Median at Berkeley, want SV, how likely? Forum

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Median at Berkeley, want SV, how likely?

Post by Anonymous User » Thu Jun 10, 2021 6:40 pm

Grades were released just now. Did a little worse than I expected and ended up with 3 Hs for my 1L year, which should roughly put me around median. I really want to stay in the bay area, and maybe LA to a lesser extent. No interest in any other region tbh. Mainly looking for CA native firms like Fenwick, WSGR, Gunderson, Cooley, Latham, Orrick, OMM, etc. Interested in tech but don't have any advanced degrees. Given how competitive the SV/SF market is, what are my chances, and what should my bidding strategy be? Thanks a lot!

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Re: Median at Berkeley, want SV, how likely?

Post by Anonymous User » Thu Jun 10, 2021 7:58 pm

Anonymous User wrote:
Thu Jun 10, 2021 6:40 pm
Grades were released just now. Did a little worse than I expected and ended up with 3 Hs for my 1L year, which should roughly put me around median. I really want to stay in the bay area, and maybe LA to a lesser extent. No interest in any other region tbh. Mainly looking for CA native firms like Fenwick, WSGR, Gunderson, Cooley, Latham, Orrick, OMM, etc. Interested in tech but don't have any advanced degrees. Given how competitive the SV/SF market is, what are my chances, and what should my bidding strategy be? Thanks a lot!
You’ll be FINE. 3L here with straight Ps. Summering at one of those firms above and had multiple offers at OCI. Just don’t be weird at interviews.

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Re: Median at Berkeley, want SV, how likely?

Post by Anonymous User » Thu Jun 10, 2021 8:06 pm

Anonymous User wrote:
Thu Jun 10, 2021 7:58 pm
Anonymous User wrote:
Thu Jun 10, 2021 6:40 pm
Grades were released just now. Did a little worse than I expected and ended up with 3 Hs for my 1L year, which should roughly put me around median. I really want to stay in the bay area, and maybe LA to a lesser extent. No interest in any other region tbh. Mainly looking for CA native firms like Fenwick, WSGR, Gunderson, Cooley, Latham, Orrick, OMM, etc. Interested in tech but don't have any advanced degrees. Given how competitive the SV/SF market is, what are my chances, and what should my bidding strategy be? Thanks a lot!
You’ll be FINE. 3L here with straight Ps. Summering at one of those firms above and had multiple offers at OCI. Just don’t be weird at interviews.
I am so confused with everything I see on here. Lots of posts stress how difficult it is to break into the SV/SF market and that median at B has a 50/50 chance of striking out, but some other posts say that median at B is completely fine and even straight Ps will land you something nice. Reddit seems to align more closely with the latter group, so I guess I will have to assume that the gunner nature of this forum truly blows everything out of proportion.

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Re: Median at Berkeley, want SV, how likely?

Post by LBJ's Hair » Thu Jun 10, 2021 8:33 pm

Anonymous User wrote:
Thu Jun 10, 2021 8:06 pm
I am so confused with everything I see on here. Lots of posts stress how difficult it is to break into the SV/SF market and that median at B has a 50/50 chance of striking out, but some other posts say that median at B is completely fine and even straight Ps will land you something nice. Reddit seems to align more closely with the latter group, so I guess I will have to assume that the gunner nature of this forum truly blows everything out of proportion.
from what I've seen Reddit is mostly law students at TTT schools complaining about test anxiety, so I wouldn't put much stock in their advice lol

Anyway, it is harder to break into the SF/SV ... if you're not at Berkeley/Stanford, one of which you attend. For those schools, SF/SV is the home market. Firms aren't concerned w/ties, because you go to school in the area. And there's less of an issue with summer class size, because the firms allocate a much greater # of offers to Berkeley/Stanford than they have to say, Columbia or NYU

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Re: Median at Berkeley, want SV, how likely?

Post by Anonymous User » Thu Jun 10, 2021 10:20 pm

I’m at a satellite office in SF. It seems like 40% of our office is from Berkeley, including two partners on the hiring committee. You’re in good company out here, and 3Hs will give you a solid shot at most firms.

