Breaking Into Big Law: Strategies For Success

Breaking into Big Law is a hot topic for ambitious law students and graduates. Big Law firms are the largest law firms, with 500 or more attorneys and offices in cities around the world. They are known for high pay, a demanding work environment, and attractive exit options. Landing a position in Big Law is highly competitive and there are several key factors that can influence your chances. Firstly, the law school you attend is significant. The top 14 schools in the US News and World Report law school rankings are particularly prestigious and have a heavy footprint in Big Law. If you attend a lower-ranked school, you may need to be at the top of your class or network extensively. Grades are also crucial, especially during your first year, as many firms have grade thresholds for recruiting. Another important factor is networking and relationships. Building connections with lawyers at target firms and attending events can increase your chances, even if your grades are not perfect. Additionally, participating in a summer associate program between your 2L and 3L years is a common path to obtaining a full-time Big Law associate position. To maximise your chances, it's important to focus on your grades, build a solid strategy, and be proactive in networking and interviewing.

Focus on grades

Grades are a huge factor in landing a position in Big Law. How well you do during your first year, and sometimes even just your first semester, will greatly influence how competitive you may be for a Big Law position. Many law firms have grade thresholds they use in the recruiting process, so you'll need high marks to ensure you're competitive and even qualify for an interview.

If you attend one of the "Top 14" schools in the U.S. News & World Report law school rankings, you've significantly increased your odds of finding a summer associate position. These schools are considered the most prestigious and have the toughest admissions standards. Consequently, they admit the applicants with the highest undergraduate GPAs and LSAT scores.

If you attend a lower-ranked school, you'll need to be at the top of your class or hustle to have any shot at Big Law. Lower-ranked schools will have fewer interview opportunities for rising 2Ls. At these schools, those with the highest 1L grades will often get the most opportunities.

Your law school choice is important. If you're expecting to obtain a Big Law summer associate position and you attend a low-ranked school, you'll need to be at the top of your class or be prepared to hustle to have any shot at Big Law.

If you're at a lower-ranked school, you can still improve your chances by networking and cultivating relationships. The connections you make can be key to landing a Big Law job, especially if your grades aren't perfect. Big Law firms are recruiting earlier and earlier, so they can't rely solely on students' academic performance. This shift allows students to focus on building relationships and connecting with current attorneys.

While grades are important, they're not everything. Even if you don't set the class curve, you can still secure a position in Big Law.

Network and cultivate relationships

Networking is a crucial aspect of landing a job in Big Law, and it's important to start building connections early on. Here are some strategies to help you network and cultivate relationships effectively:

Attend Events and Networking Opportunities:

Seek out events hosted by your law school's career services offices, panel discussions, or other on-campus events featuring attorneys in your areas of interest. Take advantage of local bar association events that are open to law students. These events provide valuable opportunities to meet and interact with practicing attorneys and potential mentors.

Tap into Alumni Networks:

Utilize the resources of your law school's alumni services office. They can connect you with alumni who are working at firms you're interested in. Alumni can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and referrals within their professional networks.

Seek Career Advice:

When connecting with attorneys, focus on seeking career advice and learning about their experiences rather than directly asking for a job. Show genuine interest in their work and ask meaningful questions. This approach helps build relationships and demonstrates your enthusiasm for the field.

Stay in Touch:

Follow up with the people you meet and stay in touch. Maintaining these connections can lead to future opportunities and referrals. Don't be afraid to reach out and stay visible within your network.

Join Professional Organizations:

Consider joining legal professional organizations or associations related to your specific area of interest. These organizations often host networking events, seminars, or conferences where you can meet potential mentors, collaborators, or recruiters.

Utilize Social Media:

Take advantage of social media platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the legal field. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions to expand your network. However, remember to maintain a professional online presence, as potential employers or connections may view your profile.

Offer to Assist:

When building relationships with lawyers, professors, or mentors, offer your assistance. Ask if there is any research or writing support they may need. This not only helps you gain practical experience but also allows you to develop stronger connections and showcase your skills and initiative.

Share Your Achievements:

Don't be shy about sharing your accomplishments with your network. Let them know when you receive favourable results, praise from professors, or other achievements. This helps to build your brand as a promising law student and a "go-to" attorney.

Be Proactive:

Building relationships takes time and effort. Be proactive in scheduling meetings, coffees, or informal chats with attorneys, peers, and mentors. A short coffee break or a 15-minute conversation can sometimes be more productive than spending hours studying alone.

Focus on Genuine Connections:

While networking is important, it's not just about the number of connections you make. Focus on building genuine relationships and finding common ground with the people you meet. This will make you more memorable and increase your chances of cultivating strong, lasting connections.

