Law School Discussion

First of all, this is totally not a flame - so don't turn it in to one, please.  During the spring semester of my 2L year, I interned for a Sr. Judge at the US Court of Federal Claims.  As it became apparent that no firm was going to hire me as a summer associate, I offered to stay with the Judge through the summer.  After 8 months of service, I was offered a clerkship for 1 year after I graduate.  I want to practice government contract law, which is an area of law that the COFC has primary jurisdiction to hear.

My other credentials aren't super impressive.  I'm in the top 40% of my class, no journal, no moot court/mock trial, but am currently participating in our school's Civil Practice Clinic.  The field of law I want to practice is somewhat limited to large Vault firms, with only a handful of smaller firms in the practice area.  I have tried to network my ass off with the partners in many of the larger firms.  QUESTION(S): How much will this clerkship do for my resume absent other credentials?  Do I have a prayer with larger firms after my clerkship?

Does anybody else have a Citation and Research exam for their Legal Rhetoric and Writing course? Ours is tomorrow, yes Saturday.  Has to do with basic Bluebooking and research.  Not too thrilled about it, although it should be pretty simple.  15% of our LRW grade

Hello, im glad I found this post since American is my top choice so far. I know this post is old but I have a few questions about American…

How much should I expect to pay for housing off campus whit a roommate?

Does the school assist in people finding roommates or am I on my own?

Is it better/cheaper to live on or off campus?

Is there an accepted students day?

Thank you very much for making this thread.

*It's all a matter of your priority.  I know people that pay anywhere from $750-$1350/mo.  Just depends on your budget and where you want to live.  Furthermore, you can expect to pay less rent with more room-mates.

*As far as the DC market is concerned, rentals move quickly.  You should start looking no sooner than 5-6 weeks before you plan to move.  Trust me, I know that seems to put a squeeze on things; but people will not even consider you if you're looking for something 2 months in advance.  Therefore, in June (I believe), the school will hold a "Housing Conference."  This is a good way to meet people - and the school will have administrators there to help you search out areas. 

*Another thing the school does for you, is an admitted student's blog.  It'll be set up by somebody in admissions, and you'll have access to it - along with other admitted students.  It has message boards; and more specifically, a board for those seeking a room-mate.

*Yes, there is an admitted students day.  If IIRC, there were a couple events for admitted students...

*On campus housing is limited for graduate students.  To be fair, I don't think they offer any to law students (though, I'm not 100% sure).  So I wouldn't really consider living on campus.

Enjoy THE Salmon Chase School of Law!

You're SUCH A FLAME, man.  Give it a rest.

As for UK, I'm a UG grad from there.  I would think with your numbers, you're a scholarship shoe-in.  I wasn't ever interested in UK since I don't want to work in-state.  If you haven't visited the law building, I would do so.  I personally think the building could double as a bomb shelter!  Best of Luck!

I began law school at WCL last fall, and transferred to be with a significant other.  Having some comparative perspective, I thought I would weigh in on WCL, for those considering applying and/or attending.

With all sincerity, I could not have been happier with *MY* 1L experience at WCL.  In deciding which law school to attend, I sought a school 1) with an institutional commitment to public service, and b) with excellent public international law faculty, course offerings and extracurricular opportunities.  WCL delivers admirably on these points, yet your milage may vary depending upon what is important to you.

One of the school's strengths from my perspective -- which is not captured by objective rankings -- is that many students with public service aspirations, and considerable international experience self-select WCL.  I personally paid little attention to rankings in making my selection, and chose WCL for the above reasons.  I had the privilege of working with several students -- whose life experience and credentials I find humbling -- who did the same.  As such, WCL manages to attract a critical mass of students whose credentials far exceed the school's USNWR ranking.

If your aspirations lie in public service or public international law, WCL is without peer, at least outside of the very "top" schools.  I add this caveat because international jobs are among the most competitive and elusive and, somewhat ironically, it is easier to get these jobs from my current school (well within the so-called "top ten"), despite the fact that WCL is much stronger in this field.  If the very top schools are not an option -- and they are not for the vast majority of us -- WCL is very well respected in these fields.  For one, the school is home to several well respected scholars (many accomplished practitioners in a former life).  The school also hosts and/or sponsors much of the colloquia attended by the movers and shakers in these fields.

I was extremely happy with the quality of my professors in the first year, and felt very well prepared for my judicial externship this past summer.  I also genuinely enjoyed my fellow students, and actually quite miss them.

The transfer-buzz was intense last spring, with some of my friends considering (and actually) transferring.  Of those who transferred, one aspired to academia, others had their hearts set on the most prestigious of BIGLAW firms, and one was passionate about an area of law that is not a priority at WCL (Law & Econ).  One of my best friends -- who is most interested in international trade -- chose to stay, despite having grades that would have made transferring to a T5 relatively easy.  He landed some impressive summer offers.  I myself would not have transferred but for the very personal reason of wanting to be with my fiance.

I suppose the moral of this rant is as follows -- Acknowledging that WCL suffers from the same ills as all other schools that are not at the very top of heap -- that it's name does not guarantee lucrative employment, and that the degree does not shop equally well coast to coast -- I think the school is a grossly undervalued gem, especially for those who aspire to a career of public service, or with some international aspect.  Such students should carefully consider WCL.  I, personally, am glad that I attended WCL, and do NOT wish I began law school at my current school (even though this would have made for a less stressful 1L year).

Very well said