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Although grades haven't been released for the second semester, I'm trying to prepare for the worst case scenario of a straight-P transcript.

- Male AA URM
- Mediocre work experience

I understand OCI is going to be a gamble if the straight-Ps become a reality, but I'd really appreciate any bidding advice for less grade sensitive firms. Primarily want LA, but not opposed to NYC.

Thanks

Bump

Look at the previous year's OCI callback data and go to career services and see the grade book on firms (it'll give you a rough idea of what firms are more grade sensitive than others). Using previous callback data, I would suggest bidding high firms that had a high screener to callback ratio. You can also factor in callback to offer ratio in that, as well. There's a couple of firms that offer nearly everyone they callback, and callback nearly everyone they screen. You'll want to bid with that in mind. You'll also want to practice interviewing.

jphiggo wrote:Look at the previous year's OCI callback data and go to career services and see the grade book on firms (it'll give you a rough idea of what firms are more grade sensitive than others). Using previous callback data, I would suggest bidding high firms that had a high screener to callback ratio. You can also factor in callback to offer ratio in that, as well. There's a couple of firms that offer nearly everyone they callback, and callback nearly everyone they screen. You'll want to bid with that in mind. You'll also want to practice interviewing.

Thanks for the comment. I'm very confident in my interviewing skills/personality, only worried about being laughed out of the screener because of my grades. I'll make sure to get in touch with the career office and figure out which firms are viable.

Bid NYC.

This is not necessarily bidding advice, but maybe check out the Bay Area Diversity Fair. Some friends did that before EIW, and did pretty well (they were getting callbacks and offers early in the week from their fair interviews, and it really does help to have at least one under your belt). It gives you a chance to practice your interviewing skills, and you can save your EIW bids for firms that you don't meet with at the fair.

Freshfields

Mass mail starting as soon as you get your grades. I know of two people who got OCI law firm jobs with straight Ps but those were random/lucky. One of them got letters from professors stating that they were at the top of the P range on the curve. I know one person who got a T10 firm through mass mailing (sent out dozens if not crossing into hundreds). Most people with low grades got their jobs outside of OCI. That being said, I know several people with straight Ps or one or two Hs that didn't get big law at all.

Also, NY did very little hiring of Berkeley students last year - so don't count on large class sizes giving you a better shot. Don't underestimate the importance of local ties. If you are from the Bay, apply to the Bay Area firms. Also apply to secondary markets. Avoid markets known to have crazy P/H cutoffs (DC).

Seriously. Mass mail. Network. Starting today.