Top Law Schools

Just can't decide guys, it's really a toss-up eh? Just need some advice, got in at both of these places.

Don't know much about BYU but job prospects out of CalWestern are abysmal. Definitely do not attend there.

Looked up the numbers for you because I was bored. CalWestern = less than 40% chance of getting long term legal employment and of those that actually secured a job most went to firms of 2-10 attorneys. If you are ok with gambling at a 40% chance of getting a low paying small firm job then go ahead. BYU had much better prospects (although still not great), ~70% long term legal employment and less of a concentration at the small firm level. That's clearly the better choice among the two, any money there? How many times have you taken the LSAT?

LSAT twice. Full tuition to CalWestern, no scholarship to BYU- although BYU will only be 10k a year, and Provo is one of the cheapest places to live. Also, the average salary almost doubles from BYU- is that a big factor?

Eh not really. That's likely because BYU places a handful of grads in bigger firms while CalWestern places zero. Your shot of BigLaw out of BYU is not good, but as long as you're comfortable with small firm/gov work you've got a much better chance of that out of BYU

And to be honest, thats really what I'm looking for. I never really had my sights set on BigLaw, really just happy @ somewhere where I can support a family and live comfortably.

Definitely BYU. This is a no brainer.

You sure man? I just hear that CalWestern grads get a lot of good placement in big government positions and whatnot.

davidfett wrote:I just hear that CalWestern grads get a lot of good placement in big government positions and whatnot.

This is false.

davidfett wrote:You sure man? I just hear that CalWestern grads get a lot of good placement in big government positions and whatnot.

Lol, is this a joke? For the Class of 2010 13 students out of 283 got long term government work. And that includes all government work. I seriously doubt any of them were big gov positions.

Hmm must have got my info wrong. Still CalWestern is in sunny San Diego. Who wouldn't want to live there?

davidfett wrote:Hmm must have got my info wrong. Still CalWestern is in sunny San Diego. Who wouldn't want to live there?

I don't think that does much to console all of their unemployed grads

Do some research about the culture of BYU. Read their honor code and determine whether you are comfortable with committing to following the rules for the next 3 years before you make your decision.

Well sure, but pretty much every law school has some kind of Honor Code don't they? It shouldn't be too hard.

davidfett wrote:Well sure, but pretty much every law school has some kind of Honor Code don't they? It shouldn't be too hard.

Not ones that don't let you drink or have sex

Thats not a huge deal to me though. I don't drink, and I'm getting married this summer. Seems like I should be A-OK.

Ludovico Technique wrote:

davidfett wrote:Well sure, but pretty much every law school has some kind of Honor Code don't they? It shouldn't be too hard.

Not ones that don't let you drink or have sex

Exactly, going to BYU is a lifestyle choice. The no alcohol policy alone makes it a no-go for many people. Just make sure you know what you are getting into before you commit. If you are ok with the honor code, the other thing to think about is the region you would like to work after you graduate. BYU is a regional school that has a good reputation and alumni network throughout the mountain west region, but is more limited outside of that. A couple friends that are attending now say that the bottom of the class is struggling with employment, but most of their classmates are satisfied with their employment prospects (just don't go expecting a big law gig - only about 10% of the class is getting big law)

If you are comfortable with the BYU lifestyle, it is a great school for the cost. Provo is a great place to live too if you like the outdoors.

Based on the BYU thread, it looks like you already committed to BYU. While it doesn't sound like anything you said was binding, it would be pretty jacked up not to go when your offer of admission was contingent on that.

Are you really considering Cal Western over BYU? I can MAYBE understand a non-LDS person struggling with this decision, but an LDS guy? Dayumm...

(EDIT: I just noticed the date of your post... maybe you haven't committed to BYU yet. Sorry for being an ass if my judgment was premature.)

I live in San Diego and am moving to Provo to go to BYU. I am a non-member also getting married this summer. Living in San Diego I can tell you CalWestern is pretty much a joke out here. If a tier 1 school admitted you, take it. CW is 3 times the price with 1/3 the job prospects. Yes, the weather is amazing, I love it here...but go to BYU, squire much less debt...thus making your options of what salary you can accept much more flexible...and try to land a job in San Diego after school. Major law firms from San Diego recruit out of BYU all the time....it isn't exactly top 20...but CalWestern is much much lower on the todem pole. Good luck!

No to Cal West. Unless you are for certain that there are no stips on your scholarship, and you really don't care where you get your J.D. from. It will be on your resume forever. If you're totally debt averse and you just want a J.D. from any school...then sure, go for it.

BYU

BYU hands down unless Cal Western is a giving you a guaranteed 3 year full scholarship.