Age Bias in Biglaw Hiring? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Apologies if there's already a thread. I did a search and didn't find one.

I'm starting law school this fall at a T14. I will be 34 when I graduate. I've heard that firms are reluctant to hire older first years, and I'm hoping to get more detail. Is it pretty prevalent across the board? Is there any way to work around this, besides getting the best grades I possibly can? Any insight appreciated. I'm a male, fwiw.

[kaiser]

I don't think it will be any impediment for you. Firms actually seem to really value a few years of work experience and its become increasingly valuable in the OCI process. And also keep in mind that 34 is really not old by big firm standards. Sure, most of the starting first year class will be in their upper 20's, but my starting class had a number of folks in their 30's. Its not uncommon at all, and your work experience may be very valuable.

[haus]

Apologies if there's already a thread. I did a search and didn't find one.

I'm starting law school this fall at a T14. I will be 34 when I graduate. I've heard that firms are reluctant to hire older first years, and I'm hoping to get more detail. Is it pretty prevalent across the board? Is there any way to work around this, besides getting the best grades I possibly can? Any insight appreciated. I'm a male, fwiw.

You might want to take a look at the OLD SCHOOL thread.

http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 1&t=143047

And perhaps the Veteran's thread, as many of us are a bit older.

http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 2&t=170257

In comparison to your peers, I suspect that what you may have done before law school would have a potential higher impact on your chances than it would for those closer in age to the K-JD crowd.

[sd5289]

Posting to echo the above. My age/WE was nothing but a plus for me getting jobs during law school as well as securing my job after graduation.

[Anonymous User]

OP here. Thanks all. I'm not super worried but it seemed like something I should consider. This is useful info and makes me feel better.

[Abbie Doobie]

as long as u r not a 34 yr old k-jd you should be fine

[jphiggo]

I'll be around the same age when I graduate. My age seemed to help rather than hurt with biglaw.

[Rlabo]

I was 20 when I started law school. Now THAT was age bias.

[lymenheimer]

http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 3&t=170603

[Lincoln]

To reinforce what others are saying, I was 30 when interviewing and 32 when I graduated, and, if anything, I outperformed my peers during recruiting.

[A. Nony Mouse]

OP, 0Ls aren't allowed to post questions in legal employment, but since you're anon, I can't move this to another forum, so I'm going to lock. (There are a lot of threads about this here so hopefully the links above have helped.)