Renzo wrote:
As usual, everything Rayiner said is correct. Most everyone (but not everyone) in my class I know who wanted biglaw got it. Among those I know who struck out at OCI, their GPAs spanned a wide range from modestly above median to direly low.
Basically, there are some jobs that require very top-of-the-class grades. And, very few employers are looking to hire very bottom of the class. But if you fall in the great wide middle between those two extremes, grades become one of many factors that will effect your success at OCI.
This describes class of 2013 as well.
Note, though, that the corollary to "you can get biglaw from almost anywhere along the curve" is "you can fail to get biglaw from almost anywhere along the curve." There's no bright line where you're "safe," i.e., at a minimum you have to show up to interviews, act professional, carry a conversation, seem interested in the job, and so on. The bar is just significantly lower the better your grades are.