Transfer from T25 to Northwestern? Forum

[SlipperyPete]

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[wadeny]

Is there any particular reason you want to go to NU? If you're at a T25 (with $$?) and close to where you want to work (?), why try transferring at all? What are your goals (biglaw, public interest, etc)?

[sanpiero]

bump

[Joga Bonito]

It's def possible, not sure how likely, but worth a try. You many need to explain why you want to go to NU, connections or interest in the chicago market would proabably help but aren't necessary. I would just apply everywhere I could afford in the t14 that I would want to go.

[SlipperyPete]

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[Joga Bonito]

I think its a good idea, most lawyers/firms are prestige whores (they just are, i wish they werent but they are), I think the long term possible benefits outweigh the possible risk so its a good bet in my opinion and none of my friends who transfered from the t25 to t14 regret it.

[SlipperyPete]

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[reese23]

Honestly, if you want to work in Seattle, why did you not just attend UDUB or Seattle U?? I can understand if you didn't get into UDUB, but Seattle U is pretty easy to get into and has major alumni pull at all the big firms.

I have a 3.3, 170 lsat, and i'm a URM(hispanic) and could get into a handful of T-14's but I'll most likely be staying in state b/c i want biglaw in seattle. A top-14 degree will not put you ahead of a seattle u or udub grad with good grades. Big mistake by not going to school where you "know" you want to practice. Good luck.

[Joga Bonito]

I think its a good idea, most lawyers/firms are prestige whores (they just are, i wish they werent but they are), I think the long term possible benefits outweigh the possible risk so its a good bet in my opinion and none of my friends who transfered from the t25 to t14 regret it.

That's precisely my intuition. But I'll listen to anyone who disagrees with that sentiment.

I'd still like some input on my original question though. (Assuming it is also a smart career move,) is it possible to transfer to a T14 from a T25 at which I am approximately top 25%? If the answer is "no," would it change to "yes" if I am able to break into the top 15% after spring semester?

I know at least one person who was in the top 25% of their class but outside the top 10% at T25 who transferred to a T10, so it can be done, although I don't know how often it happens.

[SlipperyPete]

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[jcl2]

I think a transfer to T14 is a long shot, but probably worth at least applying. Have you thought about applying to transfer to UW? Given that you would be moving between similarly ranked schools and you have a compelling reason (location) for wanting to transfer, I bet top 1/3 grades would give you a good chance. I think you would have a better shot at PNW biglaw as a transfer student at UW than as a top 1/3 student where you are at, and certainly a much better chance at a job in the PNW if you are willing to consider jobs other than biglaw. If you get the T14 you should probably go, but based purely on your career objectives it seems like a transfer to UW could be better than staying where you are at.

[SlipperyPete]

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[jacko]

Honestly, if you want to work in Seattle, why did you not just attend UDUB or Seattle U?? I can understand if you didn't get into UDUB, but Seattle U is pretty easy to get into and has major alumni pull at all the big firms.

I have a 3.3, 170 lsat, and i'm a URM(hispanic) and could get into a handful of T-14's but I'll most likely be staying in state b/c i want biglaw in seattle. A top-14 degree will not put you ahead of a seattle u or udub grad with good grades. Big mistake by not going to school where you "know" you want to practice. Good luck.

Evidence? I've talked to a partner at a large firm in Seattle and they feel that a T14 degree, if you do even reasonably well, will put you ahead of UW and SU grads.

OP, if you can transfer to Northwestern or any other T14 school do it. If nothing else think about transferring to UW so you can make some contacts in the Seattle legal market.

BTW I think that UW does well in Portland too so you could have opportunities in both Seattle and Portland.