- PowerScore Staff
- Posts: 9010
- Joined: Feb 02, 2011
- Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:27 am
#74903
Below is a question by a prospective law student, and a response by PowerScore CEO Dave Killoran.
Anonymous: "Hi there,
I would appreciate any advice you have on my situation. Money is my main concern and biggest factor.
I was offered a full-ride at the University of Washington school of law (#44) as long as I work in public interest for 5 years my debt will be forgiven.
My other option is Berkeley Law (#10) and I will probably pursue public interest and they have a generous LRAP program, but I would be coming out with ~$250,000 in debt.
I do not plan to stay in Washington nor California, but practice in Colorado.
Is the debt at Berkeley worth it for me?"
Dave Killoran: "Hi Anonymous,
Thanks for the message! It probably isn’t, in part because your opening line is that “Money is my main concern and biggest factor.” If you chose Berkeley, you’re then on the hook for a substantial six figures of debt vs being debt free with a degree from a solid law school. If you were committed to biglaw or a clerkship, then Berkeley would get a lot more attractive, but looking at your career path and stated interest in PI then Washington appears to be the better deal. An alternative perspective here would be: is the $250K price tag worth the better job outcomes you’d get at Berkeley? For your area of interest, that’s a stretch to see as being the case.
Please let me know if that helps. Thanks!"
Anonymous: "Hi there,
I would appreciate any advice you have on my situation. Money is my main concern and biggest factor.
I was offered a full-ride at the University of Washington school of law (#44) as long as I work in public interest for 5 years my debt will be forgiven.
My other option is Berkeley Law (#10) and I will probably pursue public interest and they have a generous LRAP program, but I would be coming out with ~$250,000 in debt.
I do not plan to stay in Washington nor California, but practice in Colorado.
Is the debt at Berkeley worth it for me?"
Dave Killoran: "Hi Anonymous,
Thanks for the message! It probably isn’t, in part because your opening line is that “Money is my main concern and biggest factor.” If you chose Berkeley, you’re then on the hook for a substantial six figures of debt vs being debt free with a degree from a solid law school. If you were committed to biglaw or a clerkship, then Berkeley would get a lot more attractive, but looking at your career path and stated interest in PI then Washington appears to be the better deal. An alternative perspective here would be: is the $250K price tag worth the better job outcomes you’d get at Berkeley? For your area of interest, that’s a stretch to see as being the case.
Please let me know if that helps. Thanks!"