Law School Forum

sybbie719
Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:27:28 +0000

Hi C,

My D was scheduled to go last year and at the last minute could not come home so she sent me to gather information. One of the big differences is that it is Friday/Saturday when last year it was Saturday/Sunday (but still being held at the same place). D will be there and see things for her self this weekend.

I was there all day from the time the Harvard rep did the first forum 101 session at 9:30 and gave out a list of questions to ask at the forum until about 4:45 (left as the what do lawyers do was wrapping up). There were also a good Q & A session about admissions and financial aid for law school.

There was a time it was a mad house as there were so many people there ).

There were big crowds at all of the T14 schools as well as the local colleges (had to circle back 3 times to get info from cardozo). With the exception of the T14’s a lot of schools took names and the all of the admissions people were very personable and took time to answer questions.

Ended up having about a 15 minute discussion with the dean of admissions at Vandy who is a Dartmouth alum explaining in what ways it is similar to Dartmouth.

Northwestern interviews are mandatory for candidates that do not have at least one year of work experience under the belt.

I had a nice chat with the Admissions person from U of Chicago. He said while they do take students from undergrad, maturity is important. They don’t want a student who simply just goes to class, studies and does nothing more.

He also stated that working whether it is paid or volunteer along with living on your own does give some students the maturity that hey need. I did ask the next level question because D has internships, a study abroad program, ECs, volunteer and leadership experience under the belt as an undergrad and his response was those are all good things that help demonstrate maturity,

He also said that they admit a small number of students on the condition that they defer one year and work, volunteer etc.

The what do lawyers do discussion was very interesting. It was very encouraging for those looking to go locally in NYC as at least 3 of the panelist were out of lawschool less than 5 years and have already racked up some amazing opportunities.

One of the panelist was a hispanic male who who go his undergrad in EE an Manhattan College, went to work for Con Ed, for 11 years, got his JD at night at St. Johns (2001) and became the first hispanic editor of their law review. Clerked upon graduation now works at Latham & Watkins doing IP.

One young woman went to SUNY buffalo as her interest is in international law. Just graduated in june and got comissioned for Airforce JAG.

Young woman did undergrad major in Urban studies and Child welfare. Worked at a non profit for one year went to Cardozo. Upon graduation got a clerkship at the Court of Appeals, then got a second internship (where she is now) clerking at the federal district court and was recently chosen to clerk for Justice Stephen at the U.S. Supreme court next year, She said she loves being a law clerk and is considering doing it as a permanent job.

There is a lot of information to be picked up so a sturdy bag would be good

hope this helps.

x-posted with Neonzeus. I though I would feel out of place as a parent up information but I too was suprised at the large number of parents who were also at the forum.