The job market question is funny. A lot of people look at W&L and other such great schools and go to lesser quality schools because of job stats, but they need to consider a few things.
1) Many of the people who go to W&L self-select jobs in the South because W&L grads are like Gods down there. So the fact they have such an alum base is not because the school doesn't try to go west coast, but rather people choose the South themselves.
2) The school seems to be making real efforts to recruit students that want to go to California and other Western states. I applied to many schools, W&L was on of them, stating I wanted to practice in Cali, and was heavily recruited.
3) Have you taken a look at the firms the recruit at W&L and participate in their job fairs? You have some big hitters, like Cravath, Swaine & Moore, Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, Kirkland & Ellis, etc, etc, etc. The school doesn't seem to publish this info clearly enough, but its true.
4) This is the most important point everyone seems to forget. Firms don't hire schools, they hire students. Good students everywhere will bet out crappy students at the best schools. Initially they may have the recruiting edge, but the still need to put together a resume (all past work and skills included), they need to interview, and they generally need to be competent. Assuming you have a decent preparation for law school, schools like W&L will give you the advantage in this area. They train great lawyers (even considering their specialization are weak and they aren't top ten). So don't expect your school to get you a job. You have to do this, your school just gives you the tools. That's why great students in places like Hastings or Cardozo can still beat out others for big law jobs who are in top 20/25 schools. Essentially, your resume and interview will speak for themselves to firms that DO recruit W&L grads.
10 Replies
1428 Views