Just be normal in interviews. I’d recommend hitting up an alum at the firms you’re interested in - they’ll likely tell recruiting, and this will be noted. Also see if those firms have a (virtual) rising 2L reception and attend/network. I’m on my firm’s hiring committee, and I’ve seen interest in the firm push borderline candidates over the top.
Last edited by Anonymous User on Thu Jun 10, 2021 10:22 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Anonymous User
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Re: Median at Berkeley, want SV, how likely?

Post by Anonymous User » Thu Jun 10, 2021 10:21 pm

Above anon - double post

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Re: Median at Berkeley, want SV, how likely?

Post by Anonymous User » Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:47 pm

Anonymous User wrote:
Thu Jun 10, 2021 6:40 pm
Grades were released just now. Did a little worse than I expected and ended up with 3 Hs for my 1L year, which should roughly put me around median. I really want to stay in the bay area, and maybe LA to a lesser extent. No interest in any other region tbh. Mainly looking for CA native firms like Fenwick, WSGR, Gunderson, Cooley, Latham, Orrick, OMM, etc. Interested in tech but don't have any advanced degrees. Given how competitive the SV/SF market is, what are my chances, and what should my bidding strategy be? Thanks a lot!
Berkeley rising 3L summering at one of the firms mentioned. You’ll be fine, especially if you target SV instead of SF. Latham might be a little dicey because they’re relatively more grade sensitive. You don’t need advanced degree or STEM degree, just show interest. Bid Orrick 1 and Fenwick 2 unless Orrick increases their number of screeners back up.

Anonymous User
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Re: Median at Berkeley, want SV, how likely?

Post by Anonymous User » Fri Jun 11, 2021 12:34 am

Anonymous User wrote:
Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:47 pm
Anonymous User wrote:
Thu Jun 10, 2021 6:40 pm
Grades were released just now. Did a little worse than I expected and ended up with 3 Hs for my 1L year, which should roughly put me around median. I really want to stay in the bay area, and maybe LA to a lesser extent. No interest in any other region tbh. Mainly looking for CA native firms like Fenwick, WSGR, Gunderson, Cooley, Latham, Orrick, OMM, etc. Interested in tech but don't have any advanced degrees. Given how competitive the SV/SF market is, what are my chances, and what should my bidding strategy be? Thanks a lot!
Berkeley rising 3L summering at one of the firms mentioned. You’ll be fine, especially if you target SV instead of SF. Latham might be a little dicey because they’re relatively more grade sensitive. You don’t need advanced degree or STEM degree, just show interest. Bid Orrick 1 and Fenwick 2 unless Orrick increases their number of screeners back up.
That's great to hear! Yeah I definitely want SV much more than SF, and Fenwick is currently my top choice.

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Re: Median at Berkeley, want SV, how likely?

Post by Anonymous User » Fri Jun 11, 2021 1:16 am

I just graduated Berkeley and had straight Ps 1L. If you have a personality, you'll be fine, especially with the Bay Area native firms and especially in SV. Do some networking this summer, nothing serious, attending [virtual?] events, contacting alum at firms you're interested for a chat, etc. Practice the standard OCI questions (tell me about yourself, why firm, corporate or lit) and treat the interviews like a conversation. You'll be golden.

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Anonymous User
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Re: Median at Berkeley, want SV, how likely?

Post by Anonymous User » Fri Jun 11, 2021 1:51 am

Anonymous User wrote:
Fri Jun 11, 2021 12:34 am
Anonymous User wrote:
Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:47 pm
Anonymous User wrote:
Thu Jun 10, 2021 6:40 pm
Grades were released just now. Did a little worse than I expected and ended up with 3 Hs for my 1L year, which should roughly put me around median. I really want to stay in the bay area, and maybe LA to a lesser extent. No interest in any other region tbh. Mainly looking for CA native firms like Fenwick, WSGR, Gunderson, Cooley, Latham, Orrick, OMM, etc. Interested in tech but don't have any advanced degrees. Given how competitive the SV/SF market is, what are my chances, and what should my bidding strategy be? Thanks a lot!
Berkeley rising 3L summering at one of the firms mentioned. You’ll be fine, especially if you target SV instead of SF. Latham might be a little dicey because they’re relatively more grade sensitive. You don’t need advanced degree or STEM degree, just show interest. Bid Orrick 1 and Fenwick 2 unless Orrick increases their number of screeners back up.
That's great to hear! Yeah I definitely want SV much more than SF, and Fenwick is currently my top choice.
If Fenwick is your top choice, I highly recommend bidding Fenwick as your #1. Fenwick gets the most bids out of all the firms. Like what others said, you'll be perfectly fine. Even people with straight Ps will land a decent biglaw job. Just practice your interviews and be normal.

