V15 Partner/OCI Interviewer Answering Questions... Forum

[chewy]

How much of a boost does collegiate athletics give? If you competed at the Division I level on teams that won multiple NCAA championships in non-revenue sports/ was a captain of those teams?

[itbdvorm]

What are your suggestions for a rising 2L at a T2, top 10% of class, and grade on Law review, in reference to transferring? Should I Stick it out and try my luck at OCI, or make a attempt to transfer into a T20- T30? How would firms, such as your own, view this?

Really hard to say. If top 10% at your class meets our grade criteria I don't think we give much of a boost to the fact that you transferred.

[itbdvorm]

My T-14 school does not reveal class ranking, nor do they provide a GPA. With that in mind, how do you evaluate?

Just because it's not provided doesn't mean we can't figure it out - it's not that hard.

Given the above, I figure the transcript has to figure in. From the transcript if you saw, A-, A-, B+, B+, B+, B+, B+, B, B. . . how do you figure that out in ref to score and placement consideration for a T-14 candidate?

Uh. I don't know exactly what you're asking. But that looks like about a B+ student, which might or might not meet our criteria depending on which school you're at.

[itbdvorm]

Transfer student going to CCN from University of London (Kings College, London School of Economics, University College London) as part of a double degree program (LLB and JD). Since I'll be joining the 2L class and heading straight into OCI, I won't have any grades from the US law school. The program is very selective and only 2 students from my uni are selected every year. What should I expect from OCI? How will V10 firms gauge my grades given that we don't rank students in UK law schools? Anything else I should be aware of?

Appreciate any advice, thanks.

Is it a 3 or 4 year program? If a 4 year program, we will not hire you as a 2L summer.

If a 3 year program, I honestly don't know what to tell you. We don't hire generally from London schools so I don't know what we'd consider you in reference to...

[itbdvorm]

Doesn't mean its a good/great way to phrase it. Saying "you're band 1" just sounds odd. These bands are created by publications, and different publications place firms in different bands (or tiers). Seems better to just mention that the firm is well regarded in a particular practice area instead of saying "band 1."

I don't mean to imply it's great, I am just saying it isn't necessarily bad. When you are sitting in the reception area waiting for the recruiter while reading the folder they gave you, what do they put on the flyers/brochures/bios? Vault, Chambers, Law360 quotes, etc... Why is it improper to mention stuff they want you to notice? These rankings mean a lot to firms because potential clients probably look them up too.

I'd agree that it's not a wonderful way to phrase it (though it's not terrible). I do think that highlighting a firm's particular expertise and reputation in an area (perhaps by mentioning specific deals) is an excellent sign. But you'll be better off by saying "you're one of the best firms in the city/state/country/world at X, and I think that's what I want to do."

[itbdvorm]

JD/MBA? Any help or waste of time/money?

all depends on what you want to do. I think it's good for future marketability and likely helps your client-servicing potential because you understand the way they think a bit more.

[itbdvorm]

How much of a boost does collegiate athletics give? If you competed at the Division I level on teams that won multiple NCAA championships in non-revenue sports/ was a captain of those teams?

Helps, sure - but as a "soft" factor more than hard factors like grades, etc.

[Anonymous User]

My T-14 school does not reveal class ranking, nor do they provide a GPA. With that in mind, how do you evaluate?

Just because it's not provided doesn't mean we can't figure it out - it's not that hard.

Given the above, I figure the transcript has to figure in. From the transcript if you saw, A-, A-, B+, B+, B+, B+, B+, B, B. . . how do you figure that out in ref to score and placement consideration for a T-14 candidate?

Uh. I don't know exactly what you're asking. But that looks like about a B+ student, which might or might not meet our criteria depending on which school you're at.

Thanks. Let me narrow it down, school is #7.

[morally0bese]

0L here.

If looking for corporate job, is there any scenario in which studying abroad makes sense?

[Anonymous User]

how do OCI grade cutoffs affect the probability of a callback? in other words, consider a firm sets a top 25% grade cutoff for interviews. obviously, all things equal, a top 10% student will have a better shot than a top 20% student. however, things are rarely absolutely equal. i'm curious as to what can make that top 20% student a better candidate than the top 10% student even though the grade cutoffs would favor the latter student?

can simply a better interview make up that difference? work experience?

thanks.

[Anonymous User]

How do you get clients?

[itbdvorm]

Thanks. Let me narrow it down, school is #7.

Even there, you have "grades". We can, and do, apply standards to them.

[itbdvorm]

0L here.

If looking for corporate job, is there any scenario in which studying abroad makes sense?

Define study abroad, and define corporate job.

[itbdvorm]

how do OCI grade cutoffs affect the probability of a callback? in other words, consider a firm sets a top 25% grade cutoff for interviews. obviously, all things equal, a top 10% student will have a better shot than a top 20% student. however, things are rarely absolutely equal. i'm curious as to what can make that top 20% student a better candidate than the top 10% student even though the grade cutoffs would favor the latter student?

can simply a better interview make up that difference? work experience?

thanks.

