Strategies For Securing 3L Big Law Positions

Breaking into Big Law as a 3L is notoriously difficult, as most firms tend to hire either entry-level associates from their summer associate (SA) pool or laterals with 3-5 years of experience. However, it is not impossible, and there are several strategies you can employ to maximise your chances. Firstly, focus on your grades – Big Law firms are highly selective, and your grades will matter more than networking. Secondly, network extensively – attend campus and external events, use LinkedIn to connect with alumni and industry professionals, and reach out to potential leads via email. Thirdly, boost your resume by seeking out work experience opportunities, building your expertise through writing and publishing articles, and taking on leadership positions in student organisations. Finally, be prepared to explain why you are interested in Big Law and why you will be a valuable addition to the firm. It is also worth noting that certain practice areas, such as IP and tax, may offer more opportunities for 3Ls to break into Big Law.

Network extensively, including with alumni and industry professionals on LinkedIn

Networking is a key aspect of applying for any job, and LinkedIn is a great platform to do this. Here are some tips for networking extensively with alumni and industry professionals on LinkedIn to boost your chances of landing a 3L Big Law role:

Join Alumni Groups

Firstly, join your university's alumni group on LinkedIn. Most colleges and universities worldwide have these groups, and they serve as dynamic hubs for graduates to connect, exchange ideas, and forge new connections. Go to the Groups Directory and search for the name of your educational institution. Join as many groups as you can, and once you're a member, actively scan the discussions, members, and job postings for networking opportunities. For example, join relevant discussions, comment on articles posted by fellow alumni, or introduce yourself to the group manager. You can also start your own discussion by posting a relevant article and posing questions to group members.

Utilize the LinkedIn Alumni Tool

The LinkedIn Alumni Tool is a powerful feature that allows you to explore your university's alumni network based on various filters such as graduation year, location, industry, and more. This tool can help you identify alumni working in the legal field or at specific law firms you're interested in. Reach out to these alumni and try to establish a connection.

Craft a Personalized Connection Request

When sending connection requests to fellow alumni, take the time to craft a personalized message. Highlight your shared educational background and express a genuine interest in their career journey. This adds a personal touch to your request and increases your chances of making a meaningful connection.

Engage in Group Discussions

Actively participate in discussions within the alumni groups and industry-focused groups on LinkedIn. Share relevant content, exchange insights, and contribute to the collective knowledge. This positions you as an active member and allows you to tap into the wealth of information within these communities.

Attend Networking Events

Keep an eye out for networking events hosted by Big Law firms, especially those near your law school or in major cities. These events provide excellent opportunities to meet practicing attorneys and pass along your resume. Be persistent in your follow-ups, and don't hesitate to mention that you attended a previous networking event when reaching out.

Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

Ensure your LinkedIn profile is optimized to showcase your educational background, work experience, and relevant skills. A well-optimized profile will make it easier for potential connections and recruiters to find you and understand your qualifications.

Reach Out to Alumni in Your Desired Field

Once you've identified alumni working in Big Law or similar fields, send them a personalized message expressing your interest in their career path. Mention your shared educational background and ask if they would be willing to offer advice or chat with you. Alumni are more likely to respond to networking requests due to your shared connection, so don't be afraid to reach out.

Stay in Touch with Your Connections

Regularly check in with your LinkedIn connections, congratulate them on new job opportunities, and celebrate their achievements. Maintaining open lines of communication fosters a sense of community and encourages reciprocal engagement.

By following these tips and leveraging the power of LinkedIn, you can extensively network with alumni and industry professionals, increasing your chances of landing that coveted 3L Big Law role.

Reinvent yourself by editing your resume and highlighting your strengths

Applying to Big Law as a 3L can be challenging, as most firms have a set entry pipeline that is difficult to re-enter if missed. However, it is not impossible, and you can increase your chances by reinventing yourself and highlighting your strengths on your resume. Here are some tips to help you do that:

Understand Your Current Brand:

Know how you are currently perceived. Consider your skills, the crowd you associate with at work, and how management views you. This self-awareness will help you identify areas for improvement and reinvention.

Know Your Goals:

Are you aiming for a management position, a specialist role, or a career change? Understanding your goals will help you tailor your resume to highlight the strengths and achievements that are most relevant to your desired path.

