I cannot go wrong with either CLS or Chicago. Historically, we are talking about 2 of top-5 US schools. Perhaps now, despite official rankings, Chicago is ever more considered than Columbia. Moreover, find a job in a law firm in NYC is a waste of time...

Until this moment, I will attend Chicago (still waiting Berkeley and HLS).

In this time (financial crisis!), I think that one should set appart from others, and I think that small programs in good law schools (Chicago, Yale, SLS) help you more than the one from big law schools (Harvard, NYU, Columbia).

Anyone else that have chose Chicago over CLS?

Not yet! I am thiking about the pros and cons of both CLS and Chicago.... very difficult!

Hi App2009!

I believe that CLS "super pro" is its location: NYC, most of all because most law firms are located there, but, I think that, at least you have previous conection with a law firm, it will be almost imposible to get a job, so, I think that "job perspectives" are equal right now (near to zero), and CLS "super pro" is not so important.

Dean Badger's superb informative e-mails really show commitment and care for the applicants - certainly doesn't make the decision any easier....

Totally agree with 12thMonkey. Not only his several interesting emails, but also the whole admission acceptance process shows unparalelled transparency and honesty between the applicants and the University...

If I may add another perplexity, how would you compare cambridge to them, considering that tuition is about one third and it also has a very reputable position (if not better)

Hi Crimlawyer,
At least for my area (M&A, securities), I never heard anyone that listed Cambridge among the best schools...

Dean Badger's superb informative e-mails really show commitment and care for the applicants - certainly doesn't make the decision any easier....

I agree in regard to Dean Badger's email - I am torn between Chicago and Columbia!

The thing is, no matter how many more good arguments pro Chicago and friendly, flattering e-mails will pop up, I believe I'll choose CLS no matter what. I guess I'm not "brave" enough to drop such a prestigious institution as Columbia and such a city as NYC, irregardless of the concrete academic offering (which of course is on world-class level in each of these schools anyway) from both sides. I'm probably like the football player who will go to Real Madrid because of its history and environment, even though Chelsea may be currently more dominating international football. For all the non-"soccer" fans: I'll think of another suitable analogy later.

Chicago. A smaller program may offer you more "american" experience in a 1 year course. Leave the thought you can find a job, that possibility is nothing more than nil

I am also facing the choice between Chicago and Columbia.

I am admitted to Chicago, Northwestern, Penn, NYU, and Columbia (in the order of admission), and still waiting for news from Harvard, though I completely understand that Harvard is a long shot for me.

Columbia offered me a tuition waiver of US$15,000 and asked me to respond with a deposit to their offer by March 25. On the other hand, the decision of Chicago on the financial aid will not come out until mid-March. I will have a hard time deciding whether to accept the offer from Columbia or Chicago. Chicago is the first school to offer me admission, and, according to my colleague, one tends to lean toward the law school which offers him/her the first admission, which I think somewhat leads to my inclination for Chicago. Of course, the academic reputation, small class size, and the (maybe slightly) less living expense compared to NYC are also main factors affecting my decision.

Notwithstanding the above, during a time of global financial downturn and in the midst of the depreciation of my home countrys currency against US dollars, a financial aid will play a significant role in my final decision on where to spend my next one year. In addition, given the status of an Ivy League school, the location in NYC, and the perhaps more diverse cultural life in NYC, Columbia remains an attractive option for me.

I have been browsing this forum for quite a while and have a rough grasp regarding Chicago and Columbia. But I still appreciate it if anyone could provide insights about these two schools, as well as any advice on how to decide.

Laichllm,

What is your proposed area of study? Supposedly, Chicago provides a much more personal academic experience due to its extremely small class size. Professors will get to know you by name at Chicago, whereas Columbia will be much more anonymous. Personally, I would pick Chicago if your interests are connected to corporate law since Chicago has the best economics faculty in the world. I have talked to students from both schools and the impression I get is that Chicago's faculty is much better than Columbia's. Chicago's faculty is on par with Yale and Chicago produces almost as many law professors. Columbia, on the other hand, has pockets of strength here and there, but many top law schools have poached their best faculty in recent years or their best professors are so old now that they don't teach much.

Guys, just a few comments.

I completely disagree with people who say that the best thing of Columbia is the city of NY and the possibility of getting a job. Certainly those are good things, but the most important advantage of Columbia is that it is a great university, and excellent not only in law, but also in other areas (its business program was ranked by financial times in 2007 and 2008 in 3rd and 4th place worlwide).

Additionally, it has absolutely the best corporate and securities program and faculty (starting by John Coffee and Ronald Gilson). Certainly Chicago is outstanding in law and economics, but that is a different area, and the most renowned professors of Chicago are in the business school, not in the law school.

Furthermore, some people (specially academics) don't like rankings, but Columbia has always been far above Chicago in them, and employers do like rankings.

Regarding the size of the class, I agree that the small class has its benefits, but remember that a big class means networking (and not only to work in the USA as because of the crisis it seems impossible to get a job), but means contacts for a lifetime.

And finally, all my friends that have been accepted at Chicago and Columbia choose Columbia as in most countries is one of the most respected universities in the US

I believe that Chicago is a great law school and of course it may be the right place for many people, but personally, I prefer Columbia without second thoughts.

I agree Joker1. CLS is a great university which has more to offer than just NY and everything depends on the area of law you intend to study...

Can somebody help me: which one is better in arbitration, litigation and contracts? Thanks!

Thank you all for the valuable advice.

My practice is primarily focused on dispute resolution, especially litigations. I only plan to complete the LL.M. program without considering further study such as SJD, and will return to my home country to continue my practice.

I talked to some of my friends about the choice and was told that if you have only one year to spend in the US, then go to New York. Personally, I long for the intimacy a small class size might bring, as in the case of Chicago, but the ranking, Ivy League status and the tuition waiver of Columbia make me somewhat leaning toward Columbia.

I forgot to explain another important factor swaying my decision: my wife will also pursue an LL.M. degree with me together and we intend to live in the same city. Therefore, unless NYU or Columbia also offers admission to my wife, I might be forced to give up the admission to Columbia.

I understand things might not all go well to accommodate my needs, but I still keep hope for us. Also, good luck to all the applicants in this board; your advice/opinion benefits me very much.

Hi! I just discover this website.

I am admitted both at Columbia and Chicago, and have to make the decision soon.

So far, I am more inclined to Chicago, since I believe is better as a law school (faculty, students etc.) than Columbia, but I admit that living in NYC seems better than live and Chicago.

I would definitely recommend Chicago. Chicago's faculty is full of big names, Posner, Nussbaum, and all the famous law and economics people.

Columbia has no big names like Chicago. plus, their program is much bigger and less selective. At Chicago, the small class size is great since you get one on one faculty attention.

Congrats on Chicago! I wish i was in your situation...