Top Law Schools

So here's my situation: I am a rising 2L at a T30 regional school. I have top 3% grades, Law Review, and Moot Court on my resume. I know I could probably get a big law job. However, I am not sure I want to deal with the crazy work schedule. I have a wife and two dogs and would very much like to not give up my social life completely.

However, I think I would be willing to go to big law for a few years to pay off debt and make some money, and then move to a more mid-size firm where I could specialize in a more specific area of litigation.

My real question is how should I go about finding a job at a more mid-size firm out of law school if I decide I want to go straight to that sort of firm? Not many of them do OCI and they're hard to get information on.

Market?

Most schools maintain a list of local firms. If you're looking outside of your school's region then you should ask around or see if there is a published list of firms in that area. Biglaw is probably going to be your best best to escape a regional school though.

I got "midlaw" [75-175 attorneys - if that qualifies] right out of law school. For my firm, it was all about connections and ties to the area. They really wanted to make sure I would be in it for the long haul. I also went to a regional school [where I also have family and grew up], but was not quite as high as you [top 10%]. If you want midlaw, I would certainly look at your school's region first. Make sure to demonstrate ties to the area.

bdubs wrote:Market?

Most schools maintain a list of local firms. If you're looking outside of your school's region then you should ask around or see if there is a published list of firms in that area. Biglaw is probably going to be your best best to escape a regional school though.

I am at a school that primarily feeds the Atlanta market.