List Your Achievements:

Make a comprehensive list of your achievements, both inside and outside of work. Include any successful projects, fundraising campaigns, or leadership roles that demonstrate your skills and strengths. These will be essential in reinventing your resume.

Create a Plan:

Identify the changes you need to make to be perceived differently and achieve your goals. For example, you might need to update your skills, change your professional network, or seek new opportunities to showcase your strengths.

Craft a New Resume:

Create a new resume that showcases your updated brand. Be specific about your skills and achievements, and quantify them whenever possible. Highlight your most impressive accomplishments at the top to catch the employer's attention. Ensure your resume is concise, well-organized, and free of spelling and grammar mistakes.

Highlight Your Strengths:

Focus on the character qualities that employers are seeking, such as a proactive attitude, commitment to collaboration, independent and critical thinking, curiosity about your field, and goal-oriented thinking. Provide specific examples and achievements that demonstrate these strengths.

Network and Seek Opportunities:

Attend industry events, join cross-functional teams, and associate with leaders in your field. Networking can help raise your status and increase your chances of being noticed by potential employers. It also provides opportunities to showcase your strengths and build new skills.

By following these steps and highlighting your strengths effectively, you can reinvent yourself and improve your chances of securing that coveted 3L Big Law position.

Boost your resume with work experience, leadership positions, and published articles

When it comes to applying for Big Law as a 3L, it's important to note that the traditional pipeline for entry is through the 2L Summer Associate route. However, if you're a rising 3L seeking opportunities, you may need to take a less conventional approach. Here's how you can boost your resume and improve your chances:

Work Experience

Although Big Law firms typically recruit from the pool of summer associates, there are still ways to gain relevant work experience. Consider the following options:

• Clerking: Serving as a law clerk, either during your time in law school or after graduation, can provide valuable experience and open doors to Big Law. Clerking offers insights into the legal system, enhances your research and writing skills, and demonstrates your commitment to the legal profession.
• Mid-Law or Government Positions: Gaining experience in mid-law firms or specific niche fields within the government can be a stepping stone to Big Law. Keep an eye out for hiring frenzies or lateral movement opportunities.
• Direct Contact and Networking: Don't underestimate the power of networking. Reach out to recruiters or contacts within the firms you're interested in. You can also attend industry events, join relevant groups or organisations, and utilise your alumni network to expand your connections.

Leadership Positions

Leadership skills are highly valued by employers and can set your resume apart. Here's how to showcase your leadership abilities:

• Provide Specific Examples: Instead of simply stating that you have great leadership skills, give concrete examples of your accomplishments. For instance, mention how you coached your team to adopt a new business strategy or successfully organised seminars and team-building activities.
• Quantify Measurable Results: Avoid vague descriptions and focus on providing hard numbers. For example, if you increased efficiency by implementing a new system, provide the percentage improvement. Employers value concise and results-oriented resumes.
• Use Leadership Vocabulary: Choose your words carefully to emphasise your leadership qualities. Use action verbs and leadership-associated words such as "campaign", "advocate", "mentor", "delegate", and "empower". This will help depict your ability to lead and inspire others.
• Highlight Communication Skills: Effective communication is a hallmark of good leadership. Demonstrate your ability to speak, listen, and encourage open dialogue within teams and across departments. Strong communication skills are essential for achieving organisational goals.

Published Articles

Including publications on your resume can add credibility and showcase your expertise. Here's how to leverage your published articles:

• Relevance: Only include publications that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Ensure they align with the firm's practice areas or demonstrate your legal research and writing skills.
• Dedicated Section: Create a dedicated "Publications" section on your resume, typically following the Education section. List each publication with its title, publisher, and date, using a consistent citation style.
• Online Presence: If you have online publications or a portfolio, be sure to include links near your name and contact information. This showcases your work and highlights your digital presence.
• Academic Achievements: If you're a student or recent graduate, don't hesitate to include your academic publications, such as research papers or articles published in reputable journals. This is especially important if you're applying for a writing-intensive role within Big Law.

Create a generic, customisable email template for your job search

Subject Line

A clear and concise subject line is key. Include your name, the position you are applying for, and the reference number for the job listing, if applicable. This will ensure your email is easily identifiable and won't get lost in the recipient's inbox.

