Sydney and Mike Spivey discuss the latest law school rankings and their implications. As the rankings fluctuate year after year, they delve into the question of whether rankings truly matter and how applicants should approach them. Mike Spivey shares insights from his extensive experience in law school admissions, highlighting the changing dynamics of rankings and their impact on the legal profession. They explore the challenges faced by first-generation and minority applicants, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond rankings to make informed decisions about law school choices. The discussion also touches on the evolving role of rankings in legal education and potential future trends in the industry.

Meet Mike Spivey

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Mike Spivey, founder of Spivey Consulting, draws upon extensive experience in senior administrative roles at esteemed law schools like Vanderbilt University, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Colorado, where his innovative contributions earned national recognition. Renowned for his expertise in legal education, Mike has been featured in leading media outlets and prestigious publications such as The Chronicles of Higher Education, and he's honored as an inductee of The Blackburn Society for his ethical leadership. A sought-after speaker and consultant for universities nationwide, Mike is also a prolific author with upcoming book releases on admissions and motivation. Beyond his professional pursuits, he embraces an active lifestyle, often seen exploring the scenic mountains of Boulder, Colorado, accompanied by his loyal canine companion.

Episode Highlights

• Spivey shares insights on receiving embargoed rankings and their impact on schools and applicants.

• Discussion on the annual changes in rankings and their volatility due to methodology adjustments by US News.

• Spivey emphasizes that rankings are not an accurate reflection of a school's quality or an applicant's success potential.

• The conversation delves into the tension between rankings and diversity in law schools, highlighting the complexity of DEI metrics.

• Sydney discusses the challenges faced by non-traditional law school applicants and the bias in hiring based on prestige markers.

• Spivey predicts a potential decline in the influence of rankings based on recent trends and surveys among admissions deans.

• Advice for applicants: prioritize factors like employability, bar passage rates, and personal fit over rankings.

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