<p>So, it's still summer for me and I'm bored, pondering my future in law.
Since, as of now, I have nothing better to ask, I was wondering if someone experienced would be kind enough to answer my question. </p>
<p>I love LA and don't really want to leave, but would go to a school like Stanford in a heart beat. Say I was a perfect student etc. and I got into both -- what would be the difference in the starting salary for Stanford (or some other Ivy League law school) and USC (or UCLA), if I wanted to practice either entertainment or corporate law? I'd think USC would be a better one for the former since A) it's close to Hollywood and B) I love LA. ;)</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Just a disclaimer: I don't have numbers on hand to back anything up, and reported starting salaries tend to be fairly unreliable, anyway. This is mostly speculation.</p>
<p>The rule of thumb is "go to the highest-ranked law school that admits you," though there are exceptions (Ex: if you're choosing between two very regional, as opposed to national schools, then it makes more sense to go to the one in the region you prefer). USC and UCLA are both nationally respected schools, but their reputations and networks are strongest within CA, and particularly within SoCal. If you did well at USC and wanted to stay in LA and work in entertainment law, you'd have nothing to worry about. I have no idea how Stanford would actually prepare (or connect) you in that career area, but the degree (or one comparable) would allow you more flexibility in general. That said, if you were actually in a position to get into Stanford, then you might receive great merit money to a lower-ranked-but-still-great school like USC, which would make it an even more viable option (given your interests and goals).</p>
<p>In general, when it comes to the entertainment industry, I believe the rule of thumb is basically "Be in LA" (or, if you can't swing that, in NYC). I literally know people who've been legitimately and reliably advised to attend CC in SoCal rather than film schools elsewhere (big players like NYU, aside, and obviously with other relevant details coming into play). I have no idea whether the same networking needs hold true when it comes to law. Something to look into (although if the choice really is Stanford/USC, then the differences may not be so dramatic as to really make this matter at all. It's not like Stanford's network won't reach SoCal). </p>
<p>Anyway, if, down the line, you find yourself in a position to apply to and be competitive at any of these schools, you'll be in a great spot. Cross the bridge when it comes.</p>
<p>I guess my hidden agenda of the post was "What if I don't get into Stanford..." and rest assured you've alleviated my worries. Thank you.
It seems that USC can be a pretty good choice since I plan on going into entertainment -- law or not. </p>
<p>I'm only doing all this to prioritize before I apply.
Say I was given the choice between USC and NYU, would the former, then again, be better? Is NYU considered a regional school and USC would be better since it's in Hollywood and a regional school there?
There's a lot of thinking to do, but in any case, you've been very helpful.</p>
<p>One other confounding factor is the Trojan Family, which is HUGE, particurlarly in SoCal.</p>
<p>the trojan network at USC is something to consider, especially since you said you'd like to stay in southern california</p>
<p>"Is NYU considered a regional school"</p>
<p>NYU is a top 6 law school, no question. It is a national school and would definitely be a better pick than USC. NYU >>>>>> USC for corporate law and for entertainment law I don't really know but given that it has good location in NYC and is a fantastic law school, I can't imagine it being bad.</p>
<p>For the record, and I'm not saying that you do or don't want to base any decisions on this, just pointing it out...</p>
<p>Quick glances around the USC, Stanford, and NYU websites didn't show any entertainment related journals or clinics. I was interrupted just a few minutes into checking, so this was only a VERY cursory skim of the information. But there are schools that specialize in entertainment law (and normally, legal "specialties" don't hold a lot of weight, but entertainment may or may not be an exception to the rule...check it out). Pepperdine comes to mind. Obviously, corporate law is another story altogether.</p>
<p>Again, not advice, just random points for you to consider and research.</p>
<p>All right, thanks again people. </p>
<p>There's a lot to consider...especially what Student615 said. But then again, maybe they're hidden. Looks like I'll have to do a lot of digging, but I really appreciate you taking the time to research for me. </p>
<p>Then with the NYU...I probably would go if I was accepted, but it is a top 6 school so, who knows, anything can go. </p>
<p>Lastly, I have heard of the Trojan network and would assume that it's quite helpful in getting jobs. I'll have to look into that as well. I miss having a clear path laid out for me. ;)</p>