Son Looking at U of I law School This Fall

[brightmidnight]

Good luck to your son!

One important thing to keep in mind is that U of I has the largest amount of living alums of any school save UT-Austin, I believe. Over 500,000. That definitely improves chances of your son getting a great job because there are a lot of Illini out there.

[M TYPE X]

Originally Posted by brightmidnight

Good luck to your son!

One important thing to keep in mind is that U of I has the largest amount of living alums of any school save UT-Austin, I believe. Over 500,000. That definitely improves chances of your son getting a great job because there are a lot of Illini out there.

No, the University of Michigan holds the record.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by M TYPE X

No, the University of Michigan holds the record.

Doesn't really matter because when it comes to legal recruiting, the size of the law school's alumni is going to matter a lot more than that of the entire school.

[yogomoto]

Originally Posted by Drover

U of I is a pretty selective law school; he should have a pretty decent job lined up when he graduates. Be aware that most of the legal contacts at the school are in the Chicago area, so there's a good chance that most of his job prospects are going to keep him in the Midwest after graduation.

I agree with this but the connections are stellar. One of our friends went to law school there and now lives in a mansion in Barrington.

[M TYPE X]

In regards to the facilities, I did some research on European trade law and policy in the UIUC law library this week. While not as ornate as UM's, it is certainly functionary.

There's even a small fountain on the east side of the law school building. I love fountains.

[jessiegirl_98]

OK, I have to admit that I haven't read all the posts....
Regarding driving, I would not "ditch the car." There are buses that run about every 5-10 minutes around campus and the surrounding area so there is no need to drive to class, but you would probably want a car to get around Champaign.
I lived at 303 W Green in undergrad Bankier Apartments Champaign Urbana Illinois and there was a nice mix of law students. As other have suggested, however, you usually lease in October for the next August, so I don't know what's available. DO NOT rent ANYTHING from campus property management. They are a HORRIBLE management company. Also, regarding living within walking distance, that's great in theory, but sharing an apartment complex with a ton of undergrads (which happens in walking distance) is really not fun if you're not in undergrad.
As for the school, if you graduate in the top 10% you can go to any big firm really (chicago or not). I have friends that moved on to clerk for federal judges (prestigious, not great $$) and then moved to large firms making 6 figures in 2 years after U of I. Great reputation, just stay in the top of class!!

[jessiegirl_98]

oh, I see he found an apartment. Tell him in look in October for the next years apartment.

[M TYPE X]

I spoke with Bankier before going into my current place, which I am moving OUT OF THIS WEEK - YES THIS DUMP IS FUNNY HISTORY!!! for a really nice JSM unit on the other side o' campus.

Bankier had an attitude, but their properties are still better than "Gabe's Place" or CPM.

Originally Posted by jessiegirl_98

oh, I see he found an apartment. Tell him in look in October for the next years apartment.

No, September. You sign the lease then in the first week of October. LOOK in September in order to make up your mind by then.

[depositlaw]

Illinois renters of apartments at complexes with 25 or more units are entitled to security deposit interest. The amount of interest is nominal, but if not paid at the right time and right rate, the landlord can wind up owing the tenant damages equal to the full security deposit, plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees. When deposits are withheld, technical violations of the Illinois Security Deposit Interest Act and Illinois Security Deposit Return Act give aggrieved tenants leverage.