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Hair above median at lower T14. Non-URM, Silicon Valley native, relevant internship experience at tech startups, but no engineering degree. I don't go to Berkeley, so I've been networking my ass off while I'm here for a summer, while again interning in-house at a startup. Can anyone more familiar with the Bay Area market tell me what my chances are? In other words, how likely are Bay Area employers to look past my GPA to my ties and experience?

They won't 'look past' your GPA but your GPA doesn't lock you out of a lot of SV firms. The problem is a lot of them have small summer classes and have a lot of people gunning for them.

Well, it sounds like you're doing everything you can. You just have to wait and see. I think your background will make you more competitive than me (since I lacked relevant work experience for Silicon Valley work), but the question is just your grades and how well you interview.

Thanks I'm not gunning for Skadden or Gibson (from what I understand startups can't really afford them anyway). But does anyone think Wilson, Gunderson, Cooley, or Fenwick is reachable?

If they recruit from your school, and if they have given you a screener, that's a positive sign. I go to an East Coast T-30, and while I had stellar grades and ties to the Bay Area, I only got callbacks at Cooley and Ropes who were recruiting at my school. I even had an attorney friend at Fenwick push my resume there, but I still didn't get a screener. But you go to a T-14, and my impression is that they look more favorably on such schools. And honestly, if you're a guy, you may also have more luck.

I think with Cooley, you really have to sell fit. I think your startup background will be great. Also note that they have a really casual atmosphere and culture, so I wouldn't show up in stiff and overly conservative attire like I did. For example, if you're a woman, I would totally come with a colorful shirt instead of a traditional white or blue one.

But generally, I would push your resume at more places than the ones you listed. The market is really tough.