Quote:
Originally Posted by MysticCat
Perhaps its a regional thing, but where I am, unless someone is looking for a federal appellate clerkship or to go to New York, Washington or Atlanta or join one of the major regional firms, no, it really doesn't matter all that much.
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THIS.
(by way of background, I graduated from a law school that is on the edge of the top 50, did the law journal/moot court thing, and have been a civil defense attorney for a large company for 2.5 years)
Here's the thing: if you want to work in a major firm in the areas MC talked about (or Boston, San Fran, etc.), then you'd better have gone to a top 14 or top 20 school (undergrad doesn't matter at much at that point). You'll likely need good grades and journal/moot court experience as well, but honestly you'll need good grades wherever you go.
But, there are plenty of attorneys out there who don't go to top 14 schools.
You can still build a successful law practice having gone to a non-top tier school. Clients these days want smart lawyers who can represent them effectively and can give them "bang for their buck.". Whether they are paying $100 an hour or $1,000 per hour, they want their money's worth. If you're smart, practical, and can do the nuts and bolts (research, writing, problem-solving, negotiating), chances are you'll do ok.
That's not to say the market isn't bad: it is. Some firms look only at T14 schools.
However, if you can be flexible about your expectations, and if you do well in law school, and if you work your tail off, you have a chance.
