Hey everyone! I'm a rising 2L at Berkeley law. I only got 2 Hs for my first year out of 7 possible classes (the rest were Ps). Do I still have a shot at big law? (In California only).
Also for those who know which big law to look at that don't have crazy grade cut offs, that respect diversity etc please let me know. Thanks for the help!
Classes with Hs= Writing/oral advocacy and Contracts.
Can I Get Big Law Job with Only 2 H's from Berkeley? Forum
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abraham559
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Anonymous User
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Re: Can I Get Big Law Job with Only 2 H's from Berkeley?
It's possible. I know of someone who had all Ps and got two offers. That person now works in biglaw in the bay area. But I don't know if that's representative of the class as a whole. Another person had 3 Hs and 1 HH with the rest Ps and she did really well (had 5+ offers). And I mean offers, not just callbacks. So you don't need really good grades but again this is anecdotal.
I think it'll come down to your personality and background/experience. Did you have work experience between undergrad and law school? Ask your career service people to tell you which firms have hard cut offs. Also consider applying to multiple markets, incuding somewhere outside the bay area cause it's a tough market to crack.
I think it'll come down to your personality and background/experience. Did you have work experience between undergrad and law school? Ask your career service people to tell you which firms have hard cut offs. Also consider applying to multiple markets, incuding somewhere outside the bay area cause it's a tough market to crack.
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Davis' Webb
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Re: Can I Get Big Law Job with Only 2 H's from Berkeley?
I believe you'll be alright. I would suggest applying to both NorCal and SoCal because so many people try for the Bay Area firms. Take everything the CDO says with a liberal grain of salt, they tend to be overly pessimistic. Would also suggest working the hospitality suites - firms often bring partners in charge of diversity initiatives to the suite which can be a good way of breaking the ice in that environment.
Also (golden) bear in mind 3 Hs is the median number of Hs for the class overall and many employers just tally the Hs without looking at credit breakdown. You aren't far behind and the grade system confuses a lot of people (though CA firms less so than NYC ones, for instance). The 2-credit WOA is a good class to get an H IMO especially if you want litigation, and 5-credit contracts can be a selling point for corporate work.
If you don't have your heart set on Munger and cast a wide net in CA and interview well, you have a decent shot. Feel free to PM with any questions.
Also (golden) bear in mind 3 Hs is the median number of Hs for the class overall and many employers just tally the Hs without looking at credit breakdown. You aren't far behind and the grade system confuses a lot of people (though CA firms less so than NYC ones, for instance). The 2-credit WOA is a good class to get an H IMO especially if you want litigation, and 5-credit contracts can be a selling point for corporate work.
If you don't have your heart set on Munger and cast a wide net in CA and interview well, you have a decent shot. Feel free to PM with any questions.