Salutation

Address the recipient by name, using "Dear" followed by their title and last name. If you are unsure of their gender, it is acceptable to use their full name. Alternatively, if you are unable to find the name of the individual who will review your application, you can use a general salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager" or address the relevant team or department.

In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and state the position you are applying for. Mention where you saw the job listing or if you were referred by someone. Briefly describe why you are interested in the position and the company.

Body

In the next paragraph, outline why you are qualified for the role. Highlight your relevant education, job experience, and skills. Keep this section concise and focus on two or three of the most important points. Avoid simply repeating what is already in your CV or resume.

Attachments and Additional Information

Mention any attachments you have included, such as your CV, resume, or other requested documents. Offer to provide further information or references if needed.

Closing and Signature

Express appreciation to the recipient for considering your application. Use a professional closing salutation such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name and signature. Include your contact information to make it easy for the recipient to respond.

Customisation and Follow-up

Customise each email to showcase your sincere interest in the company and role. Reference specific aspects of the company's culture, values, or recent achievements to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm.

Don't be afraid to follow up after submitting your application. Sending a polite follow-up email about a week after your initial application can show your continued interest. However, be mindful not to be too aggressive or pushy with frequent follow-up emails.

Example Template

Subject: Application for [Position] [reference number] - [Your Name]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the [Position] role at [Company Name] that was advertised on [Job Board]. I am excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute my skills and experience to the company.

In my current role as [Current Position] at [Current Company], I have gained valuable experience in [Skill/Experience], which I believe would be a strong asset to your team. Additionally, my [Skill/Experience] has enabled me to [Achievement/Result].

Please find attached my CV and cover letter for your review. I would be happy to provide additional information or references upon request.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application further.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Signature]

Follow up on your applications and be persistent

Following up on your applications is an important step in the job search process. It demonstrates your interest and commitment to the position and can help you stand out from other candidates. Here are some tips to help you follow up on your applications and increase your chances of landing a Big Law job as a 3L:

Timing is Key

When following up on your applications, timing is crucial. You need to wait long enough after submitting your application to give the hiring manager time to review it, but not too long that you miss your opportunity. As a general rule, it is recommended to wait about one week after submitting your application before reaching out to the employer. This shows that you are genuinely interested in the position while also giving the hiring manager time to review your application.

Research the Company

Before reaching out to the employer, take the time to research the company, its mission, and its values. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and knowledge about the organization. Familiarizing yourself with the company will also help you tailor your follow-up message and highlight specific aspects of the job or company that appeal to you.

Choose the Right Method of Communication

The most common methods of communication for following up are email, phone calls, and LinkedIn messages. Email is typically preferred as it allows the hiring manager to respond at their convenience. However, a phone call can be more direct and may be more appropriate if the company culture or job posting indicates this. LinkedIn can also be effective, especially if the company has a strong presence on the platform.

Craft a Compelling Message

When crafting your follow-up message, it's important to strike a balance between expressing your interest in the position and respecting the employer's time. Start by thanking the hiring manager for considering your application. Briefly reiterate your qualifications and explain why you are a good fit for the role. Offer to provide additional information or references if needed. Close by stating that you look forward to the possibility of discussing the position further.

Be Prepared for a Response

When you follow up on your application, the employer may respond in different ways. They may invite you for an interview, request additional information about your qualifications, or provide an update on the hiring timeline. It's important to be prepared for any of these responses and respond promptly and professionally.

Maintain a Professional Tone

Always maintain a polite and professional tone in your communication with potential employers. This showcases your communication skills and leaves a positive impression. Address your message to the appropriate person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter, and mention the specific job title and application date.

Ask About the Hiring Timeline

If you haven't received any information about the hiring process or timeline, don't be afraid to inquire about it in your follow-up message. This demonstrates your proactive nature and helps you manage your job search expectations.

Follow Up Again if Necessary

If you haven't heard back from the employer after a reasonable amount of time, it's appropriate to send another follow-up message. However, be careful not to become overly persistent or appear desperate, as this could harm your chances. Remember to stay positive and continue applying for other positions.

Frequently asked questions