How To Get Into Big Law

Aspiring to litigate high-stakes cases, advise global corporations, and work alongside some of the brightest legal minds? The allure of Big Law—prestigious firms known for their demanding work and substantial rewards—is undeniable. But with intense competition and a rigorous selection process, breaking into this elite world can feel daunting. Many talented law students and young lawyers struggle to navigate the path, unsure of the most effective strategies to stand out and secure that coveted Big Law offer.

Understanding the Big Law landscape is crucial. It’s not just about grades; it's about crafting a compelling narrative, networking strategically, and demonstrating the specific skills and qualities these firms seek. Mastering the nuances of the application process, from crafting a standout resume to acing the interview, can dramatically increase your chances of success. This guide aims to demystify the process and provide practical, actionable advice to help you achieve your Big Law ambitions.

What are the most frequently asked questions about landing a job in Big Law?

What GPA and LSAT score are realistically needed for big law?

Generally, aiming for a GPA of 3.7 or higher and an LSAT score in the 170s significantly increases your chances of securing a Big Law position. While exceptions exist and holistic review is becoming more common, these numbers represent a competitive baseline for top firms.

While a stellar GPA and LSAT are crucial, remember that Big Law hiring is a multifaceted process. Firms seek candidates who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a proven track record of leadership and commitment. Extracurricular activities, law review participation, moot court success, and impactful internships can all bolster your application and demonstrate these essential qualities. A high GPA and LSAT score will get your foot in the door, but these experiences can tip the scales in your favor. Furthermore, targeting specific law schools strategically can greatly improve your Big Law prospects. Consistently, a significant percentage of Big Law hires come from a select group of top-ranked law schools (T14). While attending a T14 school doesn't guarantee a Big Law job, it offers increased access to on-campus recruiting, prestigious clerkships, and alumni networks that can significantly enhance your career trajectory. Therefore, consider aiming for these schools even if it means retaking the LSAT to maximize your score.

Beyond grades, what extracurriculars boost my big law chances?

While stellar grades are essential, extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership, commitment, and practical legal skills significantly enhance your big law candidacy. Focus on activities like law review, moot court, trial advocacy, and pro bono work, prioritizing those where you take on leadership roles and actively engage in writing or advocacy.

Law review participation, particularly as an editor, showcases exceptional research, writing, and analytical abilities—skills highly valued by big law firms. Moot court and trial advocacy demonstrate your comfort and skill in legal argumentation and presentation. These competitive activities often require significant time commitment and a high level of preparation, signaling your dedication and ability to handle pressure. Winning awards in these competitions further strengthens your application.

Pro bono work, even if seemingly unrelated to corporate law, demonstrates a commitment to service and provides valuable practical legal experience. Choose opportunities where you can interact directly with clients or contribute meaningfully to legal research or writing. Leadership positions within student organizations, like the Student Bar Association or affinity groups, also highlight your organizational and interpersonal skills. Remember to articulate the skills you developed and the impact you made in these roles on your resume and during interviews.

How important are law school rankings in securing a big law job?

Law school rankings are undeniably important in securing a big law job, serving as a significant, though not absolute, factor in the initial screening process. Top-ranked schools generally enjoy stronger relationships with big law firms and benefit from on-campus recruitment programs heavily targeted by these firms, offering their graduates a distinct advantage. This advantage manifests in higher interview rates and ultimately, more offers extended to students from these institutions.

The emphasis on rankings stems from big law firms' need to efficiently manage the overwhelming number of applications they receive. Relying on school rankings acts as a heuristic, allowing them to quickly identify candidates who have demonstrated academic excellence and possess the intellectual horsepower presumed to be cultivated by top-tier law schools. While a stellar GPA and strong resume can help graduates from lower-ranked schools, they often face a steeper uphill battle in gaining access to the same opportunities as their counterparts from higher-ranked institutions. This is because big law firms prioritize schools they believe consistently produce graduates best equipped to handle the rigorous demands of their practice. However, it's crucial to understand that rankings aren't the only determinant. Exceptional performance, relevant experience (such as law review or clerkships), strong networking skills, and a compelling personality all contribute to a candidate's overall appeal. Students from lower-ranked schools can significantly improve their chances by focusing on these factors and strategically targeting firms that value specific skills or experiences that align with their background. Furthermore, certain big law firms may have regional preferences or specific practice area needs that broaden the scope of schools they actively recruit from. Building a robust professional network through internships and informational interviews is also key for gaining insight and advocacy.

What networking strategies are most effective for connecting with big law firms?

The most effective networking strategies for connecting with big law firms involve targeted, proactive engagement with firm representatives through various channels, demonstrating genuine interest and building rapport. This includes attending firm-sponsored events, participating in on-campus recruiting programs, leveraging alumni connections, and reaching out directly to attorneys through informational interviews and professional platforms like LinkedIn.

