Big Law recruiting news (—and please don’t shoot the messenger; I’m still reeling from this info, too. 😧)
Big Law recruiting news
(—and please don’t shoot the messenger;
I’m still reeling from this info, too. 😧)
Some firms are already interviewing 1Ls.
Others open Dec 15.
This is for 2L summer jobs.
Sound nuts? It is.
Stunned is how I felt coming out of Monday’s BigLaw recruiting panel (four major firms, hosted by Summer Associate Hub—thank you, Albert Tawil, for doing this!).
Here are key takeaways:
🔹 “The 1L and 2L summer-job timelines have effectively merged. Even if you don’t get chosen for 1L summer, firms will keep track of you favorably for 2L summer, so it is best to apply for both regardless.” “If a firm is interviewing now, you should APPLY NOW. Don’t wait until Jan. We will be reviewing applications over the holiday. Don’t wait until the Jan. rush of grades.”
🔹 Fall grades will ultimately be king, but having an “in” at the firm is queen. “Great grades will overcome a lack of networking or connections.” Yes it’s a lot to juggle, but “it is a test of your time management as much as your intellect.”
🔹 Know what you want to do and where. “You’re applying for a job with a $250,000 salary. You should already know if you want litigation or transactional.” Don’t be all “waffly.” Preference often goes to those keen on a specific practice group and location, but have a good answer for ‘why,’ because they will grill you.
🔹 Firms are asking for LSATs, undergrad transcripts, and even law school personal statements, as they are searching for “any insight they can get into your story.” “Don’t worry if you have no past legal experience. Waiting tables is great because it shows a client-service mentality.”
🔹 “The most important thing is that your materials be perfect.” Mistakes “will be magnified this year.” Resume typos, generic cover letters, inauthentic why-this-firm answers—these will all stand out. If you get the recruiting manager’s name wrong in a letter, or the firm, it is “disqualifying.”
🔹 Network! Use every connection you can find—alumni, professors, upper classmen, random people you know. “Networking should have started before now.” “Attend every networking event” (incl. at Lateral Hub), because firms “keep track of how many you attend.” They are trying to gauge your interest and can tell when they’re one of 100 you’re applying to. “Be able to explain why THIS firm over every other firm.”
***
I am still digesting, but I wanted to get you the info as soon as I could.
💌 Amanda
#Dear1L
P.S. Pre-law students: Take note & PLEASE start networking (yesterday).
📬 They say this early recruiting timeline cuts both ways. It opens doors beyond traditional OCI routes—which helps first-gen and nontraditional students—but it also magnifies advantages for those with “connections in law.” Thoughts?