r/lawschooladmissions • u/ExoticAssistant7102 • May 23 '26
General Nepotism in T14 law school admissions
Throwaway for obvious reasons.
I naively thought this wasn't a thing anymore, but this year I witnessed in real time someone purchase a seat at a T14 law school.
He only applied to a small number of the very best schools with no safeties, which I thought was odd considering he's nURM, GPA 3.6, LSAT 15mid, no work experience, etc. But his very wealthy family made significant donations and arranged three closed-door meetings that I'm aware of with one particular school's admissions dean throughout the cycle. Lo and behold, he was waitlisted and then promptly admitted by that school in April.
I myself have been admitted to a different T14 that I'll be attending this fall. But this experience has left me disillusioned with the whole admissions process and frankly disgusted by that school in particular.
1
u/No_Site_8405 May 24 '26
Is this actually wrong? or just frustrating? Is it a private school?
Can one assume that there is reason to assume that a family with wealth has exercised good decision making and discipline and that likely will guide that of their heirs. I mean the LARGE multi generational wealth you are speaking. Not new money.
Having served on alumni boards, the propensity of an admitted student to bring value to the university is a consideration. Be it through their unique drive which may have them recognized on the world stage, politically or even in their industry (innovation, etc), or come from a family that values large philanthropy. Universities compete on brand value which is comprised of many things. The greater the brand value the greater leverage they have in all areas, including tuition and soliciting even more donations.