Southwestern University Law School: What's Your Opinion?

[alberto revolt]

According to USNews Top Law Schools in America Report Southwestern University is a T3, but is it really that bad?

I know the numbers of its incomming class are extremely low, but their employment@grad and tuition statistics are better than some much higher ranked schools

I only ask because I'm taking a second look at california schools, and I was considering replacing one of my safeties (like loyola chicago) with this one, because, in the long run, I'd like to settle down in cali

[kimislulure]

I'm a 2L evening student at Southwestern, and I love it. Keep in mind that I work full time, run a side business, and drive 3 hours a night, 4 days a week to get to/from school. Southwestern will give you everything you need to be successful, other than those things you need to bring yourself.

Frankly, many of my classmates are of a caliber that deserves "tier one" recognition, just as there are many "tier one" schools that admit and maintain particular individuals who really deserve "tier four" recognition. It always seemed odd to me that the primary measuring sticks for law school admissions processes are your UGPA and LSAT score, both of which provide valuable and relevant information about the applicant's aptitude for law, but neither of which is a reasonable indicator of the oral or written communication skills that are most essential to the successful practice of law.

From what I've seen on this board, there are many who believe that their only shot at major success in law will come from getting into a school whose name alone will get them a good job. That's a pretty unfortunate and uninspired way to see things (not to mention untrue). Fortunately there are many others who believe that the key to their success will be their hard work, enthusiasm, and the unique talents that most high-tier admissions committees might pass on.

My advice is to get into the highest "ranked" school you can with your numbers, then kick ass when you're there. Southwestern is a great place to be if that's your attitude.

[Prietriap]

I would choose Southwestern over Santa Clara any day. I guess this is kind of mean, but Santa Clara is a no-name even in the Bay Area. I grew up there and only found out it existed quite recently. I'm sure if you ask people in SF if they've heard of SC, they would probably not have any idea what you are talking about.

I am not saying Southwestern is more well known or anything, and I'm sorry if I am bashing SC - I would just never choose a school that is virtually a no-name even in its region. I don't have anything against the school - I just don't think it has much of a reputation.

[fefDutinifs]

Does anyone have any thoughts on the Scale program? For those who don't know what this is, it's basically a unique two-year law program that Southwestern offers. Classes meet year-round for two years with breaks on holidays only. You get the same education as all other JD's except you finish a year early. Saving a year and taking this time to network and/or just get ahead in the game sound very tempting. Plus, I'm starting to think it's really not that bad. The only difference is that their aren't any summer breaks in between, but hell, most of our friends/family will be working in the summers anyway, so why shouldn't we? I am seriously becoming interested in this program, perhaps as a back-up or maybe in my top list. It will depend on how my grades are, but I am interested in it.

[Jestheole]

Does anyone have any thoughts on the Scale program?

I've heard about that program before but I decided it's definitely not for me. That's 24 straight months of school with only a couple of weeks off per year. Obviously, most jobs are like that, but from what I've heard the first year is so rigorous that you really need those three months off in the summer to recuperate. I'd be really worried about burnout, not just while you're in school, but also after you get out. Also, you should find out if you miss out on any of the clinical opportunities, externships, special programs, etc. if you choose this program.

Really, it sounds tempting, but be really careful. In my early college years I went to school for two years straight, and it burned me out badly. I didn't want to do anything for several months. I can't imagine how much worse it would be after studying a rigorous subject like law in the competitive environment of law school.

And then you will have to take the bar!

Between rest time, studying for the bar, and looking for work (since you won't be making job connections during the summers), it may just end up taking 3 years anyway.