Everyone says that the preferred method for applying to big firm summer associate positions outside of OCI is through mass emailing recruiting contacts at these big firms, but I'm finding that many law firms have their own application portals set up so you can apply for summer associate positions without emailing the recruiting contact directly.
Are there any downsides to applying to a summer associate position through a firm's online portal? Do big firms prefer this method to direct emails?
Mass Mail vs. Online Portal Application Forum
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QContinuum
- Posts: 3594
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2017 9:52 am
Re: Mass Mail vs. Online Portal Application
If the firm's website requests that you apply through their portal, and you don't have any connections at the firm, you should absolutely apply via the portal as directed.wdrod wrote:Everyone says that the preferred method for applying to big firm summer associate positions outside of OCI is through mass emailing recruiting contacts at these big firms, but I'm finding that many law firms have their own application portals set up so you can apply for summer associate positions without emailing the recruiting contact directly.
Are there any downsides to applying to a summer associate position through a firm's online portal? Do big firms prefer this method to direct emails?
Firms actually do look at portal applications. They don't go into a black hole.
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biglaw_advice
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Wed Jun 05, 2019 3:09 pm
Re: Mass Mail vs. Online Portal Application
Biglaw midlevel here, work w/ recruiting.
Both types of applications go to the same place (at my firm) so it will all get reviewed, no matter the type of application method you use. While I think it's generally good to apply, you get more bang for your buck if you reach out to people at the firm to help get your foot in the door. Your resume can speak for itself on school, grades, and work experience, but having an "in" at a firm (even if through cold emailing and setting up a call with an alum) can go a long way. Here's some specific tips on how to reach out to alums/what to say on your email outreach: https://biglawadvice.com/2018/10/09/sam ... for-alums/
Both types of applications go to the same place (at my firm) so it will all get reviewed, no matter the type of application method you use. While I think it's generally good to apply, you get more bang for your buck if you reach out to people at the firm to help get your foot in the door. Your resume can speak for itself on school, grades, and work experience, but having an "in" at a firm (even if through cold emailing and setting up a call with an alum) can go a long way. Here's some specific tips on how to reach out to alums/what to say on your email outreach: https://biglawadvice.com/2018/10/09/sam ... for-alums/