A better interview can do a lot. Total package (i.e., great oral expression, dynamic, charismatic, etc.) plus excellent work experience makes you a near-lock if you meet our grade cuts.

Though some firms I know will take the 10% kid over the 25% kid every time.

[itbdvorm]

How do you get clients?

Relationships and luck.

[morally0bese]

Again I'm a 0l so this knowledge is second hand.

But if you were interested in acquisitions or maybe trade policy lobbying? Maybe in emerging markets? I studied abroad in undergrad and am not interested in doing it again unless it can boost my prospects in a meaningful way. Were there times when a candidate's ls work abroad significantly impacted your decision?

[Anonymous User]

I am in the median range and attend a T-14. Since day 1 I have been told that if I do not lock in an offer as a 1L (rising 2L), my chances of securing employment as a 2L (at OCI) is difficult at best. How do you see it? Historically, in ref to the offers you have extended, what is your offer ratio between the two?

(& 3L if that is worth noting).

[itbdvorm]

Again I'm a 0l so this knowledge is second hand.

But if you were interested in acquisitions or maybe trade policy lobbying? Maybe in emerging markets? I studied abroad in undergrad and am not interested in doing it again unless it can boost my prospects in a meaningful way. Were there times when a candidate's ls work abroad significantly impacted your decision?

doubt it. really don't know what you're contemplating. specific examples are necessary to evaluate.

[itbdvorm]

I am in the median range and attend a T-14. Since day 1 I have been told that if I do not lock in an offer as a 1L (rising 2L), my chances of securing employment as a 2L (at OCI) is difficult at best. How do you see it? Historically, in ref to the offers you have extended, what is your offer ratio between the two?

(& 3L if that is worth noting).

I don't really understand this question. Do you mean getting an offer before OCI? I don't think we even give offers before OCI so no idea how that would happen. If you don't get one at OCI 3L year will be tough?

[Anonymous User]

I am in the median range and attend a T-14. Since day 1 I have been told that if I do not lock in an offer as a 1L (rising 2L), my chances of securing employment as a 2L (at OCI) is difficult at best. How do you see it? Historically, in ref to the offers you have extended, what is your offer ratio between the two?

(& 3L if that is worth noting).

I don't really understand this question. Do you mean getting an offer before OCI? I don't think we even give offers before OCI so no idea how that would happen. If you don't get one at OCI 3L year will be tough?

What I mean is: having just finished my 1L, if I do not secure an offer during the upcoming OCI, I have been led to believe that securing an offer next year will be [very] difficult. Do you share this sentiment? Thanks.

1L. T 14, slightly below, or slightly above median.

[itbdvorm]

I am in the median range and attend a T-14. Since day 1 I have been told that if I do not lock in an offer as a 1L (rising 2L), my chances of securing employment as a 2L (at OCI) is difficult at best. How do you see it? Historically, in ref to the offers you have extended, what is your offer ratio between the two?

(& 3L if that is worth noting).

I don't really understand this question. Do you mean getting an offer before OCI? I don't think we even give offers before OCI so no idea how that would happen. If you don't get one at OCI 3L year will be tough?

What I mean is: having just finished my 1L, if I do not secure an offer during the upcoming OCI, I have been led to believe that securing an offer next year will be [very] difficult. Do you share this sentiment? Thanks.

1L. T 14, slightly below, or slightly above median.

Yes, I do. Hustle, hustle, hustle to get a job somewhere. Take every possible interview. Prepare twice as hard re: the firms as you did for finals (but again, be rested and ready to shine). 3L OCI remains tepid.

[piccolittle]

Transfer student going to CCN from University of London (Kings College, London School of Economics, University College London) as part of a double degree program (LLB and JD). Since I'll be joining the 2L class and heading straight into OCI, I won't have any grades from the US law school. The program is very selective and only 2 students from my uni are selected every year. What should I expect from OCI? How will V10 firms gauge my grades given that we don't rank students in UK law schools? Anything else I should be aware of?

Appreciate any advice, thanks.

I can help you with this. PM me

[Anonymous User]

I read in various threads to NOT wait for OCI before applying. Start now. Get the jump. Okay, will do.

I was wondering how I should start, though? Do I start emailing the recruiters using the email I find on the firm's website? What should I email? Do I need all the fixings (i.e., cover letter, resume, transcript, writing sample, references)? Or can I just send my resume alone? Thanks.

[itbdvorm]

I read in various threads to NOT wait for OCI before applying. Start now. Get the jump. Okay, will do.

I was wondering how I should start, though? Do I start emailing the recruiters using the email I find on the firm's website? What should I email? Do I need all the fixings (i.e., cover letter, resume, transcript, writing sample, references)? Or can I just send my resume alone? Thanks.

Yes, I'd try that. Go to the website, careers, send a nice cover email and your resume and transcript. If they want more they'll ask for more.

[inkincorporate]

Do you recommend having an interests section on a resume? Thanks