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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.

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.

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.

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.

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?