I can understand that some may feel that way, I think its important to know background info. For example, how are their grades? What other schools did they get into?

Um, yeah. Well, I had a weird and winding road with my undergrad where I transferred around a few schools. I wouldn't have told anyone to not bother coming based on my grades/financial aid, etc. in fact, the school I did the worst in I would have recommended the most highly!

As a 1L, I can honestly say that I dont know anyone that did slightly median and above that says they wish they never came here, despite the fact that many know they will lose parts of their scholarship. I have a feeling that many that are bitter did poorly...and likely didnt have harvard or yale waiting on the backburner either, so the complaints are probably more about law school in general than brooklyn.

If so, then I think my concerns are only stronger.

I came here over half tuition at fordham..and I reallllly wanted to go to fordham but came to bls for the scholarship and I am really happy with my decision. I also never got the "defensive" vibe from the school--I can honestly say I was pleasantly surprised my first semester--the faculty is amazing and the students are super nice. We all had 2Ls and 3Ls just randomly approach us and ask us if we needed anything. I personally randomly emailed a 3L on law review that I knew did well and asked him how he did it and he replied back with a LOT of info/study aids/etc...so I mean, I think it depends on actually being a part of the community. And I would venture to say that those who you heard complaining are at the bottom of the class

Great, I am really glad it worked out for you. I don't want to sweat my class placement as much as I would have to at BLS, so I think I will opt for Fordham which has also offered me a similar scholarship. Speaking of that, strangely enough I think the BLS admissions department completely forgot to give me a scholly because I never received one. Well, my numbers are far above the 75% for part time, so I would have figured they would have given me something. I also emailed several times, but have yet to hear from them. This is why I think they are rude and why I will not be attending.

[tjs86]

Enjoyed the Skadden event last night. Lots of profs, current students and alumni to talk to. Made me feel even better about Brooklyn.

I enjoyed myself as well. I'll be there in the fall. Onward to obsessing over housing.

[maglialoro]

-

[goosey]

while I can understand that some may feel that way, I think its important to know background info. For example, how are their grades? What other schools did they get into?

Um, yeah. Well, I had a weird and winding road with my undergrad where I transferred around a few schools. I wouldn't have told anyone to not bother coming based on my grades/financial aid, etc. in fact, the school I did the worst in I would have recommended the most highly!

1, undergrad is different than law school. and 2, there are also people that did poorly that would not walk around saying "i wish i never came"--the point of my statement was that the people you heard complaining are prob at the bottom of the class, not that EVERYONE in the bottom of the class complains. And so just like you didnt complain about your undergrad, there were probably people that did and insisted that the school sucks thereby outsourcing the blame for their crappy grades/future.

But yeah, worrying about grades is quite stressful and you def wouldnt have to worry about rank as much at fordham.

[Dripworx]

Hey guys, my checker says "BLS Law Notes" sent 3/29 (mailed) right in the box on the left side that says "mailings"


any idea what the hell that means??

[aliarrow]

Hey guys, my checker says "BLS Law Notes" sent 3/29 (mailed) right in the box on the left side that says "mailings"


any idea what the hell that means??

It's just a newsletter about whats going on at the law school. Nothing important or specific to you.

[Dripworx]

Hey guys, my checker says "BLS Law Notes" sent 3/29 (mailed) right in the box on the left side that says "mailings"


any idea what the hell that means??

It's just a newsletter about whats going on at the law school. Nothing important or specific to you.

grrr thanks

[bigredforlaw]

I'm sorry if this is a dumb question...but how do I withdraw? I sent an email months ago and got no response. I also didn't see anything in the admissions package. Good luck to anyone else waiting. I should free up some scholarship $$.

[champ33]

I'm sorry if this is a dumb question...but how do I withdraw? I sent an email months ago and got no response. I also didn't see anything in the admissions package. Good luck to anyone else waiting. I should free up some scholarship $$.

Just e-mail anyone in the admissions office, that simple.

[Lawst]

I'm sorry if this is a dumb question...but how do I withdraw? I sent an email months ago and got no response. I also didn't see anything in the admissions package. Good luck to anyone else waiting. I should free up some scholarship $$.

I sent them a letter via snail mail. Maybe they got your email but just didn't bother to respond.

[akcorps]

So BLS seems to be ignoring me and my request as to why I didn't get any merit aid. Fuck 'em, it's their loss and I am out. While this wont free up money for anyone, it will open up a slot. Good luck!

[Lawst]

So BLS seems to be ignoring me and my request as to why I didn't get any merit aid. Fuck 'em, it's their loss and I am out. While this wont free up money for anyone, it will open up a slot. Good luck!

Annoying. I asked and they were quick to respond that they were refusing to consider me for merit aid because my GPA was too low.

[akcorps]

So BLS seems to be ignoring me and my request as to why I didn't get any merit aid. Fuck 'em, it's their loss and I am out. While this wont free up money for anyone, it will open up a slot. Good luck!

Annoying. I asked and they were quick to respond that they were refusing to consider me for merit aid because my GPA was too low.

What were your numbers? PM if you like.

