Law School Discussion

great place

The main reason why Austin is so much more competitive is simply it's not a very large legal market compared to Dallas or Houston.  I wouldn't say you bill less hours than you do in Houston though.  Actually, I know for a fact that at the major firms based out of Texas at least that it pretty much is the same whether you are in Houston, Dallas, or Austin.  That being said Texas firms do require less billable hours than most anywhere else. 

Also, Austin is just a cooler city.  Don't get me wrong I love Houston and all and that is probably will I where end up but being next to so many awesome lakes, right in the middle of the hill country, awesome music, etc. makes Austin pretty hard to beat.

However, I also would advise that from what I have seen Austin has much more limited practice areas than other cities in Texas.  It's almost completely centered on the technology industry or on government regulation.  Somebody who has worked there correct me if I am wrong but from the firms I know that is how it is.  So Austin really isn't the place to be if that is not your interest.

Quote from: mike4488 on July 25, 2008, 11:58:55 AM

Texas is where to be.  Same salary of $160 plus one of the lowest cost of living in the nation plus no state income tax.

What about property taxes?  I assume that depends on the county, but I'm curious to hear about whether it's reasonable.  What are some cheap COL places in Texas?  Austin?  Dallas?

And so you're left with what -- Federal income taxes, Medicare, and a few other things?

I have zero ties to Texas.  How can I convince recruiters that I'm interested in living there?  Is a 1L firm job a possibility?

Property taxes in Texas are actually quite high I think.  Never owned a home so I don't really know but I was looking the other day  and it seemed that in the Houston area $500,000 homes paid around 12 or 13K in property taxes.  Sounds high to me but again I have no idea what other places pay.

Houston, Dallas, and Austin are all quite cheap and I believe the big law markets are easier to crack than a lot places.  Simply a lot of people who aren't from Texas don't want to move there.

A 1L firm job in Texas is definitely possible.  The major firms Vinson & Elkins and Baker Botts all hire quite a few 1L's each year.  Now granted you need to be coming from a top school to land one of those spots.  

There are also various ways to convince them that you want to be.  For example, if you are interested in Energy work is doesn't get much better than Vinson & Elkins in Houston or for that matter almost any law firm in Houston.  Also, if you are interested in technology for example Austin is a great place for that and one of the top places outside of Northern California.

Austin would be my vote for the coolest city to live in Texas.  There is so much to do and it is just an awesome city.  Anyways, hope that was informative.

I don't understand why people think it is a problem for equity partners to make so much.  Last time I checked they are the reason why large law firms get business and make money.  I haven't heard of too many first year associates bringing in tons of business for the firm. 

Yeah, I don't see why it really matters.  Who cares it's a freaking discussion board.