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Hey guys,

How much does law school performance really matter if you try to lateral 2-3 years after graduation? I was always under the impression good work product, experience, and networking carried more influence but some firms cite desired GPAs, law review, etc. for lateral applicants.

For reference: at my lower T14 I was an average student (graduating slightly below median, no law review). I'm at a strong regional practice but I'd like to get into a bigger market like NYC.

If anyone has any insight or suggestions, I'd appreciate the input. Thanks!

It matters less than it did when you were going through OCI but more than it will when you have 5-6 years of experience. No one can say for sure, and some firms have strict grade cutoffs below which they won't hire *anyone*, except maybe partners.

If you're coming from a firm that's a known quantity and your experience is transferable, no one will care.

Source: I have gone through the lateral process with mediocre grades.

zweitbester wrote:If you're coming from a firm that's a known quantity and your experience is transferable, no one will care.

Source: I have gone through the lateral process with mediocre grades.

This is definitely not true of all firms. Some firms care.

Biglaw_Associate_V20 wrote:

zweitbester wrote:If you're coming from a firm that's a known quantity and your experience is transferable, no one will care.

Source: I have gone through the lateral process with mediocre grades.

This is definitely not true of all firms. Some firms care.

Yes, there are a handful of firms that don't care. Somehow, I strongly believe OP isn't applying to any of them.