Georgetown vs. UVA? Forum

[armoss89]

Hi everyone,

First time poster here, I was just looking to get some knowledgeable opinions about my law school decision. I'm already leaning in one direction (which I'll describe in greater detail below), but just wanted to make sure my reasons make sense, and that the positives in favor of the school I'm leaning towards outweigh the advantages of the other.

The contenders:
University of Virginia, Georgetown Law Center

Total cost per year:
UVA (in-state resident): $48k - $25k scholarship = $23k/year tuition, $48k/year including other costs
Georgetown: $50k - $30k scholarship = $20k/year tuition, $46k/year including other costs

How I will be financing attendance:
Government-issued student loans, I have been offered $20k/year in unsub Direct Stafford Loans, and $28k/year in GradPLUS

Where you are from and where you want to work, and other places where you have significant ties (if any):

I'm originally from Philly, went to Georgetown undergrad, and as such have been living in DC since 2007. I love the area, have lots of friends here, not too far from my family, and have a girlfriend who herself is currently a 3L at GW Law. After graduation, I hope to work in DC primarily, but would be willing/interested in working in New York, Chicago, or internationally.

Your general career goals:

I have a background in international relations (studied at Georgetown's School of Foreign Service) and aspire toward a career in what can nebulously be called "international law". More specifically, at this time I'm looking to focus on trade law or FCPA/anticorruption law, and recognize that I could look to integrate an international context into whatever work I end up doing. I think in the short term I'm looking to do Biglaw (I work in the intake department at a Biglaw firm now and am reasonably comfortable with the environment here), but could also see myself ending up working for the federal government.

My LSAT/GPA Numbers:
171/3.70

Additional information:

I'm definitely leaning towards Georgetown at the moment. I was fortunately able to get them to up their offer from 20k/year to 30k/year (I've been joking that it was the most lucrative 20 minutes of my life) in response to UVA's generous offer, so the total cost to me is just about at parity for both schools. While I really liked the atmosphere and campus feel at UVA and have seen some reports suggesting that the career counseling/job outcomes are on the whole better there, I'm kind of thinking Georgetown is an overall better fit for me. I like the extra opportunities for internships/networking available by virtue of living in DC, and staying in the city would make for less of a transition for me, given that I wouldn't be adjusting to a new place in addition to adjusting to the climate of law school. Given my background and interest in pursuing a legal career with an international focus (I also have language skills in both Russian and Spanish, FWIW), DC really seems like the best place to be. If I do stay in DC, I'll be moving in with my girlfriend and two of our friends from undergrad, meaning I should be in a fairly comfortable social environment, and won't have to put the strain of long distance on what's been a very positive, strong relationship, plus have the added benefit of living with someone who's already been through law school and is extremely willing and able to help me navigate law school.

While I just about have my mind made up, for some reason (possibly the magnitude of this decision) I still haven't actually submitted my intent to enroll form to Georgetown, which is due this Friday. It may be some of the reports I've read suggesting weaker jobs outcomes for Georgetown, or the sense I've gotten from some articles/testimonials that Georgetown has a fairly industrial, impersonal feel owing to its large class size and urban location.

I'd really appreciate any feedback you all may have about my decision and look forward to hearing your takes on my predicament. Thank you in advance for your help!

[transferror]

Either decision is defensible. You want GULC, then go to GULC.

[PrideandGlory1776]

Can't go wrong either way - there's definitely no right answer considering both are very affordable given the scholarships and both have very strong programs with great opportunities specifically for what your looking to do - this is entirely preference-based imho - which means its up to you.

[Winston1984]

I think UVA has an advantage here. I know it would be hard to leave your friends (if you are planning to marry your SO you should probably stay) but UVA does have a sizable advantage in biglaw hiring. It looks like you really want to stay in DC which makes sense, but know that you are forgoing some employment advantages you would have at UVA. Personally, I'd take UVA.