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I've been hearing some people at my school talking about how they're working for their firm part-time during 3L. I just finished up as an SA at a biglaw firm near my school (and will be returning there as a first year when I graduate) but they didn't mention anything like this being available. Would it be awkward to ask/is it too late to ask about something like this? Do most biglaw firms have positions like this available?

Non-NYC major market here. I can't remember anyone doing this. People worked at small/mid law shops in town fo $25/hr. or whatever, but I don't know anyone who stayed on part-time in biglaw as a 3L. I'm sure it' possible some places, but I'd say it's very rare.

Kirkland has in the past offered this to 3Ls that were SAs. They are the only V50 that I know of that has done this. It happens a lot in the non-big law world but pretty rare in big law.

Some biglaw firms will offer this to their SAs, but it's really rare - there simply isn't a lot you can add to a big firm in terms of value. This is more common at midlaw and small firms, which tend to have a more substantive "try out" period before they offer someone (due to a number of factors, primarily economics of law)

Have seen Cadwalader and Cahill also offer this to 3Ls in the past. However, this isn't something you request -- if there is a need, the firm generally will ask the student if they're interested. Great way to make some $$$

I've heard of NRF Austin's office doing this, both from a 3L that was working there and from the hiring partner, who mentioned the possibility of such an arrangement during OCI. I've also heard of V&E Houston doing this as well, but I think the 3L was in a small, specialized group like exec comp or something similar.

people are overstating how "uncommon" it is. know 3 of the NY V10, of the top of my head, that have taken on former summers in the past few years (caveat, summers that they've really liked) for 15-20 hours a week for longer-fuse projects---extensive doc review, etc. stuff that can be done remote.

they'll bill you out at a lower rate than a 1st year but higher than a paralegal. you'll make mega bucks. sweet gig.

if you're interested, ask. worst that happens is you seem enthusiastic and they say no.

Know of two tech-focused offices in Boston doing this - its a case of enough work being around and is very office and group specific as far as I know

I worked at a local law firm for $30/hr during 3L year, between 20-35 hours per week. I didn't work for a biglaw because my law school was located in the middle of nowhere, so there weren't any biglaw offices within driving distance.

However, I chose to work part-time only because I need $$$ for a major purchase and I didn't want to take out even more loans. If you don't have pressing need for $$$, just make the most of your 3L year. You won't be having so much free time for many years onward. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Anonymous User wrote:Know of two tech-focused offices in Boston doing this - its a case of enough work being around and is very office and group specific as far as I know

Yep, Goodwin Boston does this

I did at my SA firms for both 2L and 3L. I committed to 20 hours but ended up averaging 30+ but under 40 for both.

As someone who worked during law school, I don't recommend doing it unless it's unavoidable for financial reasons. Law firms prize responsiveness uber alles, and it's hard to always be that responsive when you are in class for much of the workday and (presumably) want to also spend some amount of time socializing with your law school friends. It's a lot of stress to juggle, and it's all too easy to rub people the wrong way/create a bad impression when you, say, don't respond to a 3:01 PM email until 6:15 PM because you're in a no-computers-allowed class from 3-6 PM.

It's a bit better for patent prosecution, where tasks tend to be (relatively) less urgent, but it's still a lot to balance, especially if you're also on a demanding journal or have significant student org or RA commitments.

When you have a full-time offer 3L year is basically a victory lap. You won law school, relax and enjoy it. Because once you graduate the next race begins.