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Didn't get a 2L SA position, but am trying to do everything to put myself in the best position for 3L OCI. Since I struck out I wrote on to Law Review, had a couple governmental internships (USAO, Federal Judicial, and a regulatory agency), and have stayed roughly top 15%. Is there any shot at Biglaw or is 3L OCI basically only resume collection, or for those who already had a summer associate position to switch firms?

School rank?

Lower ranked school (not top 50) in a smaller/mid-size market, so I guess I'm really asking more about mid-Law firms that pay in the 100K range or so

It exists, but based upon my personal experience and anecdotal evidence from my classmates, firms tend to be a bit pickier when it comes to 3L OCI. Just apply and see what happens. The worst outcome is that you don't get hired.

It's very small. Generally students who got SAs do it to change firms. (That's the most common situation). I'd suggest that you go for it but also try to lock up a district court clerkship after graduation. Then transition to a firm.

We had less than 25 firms, at least a 3rd of which wanted some sort of very specific background.

OCI? Not really. Mass mailing for 3Ls? Definitely. The issue though is that the main firms that hire are the biggest/most profitable firms and they're more selective.

For what you're looking for, I would still mail, but it's probably just whether or not they have an opening, not whether you're a 2L/3L or recent grad. What I mean is, I wouldn't feel as constrained about when to mail, just get applications to firms in the area as soon as you feel comfortable (re-)applying, do networking, hang out at the courthouse, and do the general 3L hustle.

3L OCI was composed of mainly local firms or boutique litigation (T25)

The typical understanding is that biglaw will take a look at people with a 2L SA offer already. Its a trading up market. Some firms will take a non-insignificant group of 3Ls, most won't. As you sink down Vault it gets rarer and rarer.

I got my position with a firm of roughly 40-50 people through 3L oci. I had a friend who had clerked with them who vouched for me and got a longer interview than the rest of the people. It really just fell into my lap. It can happen though and is at least worth the shot.