Is a B- at a T7-T14 a reason to drop out? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Rest of grades are right above and right below median. Targeting NYC.

[Cavalier]

Only your overall GPA matters. I know several people who got a B- (or worse) grade as a 1L and found big law jobs.

[Great Satchmo]

Your about-median GPA is the bigger problem.

[2014]

Your tuition is probably not due or refundable until after OCI is well under way, I don't see why anyone would drop out now. If it is apparent that you have struck out and that refund deadline is coming up, that's when you should think about it. And if that happens, I'd be very surprised if it was the one B- that did it.

[Jsa725]

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[mr.hands]

Your about-median GPA is the bigger problem.

This is an exaggeration. Plenty of schools in this range have biglaw and A3 clerkship placement above 50%. He's competitive in the middle

EDIT: typo. whoops

[TaipeiMort]

Your about-median GPA is the bigger problem.

This is an exaggeration. Plenty of schools in this range have biglaw and A3 clerkship program above 50%. He's competitive in the middle

This. Some firms have cut-offs above median or 1/3, but the rest it is all about networking and marketing yourself on other criteria besides grades. Now, a k-JD who isn't charming or attractive or from an obscure region or finds another way to connect with a recruiter...

[Lateral2013]

Do you want to practice law? If not, then yeah, probably want to drop out before you go into more debt. Assuming you want to practice then stick it out. Like previous posters have said, its not a particular grade that matters, but the overall GPA. Expect to be asked about the one low grade in interviews and be prepared to explain why it was lower and what you are doing now and in the future to prevent it. Also, don't limit your bids to biglaw. Look at smaller NYC boutique firms for OCI. Many of them have associates that lateral to big firms after a year or two, not necessarily because of your grades, but because I think that's great advice for anyone targeting NYC. Your CSO people should be able to point you to some of those.

True story, I got a C- in a class directly relevant to the type of law I now successfully practice. It was as a 3L, so not as big of a deal, but I've never been asked about it, and it didn't ruin my career.