Hey Guys,

I will have a tough decision to make between UPENN + Wharton certificate and NYU (corporation law). Both universities are giving me until the fall to make up my mind and decide which program to choose.

As for NYU, I am also very interest in thier new LLM programme (International Business Regulation, Litigation and Arbitration) which could tild the balance in favour of NYU over UPENN!

I have read many blogs + treads+ discussions about the pros and cons of each. However, I still remain a bit confused as to which LLM will give me the better edge in SECURITIES Laws and Corporate law. I love New York city and would enjoy living there for a year + closer to NY Big firms.

however, the Wharton Certififcate is a unique opportunity to acquire business skills + looks good on CV!

I am looking forward to read as many comments from you guys!!!

Im sure there must be one of you who could advise me on this dilemma??

Id really appreciate in a line or two whether NYU has an edge over Penn Law (+Wharton) or not?

Many thanks!

141 views, come on guys? anyone has any thought on my question?

Many thanks!

upenn for sure! ivy league bro

Hey ellrico,

thanks for your answer. But NYU seems to have a better international brand name and is located in NYU so maybe easier to network in order to get a job in NYU afterwards?

What do you think about job opportunity prospects in comparing both Unis?

thanks a looooooooot

nyu is a waaaay better option. it is a better regarded law school, and it is a much much much nicer place to live. penn is the biggest dump i have ever seen. nyu is gorgeous, and the law school is gleaming, and by being in manhattan you're at the heart of the legal scene. my two cents..

UPenn Law campus is currently under a large renovation, the main UPenn main campus is very nice, but right now the outside law school campus is a mess, although the library and classrooms nice. The renovation will be done by spring 2012.

AND the Business and Law certificate will be phased out, won't be accepting new students after spring 2011 semester. The Law School is hoping to restructure the cooperation with Wharton, but nothing is set in stone yet.

http://executiveeducation.wharton.upenn.edu/semester-programs/wharton-programs-for-working-professionals/index.cfm

Hello bubbag,

I would like to thank you for writing to me!

The LLM process has been a long and time-consuming one over the last year. I am really hesitating between UPENN and NYU and I have read most of threads on this website....

However, I am confused because I prefer the LLM (corporate) at UPENN and the possibility of doing the Wharton Certificat, but on the other hand, NYU has a more global band name and has an outstanding international business regulation, arbitration and litigation LLM programme. I am currently finishing my second law degree at Montreal University and will sit the New York State Bar this feb 2011.

If I want to work in any big corporate law firm in New York, for example, would you say or think that UPENN will give me a better edge over NYU? Does it really make a difference whether you live in Greenwhich village ou Philly? Its only an 1hour 30 minutes from NYC.

I would really appreciate if you could write a couple of lines about those 2 excellent choices!

Regards,

Many thanks!

UPenn Law campus is currently under a large renovation, the main UPenn main campus is very nice, but right now the outside law school campus is a mess, although the library and classrooms nice. The renovation will be done by spring 2012.

AND the Business and Law certificate will be phased out, won't be accepting new students after spring 2011 semester. The Law School is hoping to restructure the cooperation with Wharton, but nothing is set in stone yet.

http://executiveeducation.wharton.upenn.edu/semester-programs/wharton-programs-for-working-professionals/index.cfm

I found out that I was mistaken about the Wharton certificate, they WILL offer it for the LLMs coming next fall, but not after that.
comparing nyu to upenn is hard, the class at nyu is huge, about 500, upenn take around 100, so it is a more cohesive class experience. Also philly is cheaper when it comes to living expenses, more relaxed than nyc, but on the other hand more boring. The new law campus at upenn will almost be finished by next fall, and completed by early 2012, so unless there is the mayan apocalypse, you will have great facilities.
It is a close call, I think employers don't care that much whether you went to upenn or nyu, being close to the big law firms is a plus for nyu, but the job market for LLMs is quite terrible now anyhow, so it really doesn't make a significant difference.

I found out that I was mistaken about the Wharton certificate, they WILL offer it for the LLMs coming next fall, but not after that.
comparing nyu to upenn is hard, the class at nyu is huge, about 500, upenn take around 100, so it is a more cohesive class experience. Also philly is cheaper when it comes to living expenses, more relaxed than nyc, but on the other hand more boring. The new law campus at upenn will almost be finished by next fall, and completed by early 2012, so unless there is the mayan apocalypse, you will have great facilities.
It is a close call, I think employers don't care that much whether you went to upenn or nyu, being close to the big law firms is a plus for nyu, but the job market for LLMs is quite terrible now anyhow, so it really doesn't make a significant difference.

My experience was good, compared to what last years llms told me people got a higher number of interview at this year's fair. The most last year was three interviews apparently, but this year some had up to eight. Especially if you're from one of the larger latin american countries or chinese you can expect to get a few interviews, also if you're interested in working in belgium and switzerland. Remember many if these firms are interviewing for jobs at offices located outside the us, especially the firms with offices in china.

comparing nyu to upenn is hard, the class at nyu is huge, about 500, upenn take around 100, so it is a more cohesive class experience. Also philly is cheaper when it comes to living expenses, more relaxed than nyc, but on the other hand more boring. .

I'm not saying that the lectures are any bigger in NYU, but I am thinking it is easier to get to know everyone in a small class of a 100 LLMs, than 500.

You do get to know everybody in your specific program. In NYU LLMs are separated by specialty, taxation being the largest one and some of the others in the 30-student region. Moreover, you get the opportunity of networking and getting to know even more people from around the World. It all depends how you see it! ;)

From what I hear, people at NYU, due to the large number of LLM students, tend to bond by nationalities.

Penn a "dump"? Where did that come from? Penn's got one of the best urban campuses in the US (try taking a walk on Locust Walk) and while the new "swanky" law school building is coming up in Feb 2012, the rest of the law school is excellent and more than adequate. You have to remember that Penn prides itself in being a small exclusive law school, and doesn't require mammoth towers. Unlike NYU which has a series of buildings in the middle of the city, Penn has a bustling campus which adds to the charm of staying here. Also, Penn's 100 odd students is a major plus point. At the recent job fairs, none of the employers differentiated between NYU and Penn students. Quite a few Europeans had around 15 interview calls and South Americans had around 10 each. As for the Wharton Certificate, what is going to be closed in 2013 is the Wharton Program for Working Professionals - these are the same classes which are attended by the LLMs for the WBLC, but the authorities know the value-add of Wharton, so they are going to have some alternative arrangement for the LLMs. In any case all LLMs, irrespective of the Certificate are eligible to take one subject in Wharton or any other Penn school. Being close to the law firms is a definite advantage, but Philly is 2 hours and a $10 bus ride away! Ultimately, of course go with what you consider is best. For corporate laws, CLS, NYU and Penn are all very good and all firms recognize that. Once you have been called to the interview, then it's who you are that matters.

Four US law schools place majority of graduates in top firms

Mar 01 2011 There are just four US law schools that can boast that more than half of their 2010 graduates were recruited by the 250 largest law firms in the country, according to a new survey by the National Law Journal.

The University of Chicago Law School sent 58.97 per cent of 2010 graduates to the top 250 firms, while Cornell Law School saw 58.33 per cent of their graduates recruited by the top 250. Columbia Law School and the University of Pennsylvania Law School also sent over 50 per cent of graduates to the top 250 firms.

Harvard Law School placed the most associates overall, with 287 graduates landing at top firms. Columbia came in second, placing 239 graduates at top firms and Penn was third, placing 145 graduates at top firms.

http://www.biglaw.org/news/show/4632/four-us-law-schools-place-majority-of-graduates-in-top-firms