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Hi all,

2L here who was unable to find a summer firm job. I'm at one of CCN. I've secured 2L employment, but would still like to start working in a firm after graduation. BigLaw is preferable, but I'm realistic about midlaw at this point. What steps should I be taking now, and what is a realistic outcome?

How are your grades? For better or worse the biglaw firms that hire 3L's tend to be the ones that care most about grades, so really try to kill this semester.

You'll want to start a mass mailing campaign sometime in July, but 3L hiring isn't as formulaic as 2L hiring and sometimes you won't hear anything for a couple months. Hit up all the big NYC firms and any markets to which you have ties. And of course don't be shy about getting whatever 3L OCI interviews you can, but certainly don't count on that process alone.

As for what to say, try to demonstrate a clear focus in your cover letters. Corporate is hotter than litigation right now so if you have any way to position yourself as a potential corporate person do that. But even if you're all in on lit show them why you have the ability to step in right away and hit the ground running. Also, in interviews they will likely ask about your lack of law firm experience so work on an answer for that.

Thanks. Grades are slightly above median. Think my problem at OCI was bidding too much in D.C. I'll be on the e-board of a secondary journal and I have moot court for my resume too. I'd be open to corporate but my resume and course selection (evidence, fed courts, mass torts, etc.) screams lit.