What would you prefer? Columbia (NYC - great city, high costs, 220 classmates, Ivy League, etc), or Chicago (50 classmates, no specialized programs, cheaper living costs, etc)?

probably columbia as i want to work in new york and think being in ny at livy league would be more advantageous

you

Hey guys. Both are really good. I'm not so sure that been in NYC is essencial for get a job in a NYC Law Firm. I have several friends who are from universities other than Columbia and NYU and work for big Law Firms. I saw Grugani was accepted in Chicago and that's trully a big deal. Congrats. Btw, are you, Grugani, from Brazil? Could you tell us a little bit more about your background?
Cheers!

I really don't know. Both are top 10 ranked (and I really don't give too much credibility to rankings). I also have many friends that attended non-NY universities and found outstanding jobs in NY. Classes with less students may mean more contact with faculty. Although I agree that maybe Columbia more recognized (specially outside US).

Pucander, thanks for the kind words. I am from Brazil (Belo Horizonte), LLB at UFMG, 4 years of experience in a respected lawfirm, acting primarily on securities and M&A.

hi guys just to clarify something i didn't mean being in a ny uni would mean better chances for getting a job in NY just because its a NY uni. what i meant was that by being in NY u wud have better ability to network with ny lawyers thus helping job prospects

Both are incredible law facs.

Chicago is great because you're in such a small group, and because Chicago is a great city and UChicago an incredible law school.

Columbia is equally incredible, but probably more expensive.

If I had this luxury, I think I would go for the smaller group of Chicago :)

I am currently working in a respected US Law Firm in NY. Two weeks ago we interviewed LLM students that are looking for a job. I really dont think that just because you live in NY you have an advantage compared to the students living outside NY. The most important things for a LLM student that is looking for a Temporary Job are: the background in you home country, good English and being in one of the Top 15 schools.

I wouldnt choose CLS or NYU instead of UChicago just because of that.

By the way, NY City is much better to live than Chicago (but at least 100% more expensive).

Grugani,
Congratulations on the great accomplishment.
I think the choice depends also on what you want to focus on...for instance, if I wanted to attend courses on security regulation, I'd go to CLS!

Thanks sant 2009 and Nail for your impressions!

Sant2009,
Which monthly amount you believe is reasonable to live in Manhattan with a spouse? I mean, I'm not a wealthy person but don't want to spend my time, as Brazilians say, selling the lunch to buy dinner...

By the way, NY City is much better to live than Chicago (but at least 100% more expensive).

congratulations on getting into both!

Personally, I think you should opt for Columbia because it is generally better regarded. Also, giving up Chicago would make my chances better lol (waitlisted here....!!!)

gogogo! :P


cheers,
G

grugani, I would say you're gonna pay USD1500-USD2000/monthly (that would be a very good deal) for the apartment. You will have at least USD400 on fixes expenses (internet, cable, electricity, phone). Besides that, it depends how often you want to go to parties and restaurants. I think USD3500/month is the minimum.

Thank you very much, sant2009!

I was accpted at Chicago (today) and defered at Columbia.

I prefear CLS.

I was also admitted into CLS and Chicago and I have not yet decided which one to go for. But one point to consider is that being admitted into Chicago is more difficult than being admitted into CLS. While Chicago has 50 places for 700 candidates (14 candidates for 1 places), CLS offers 240 places for 2000 candidates (8 cadidates for 1 place). But it is just one more point...

I guess it is more like 750 applicants to 50 spots. And if you consider the barack obama effect, a 4% increase, that would ammount to 780 apps to 50 spots.