Below Median Female URM at T-20 - Big Law Prospects?? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hello all, I was wondering if I could get some advice.

I have scoured all of the previous topics on this matter, and many of them are years old.

My GPA is a 3.18 at a T-20. I am participating in about 4 diversity fairs, and have some good interviews set up through them. (Some of the fairs were pre-select only, others were a mix of pre-select and lottery).

I want to get into mass mailing. I mass mailed 10 firms yesterday, primarily in Houston. My current internship is in the energy sector. I am interested in energy related transactional work - M&A, energy transactions, and litigation.

What are my chances of getting into a firm paying market prices? I have connections to the East Coast, small connections to Houston, and I am also targeting DC, Dallas, NYC, Chicago, and Atlanta.

Are there firms that I should definitely mail? Are there firms that I should not even bother with? Can I get any advice on a general mass mail strategy that I should take?

Any help and advice will be greatly appreciated!

[baal hadad]

Mass mail strategy: mail everyone you can

Asking what your chances are isn't a productive inquiry right now

If I told you your chances were shit would you just stop applying to jobs?

I mean you know you're not a stellar candidate but all it takes is one offer

[arklaw13]

Mass mailing every firm, everywhere is the credit strategy. That said, I wouldn't spend much of your energy on DC. Focus on TX and play up your ties, and focus on NYC firms with large class sizes. After you've done all you can in those markets you can target other markets.

[Anonymous User]

probably better than mine as a male, non-urm, above median at a lower t-14. And I think my odds are pretty good. As long as you mass mail and interview well I am sure you'll get something

[JCougar]

I dunno, it could be a little dicey. From what I've witnessed, URM status helps you most if you're already above firms' cutoffs (just like work experience). If you're bringing up the rear of the class, you're probably not gonna get Biglaw.

You might want to start thinking about government or PI jobs, or just smaller firms.

Mass mailing is still worth a shot, though.

[Anonymous User]

OP here, thanks for your thoughtful replies.

How can I find out what firms in NYC have the largest class sizes?

[mu13ski]

OP here, thanks for your thoughtful replies.

How can I find out what firms in NYC have the largest class sizes?

NALP

[Anonymous User]

Mass mail strategy: mail everyone you can

Asking what your chances are isn't a productive inquiry right now

If I told you your chances were shit would you just stop applying to jobs?

I mean you know you're not a stellar candidate but all it takes is one offer

OP here. You're right. I was just wondering if there was a particular market that I should spend less of my time mass mailing. Or a particular market that I should send more targeted cover letters. Or something.

I appreciate your input.

[M458]

OP here, thanks for your thoughtful replies.

How can I find out what firms in NYC have the largest class sizes?

You can do a search for all NYC firms (or any city - the only place it gets tricky is Silicon Valley, since there's a couple different cities there) and run a report on NALP. Give it a shot and if you can't figure it out, I'm happy to give a bit more detailed directions.

[Anonymous User]

OP here, thanks for your thoughtful replies.

How can I find out what firms in NYC have the largest class sizes?

NALP

Thank you kindly. One more question, so is it that firms that have larger class sizes are inherently easier to get a call back from? Or could it just be that since they have more SA spots, more people apply there than other firms with lower class sizes?

[Anonymous User]

OP here, thanks for your thoughtful replies.

How can I find out what firms in NYC have the largest class sizes?

You can do a search for all NYC firms (or any city - the only place it gets tricky is Silicon Valley, since there's a couple different cities there) and run a report on NALP. Give it a shot and if you can't figure it out, I'm happy to give a bit more detailed directions.

OP here
Thank you so much. You're a doll. I will try it out tonight.

[iliketurtles123]

OP here, thanks for your thoughtful replies.

How can I find out what firms in NYC have the largest class sizes?

Chambers Associate. Ask your career services for a free copy (i'm guessing they hand those out)

NYC is the least receptive to mass mailings. TX is your best shot. First, hiring in TX is booming. Second, they're big on energy. Third, they're more receptive to mailings than other cities like NYC.

