Am I screwed out of getting job I want? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I just got my grades back and am done with the first year of law school. Problem is that I didn't do nearly as well as I wanted and am quite disappointed. I have a 2.8 gpa from a school in the top 15.

I honestly don't really care for biglaw. I once did but throughout the year kind of just lost a desire to work biglaw. Now, I really just want to work for a smaller boutique firm, or government.

Do people think I still have a shot at those type of jobs? Or am I just screwed out of finding a nice legal job?

[Anonymous User]

Is there anyone who has advice or insight into this?

[DCDuck]

Not out of the running for legal job completely, but it will be harder for you. It really depends on rank more than GPA, I think. At least you're at a good school!

[ggocat]

smaller boutique firm, or government.

That's kind of broad. "Boutique" firms are frequently more difficult to land than biglaw; same goes for federal government. If you mean a small firm doing consumer, insurance, and minor litigation work, then yeah, you still have a shot. Your best bet is to work throughout the school year and next summer at a place that has a reasonable chance of hiring you (or giving you a pay bump from "law clerk" to "attorney") after you pass the bar. The same advice goes for local government positions (city, county, district attorney; public defender; etc.).