3L Midsize Firms or Government? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hello. I struck out at OCI with 12 interviews (as I believed I was on the GPA fringe). I'm now a median 3L at a T20 and seemingly have lost out on the DOJ Honors Program--where should I focus my efforts now? My school's career office has been saying from day one to network and "just apply for jobs," but by now, while I am apparently a master of networking (with 100+ attorney connections, some of whom are frequent re-contacts), I find myself desperate and grasping for every opportunity I can get, still with no luck. Out of 100 firm applications sent out since OCI, I managed to get only a single interview at a midsize firm in the Southeast. I don't know what else I should do; I've been applying to clerkships, but of course don't want to bet on them.

Should I continue my midsize/small firm focus, attempt to reach out to boutiques, or just keep applying to government jobs? As I said, my school's career office isn't of much substantive help, and I feel like my time is quickly running out. As for interests, I'd prefer corporate/securities or bankruptcy, as I've managed to do very well in relevant courses and am most likened to the two subjects.

Thank you!

[JimmyBruin15]

Unfortunately I have no advice but joining this thread because I am almost in the exact same position. I'm going to try my best to network my way into a small/midsize firm in my city of preference. I'm not sure how many government opportunities are still out there. I would like to learn more about those to the extent they're still feasible.

[Dahl]

Maybe I’m not understanding something but I think you should continue doing both. If you get a midsize firm job, continue applying to government while you’re there as well because the bureaucratic wheels move very slowly.

The feds will be hiring more under Biden, but there will also be a lot more interest from people who didn’t want to work under the previous administration. So apply to local government too (wherever you are).

[drwatson2573]

Hello. I struck out at OCI with 12 interviews (as I believed I was on the GPA fringe). I'm now a median 3L at a T20 and seemingly have lost out on the DOJ Honors Program--where should I focus my efforts now? My school's career office has been saying from day one to network and "just apply for jobs," but by now, while I am apparently a master of networking (with 100+ attorney connections, some of whom are frequent re-contacts), I find myself desperate and grasping for every opportunity I can get, still with no luck. Out of 100 firm applications sent out since OCI, I managed to get only a single interview at a midsize firm in the Southeast. I don't know what else I should do; I've been applying to clerkships, but of course don't want to bet on them.

Should I continue my midsize/small firm focus, attempt to reach out to boutiques, or just keep applying to government jobs? As I said, my school's career office isn't of much substantive help, and I feel like my time is quickly running out. As for interests, I'd prefer corporate/securities or bankruptcy, as I've managed to do very well in relevant courses and am most likened to the two subjects.

Thank you!

All of the above. Gotta keep hustling. PM me if you're interested in AG's office stuff; my office is always looking for folks (although I'm not sure what they're thinking for new grads).