<p>“the regional factor shouldn’t be an issue when you’re dealing with top law schools.”</p>
<p>I don’t agree. Regionality should be a huge consideration for students looking outside the T14. The fact that partners in California have heard of your law school and know that it is Tier 1 does not mean they will hire you. T1 regional schools have relationships with local employers, and that is where most of their graduates will find job opportunities. If you want to work in Chicago, you might be better off going to Loyola or Kent rather than the more highly ranked Wake Forest.</p>
<p>W&M has a considerable name-recognition advantage nationally. I strongly agree that study abroad should not be a factor. This is not something legal employers look for, and any time you spend abroad, you cannot spend networking, volunteering, or clerking in the US that may lead to a full-time job.</p>