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3L work at firm
Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 10:29 am
by Anonymous User
Downsides to accepting an offer to work as a 3l? Seems like an easy yes, but I want to ensure I am not overlooking anything.
Re: 3L work at firm
Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 10:46 am
by Anonymous User
I'm going to work for my firm during 3L and I don't see any downside, as long as they pay you and let you make your own hours.
Re: 3L work at firm
Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 11:00 am
by timmyd
Your gpa could take a hit. I mean, its true that 1L grades are paramount, but I'm of the school of thought placing emphaisis on all grades. It's just so much better to go through your career with a higher gpa in my opinion. On the other hand, if this firm sees your work product and like it then grades won't really matter.
Re: 3L work at firm
Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 11:01 am
by Anonymous User
Any major market BigLaw firms let you do this? Or are we talking about secondary small-midlaw stuff?
Re: 3L work at firm
Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 11:04 am
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote:Any major market BigLaw firms let you do this? Or are we talking about secondary small-midlaw stuff?
Idk about OP, but mine is a major market biglaw firm.
Re: 3L work at firm
Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 11:16 am
by ditch digger
I worked for a firm during my 3L year that eventually hired me after graduation. The additional stress and major dip to my Fall semester grades were the only real drawbacks. Just take a light course load and make sure that your employer is aware of the 20 hour ABA rule.
Re: 3L work at firm
Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 11:24 am
by dixiecupdrinking
You'll lose the ability to complain quite as vociferously about your loan burden after graduation.
Re: 3L work at firm
Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 11:34 am
by iplulzer
timmyd wrote:Your gpa could take a hit. I mean, its true that 1L grades are paramount, but I'm of the school of thought placing emphaisis on all grades. It's just so much better to go through your career with a higher gpa in my opinion. On the other hand, if this firm sees your work product and like it then grades won't really matter.
Classic K-JD mindset. A couple of years out, no one gives a shit about your grades. I'd rather get a headstart on learning the job and acquiring real life professional skills -- you know, the stuff that might actually make a difference in my career. To say nothing of the money.
Re: 3L work at firm
Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 3:16 pm
by XxSpyKEx
iplulzer wrote:timmyd wrote:Your gpa could take a hit. I mean, its true that 1L grades are paramount, but I'm of the school of thought placing emphaisis on all grades. It's just so much better to go through your career with a higher gpa in my opinion. On the other hand, if this firm sees your work product and like it then grades won't really matter.
Classic K-JD mindset. A couple of years out, no one gives a shit about your grades. I'd rather get a headstart on learning the job and acquiring real life professional skills -- you know, the stuff that might actually make a difference in my career. To say nothing of the money.
I graduated in 2011, and am shocked by how many employers still ask for transcripts. The legal market is unduly concerned with grades, for some reason. The law school you went to, what honors you received, and what you did in law school (e.g. LR, won moot court, etc) are things that will probably follow you for the rest of your legal career. With that said, your best shot at a job is to stay at the firm during your 3L year (assuming it's a firm that doesn't give offers this far out), since the firm could hire you after graduation/during your 3L year.