NYU(Stern) out of the top 10

As novanative said rankings go up and down. If you are at a top 20 school chances are top firms will recruit there, and then it's up to the individual. Yes there's a difference between H/S/W and some schools towards to bottom of the top 20, but even that isn't as prounounced as one may think. I think the difference between top 20 and second tier is much more pronounced.

Yale SOM has made great strides in the past few years and I think it could likely continue. First of all the University as a whole has a world wide reputation. It has the best law school and a top 3 undergraduate program. The biggest knock against the B school is that it is much younger than other elite programs, but as the inaugural classes continue to age and enter powerful roles at the end of their careers, placement and earnings statistics will continue to rise. The proximity to NYC and Stamford helps as well. I didn't apply there because the thought of two years in New Haven did not appeal to me, but I wouldn't be shocked if Yale is solidly mentioned along with the M7 with in 10 to 15 years.