V10 Associate Taking Qs for a Bit Forum

[Anonymous User]

Shoot, and I'll do my best.

Corporate midlevel, actively involved in recruiting at my firm.

[Anonymous User]

Does your firm explicitly screen for journals? Coming from a T25, would not being on a journal kill one’s chances? Can it be made up in other ways, such as good grades, relevant work experience, IP background, externships, moot court, etc.?

[Anonymous User]

If you could do it all again, is there anything you would do differently?

Also, what is the market for exit options like? Noticing a big split between transactional and litigation associates?

[Anonymous User]

Shoot, and I'll do my best.

Corporate midlevel, actively involved in recruiting at my firm.

Incoming fall associate at V10, general corporate (likely M&A/cap markets mostly). I am thoroughly enjoying my time off from law school and still find myself with some time to kill, what should I do that could make things slightly easier when it comes time to start in the fall? Improve writing (although expecting to be little used)? Keep up with WSJ/DealBook more than normal?

Any other general tips/guidance?

[lawlorbust]

Regrets on your career choice?

[whats an updog]

Shoot, and I'll do my best.

Corporate midlevel, actively involved in recruiting at my firm.

Incoming fall associate at V10, general corporate (likely M&A/cap markets mostly). I am thoroughly enjoying my time off from law school and still find myself with some time to kill, what should I do that could make things slightly easier when it comes time to start in the fall? Improve writing (although expecting to be little used)? Keep up with WSJ/DealBook more than normal?

Any other general tips/guidance?

Nothing. Don't do anything to prepare. Every second should be spent enjoying your life. You think it will be different for you once you start, but there will be whole months that are basically work. Weeks you disappear. You will not get an edge by preparing early.

[classis920]

What is the grade cutoff for Harvard? Minimum number of H’s for consideration?
Thanks for doing this

[Anonymous User]

OP here. For grade cuttoff at H, I don't have a good idea. Sorry. Years ago I heard from a friend at H that the answer was top 1/3, so I suspect you'll have a better answer by speaking with a current classmate.

[Anonymous User]

Shoot, and I'll do my best.

Corporate midlevel, actively involved in recruiting at my firm.

Incoming fall associate at V10, general corporate (likely M&A/cap markets mostly). I am thoroughly enjoying my time off from law school and still find myself with some time to kill, what should I do that could make things slightly easier when it comes time to start in the fall? Improve writing (although expecting to be little used)? Keep up with WSJ/DealBook more than normal?

Any other general tips/guidance?

Nothing. Don't do anything to prepare. Every second should be spent enjoying your life. You think it will be different for you once you start, but there will be whole months that are basically work. Weeks you disappear. You will not get an edge by preparing early.

OP here. Agree. I don't think there's much value in deal/cap markets prep at this stage. Just sit tight and enjoy your time off as much as you can.

[Anonymous User]

Does your firm explicitly screen for journals? Coming from a T25, would not being on a journal kill one’s chances? Can it be made up in other ways, such as good grades, relevant work experience, IP background, externships, moot court, etc.?

OP here. No, I don't think so. I think it can be made up with grades and high caliber extracurriculars that you've listed. Folks just want to see that you end done well in the things you've done.

If you're lit inclined, there might be more added value w/r/t law review (ie if two candidates are similar, the LR person might get it).

[Anonymous User]

If you could do it all again, is there anything you would do differently?

Also, what is the market for exit options like? Noticing a big split between transactional and litigation associates?

OP here. Probably not. I like the practice I'm in and the people here too.

Market for exit options is pretty good - there are lots of in house opportunities, but I find that the earlier you exit to in house, the more low-level/stagnant your role becomes. In house becomes viable around 3rd year, but people exit to those roles mostly 5th year.

[Anonymous User]

Regrets on your career choice?

OP here. Nah - I considered consulting at some point, but ultimately decided daily travel / being away from the significant other wasn't worth it. if you're into business, and not law, and are fine with a few years of that kind of lifestyle, then I suppose you have a crack at interviewing at MBB if they recruit at the school you attend.

[Anonymous User]

If you could do it all again, is there anything you would do differently?

Also, what is the market for exit options like? Noticing a big split between transactional and litigation associates?

OP here. Probably not. I like the practice I'm in and the people here too.

Market for exit options is pretty good - there are lots of in house opportunities, but I find that the earlier you exit to in house, the more low-level/stagnant your role becomes. In house becomes viable around 3rd year, but people exit to those roles mostly 5th year.

Is it reasonable to think about leaving around year 3 if you have 0 interest in becoming partner and just want a more stable lifestyle in house?

[Anonymous User]

If you could do it all again, is there anything you would do differently?

Also, what is the market for exit options like? Noticing a big split between transactional and litigation associates?

OP here. Probably not. I like the practice I'm in and the people here too.

Market for exit options is pretty good - there are lots of in house opportunities, but I find that the earlier you exit to in house, the more low-level/stagnant your role becomes. In house becomes viable around 3rd year, but people exit to those roles mostly 5th year.

Is it reasonable to think about leaving around year 3 if you have 0 interest in becoming partner and just want a more stable lifestyle in house?

OP here. I'll say that I'm no expert on exits, not having fully looked into this. But I have spoken with a few recruiters who share the view that, generally, the more years you have under your belt as an associate, the more substantive roles you'll be able to obtain.

That said, I've certainly seen capable people (2 friends) exit at 3rd year, and they seem to be progressing just fine. I suspect you'll need to be particularly discerning during the in-house interview process as you hear them out about the role.

[Anonymous User]

Incoming V10 summer, but currently thinking about switching firms. What's the general timeline for 3L hiring at your firm?

[Anonymous User]

Incoming V10 summer, but currently thinking about switching firms. What's the general timeline for 3L hiring at your firm?

OP: Understanding that you are coming into your summer with that firm, but you have aspirations to change, I think my advice on the matter varies based on geography / size of the practice you're looking to get into. But if we're speaking broadly, I'd recommend seeking out a contact that you trust at the target firm(s), a few weeks before summer ends, and putting out the idea. I wouldn't reach out in an official capacity (to a recruiting dept).

For my firm, and a few other firms I'm aware of, I think 3L hiring varies from year to year. If a high % of people accept their offers, they'll likely not have a strong presence at various schools. If not, then they will.

In terms of timeline, I believe this is around March each year. Not 100% sure though, and your best bet would be to look up when on campus recruiting generally happens in the spring, and subtract a few weeks from that.