How to Get Into Big Law After Law School

Big Law firms can be rewarding environments, with lucrative salaries and prestige for many attorneys who pursue them as their chosen career path; however, not everyone should pursue this career choice permanently or temporarily. Before making any definitive decisions regarding this path to practice law at such firms, make sure you understand its challenges and rewards before making your choice.

Securing a position at a top firm requires a systematic process that begins during your first year of law school. A competitive LSAT score and experience at an elite law school are critical elements in this endeavor.

1. Get a summer job

Many large law firms provide summer associate programs where law students work for several weeks between their 2L and 3L years, which is an invaluable opportunity to increase your chances of securing employment with that firm after graduating.

An entry to Big Law from non-Top 14 schools may be possible, though competition will likely increase significantly and your odds of landing an offer become less likely. A successful Big Law career demands attending one of the nation’s premier law schools with excellent 1L grades and subsequent performance; possess strong networking abilities; and show willingness to hustle hard.

Focus your job search on firms located near where you plan to live after graduation or where you would like to practice law. Furthermore, networking with law firm professors and alumni as well as attending events that target specific legal markets could be extremely helpful in your job search efforts.

2. Get a part-time job

Unsecuring a job in Big Law can be incredibly challenging. Firms tend to prioritize recruiting efforts with students from top-ranked schools with excellent GPAs, undergraduate degrees from renowned institutions and high LSAT/GRE scores.

Part-time work may seem like a good way to make ends meet during law school, but it could prove distracting from your studies and may reduce your chances of making Big Law. Grades can fluctuate according to workload responsibilities – if they decrease as a result of working part time it could diminish your chances of entry.

Breaking into a large firm may seem difficult, but it’s far from impossible. By attending a law school with a strong track record for producing successful lawyers and excelling in your classes, you have a much higher chance of landing an offer at one. Network with current attorneys and gain relevant legal experience – these steps will demonstrate to prospective employers that you’re prepared to handle the challenges presented by such firms.

3. Get a judicial clerkship

A judicial clerkship offers an invaluable opportunity for law office experience and networking within the legal community, but may not be suitable for everyone’s career goals. There are multiple paths leading towards rewarding legal careers – small firms, in-house roles or government jobs might be better fits depending on personal priorities, work-life balance needs and long-term plans.

Breaking into Big Law may seem challenging, but it’s definitely possible. Attending a top law school, excelling academically and networking effectively are essential ingredients of success for landing a job at a large firm. Thinking outside the box is also key – for instance my husband went to an non-T14 law school but started as a state prosecutor before leaving to gain trial experience at mid-size private firms before lateraling to his current firm where his experience proves invaluable as an associate attorney.

4. Get an internship

Acquiring employment at top law firms may seem an impossible feat, yet many people have secured roles without attending an elite law school or ranking on the Vault 100 list.

Students gradating from unranked law schools often find it easier to break into Big Law if they can secure an internship at their desired firm. Today’s firms rely less heavily on 2L on-campus interviews for summer associate positions than ever before and are instead taking advantage of alternative ways for students to gain hands-on experience at their chosen firm.

Attending networking events hosted by firms can be an excellent way to meet current attorneys and introduce yourself. Attorneys, assistants and administrative employees at these firms may be able to help secure you an internship, or refer you to someone who can. Your school’s career center may also be invaluable resources in your search for legal firm internship opportunities.