Lack of WE: The Silent Killer? Forum

[stratocophic]

A large amount of the employment advice given out recently seems to stress the importance of substantive WE for 1/2L and even post-grad hiring. Are n00b college grads SOL? Is this any more true for patent law hiring given the nature of the work?

[Hitachi]

Most people don't have any useful work experience, and most get jobs (at good schools). It's an advantage to have, but certainly not a big problem to lack - more of a default. I don't know much about IP law, but I'd guess at worst you wouldn't get as big an IP boost as normal.

[Kretzy]

I have been wondering for a while if a majority of the surprising "0 offer" folks at top schools came straight from UG. It seems a little too reductionist, though...

[steve_nash]

Most people don't have any useful work experience, and most get jobs (at good schools). It's an advantage to have, but certainly not a big problem to lack - more of a default. I don't know much about IP law, but I'd guess at worst you wouldn't get as big an IP boost as normal.

This seems pretty accurate. I went straight from undergrad to law school and got a good firm job. I have a few other friends without WE, but with top 10% grades, that also got good jobs.

[stratocophic]

Personally, I think WE can do a great deal to offset any other potential negatives, for example mediocre grades. I don't think it is a killer, but I wouldn't want to be bottom-third straight out of UG.

From what I understand, a WE in patent/IP law is substantially important.

It's debtor's prison for me then

[Kohinoor]

Work experience is my ace in the hole this OCI. Namely, work experience at the firm that is my #1 bid.