How do v5 firms consider updated transcripts after extending a 2L SA offer? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Just came across an older thread suggesting that drops in grades may affect whether you’re hired back after spending 2L summer with a firm. Does anyone know how this factors into return offers at any of the v5 firms? When do they ask for updated transcripts? Not asking about failing grades or anything like that, I’m just worried about any drops in general now. Any information would be much appreciated!

[Anon-non-anon]

Just came across an older thread suggesting that drops in grades may affect whether you’re hired back after spending 2L summer with a firm. Does anyone know how this factors into return offers at any of the v5 firms? When do they ask for updated transcripts? Not asking about failing grades or anything like that, I’m just worried about any drops in general now. Any information would be much appreciated!

I have never heard of this changing an offer and i doubt it ever has unless people fail or get close to it. I will say I'm glad i kept my grades up during 3L, as people still look when you switch jobs / if you want to clerk. I was still able to have a very chill 3L, especially second semester, with smart class selection.

[Anonymous User]

If the V5 firm isn’t happy with your grades, you get booted to V6, or (god forbid) V7.

[Anonymous User]

or (god forbid) V7.

GASP

[Anonymous User]

or (god forbid) V7.

GASP

Davis Polk and WardTTTwell

[Hakki]

If the V5 firm isn’t happy with your grades, you get booted to V6, or (god forbid) V7.

^ This. The V7 firms at the top of the legal hierarchy operate on a relegation system (no promotion, only relegation). If you aren't performing in accordance with the agreed-upon metrics (happy to expand on that evaluation system and how they score you each year, if you want), you're forcibly moved down the chain. On the other hand, if your evaluation scores are several standard deviations ahead of your peers, you might even be told "thx" by the partner when you let them know the deal you've been slaving away on closed, thanks to no help of their own. At least you know you're better than the plebs further down the Vault chain. You can't put a price on that.

If you're at the V7 firm already and you aren't up to par, you're done. You've reached the unprestigious end of your legal career. Most people who reach this stage self-exile, and rightfully so.

Seriously, though? It doesn't matter, and I honestly have no idea why you made this question specifically applicable to V5 firms. I think I sent mine an updated transcript at the end of each successive school year, but regardless they'll have them all before you start full-time.

[Anonymous User]

Thank you for the answers! Sorry if mentioning v5 firms seemed arbitrary, I just wanted to narrow answers to a firm in particular and figured there wouldn't be much variation between how the others treated updated transcripts. Wasn't trying to mean anything by it!