Effective networking with big law firms goes beyond simply collecting business cards. It's about cultivating meaningful relationships. Attend firm events, such as career fairs, law school presentations, and receptions. Prepare thoughtful questions beforehand that demonstrate you've researched the firm and are genuinely interested in their work. Actively listen to the responses and engage in further conversation. After the event, send a thank-you note to those you spoke with, referencing something specific you discussed to jog their memory. Leveraging your existing network is also crucial. Talk to professors, mentors, and family friends who may have connections to big law. Utilize your law school's alumni network to identify graduates working at your target firms. Request informational interviews to learn more about their experiences and gain insights into the firm's culture. Remember to treat these conversations as opportunities to learn and build relationships, not just as job interviews in disguise. On LinkedIn, connect with attorneys at firms you admire. Engage with their posts, share relevant articles, and craft personalized messages expressing your interest in their work. Finally, persistence is key. Networking is a long-term investment, so don't be discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Continue to attend events, connect with attorneys, and nurture your relationships. The more connections you make and the more genuine your interactions, the greater your chances of landing an interview and ultimately securing a position at a big law firm.

What should I focus on during my 1L summer to position myself for big law?

Focus your 1L summer on gaining practical legal experience, networking strategically, and demonstrating a strong work ethic and eagerness to learn. Aim for a legal internship or research position that allows you to develop tangible skills, build connections with practicing attorneys, and showcase your commitment to the legal profession.

Expanding on this, your 1L summer is a crucial stepping stone, but it doesn't make or break your big law prospects. Think of it as an opportunity to build your resume and professional network. Even if you can't land a coveted big law summer associate position right away (which is statistically unlikely for most 1Ls), seek out experiences that allow you to hone your legal skills. This might involve working for a smaller firm, a government agency, a non-profit organization, or a judge. These roles offer opportunities to research, write, and analyze legal issues – skills highly valued by big law firms. Networking is also paramount. Attend legal events, connect with alumni from your law school who work in big law, and maintain contact with the attorneys you meet during your summer experience. A simple email thanking someone for their time can go a long way. Be proactive and genuinely interested in learning about their experiences. Your 1L summer is also an ideal time to refine your resume and cover letter based on feedback received during your career services workshops. Pay close attention to the specific skills and qualities emphasized in big law job descriptions and tailor your application materials accordingly for your 2L summer. Finally, remember that demonstrating a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and a genuine eagerness to learn are just as important as your technical skills. Be reliable, proactive, and take initiative. Show your supervisors that you are committed to your work and eager to contribute to the team. These qualities will not only make you a valuable asset during your summer experience but will also leave a lasting impression on those who can serve as references for future big law applications.

How can I tailor my resume and cover letter to stand out to big law recruiters?

To capture the attention of Big Law recruiters, focus on showcasing exceptional academic achievements, relevant legal experience (even if just summer internships or clinics), and a demonstrated commitment to excellence through extracurricular activities and leadership roles. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, and tailor both your resume and cover letter to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the firm's specific practice areas and values.

Big Law firms are notoriously selective, looking for candidates who not only possess strong intellectual capabilities but also demonstrate the potential to handle demanding workloads and contribute meaningfully to their team. On your resume, emphasize your GPA (if it's strong), class rank (if available), and any academic awards or honors. Highlight any law review or moot court participation, demonstrating your research, writing, and advocacy skills. When describing your experiences, use action verbs and quantify your contributions whenever possible. Instead of saying "Assisted with legal research," say "Conducted legal research on antitrust regulations, contributing to a successful defense strategy that resulted in a favorable settlement." Your cover letter is your opportunity to connect your qualifications to the specific firm you are targeting. Research the firm's practice areas, recent deals or cases, and values. Mention specific partners or attorneys whose work you admire. Explain why you are interested in that particular firm and how your skills and experiences align with their needs. For example, if a firm is known for its pro bono work, highlight your volunteer experience and passion for social justice. Never use a generic cover letter; tailoring is key to demonstrating genuine interest and showing that you’ve invested the time to understand the firm's unique culture and priorities. Proofread meticulously for any errors in grammar or spelling. Here's a quick checklist of key things to consider:

What are the pros and cons of targeting specific practice areas for big law?

Targeting specific practice areas when pursuing big law offers the advantage of demonstrating focused interest and building specialized expertise, potentially increasing your chances of landing a role and quickly becoming a valuable asset. However, it can also limit your options and potentially lead to dissatisfaction if your interests evolve or the targeted area proves less fulfilling than anticipated.

Focusing on a particular practice area allows you to tailor your resume, cover letter, and interview responses to showcase relevant skills and experiences. For example, if you're interested in M&A, you can highlight any coursework in corporate law, finance, or accounting, as well as any relevant internships or extracurricular activities like moot court competitions focused on business transactions. This targeted approach can make you a more attractive candidate compared to someone with a broader, less focused profile. Moreover, demonstrating a clear understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities within your chosen area can impress recruiters and partners, signaling your commitment and preparedness. However, the downside is that you might prematurely narrow your options. Law school is a time of exploration, and you may discover new interests or aptitudes as you progress through your studies. Committing to a specific practice area too early could prevent you from considering other potentially rewarding career paths. Furthermore, the legal market is dynamic, and the demand for specific practice areas can fluctuate. If you've invested heavily in developing expertise in a niche area that later declines, you might find yourself at a disadvantage. It's often wise to target generally high demand, foundational practice areas that are less subject to extreme cyclicality such as general corporate, litigation, or real estate. A good balance involves expressing a strong interest in a particular area while remaining open to exploring other opportunities within the firm.

So there you have it – a roadmap to navigating the exciting (and sometimes daunting) world of Big Law. Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint, and persistence is key. Thanks for taking the time to read this guide, and I genuinely hope it's given you some clarity and actionable steps to take. Best of luck with your journey, and feel free to swing by again for more insights and tips as you progress towards your goals!