[Lawst]

So BLS seems to be ignoring me and my request as to why I didn't get any merit aid. Fuck 'em, it's their loss and I am out. While this wont free up money for anyone, it will open up a slot. Good luck!

Annoying. I asked and they were quick to respond that they were refusing to consider me for merit aid because my GPA was too low.

What were your numbers? PM if you like.

It's all on my profile. My GPA isn't great but I've been out of school for 15+ years and my LSAT was above median so I question their logic on that. Oh well, they lost me too.

[akcorps]

It's all on my profile. My GPA isn't great but I've been out of school for 15+ years and my LSAT was above median so I question their logic on that. Oh well, they lost me too.

Lame. I literally think they overlooked me, which is OK because I am sure someone else would rather have my spot anyway.

[nireca]

So BLS seems to be ignoring me and my request as to why I didn't get any merit aid. Fuck 'em, it's their loss and I am out. While this wont free up money for anyone, it will open up a slot. Good luck!

Annoying. I asked and they were quick to respond that they were refusing to consider me for merit aid because my GPA was too low.

Weak. I sent them a negotiation email a week ago and they still haven't had the courtesy to even respond, let alone render a decision. might email today to confirm that they received it.

[abonda01]

So BLS seems to be ignoring me and my request as to why I didn't get any merit aid. Fuck 'em, it's their loss and I am out. While this wont free up money for anyone, it will open up a slot. Good luck!

Annoying. I asked and they were quick to respond that they were refusing to consider me for merit aid because my GPA was too low.

Weak. I sent them a negotiation email a week ago and they still haven't had the courtesy to even respond, let alone render a decision. might email today to confirm that they received it.

You really should just call.

[akcorps]

So BLS seems to be ignoring me and my request as to why I didn't get any merit aid. Fuck 'em, it's their loss and I am out. While this wont free up money for anyone, it will open up a slot. Good luck!

Annoying. I asked and they were quick to respond that they were refusing to consider me for merit aid because my GPA was too low.

Weak. I sent them a negotiation email a week ago and they still haven't had the courtesy to even respond, let alone render a decision. might email today to confirm that they received it.

You really should just call.

I think the point of emailing is to get something in writing.

[Manash]

For what its worth, I think the school is pretty impersonal and sells itself poorly. I just went to the ASD and heard students talking on my tour about how they wished someone had told them not to come. I don't think having a reception at a law firm is going to make up for the sometimes downright hostile attitude of the school. I think they come across like they are defensive about something.

while I can understand that some may feel that way, I think its important to know background info. For example, how are their grades? What other schools did they get into?

As a 1L, I can honestly say that I dont know anyone that did slightly median and above that says they wish they never came here, despite the fact that many know they will lose parts of their scholarship. I have a feeling that many that are bitter did poorly...and likely didnt have harvard or yale waiting on the backburner either, so the complaints are probably more about law school in general than brooklyn.

I came here over half tuition at fordham..and I reallllly wanted to go to fordham but came to bls for the scholarship and I am really happy with my decision. I also never got the "defensive" vibe from the school--I can honestly say I was pleasantly surprised my first semester--the faculty is amazing and the students are super nice. We all had 2Ls and 3Ls just randomly approach us and ask us if we needed anything. I personally randomly emailed a 3L on law review that I knew did well and asked him how he did it and he replied back with a LOT of info/study aids/etc...so I mean, I think it depends on actually being a part of the community. And I would venture to say that those who you heard complaining are at the bottom of the class

Hmmm I too went to last week's ASD and I echo the sentiments that Brooklyn came off pushy and defensive. Your post that the current students that were complaining had probably done poorly seems rather unlikely as these were the same students that the Brooklyn Administration had chosen to lead the tours and speak to prospective students.

It was apparent that while the administrative staff were present the students talked up the Brooklyn "perks" which seemed relatively limited to its location, location, and location. Not job prospects but BLS' great views, proximity to court houses, and its relatively short train ride to Manhattan. Hardly overwhelming reasons to attend the law school but one that had surely been beaten into the heads of the staffers and minions alike. Not one for being clouded with this rehearsed routine, I waited till the housing tour commenced and pulled one student after the other aside, asking them to be quite frank with me. The general feeling at that point was one in which I was told that coming to Brooklyn was a HUGE gamble. There simply no jobs out there for BLS students that finish mid to bottom and slightly less jobs for those who finish just below the top. Finish in the top of your class and the sky is potentially the limit. This was evident in one of BLS' recent alumni - a top student and current judicial clerk [headed for Simpson Thacher], who joined the panel of other alumni that had gathered in the moot court to speak to us.