Don't be shy about talking about your TX conections. Talk about your diversity (if you legitimately can). Talk about your interest in energy transactional.

Also, mailing 10 firms isn't enough. 10 is good for ONE DAY. You should be emailing 10 firms each day until your OCI. If I were you, I'd tailor them as well.

[Anonymous User]

OP here, thanks for your thoughtful replies.

How can I find out what firms in NYC have the largest class sizes?

Chambers Associate. Ask your career services for a free copy (i'm guessing they hand those out)

NYC is the least receptive to mass mailings. TX is your best shot. First, hiring in TX is booming. Second, they're big on energy. Third, they're more receptive to mailings than other cities like NYC.

Don't be shy about talking about your TX conections. Talk about your diversity (if you legitimately can). Talk about your interest in energy transactional.

Also, mailing 10 firms isn't enough. 10 is good for ONE DAY. You should be emailing 10 firms each day until your OCI. If I were you, I'd tailor them as well.

OP here. This is very helpful. Thanks a bunch.

[Anonymous User]

Baker Botts Texas. Your energy background gives you a link to the firm and they are looking for minorities. Im not sure if they pay market.

[Anonymous User]

Baker Botts Texas. Your energy background gives you a link to the firm and they are looking for minorities. Im not sure if they pay market.

This is a weird post. Of course they pay market. They didn't preselect anyone last year at UT OCI for their Houston office with a GPA below 3.47 and are known for being the most grade selective of the Big 3. I have heard the firm environment is not welcoming of minorities.

Not saying she shouldn't apply, but it's not like she's a shoo-in. Will definitely be a long shot.

Anon bc I am interviewing with them at OCI.

[Anonymous User]

Baker Botts Texas. Your energy background gives you a link to the firm and they are looking for minorities. Im not sure if they pay market.

This is a weird post. Of course they pay market. They didn't preselect anyone last year at UT OCI for their Houston office with a GPA below 3.47 and are known for being the most grade selective of the Big 3. I have heard the firm environment is not welcoming of minorities.

Not saying she shouldn't apply, but it's not like she's a shoo-in. Will definitely be a long shot.

Anon bc I am interviewing with them at OCI.

What is the Big 3?

[Magnifique1908]

Baker Botts Texas. Your energy background gives you a link to the firm and they are looking for minorities. Im not sure if they pay market.

This is a weird post. Of course they pay market. They didn't preselect anyone last year at UT OCI for their Houston office with a GPA below 3.47 and are known for being the most grade selective of the Big 3. I have heard the firm environment is not welcoming of minorities.

Not saying she shouldn't apply, but it's not like she's a shoo-in. Will definitely be a long shot.

Anon bc I am interviewing with them at OCI.

Couldn't be further from the truth re: environment.

All Big 3 (all firms really lol) have room for improvement but as far as BB (and NRF) being less than welcoming, I can tell you as a 3L with personal experience that this has not been my (or other folks that I have chatted with) experience.

OP feel free to PM for additional assistance if you want.

Full disclosure: I have above cutoff grades and work experience but I also know minority summers in TX who do not and can provide some tips and anecdotes.

[Anonymous User]

Baker Botts Texas. Your energy background gives you a link to the firm and they are looking for minorities. Im not sure if they pay market.

This is a weird post. Of course they pay market. They didn't preselect anyone last year at UT OCI for their Houston office with a GPA below 3.47 and are known for being the most grade selective of the Big 3. I have heard the firm environment is not welcoming of minorities.

Not saying she shouldn't apply, but it's not like she's a shoo-in. Will definitely be a long shot.

Anon bc I am interviewing with them at OCI.

Couldn't be further from the truth re: environment.

All Big 3 (all firms really lol) have room for improvement but as far as BB (and NRF) being less than welcoming, I can tell you as a 3L with personal experience that this has not been my (or other folks that I have chatted with) experience.

OP feel free to PM for additional assistance if you want.

Full disclosure: I have above cutoff grades and work experience but I also know minority summers in TX who do not and can provide some tips and anecdotes.

Thank you kindly for all of your information.

Bumping this for more suggestions.