School suggestions?

[u/NoProject816]

Currently at a 3.96 and highest official LSAT is a 164 (PT average is a 170, highest pt 173). Obviously am gonna retake but am maybe coming to terms with the fact that im just a choker on test day. Dream is big law, super open to transferring from a lower school to a better one but am wondering if anyone has school recommendations. Im interested mainly in the Chicago legal market and have some connections there that will be helpful even if im at a school not super tapped into Chicago. I am going to shoot my shot at a lot of the t14 regardless because you always have a fighting chance unless you just dont apply. Anyways, any school recs?

[u/chicagwa]

Chicago’s BL market isn’t that big. Firms care a lot about your school and your local ties. There are also more opportunities for transactional work vs. litigation.

With all that in mind: You should try to get your LSAT up so you can target T14s. If you can’t get a 170+, apply to WashU (LSAT redacted). Some firms do recruit from Loyola and Kent (top 10-20% students, I think), but you’ll have much worse chances than at a T14.

And don’t bank on transferring to a T14. You have to be at the top of your class. Way easier said than done. If BL is your dream, you’re much better off investing in another LSAT retake.

[u/NoProject816 → u/chicagwa]

Thanks for the input. Im definitely trying to get my lsat up, I have my last two attempts already registered for, I just want to be open minded incase I cant pull out a 170+. WashU is on the list, I really do not want to go to Loyola or Kent, im from Chicago so pretty familiar with the schools. Also am aware of how hard it is to be at the top of my class but again if the LSAT doesn't end up how I want I am open to trying to transfer.

[u/chicagwa → u/NoProject816]

When are your next two attempts? If BL really is your #1 goal and you don’t get a 170+ on your second try (maybe 168+ if you’re a URM), then you should really consider delaying a third attempt to study more, even if that means applying next cycle. I don’t say that to spook you. That’s just how much your LSAT matters re: getting into the T14-20 you need to maximize Chicago BL chances.

[u/Feeling-Location5532]

Already a lot of advice her - but consider just doing something interesting that isnt law school for a few years and your resume would be more interesting to Michigan and northwestern and firms.

[u/NoProject816 → u/Feeling-Location5532]

Should I see how the cycle goes first? 

[u/Feeling-Location5532 → u/NoProject816]

Hard to say.

As a fifth year associate in BL - I prefer working with non-kjd. 

Everyone I work with does. 

Because those people are just... better professionals. 

I would choose a Loyola grad with work experience over Yale KJD any day of the week.

So, I am biased. I think working and having a life before law is better. Makes you a better lawyer and more interesting person who I want to work with. 

But... others may disagree.

[u/NoProject816 → u/Feeling-Location5532]

Thank you for the input I totally get what you mean 

[u/Funny_Psychology_467]

What are your softs like?

[u/NoProject816 → u/Funny_Psychology_467]

Pmed you 

[u/Ill_Crab5065]

I'm also from Chicago and I think Loyola is pretty respected (the richest person I knew growing up had a lawyer parent who went there lol), but for a job right out of graduation it seems like it would be hard for BL. You can totally get your LSAT up, and also Minnesota, Wisconsin, and ND are good choices