3L: Apply to only Entry-Level positions, or those requiring 2+ yrs of exp? Forum

Anonymous User · Post by **Anonymous User** » Thu Oct 06, 2016 11:52 pm

A lot of postings say something like "2-[3/4/5] years of firm experience required," which makes sense since they're technically lateral positions.

1. As a 3L who's still on the market,* is there anything I can do to make my app worth a glance? Eg by racking up term-time judicial/inhouse externships/clinics? Anything to say in the cover letter/writing samples if it's lit?

I've heard that it's worth applying to postings that require <3yrs, but 3+ would be pushing it.

*assuming that, if the position were entry-level, my academic credentials/resume can pass the laugh test, as evidenced by a V10's decision to interview me in response to a mass-mail.

Anonymous User · Post by **Anonymous User** » Fri Oct 07, 2016 8:21 am

I was wondering the same thing. I have actually come across several postings looking for candidates with 1 to 3 years of experience. It seems like someone with only one year of experience is essentially an entry-level attorney, not a lateral.

1styearlateral · Post by **1styearlateral** » Fri Oct 07, 2016 9:30 am

I don't think firms looking to fill lateral positions are going to count a 3L's internship experience, since you haven't been practicing at all yet (just under supervision). They want someone barred. I'll let someone else weigh in though.

SFSpartan · Post by **SFSpartan** » Fri Oct 07, 2016 10:50 am

The only non "entry level" positions you should be applying to are those that require 1-3 years of experience. Expect a low yield on those, though, given that you're competing with attorneys that have actually practiced law as licensed attorneys.

Applying for 2-5 year positions is a waste of time. Firms that post those want to hire midlevels, not entry level attorneys.

Anonymous User · Post by **Anonymous User** » Thu Oct 13, 2016 5:13 pm

OK well when applying to the ones that require 1-3yrs of experience doing [task], should we modify our standard mail-merge cover letters to stretch barely relevant school/summer experience? Or will the person reading the cover letter see that we're exaggerating & grasping for straws?

I guess litigation (discovery, motions etc) are transferrable, but what about transactional law that wants things like deal sheets?

3L: Apply to only Entry-Level positions, or those requiring 2+ yrs of exp? Forum

3L: Apply to only Entry-Level positions, or those requiring 2+ yrs of exp?

Re: 3L: Apply to only Entry-Level positions, or those requiring 2+ yrs of exp?

Re: 3L: Apply to only Entry-Level positions, or those requiring 2+ yrs of exp?

Re: 3L: Apply to only Entry-Level positions, or those requiring 2+ yrs of exp?

Re: 3L: Apply to only Entry-Level positions, or those requiring 2+ yrs of exp?

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