The panel itself was perhaps the best insight into one's job prospects. 4 people were chosen to speak. One being an ADA with Kings County, another a Legal Aid Attorney, another being a current associate at Jones Day and the last being the aforementioned current Clerk. The Jones Day chap [who was 15 min late for the talk and kept grinning throughout] and the Clerk both came off as quite content and relieved that their gamble paid off. The ADA appeared to have settled into her routine of being an ADA and all in all she appeared to want to bat for the school without reference to the downside of going to BLS. Her bias was so apparent that even when asked about the potential downside of attending BLS she went off topic and began comparing BLS' career services to that of Cardozo's [hmm..I noticed the death stares from some of the Admin staff in her directly lambasting another rival school]. The Legal Aid Attorney came off as one who had grudgingly accepted to speak when they couldn't get anyone else to fill the spot. She noted that the loans were a constant strain on her life and never once mentioned whether she liked her job, the extent of her duties or the extent to which her BLS education had set her upon the path of success. Bitter perhaps? She simply answered questions and other than to fill us in as to her activities while at BLS, she stayed mum -- well it was her that I wanted to speak with personally but all 4 were quickly ushered out upon the completion of the talk. Why her? Because I believe she is more representative of the alumni base at BLS.

All in all the ASD was an eye opener. Oh as for the guaranteed housing at Feil hall.. well that will run you $20k, but not to fret it's guaranteed! I'm sure you will not find it hard to find any home owner in Brooklyn who will provide you with the same guarantee at that rate. But to BLS' defense the place is furnished.

I had briefly considered going to BLS but the ASD pretty much sealed the deal for me in making me realize that it is not the place for me. Even with the merit scholarship I received, with what I'm trying to do in life, I just cannot take the gamble.

[tjs86]

All in all the ASD was an eye opener. Oh as for the guaranteed housing at Feil hall.. well that will run you $20k, but not to fret it's guaranteed! I'm sure you will not find it hard to find any home owner in Brooklyn who will provide you with the same guarantee at that rate. But to BLS' defense the place is furnished.

You aren't saving a ton, but they are below market.

I went to an admitted students thing at Skadden (side note: the focus was not on BigLaw at all, so it was not some attempt at hyping the school's BigLaw connections) and found the current 2L and 3Ls I met to be friendly and overall pleased with their decision. I was one of those who earlier thought the reception at BLS was a bit chilly, but the professors and students I met last week were very helpful and honest.

[akcorps]

Hmmm I too went to last week's ASD and I echo the sentiments that Brooklyn came off pushy and defensive. Your post that the current students that were complaining had probably done poorly seems rather unlikely as these were the same students that the Brooklyn Administration had chosen to lead the tours and speak to prospective students.

To clarify, these were just some random students in the hall openly and loudly telling this to whomever would listen while we were on our tour of the library.

It was apparent that while the administrative staff were present the students talked up the Brooklyn "perks" which seemed relatively limited to its location, location, and location. Not job prospects but BLS' great views, proximity to court houses, and its relatively short train ride to Manhattan. Hardly overwhelming reasons to attend the law school but one that had surely been beaten into the heads of the staffers and minions alike. Not one for being clouded with this rehearsed routine, I waited till the housing tour commenced and pulled one student after the other aside, asking them to be quite frank with me. The general feeling at that point was one in which I was told that coming to Brooklyn was a HUGE gamble. There simply no jobs out there for BLS students that finish mid to bottom and slightly less jobs for those who finish just below the top. Finish in the top of your class and the sky is potentially the limit. This was evident in one of BLS' recent alumni - a top student and current judicial clerk [headed for Simpson Thacher], who joined the panel of other alumni that had gathered in the moot court to speak to us.

I thought the location thing was just downright strange. Is this in comparison to SJU? Weird. If anyone can brag about location in NYC its either NYU or Cardozo. Downtown Brooklyn (where the school actually is as opposed to their housing, which is in Brooklyn Heights) is depressing.

The panel itself was perhaps the best insight into one's job prospects. 4 people were chosen to speak. One being an ADA with Kings County, another a Legal Aid Attorney, another being a current associate at Jones Day and the last being the aforementioned current Clerk. The Jones Day chap [who was 15 min late for the talk and kept grinning throughout] and the Clerk both came off as quite content and relieved that their gamble paid off. The ADA appeared to have settled into her routine of being an ADA and all in all she appeared to want to bat for the school without reference to the downside of going to BLS. Her bias was so apparent that even when asked about the potential downside of attending BLS she went off topic and began comparing BLS' career services to that of Cardozo's [hmm..I noticed the death stares from some of the Admin staff in her directly lambasting another rival school]. The Legal Aid Attorney came off as one who had grudgingly accepted to speak when they couldn't get anyone else to fill the spot. She noted that the loans were a constant strain on her life and never once mentioned whether she liked her job, the extent of her duties or the extent to which her BLS education had set her upon the path of success. Bitter perhaps? She simply answered questions and other than to fill us in as to her activities while at BLS, she stayed mum -- well it was her that I wanted to speak with personally but all 4 were quickly ushered out upon the completion of the talk. Why her? Because I believe she is more representative of the alumni base at BLS.

Look, lets be fair, I think BLS is a great choice for public interest. They talk this point up, they have representative people on their panel, etc. I don't think they are making any bones about it, but I would venture to say it is a big gamble for people wanting to work in biglaw, but anyone who is seriously thinking otherwise needs to do more research anyway. I think the emphasis on PI work makes sense, but I feel like they are definitely defensive about it for whatever reason, and I think that is what I reacted to. So what if you don't make 160k a year? That's alright with me, but having a chip on your shoulder about it makes it sound like the school sees itself as an also-ran.