Anonymous User
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Re: Median at Berkeley, want SV, how likely?

Post by Anonymous User » Fri Jun 11, 2021 1:54 am

You will be fine. SV is less competitive than SF. Focus on nailing the interview and have good reasons why you want to be in SV and at the firms you are applying for. Have a some sense of what kind of practice area(s) you're interested in and explain why. 3 H's from Berkeley is more than enough to get multiple offers at top SV firms especially in this market.

Anonymous User
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Re: Median at Berkeley, want SV, how likely?

Post by Anonymous User » Fri Jun 11, 2021 5:58 am

Anonymous User wrote:
Fri Jun 11, 2021 1:51 am
Anonymous User wrote:
Fri Jun 11, 2021 12:34 am
Anonymous User wrote:
Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:47 pm
Anonymous User wrote:
Thu Jun 10, 2021 6:40 pm
Grades were released just now. Did a little worse than I expected and ended up with 3 Hs for my 1L year, which should roughly put me around median. I really want to stay in the bay area, and maybe LA to a lesser extent. No interest in any other region tbh. Mainly looking for CA native firms like Fenwick, WSGR, Gunderson, Cooley, Latham, Orrick, OMM, etc. Interested in tech but don't have any advanced degrees. Given how competitive the SV/SF market is, what are my chances, and what should my bidding strategy be? Thanks a lot!
Berkeley rising 3L summering at one of the firms mentioned. You’ll be fine, especially if you target SV instead of SF. Latham might be a little dicey because they’re relatively more grade sensitive. You don’t need advanced degree or STEM degree, just show interest. Bid Orrick 1 and Fenwick 2 unless Orrick increases their number of screeners back up.
That's great to hear! Yeah I definitely want SV much more than SF, and Fenwick is currently my top choice.
If Fenwick is your top choice, I highly recommend bidding Fenwick as your #1. Fenwick gets the most bids out of all the firms. Like what others said, you'll be perfectly fine. Even people with straight Ps will land a decent biglaw job. Just practice your interviews and be normal.
Any reason why Fenwick gets the most bids out of the firms? They are ranked much lower than Cooley and WSGR for example.

Anonymous User
Posts: 432496
Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am

Re: Median at Berkeley, want SV, how likely?

Post by Anonymous User » Fri Jun 11, 2021 8:23 am

Anonymous User wrote:
Fri Jun 11, 2021 5:58 am
Anonymous User wrote:
Fri Jun 11, 2021 1:51 am
Anonymous User wrote:
Fri Jun 11, 2021 12:34 am
Anonymous User wrote:
Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:47 pm
Anonymous User wrote:
Thu Jun 10, 2021 6:40 pm
Grades were released just now. Did a little worse than I expected and ended up with 3 Hs for my 1L year, which should roughly put me around median. I really want to stay in the bay area, and maybe LA to a lesser extent. No interest in any other region tbh. Mainly looking for CA native firms like Fenwick, WSGR, Gunderson, Cooley, Latham, Orrick, OMM, etc. Interested in tech but don't have any advanced degrees. Given how competitive the SV/SF market is, what are my chances, and what should my bidding strategy be? Thanks a lot!
Berkeley rising 3L summering at one of the firms mentioned. You’ll be fine, especially if you target SV instead of SF. Latham might be a little dicey because they’re relatively more grade sensitive. You don’t need advanced degree or STEM degree, just show interest. Bid Orrick 1 and Fenwick 2 unless Orrick increases their number of screeners back up.
That's great to hear! Yeah I definitely want SV much more than SF, and Fenwick is currently my top choice.
If Fenwick is your top choice, I highly recommend bidding Fenwick as your #1. Fenwick gets the most bids out of all the firms. Like what others said, you'll be perfectly fine. Even people with straight Ps will land a decent biglaw job. Just practice your interviews and be normal.
Any reason why Fenwick gets the most bids out of the firms? They are ranked much lower than Cooley and WSGR for example.
They’re “ranked” lower on Vault but in all reality they’re on par in the minds of anyone who knows anything about SV/tech work. They’re also known to have a good culture. This is speaking as someone from one of the other peer SV firms.