Research targeted firms

Researching targeted firms is an essential step in breaking into Big Law. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:

• Understand the Firm Dynamics: Learn about the firms you're interested in by visiting their websites, social media pages, and signing up for their emails. This will help you understand their culture, values, and recent developments. It will also show your initiative and enthusiasm during the recruitment process.
• Network with Current Associates: Building relationships with current associates at your target firms is crucial. Attend events, panel discussions, and on-campus recruiting sessions to meet and connect with lawyers. Ask meaningful questions about their work and show a genuine interest in their experiences. These connections can provide valuable insights and may even refer you to the recruiting team.
• Prepare for Interviews: When interviewing with a Big Law firm, it's essential to demonstrate your knowledge of the firm and its practices. Learn about the interviewers' accomplishments, articles, and cases. Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest and help you stand out. A good question to ask partners is whether there are any aspects of your application that might give them pause and how you can address their concerns.
• Stand Out: Find ways to differentiate yourself from other candidates. This could be through unique interests or hobbies listed on your resume or by demonstrating your enthusiasm and fit for the firm. Make yourself memorable to the interviewers, so you don't blend into the crowd.
• Be Mindful of Timing: Keep in mind that recruitment for summer positions often starts a full year before the position begins. Be prepared to start the process early in your law school journey, especially if you're aiming for a position after your 2L year.
• Consider the Firm's Reputation and Location: The reputation and location of the firm play a significant role in your chances of getting into Big Law. Firms from the "T-14" law schools, which consistently hold the top spots in rankings, offer the best chances. However, if you're at a lower-ranked school, focus on building relationships, gaining relevant work experience, and performing well academically to increase your chances. Additionally, consider that Tier-2 schools tend to have more regional limitations, so practice taking the bar exam and establishing connections in the same state where your law school is located.

Learn a language

Learning a language is a huge advantage for those looking to break into Big Law. Many firms are expanding internationally, and with the rise of remote working, being fluent in a second language is a highly desirable skill. It is naive to think that big firms are only working with English speakers. You will likely have the opportunity to use most languages in your work, and if you are working in a non-English-speaking country, you will need to speak the local language to converse with clients.

Native English speakers who have learned a foreign language are often more interesting, worldly, and self-confident than those who haven't bothered. As such, they perform better in interviews and receive more job offers.

When it comes to learning a language, it is best to choose one that is commonly spoken in the region you wish to work in. For example, if you are working in Asia, you will need to speak the local language. However, some languages are more useful than others. Learning Mandarin, for instance, would be beneficial as it is spoken by over one billion people worldwide. Other useful languages include Spanish, French, German, and Arabic.

It is also important to consider the time and effort required to learn a language. Some languages are easier for native English speakers to pick up than others. For example, Romance languages such as Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese have similar grammar structures and vocabulary to English, making them easier to learn. On the other hand, languages like Mandarin, Arabic, or Russian are considered more difficult due to their different scripts and complex grammar structures.

In addition to choosing a commonly spoken language, you should also consider the industries and sectors in which you wish to work. For example, if you are interested in working in international trade, learning Mandarin or Spanish could be beneficial. If you are interested in working in the European Union, learning French or German could be advantageous.

It is worth noting that simply being fluent in a second language may not be enough to set you apart from other candidates. It is important to develop other skills and qualities that will make you a well-rounded and attractive candidate for Big Law firms. These include strong communication and interpersonal skills, analytical and critical thinking abilities, and a demonstrated interest in the legal field.

In conclusion, learning a language is a valuable asset for those aspiring to break into Big Law, especially with the increasing globalization and remote work opportunities in the industry. However, it is important to consider the language's relevance to your desired region and industry, as well as the time commitment required for fluency. Combining language skills with other competencies and a passion for law will put you in a strong position to succeed in the competitive world of Big Law.

Perfect your interview skills

Interviewing for a role at a Big Law firm can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation, you can increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you perfect your interview skills and land that coveted Big Law position:

Know the Firm and Your Interviewers

It is crucial to thoroughly research the firm before your interview. Familiarize yourself with the firm's practice areas, recent deals or cases, and any other relevant information. Additionally, take the time to learn about your interviewers' backgrounds, accomplishments, and work. This demonstrates your interest and enthusiasm for the role and can help you establish a connection with the interviewers.

Dress to Impress

First impressions are essential, so make sure you dress appropriately for your interview. For men, a dark-colored suit, a white or blue dress shirt, and a contrasting tie are standard. For women, suits, dress pants, pencil skirts, knee-length dresses, blazers, and neutral or light-colored blouses are all good choices.

Practice Makes Perfect

Interview performance is not solely based on your knowledge and experience but also on how you present yourself. A weak handshake, failing to recognize social cues, or rambling on with a never-ending story can give a negative impression. Practice your body language, tone of voice, and storytelling abilities to ensure you come across as confident and engaging. Role-playing with a friend or in front of a mirror can help you refine your delivery.

Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Come to the interview with a list of thoughtful questions for your interviewers. Aim for at least three questions per interviewer, with at least one being specific to their work or background. For example, you could ask a partner, "Is there any aspect of my application that may give you pause, which I could address?" This not only shows your proactiveness but also gives you valuable insight into how the firm perceives you.

Be Mindful of Time

During the interview, be mindful of how much you are speaking. Aim to do just enough of the talking to keep the conversation flowing. This shows that you are engaged and respectful of the interviewer's time. It also gives you an opportunity to listen and learn from the interviewer.

Show Enthusiasm

While qualifications and experience are essential, don't forget that interviewers are also evaluating your enthusiasm and cultural fit for the firm. Be excited about the role and ask questions that demonstrate your interest in the firm and your potential contribution to their team. Remember, building a good relationship with the interviewer is key to a successful outcome.

Frequently asked questions