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IL looking for bidding advice at Northwestern--IL GPA is a 3.55 (5 years of very good and impressive work experience and very good resume for pre-law school jobs and awards).

I want BigLaw primarily in Chicago (at a nice paying mid-size firm this summer)--also ties to Chicago and lived here prior to law school if that matters.

Ive basically hear:

1) that GPA can get you any firm in Chicago with a good interview and resume (basically GPA not gonna easily land a job but wont kill one either)

2) A few top firms may not be good bids

Thoughts and any help?

I think with your GPA you should try to have a nice spread of bidding. If OCI two years ago was an indication, you'll get 15-20ish interviews out of your bidding if you only target Chicago. Go for some of the big firms but also make sure to interview with some mid size ones just in case. Realize that some of the largest firms in Chicago will have 80+ interview slots (sometimes 160 if my memory serves me right) and that is a lot of people to compete with. I don't think your GPA ensures you'll lock down one of the biggies but you definitely have a good shot.

On another note, when did you get your grades? Today? I just graduated and mine haven't been released yet.

Above poster...nvm, just checked and their up.

Probably too low for Kirkland or Sidley, absent LR and a really stellar interview. Even those factors might not be enough. Every other Chi firm should be in play.

Similar numbers, maybe less impressive WE...but I've heard the same as the above responders. Some of the Chicago Boutiqes are also likely out of play e.g Barack Ferrazzano

all you NU C/O 2014ers making these bidding threads should just talk to a C/O 2013er. That's what we did. We'll give you much better advice and we want to help.