BIG LAW: 2L SA Position or BUST? Forum

[DrakeTempt]

I want to work in Big Law or Mid Law. If I don't land a summer associate position for my 2L summer, should I just jump off a bridge? Any chance to get a firm job?

If I do land a SA position, do I need to continue gunning in my classes?

[Law Sauce]

Standard answer is "No" to all your Qs

[androstan]

No is the short answer. It's possible to get a mid/big firm job without doing a 2L SA, but it's hard. There are so many lawyers graduating every year that, when a firm underestimates its associate needs, it can just hire some extra 2Ls from a fresh crop instead of picking up 3L "leftovers." It's a really harsh system, and somewhat irrational imo. If you miss the 2L SA ship, there's a presumption of defect that is hard to overcome.

That said, sometimes firms do underestimate their needs, and can't get enough qualified 2Ls to fill them. As a result they will look for a few well-qualified 3Ls. The opportunities are few and far between, so you have to explore every nook and cranny, turn over every stone.

However, if your qualifications haven't changed much since you missed the 2L boat, your chances are basically zero. They will be looking for 3Ls that are generally more qualified than the 2Ls they would hire. Bring your GPA up, get some good experience at least, and practice your interviewing skills. Those things will give you the slim chance that does exist.

[Anonymous User]

What about a 2L SA that did not receive a permanent offer from SA position?

[TLSwag]

What about a 2L SA that did not receive a permanent offer from SA position?

then "yes" would actually be TCR to the question of jumping off a bridge

[sunynp]

What about a 2L SA that did not receive a permanent offer from SA position?

then "yes" would actually be TCR to the question of jumping off a bridge

I recall a post by a guy who was no offered and he ended up clerking somewhere and the firm that has no offered him decided to give him an offer. It was almost impossible for him to find a job after being no offered.

[DrakeTempt]

And the best ways to get these damn 2L SA positions are through OCI, Mass Mail, Job Fairs, Personal Contacts?

I have 7 interviews lined up in August solely through OCI. What is the typical number of interviews for those who actually did secure 2L SA?

[FlanSolo]

And the best ways to get these damn 2L SA positions are through OCI, Mass Mail, Job Fairs, Personal Contacts?

I have 7 interviews lined up in August solely through OCI. What is the typical number of interviews for those who actually did secure 2L SA?

Where you in school and how are your grades?

[DrakeTempt]

Low TT: 3.6 (Top 10-12%).

I am transferring to Cardozo because my wife has accepted a 2 year residency position at NYU.

[sambeber]

Low TT: 3.6 (Top 10-12%).

I am transferring to Cardozo because my wife has accepted a 2 year residency position at NYU.

Good luck, I guess.

[rad lulz]

Some people lateral in from prestigious govt. work (AUSA, agencies, etc.), but that stuff's generally harder to get than a biglaw SA.

[rad lulz]

And the best ways to get these damn 2L SA positions are through OCI, Mass Mail, Job Fairs, Personal Contacts?

I have 7 interviews lined up in August solely through OCI. What is the typical number of interviews for those who actually did secure 2L SA?

There is no "typical." Depends on grades, interview skill, markets, previous experience, etc.

[rad lulz]

Low TT: 3.6 (Top 10-12%).

I am transferring to Cardozo because my wife has accepted a 2 year residency position at NYU.

If your TT is not NYC, you may encounter problems.

[somewhatwayward]

You should be mass-mailing like a fool. Seven interviews is not enough. Also do not transfer to cardozo. With your numbers you would have a shot at fordham but I think it might be too late.

[DrakeTempt]

Yea, Dinged at Fordham. I wish I had a choice, but my WIFE who will make 200K-250K immediately after she finishes her residency with an earning potential of 1MM if she opens two practices, practically owns me at this stage of our careers. Cardozo is very close to NYU.

Furthermore, their IP program is solid, something I am interested in.

Lastly, I like being around Jews. I think Cardozo will crack the 30-40 rankings in the near future.

[DrakeTempt]

Fuck this shit. I'm going to drop out if I don't get a 2L SA or some in-house paid gig.

[Anonymous User]

Cardozo has been trending downwards.

[Huluba]

Last anon was mistake by me.

[rad lulz]

No one in charge of hiring now gives a shit what Cardozo will be ranked in the "near future."

[DrakeTempt]

I will mass mail with fury beginning tonight.

[nevdash]

Why hasn't anyone mentioned coppin dat AIII CLERKSHIP?

[glitter178]

Yeah, I know. I just wrote that to feel good about a decision I know is very bad. It's done. I wish I was single and transferred elsewhere.

I will mass mail with fury beginning tonight.

ouch.

[rad lulz]

Why hasn't anyone mentioned coppin dat AIII CLERKSHIP?

Also harder to get than biglaw though.

[nevdash]

Why hasn't anyone mentioned coppin dat AIII CLERKSHIP?

Also harder to get than biglaw though.

But SA hiring is based on 1L grades while clerkship hiring is based on 1L+2L grades. So it still gives OP another shot if he strikes out at OCI. It's also the boat that I'm in. ;[

[BruceWayne]

Yea, Dinged at Fordham. I wish I had a choice, but my WIFE who will make 200K-250K immediately after she finishes her residency with an earning potential of 1MM if she opens two practices, practically owns me at this stage of our careers. Cardozo is very close to NYU.

Furthermore, their IP program is solid, something I am interested in.

Lastly, I like being around Jews. I think Cardozo will crack the 30-40 rankings in the near future.

What do you mean "practically own you"---she does! Don't stress just work some city/state government job for low hours and let her pull in the big bucks. This is 2012; forget that old fashioned "man is the bread winner" stuff.