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It will be very hard to go from instance defense to biglaw. Absolutely network and apply but it’s a very long shot. I’d try to find a more generalized lit. practice, especially one that overlaps with biglaw practices (so not family law) and then try to move from there. Fair or not, big law firms are very snobby. Experience can substitute for good grades from aT-14 school but there is a stigma against insurance defense—it’s seen as unsophisticated. Not trying to be discouraging, just want to give it to you straight.
Don't get discouraged. I work at an ID firm and we've had a lot of people go to big law. I think it's important to be at a well known/respected ID firm on the AmLaw 200 list and make sure you're working on complex litigation (not torts etc).
Networking is key in big law! Once enough of the attorneys at the firm know you and can see you are competent and professional, you’ll have an easier shot at getting into the firm. Usually good to know more than one person at the firm before you start interviewing. They may even reach out to you when there’s a vacancy, if they know you well enough. I’m a third year and I have partners I met in law school reach out about lateraling into their firm (but I’m happy where I’m at so I haven’t taken them up on it yet)
It's true that ID is looked down on in the legal field. The big advantage you have is your case management and litigation skill set. A lot of 4th years in big law don't come close to being able to do all that you can. Focus on finding a position in litigation where your skills will transfer. I worked at a small firm for 6 years doing mostly ID, some general commercial lit. I lateraled last year to an AmLaw 200 doing litigation in a different practice area. The partners have been really happy with how many things I can handle with minimal oversight. And no more car accident cases for me!!
Sending you hugs from another international student without family in the US!
I started in ID and moved to a small business/corporate focused law firm to then transition to big law a few years later on the transactional side after networking A LOT. I have a couple friends who left ID and went to a well respected AmLaw firm that did ID but in very complex/sophisticated cases and was able to jump to big law from there. It’s very hard, but not impossible. Seems a little easier in medium sized markets though from what I’ve seen!