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Stats aren't the greatest did the stereotypical college thing and messed up my freshman year. My GPA was 3.12 and my LSAT was 162. I've lived in Arizona the past 6 years and grew up in southern california. I would love to either pursue my interests in either state. Not looking into big law; looking to work more in the federal side of law. Beside retake I would love to hear various opinions from everyone on possible schools, scholarsips, etc.

the maximum lsat score is 180

You should be looking at biglaw placement even if you don't want biglaw. As a general matter, biglaw placement is an indicia of BigFed placement (those federal jobs you were talking about.) While federal jobs aren't generally easy to get, you have a better chance if you go to an excellent school.

That said, UCLA and USC can be good options if you want to work in SoCal. But to get them you'll need to retake.

I think targeting Arizona is the right move here since choosing USC or UCLA wouldn't be a smart financial decision. Retake the LSAT. Getting a few more points will counteract your GPA and put you in a good position for ASU and UofA and snagging some scholarship money.

What do you mean by the "federal side of the law?"

BigZuck wrote:What do you mean by the "federal side of the law?"

Ideally though I know it sounds crazy I would like to work in the public defender's office.

Dirigo wrote:I think targeting Arizona is the right move here since choosing USC or UCLA wouldn't be a smart financial decision. Retake the LSAT. Getting a few more points will counteract your GPA and put you in a good position for ASU and UofA and snagging some scholarship money.

Thank's Dirigo, this was pretty much what I've been initially saying would probably be the best option. I'm assuming if I don't go to USC or UCLA it wouldn't be worth it to go to another school in So Cal. Is this correct to assume?

Yeah you def. don't want to go to LMU or Pepperdine, let alone any of the other SoCal schools. Look at their LST scores if you are not convinced.

But given that UCLA and USC are both big on high GPAs your chances are rather slim even with a high LSAT.

ducks278 wrote:

Dirigo wrote:I think targeting Arizona is the right move here since choosing USC or UCLA wouldn't be a smart financial decision. Retake the LSAT. Getting a few more points will counteract your GPA and put you in a good position for ASU and UofA and snagging some scholarship money.

Thank's Dirigo, this was pretty much what I've been initially saying would probably be the best option. I'm assuming if I don't go to USC or UCLA it wouldn't be worth it to go to another school in So Cal. Is this correct to assume?

There's no harm in applying to a lot of places. I just know SoCal is a very tough market and it is saturated with a lot of law schools as well as T14 grads coming back home to practice.
Given that you don't want biglaw and are an Arizona resident, the Arizona schools could be very good options if you retake the LSAT and get better scholarships. I wouldn't recommend going to any of the law schools you're looking out without getting significant financial aid, and the only way that will happen is if you retake.

A TLS user this past cycle got a full ride from ASU with a 3.2/168. So getting really good money despite your GPA is definitely possible. Right now, unfortunately, you're probably looking at sticker or close to it seeing as how you're below their 25th percentile GPA and at their median LSAT.

ducks278 wrote:

BigZuck wrote:What do you mean by the "federal side of the law?"

Ideally though I know it sounds crazy I would like to work in the public defender's office.

because of paye/ibr, the number of students at top schools gunning for pd has increased significantly
in many areas these jobs are very competitive
you must do some dd, talk to pd people in the area you're interested in practicing in

also
pd/da gunner's thread: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 3&t=155423 (read, but don't post)
twenty's pi thread: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 1&t=220431 (read/post)

I advise you to not go to law school.

It doesn't seeem like you have a good idea as to what you want to do, what it takes to get there, and the realities of the present market.

Don't go.