Attracting Big Law firms is often the dream of law students. These prestigious firms offer attractive salaries and represent the pinnacle of professional success.
Breaking into Big Law can be challenging. Particularly if you attend a lower ranked school and don’t stand out as an outstanding student in class. Therefore, an effective strategy and preparation are required in order to be successful.
1. Build Your Network
Big Law positions are highly sought after due to their lucrative salaries and prestige; however, getting one may not be so simple. Networking and cultivating relationships is key in landing one of these jobs if you want to succeed at becoming one in big law – start building it today if that is your goal!
Participate in on-campus recruiting to meet attorneys and gain work experience. However, not everyone secures summer associate positions through on-campus recruitment – don’t despair if this fails you; there are still other ways of entering Big Law!
Attend networking events hosted by your law school, alumni association, and/or undergraduate institution. At these events, focus on meeting and introducing yourself to attorneys as you collect business cards – be genuine in your approach and ask about their career journeys – most attorneys are more than happy to offer insight!
2. Go for Pre-Cruiting
Many aspiring attorneys dream of working at a Big Law firm, as these coveted positions offer lucrative salaries and an esteemed work environment. But entering Big Law is no easy feat: to break in requires strong academic performance, networking capabilities and legal skill enhancement.
Law schools that you attend can have an enormous effect on your chances of entering Big Law. Most firms prioritize students from U.S. News’ top-14 (T14) law schools for recruitment purposes, though exceptional grades and networking could help candidates from lower-ranked schools enter Big Law as well.
Junior and senior associates working for Big Law firms may find themselves answering calls on company-issued cell phones even during holidays or while at home with their families – often leading them down a path of burnout and lack of work-life balance. Furthermore, this profession may strain relationships with friends and family – so it is essential that before taking on such work that one evaluate if this type of work fits with them or not.
3. Go for Interviews
Establishing themselves in Big Law firms after graduating law school is a common goal among graduates, as these firms offer prestige, impressive salaries and an exciting work environment. In order to succeed in Big Law firms, candidates should possess strong communication skills, analytical thinking abilities and a firm knowledge of law – as well as be able to demonstrate confidence and professionalism during interviews with these firms. It’s best practice to do your research on each firm prior to attending interviews – research their past cases as well as practicing mock interviews with professors or career services staff members before attending interviews themselves!
However, it is essential to carefully consider your long term goals and determine whether working in Big Law is suitable. Compared to smaller firms, government roles or in-house counsel positions, Big Law’s harder exit routes may lead to burnout or depression; so it is vitally important that if this job does not suit you or if your health becomes an issue that you explore other opportunities with your degree such as government roles and in-house counsel roles as there could be fulfilling alternatives out there that use your law degree successfully outside Big Law.
4. Take the Bar Exam
Breaking into Big Law offers attractive financial returns, high-profile clients, and a rewarding work culture – but the long hours and tremendous stress can take their toll on personal lives of aspiring attorneys.
In order to excel on the bar exam, it’s essential that you eliminate distractions and focus on your material. Studying with someone can also keep you on track; tell family and friends you will be studying so they can keep an eye out for you while keeping you accountable and providing feedback.
Breaking into Big Law as a 3L may prove challenging, particularly for non-Top 14 schools. Firms generally hire 2Ls for summer associate programs and extend full-time offers only after they successfully complete them; however, networking and building up legal experience such as clerking or working at mid-sized firms can help.