BottomOfTotem wrote:Question for recent grads: how has the job seeking gone? It seems, from perusing the thread, that in years past, to get into BigLaw, you needed to place in the top 20% to have a chance. Is this still the case? I ask because, although the economy has recovered and UCH's ranking has climbed somewhat, the job #s on the 509 still seem low.
Also how have your educational credentials been received? As in, is UC Hastings still viewed in decently high esteem by Bay Area practitioners? This last question can be in regards to all realms of practice and firm size.
2013 grad here.
I don't know anyone from my class who has passed the bar who doesn't have a respectable job by now (not working random hourly jobs or doc review). Some of us had to work lower-end or part-time jobs, but everyone eventually found something good. This was back when we were ranked 45-50.
I'm in SoCal, and people know the name Hastings. I see it as a local school, though. Bay Area practitioners will know of it and respect the name. Obviously not as prestigious as Boalt or Stanford, but in an environment where Golden Gate people get hired, there's no excuse as a Hastings grad.
I can't say the same for 2014-15 grads, though. As you may know, our ranking is now 59 or so.
The one thing Hastings will teach you is how to figure shit out on your own. Don't just sit there waiting to be spoon fed. Those who figure it out will get ahead of those who don't take action.