Soror, I think that whoever posted that if you want to practice in the region in which your lawschool is located, rank matters less. It also matters less if you want to go to a small lawfirm that is less concerned about school prestige. However, if you want to be able to vie for a position at a national, big 20 or whatever lawfirm, your school will get your resume looked at when otherwise it might not be reviewed, even if you send it in on your own. It also seems that those that have the greatest mobility (moving in-house from a firm, etc.) are those from the higher-ranked schools (and firms). That said, in my short time practicing (one year) I have resigned from a big lawfirm (mine was one of the biggest in the country) and in Aug. will begin practicing at a firm with 50 attys - total. I think that I will be much happier...not to mention that the pay is better (which is a nice perk to me) at a boutique firm. Therefore, it is not all about the big firm that will probably work the h-ll out of you anyway, especially if you are interested in litigation. It is about what you want for yourself. I went to a top 5 lawschool (University of Chicago) and admit that I had all of the opps that I could ever imagine when it came to recruiting - even now, my JD from there opens all sorts of doors (like when I left my firm and went job searching, I had numerous offers to lateral). However, I didn't want anymore big firm life anyway - so I say that to say, what is it that *you* want for yourself? If you're not sure, it may be wise not to close any doors and go with a school that has better national recruiting opps and a strong alumni network.
Also, I might add that when I read about attys who are running the NAACP Legal Defense fund and who are running CNBC, etc. and are AAs, they usually come from Howard or a top tier majority lawschool. Again, you must decide what is for you.
P.S. I think that pay varies by the geographical area and that most firms in a particular geographical area pay around the same. For instance, in Chicago, most firms pay 6 figures, same in LA and NY. Down south, most firmst pay 5 figures (which, to me, is still a great salary) so I don't think pay will vary that much by whether it's a big 20 firm or not but I could be wrong on this.
P.S.S. It is true that you will work just as hard no matter where you go so weigh that also.
Good luck!!
SC
Quote:
Originally posted by RedefinedDiva
How is everyone making out in their respective law schools? Has anyone had a change in opinion or have new comments?
I will be attending Southern in the Fall and I am excited about what awaits me. However, I am still up in arms about the ranking and whatnot. In this area, Southern has a GREAT reputation, but I am just concerned about the future. Southern has a good program and I know that I won't have any trouble finding a job here once I graduate, but I am just trying to look at the big picture.
I know that I don't want to make any hasty decisions until I actually immerse myself in the work and meet other students and graduates. However, I am tossing around the fact that I may want to eventually transfer. I originally wanted to attend Howard, but it was (financially) out of the question. Loyola and Tulane are also options, but I sort of wanted that HBCU experience. I am not second guessing my decision to attend SULC, but with searching other sites and reading this thread, it seems as though if you don't go to a top 15 or Howard in particular, you are doomed. I would love to work for a big law firm. I would love a 6 figure salary (I'll even take a HIGH 5 figure). Eventually I would like to open my own firm.
What else, if anything, have you learned about law school, post-graduate job prospects, etc. now that more time has passed?
|