I imagine there’s some gaming of bids too, where people tend to use their top bids on good firms that have more likely to hire a median student or below median student at a T14 (imagine Fenwick might go a little lower than Cooley, which is traditionally more grade sensitive).

Agree with all of the above though, assuming you have a half decent personality, you should be netting multiple offers in the Bay Area with median from Berkeley.

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Anonymous User
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Re: Median at Berkeley, want SV, how likely?

Post by Anonymous User » Sat Jun 12, 2021 4:45 am

Anonymous User wrote:
Fri Jun 11, 2021 5:58 am
Anonymous User wrote:
Fri Jun 11, 2021 1:51 am
Anonymous User wrote:
Fri Jun 11, 2021 12:34 am
Anonymous User wrote:
Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:47 pm
Anonymous User wrote:
Thu Jun 10, 2021 6:40 pm
Grades were released just now. Did a little worse than I expected and ended up with 3 Hs for my 1L year, which should roughly put me around median. I really want to stay in the bay area, and maybe LA to a lesser extent. No interest in any other region tbh. Mainly looking for CA native firms like Fenwick, WSGR, Gunderson, Cooley, Latham, Orrick, OMM, etc. Interested in tech but don't have any advanced degrees. Given how competitive the SV/SF market is, what are my chances, and what should my bidding strategy be? Thanks a lot!
Berkeley rising 3L summering at one of the firms mentioned. You’ll be fine, especially if you target SV instead of SF. Latham might be a little dicey because they’re relatively more grade sensitive. You don’t need advanced degree or STEM degree, just show interest. Bid Orrick 1 and Fenwick 2 unless Orrick increases their number of screeners back up.
That's great to hear! Yeah I definitely want SV much more than SF, and Fenwick is currently my top choice.
If Fenwick is your top choice, I highly recommend bidding Fenwick as your #1. Fenwick gets the most bids out of all the firms. Like what others said, you'll be perfectly fine. Even people with straight Ps will land a decent biglaw job. Just practice your interviews and be normal.
Any reason why Fenwick gets the most bids out of the firms? They are ranked much lower than Cooley and WSGR for example.
Fenwick allegedly has a great culture similar to the general vibe that you get from bay area tech companies. And they are probably the top shop for any tech related works, hence, the popularity. I also heard they own a condo in Hawaii where associates can stay for free.

I highly recommend you go to b-line and check out the previous bids and results from the last year's class. From what I remember, Fenwich had the most bids like 250 people bidding for 20 spots or something. You won't get Fenwick unless you rank them as top.

Anonymous User
Posts: 432496
Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am

Re: Median at Berkeley, want SV, how likely?

