William & Mary... opinions, please

[vinylisbetter]

I've only gotten in to a handful of law schools so far (W&M, W&L, USC), and I'm still waiting for the big boys, but regardless, W&M's financial package (in-state tuition, annual stipend) is going to make it hard to say no. 

What is the general impression you all have of William and Mary?  What have you heard about academics, social life, career prospects, etc?

[Stephon Devante]

I got the same deal. From what I gather, its a relatively small town, close to a military academy, and seems like friendly people. Career prospects seem decent. As far as it goes, everyone who I've told in southern Ohio about getting accepted always thinks I'm very cool...despite the fact that W&M is truly at the bottom of my list...

Dont know that that helped any, but its a few comments.

[Roxy]

I think you mean W&L for the military academy part... there might be one by W&M, but I don't know of one? Virginia Military Academy is right next to W&L, tho...

As for W&M, I know nothing about the law school, despite applying there myself; however, I have lived in VA for nearly all my life. The area is very pretty, very quiet. It's very historical, and I always thought it was funny to imagine going to school right next to a place where people dressed in 1800s garb are wandering around, but hey, what do I know?

The UG students I know who went there had really varied impressions. Basically, don't go there if you mind not being near a big city. It is going to be a quiet place, in general.

[R We There Yet?]

I've visited twice and love it!  Though you do need to be cool with the whole "historic" aspect of the place.  Initially, I was worried about living in a small town.  However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.  First, Williamsburg is only about 50 miles from Richmond.  So if you're desperate for some city life (admitedly a small city of approx 850,000) you're not to far away.  Additionally, because its somewhat tourism dependant, Williamsburg has a surprisingly large variety of places to eat, etc.  This was very important to me!  Also, I couldn't help but notice that Williamsburg appears very well maintained.  I think this is also due to the influence of tourism. 

Anyway...just my opinion.  Stay away if you're looking for big city living.  But, if you're looking for a nice comfortable place...Williamsburg is the spot!     

[R We There Yet?]

One other note...

The only thing I disliked during my initial visit (a few years ago) was the library.  However, upon a return trip I was pleasantly surprised to learn that W&M was in the process of building a large expansion and renovating the existing library space.  Apparently, the new wing of the library should be complete and ready for use this summer.  I believe the renovation of the existing building will be completed in time for the beginning of the 2007 Spring semester.  If these projects end up anything like the moot courtroom, they'll be state of the art! 

Here's a link...

http://www.wm.edu/law/lawlibrary/construction/2004_03_01_archive.shtml

   

[AH]

Go here grad.  Went here undergrad.  Attend classes at the LS now.  Email or pm with questions.  I love the school, but will def. be honest.

There are also a few current W&M students who hit the board sometimes, hopefully they will see this and can provide more complete insight to the politics of the ls.

The military academy is definiely W&L (quiet town too).  WBurg is a bustling metropolis compared to Lexington.  Several military based w/i 45 miles, though.

[Stephon Devante]

My bad, I was misinformed...somebody told me the academy was next to W&M...

[AH]

np, it's easy to get mixed up

hell, I went here for 4 years and was mixed up on the distance from ls campus to main campus!

Seriously though, if anyone needs info. let me know, if I don't know, I will find someone who does!

[philibusters]

I am a 1L at W&M.  You can pm if you have any specific questions about the law school.  Its hard to explain the law school without specific questions cause a lot of what I would explain would be applicable to almost any law school. 
As for the location aspect, W&M isn't surrounded with things to do--that personally doesn't bother me cause I am pretty happy with my social life consisting of going out to a bar once a week and having decent places to go out to eat, but I originally came from a more rural area-so I may have very different standards from other people.

[AH]

Yay!  One of the older, wiser W&M law students I was refering to has returned!