I want to go into private practice because ________.
Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2017 5:23 pm
I have been grappling with this question for a few weeks. I am interested in working in a particular small city that has about 5-6 well-respected midsize firms of 100+ attorneys. To do this, I can go on a full ride to the regional TTT (in the midwest, don't want to get too specific) where all of these firms do OCI. At admitted students day, I mentioned to a professor that I wanted to someday work at one of those firms in particular. Next thing I know, a partner from the firm who is an alum of the school emails me and offers to answer questions about the law school (read: not about the firm?).
I have no more questions about the school. What I do have questions about is that firm, its recruiting practices (would they prefer T1 or the very local T3), and how I can start working towards a SA position there. Would it be premature to ask about this as a 0L? Should I not ask the partner about choosing a law school and working at his firm if he is contacting me in his capacity as an alum of the school?
This all evokes a question that has come up repeatedly for me, which is how do I express interest in a firm or practice type when the primary motivating factor is to make a good living? For me, living and working in this particular small city is the priority, and I would rather do well for myself (ie. work for a midsize firm), instead of work in public interest. Obviously, I can't give "earn a higher salary" as my reason. To anyone out there who has had to complete either of the following statements before, what did you say?:
"I want to go into private practice instead of public interest because_________."
"I want to work at your midsize firm instead of the other comparable midsize firms in your city because_________."
I have no more questions about the school. What I do have questions about is that firm, its recruiting practices (would they prefer T1 or the very local T3), and how I can start working towards a SA position there. Would it be premature to ask about this as a 0L? Should I not ask the partner about choosing a law school and working at his firm if he is contacting me in his capacity as an alum of the school?
This all evokes a question that has come up repeatedly for me, which is how do I express interest in a firm or practice type when the primary motivating factor is to make a good living? For me, living and working in this particular small city is the priority, and I would rather do well for myself (ie. work for a midsize firm), instead of work in public interest. Obviously, I can't give "earn a higher salary" as my reason. To anyone out there who has had to complete either of the following statements before, what did you say?:
"I want to go into private practice instead of public interest because_________."
"I want to work at your midsize firm instead of the other comparable midsize firms in your city because_________."