<p>Terminology can be confusing: Tier 1 actually refers to the top 100 law schools, while T14 refers to the top 14. (When I was in law school, we cared more about the top 10, so I don’t know how 14 became the magic number.)</p>
<p>There are some very strong regional law schools in the tier 1 group, but outside T14. Employment prospects outside of elite firms and non-profit positions in urban centers don’t depend entirely on going to an elite National law school. Even so, I would think even someone who is likely to do very well at a tier 1 school should not incur debt at the levels OP is talking about. Summer employment, scholarships, state schools can help with this. Work and save up some $$ before law school - it can also make for a stronger application. All loans? Not a great idea.</p>