Law School Discussion

and what do i say at the interview

I guess you all do not think UCLA is a good choice if I am not sure I want to work in CA and I am interested in academia?

Quote from: michaelduke on April 29, 2005, 03:31:12 PM

BTW, where are you going? 

Quote from: Amanda H. on April 29, 2005, 03:24:23 PM

Quote from: michaelduke on April 29, 2005, 03:09:52 PM

Did you "borrow" the breakdown from the Susan Estrich (spelling?) book? 

In any case, I agree with you on the general uselessness of drawing fine distinctions among law schools and on the inadvisability of relying on some surveys to make your final law school enrollment decision. 

To quote the managing partner (Harvard Law grad and Supreme Court clerk who has made hundreds of hiring decisions over the past twenty-five years) of a Vault 10 law firm (with whom I spoke this past Sunday about my law school choice), "between Northwestern and Michigan [you can substitute other top programs here], there is absolutely no right or wrong school decision.  With schools of this caliber how far you will go in your career depends entirely on you the person rather than the name of your alma mater.  Do not let a so-called "objective" ranking table make your decision." 

I guess as long as people know that Michigan's reputation and placment is more comparable to Columbia and NYU than to Duke or Northwestern, the above advice is fine -- someone who does well at Duke or Northwestern, and works hard thereafter, will in fact do better than someone who does poorly at Columbia or NYU (or Harvard), and slacks thereafter.

I have the standard 11.5k scholarship from W&L (with their low tuition and low CoL it's a significant difference of $$$). Nothing, so far, from WUSTL. If I want to work in biglaw in the northeast after graduating, or government jobs with an international twist, where do you recommend, especially given location isn't a big factor, i think i'll like both places just fine....

Quote from: michaelduke on April 29, 2005, 03:09:52 PM

Did you "borrow" the breakdown from the Susan Estrich (spelling?) book? 

In any case, I agree with you on the general uselessness of drawing fine distinctions among law schools and on the inadvisability of relying on some surveys to make your final law school enrollment decision. 

To quote the managing partner (Harvard Law grad and Supreme Court clerk who has made hundreds of hiring decisions over the past twenty-five years) of a Vault 10 law firm (with whom I spoke this past Sunday about my law school choice), "between Northwestern and Michigan [you can substitute other top programs here], there is absolutely no right or wrong school decision.  With schools of this caliber how far you will go in your career depends entirely on you the person rather than the name of your alma mater.  Do not let a so-called "objective" ranking table make your decision." 

I guess as long as people know that Michigan's reputation and placment is more comparable to Columbia and NYU than to Duke or Northwestern, the above advice is fine -- someone who does well at Duke or Northwestern, and works hard thereafter, will in fact do better than someone who does poorly at Columbia or NYU (or Harvard), and slacks thereafter.

Now I really don't know what to do.  I got a full ride with a stipend at Wash. U.  I am seriously considering it.  I have it down to Cardozo full tuition, NYU in A LOT OF DEBT, and WASH U.  I want to work in New York, but it's not the end of ym lfie if I don't end up there.  I am interested in working in big cities: chicago, dc, ny.  Right after school, I mgiht need to go to CT so I can be close to my boyfriend, whoc is finishing his PHD at Yale.  I know there are mixed reviews on this board about WUSTL- some people liek ti, some say it's overrated.  I liek St. Louis, so it's not an issue.  I am worried about placement.  However, given placment drawbacks is it worth the price (free)?  I would like some feedback and advice ASAP since I need to let Cardozo know very soon abotu their scholarship.