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Any news from DPW? 🤔🤔
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I’m guessing we went to the same crappy law school in OC, but I graduated in 2012. With the right connections and experience it can be done. I eventually landed at a top big law firm. I’d suggest picking up a specific, and maybe slightly uncommon, specialty that some of the firms have a practice group in and make connections like crazy.
I was in house for 4 years doing construction litigation and did the same when I lateraled to outside counsel
You could try seeking out opportunities as a staff attorney instead of associate. I know my firm scrutinizes educational background and grades more in hiring associates than it does for staff attorneys, but good staff attorneys often become associates.
Depends on the firm. We routinely promote certain of our staff attorneys (we have different titles for them, though).
You never know, give it a shot. Firms are desperate right now and I’m seeing my own firm hire from places they wouldn’t normally. Seems like the industry needs people and they’re casting a wider net right now.
Thanks for the advice. My work ethic is there because I weirdly enjoy working a lot, it’s just my education doesn’t look all that great, especially compared to other applicants.
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C1 is right, although I think it is overblown how “low” firms are going.
Yep, I’m with A3. Disagree with A2 from
personal experience.
Can you explain why your grades were low and why you went to the school you did? A lot of big firms are looking for good grades from good schools. Since you don't have either you will need a justification as to why you should be considered
@A2 OK, top 30% from probably every T14 is cum laude and that's not good? I was below median at my T14 and got multiple socal biglaw offers.
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Market is on our side right now. Find a somewhat niche practice area (especially in corporate) and maybe see if an alum of your college works in the group? Or come up with any other reason to reach out to someone who works in the group.
Thank you!
It’s not impossible. I was lucky to transition into biglaw with mediocre grades and a degree from a school ranked in the high 30s. It only happened because I had a strong recommendation from a mutual connection that I shared with the partner making the hiring decision. I think networking is the most important thing you can do in this situation. I hope it works out for you!
Great to hear, thanks! I’ll reach out to my contacts already in big law and see if I can connect with more.
Another thing is the billable req at both firms is approx 2200. I feel like I could be billing that amount or slightly more but getting paid a lot more. Just unsure if I would even have a chance given my law school and average grades.
Thanks for the heads up. If it helps, I work in ID right now and bill between 170-200 a month on average with a caseload of 50+. This might sound psychotic but I’m willing to forego having a social life for a few years if it’ll allow me to save more and pay off my debt quicker.
Very low I feel.
Probably doable. Like others have said, it would definitely help to get referred from someone who works there, so it’s probably smart to focus on networking. You could also reach out to recruiters. Associates at my firm in OC have been getting a lot of calls from recruiters lately.