Just How Bad Is Tier 4?

[Treadway]

Is it worth going to law school at a tier 4 school? Is it possible to rank even tier 4 schools? Is proabtion such as Whittier's dilemma a serious deal? And would you rate California Western Law a better school than Whittier? I got a 152 on LSAT which is why I am stuck in this boat. Thanks.

[stilleman]

The value of going to a tier 4 school is different for different people.  For me it was worthless because I didn't know that I would never have the opportunity to practice high end corporate or real estate law or become in house counsel somewhere, which was the only reason that I was going to lawschool. If you want to practice corporate law or become and in house attorney and don't have experience or connections in either of these areas and you don't make law review the odds are slim to none that you will work in these areas. Making Law Review can make a huge difference, especially at tier 4 because it opens so many doors. This is something that was never explained to me, but every law student should aspire to it. If you want to be a solo practitioner and like litigation tier 4 schools are great because they turn out alot of civil litigators and some very good ones because this is the only area that most tier 4 graduates can get a foothold to pull themselves up to the level of say tier 1 graduates and beat them. So the schools especially Cal Western offer alot of classes to hone your litigation skills.  Those who don't make law review can have good careers but they have to be realistic and be ready to apply for every government job that is available because again that is the only other place that readily opens its doors to any and all tier 4 graduates, I'm talking DA's offices, Public Defenders Offices, and County Counsels offices. The pay is decent and they have great retirement packages depending on the county. But you will have to get litigation and criminal law experience by volunteering at a DA's office or Public Defenders office after your first year and during your last two years of law school, and an intership. You will also have to compete in litigation competitions at the school. And you will also have to do a post bar internship with the DA or public defender to ensure yourself a job after law school. That way you will have enough experience to apply and get a job after law school. I would rate Cal Western as being a better school and not just because I went there. Cal Western is better because they have alumni working all over the state of CA and this can often open doors. They also have alot of Judges but mostly in San Diego. Also Cal Western may still become part of the UCSD school and then your degree will be worth more. And to be honest with you I say this even though I hate the way that I was treated at Cal Western.

Let me explain, when I went to Cal Western the freshman class of 200+ was divided into three sections A,B and C for example. Each section was further divided into two. I was in section A1 another section was A2. Section A1 was given an extra class and no tutors provided by free of charge by the school. Section A2 was given a two week prep course to prepare them for law school, free tutors provided by the school and one less class during the first semester of classes.  In section A1 I was surrounded by people with Masters Degrees and PHD's so I was basically being setup by the school to flunk out, and might I add that most of the Section A1 people had full scholarships to the school based on their grades.  I am not ashamed to say that I almost did because they didn't give a crap about me like they did about the people in section A2.  

So what I am trying to say is if you go to Cal Western get it in writing that they will give a two week pre law school prep course, which I might add was invaluable to some people in my class and a tutor the first year free of charge. Alot of people who did this program did make law review and other did so well that they managed to transfer to better schools after the first year.  You see the door is open to transfers who make law review after the first year and they can usually transfer to a second tier school. This is another reason to go to a fourth tier. So in summary Cal Western is better, 4th tier school is okay if you want to become a civil litigator or criminal lawyer and work for the government, get the school to give you the pre lawschool course and tutor and get it in writing and don't believe them if they say that they don't offer either anymore they are lying. And remember if you work super hard first year you make law review and either transfer or get a full scholarship at Cal Western, but I would probably transfer. Good luck and stay in touch I want to know what you have decided to do. If you need pointers just ask, I am glad to help.