Post by Anonymous User » Sat Jun 12, 2021 9:38 pm

Anonymous User wrote:
Sat Jun 12, 2021 4:45 am
Anonymous User wrote:
Fri Jun 11, 2021 5:58 am
Anonymous User wrote:
Fri Jun 11, 2021 1:51 am
Anonymous User wrote:
Fri Jun 11, 2021 12:34 am
Anonymous User wrote:
Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:47 pm
Anonymous User wrote:
Thu Jun 10, 2021 6:40 pm
Grades were released just now. Did a little worse than I expected and ended up with 3 Hs for my 1L year, which should roughly put me around median. I really want to stay in the bay area, and maybe LA to a lesser extent. No interest in any other region tbh. Mainly looking for CA native firms like Fenwick, WSGR, Gunderson, Cooley, Latham, Orrick, OMM, etc. Interested in tech but don't have any advanced degrees. Given how competitive the SV/SF market is, what are my chances, and what should my bidding strategy be? Thanks a lot!
Berkeley rising 3L summering at one of the firms mentioned. You’ll be fine, especially if you target SV instead of SF. Latham might be a little dicey because they’re relatively more grade sensitive. You don’t need advanced degree or STEM degree, just show interest. Bid Orrick 1 and Fenwick 2 unless Orrick increases their number of screeners back up.
That's great to hear! Yeah I definitely want SV much more than SF, and Fenwick is currently my top choice.
If Fenwick is your top choice, I highly recommend bidding Fenwick as your #1. Fenwick gets the most bids out of all the firms. Like what others said, you'll be perfectly fine. Even people with straight Ps will land a decent biglaw job. Just practice your interviews and be normal.
Any reason why Fenwick gets the most bids out of the firms? They are ranked much lower than Cooley and WSGR for example.
Fenwick allegedly has a great culture similar to the general vibe that you get from bay area tech companies. And they are probably the top shop for any tech related works, hence, the popularity. I also heard they own a condo in Hawaii where associates can stay for free.

I highly recommend you go to b-line and check out the previous bids and results from the last year's class. From what I remember, Fenwich had the most bids like 250 people bidding for 20 spots or something. You won't get Fenwick unless you rank them as top.
Just checked and 274 people fought over 40 interview slots lmao. Yeah I'm ranking it as my first choicr

Anonymous User
Posts: 432496
Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am

Re: Median at Berkeley, want SV, how likely?

Post by Anonymous User » Sat Jun 12, 2021 10:48 pm

Anonymous User wrote:
Sat Jun 12, 2021 9:38 pm
Anonymous User wrote:
Sat Jun 12, 2021 4:45 am
Anonymous User wrote:
Fri Jun 11, 2021 5:58 am
Anonymous User wrote:
Fri Jun 11, 2021 1:51 am
Anonymous User wrote:
Fri Jun 11, 2021 12:34 am
Anonymous User wrote:
Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:47 pm
Anonymous User wrote:
Thu Jun 10, 2021 6:40 pm
Grades were released just now. Did a little worse than I expected and ended up with 3 Hs for my 1L year, which should roughly put me around median. I really want to stay in the bay area, and maybe LA to a lesser extent. No interest in any other region tbh. Mainly looking for CA native firms like Fenwick, WSGR, Gunderson, Cooley, Latham, Orrick, OMM, etc. Interested in tech but don't have any advanced degrees. Given how competitive the SV/SF market is, what are my chances, and what should my bidding strategy be? Thanks a lot!
Berkeley rising 3L summering at one of the firms mentioned. You’ll be fine, especially if you target SV instead of SF. Latham might be a little dicey because they’re relatively more grade sensitive. You don’t need advanced degree or STEM degree, just show interest. Bid Orrick 1 and Fenwick 2 unless Orrick increases their number of screeners back up.
That's great to hear! Yeah I definitely want SV much more than SF, and Fenwick is currently my top choice.
If Fenwick is your top choice, I highly recommend bidding Fenwick as your #1. Fenwick gets the most bids out of all the firms. Like what others said, you'll be perfectly fine. Even people with straight Ps will land a decent biglaw job. Just practice your interviews and be normal.
Any reason why Fenwick gets the most bids out of the firms? They are ranked much lower than Cooley and WSGR for example.
Fenwick allegedly has a great culture similar to the general vibe that you get from bay area tech companies. And they are probably the top shop for any tech related works, hence, the popularity. I also heard they own a condo in Hawaii where associates can stay for free.

I highly recommend you go to b-line and check out the previous bids and results from the last year's class. From what I remember, Fenwich had the most bids like 250 people bidding for 20 spots or something. You won't get Fenwick unless you rank them as top.
Just checked and 274 people fought over 40 interview slots lmao. Yeah I'm ranking it as my first choicr
Wow had no idea Fenwick was this desirable. Got to look into them more

Anonymous User
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Re: Median at Berkeley, want SV, how likely?

Post by Anonymous User » Sat Jun 12, 2021 11:20 pm

Same anon who said bid Orrick 1 and Fenwick 2. Agree with all of the above, and you should definitely bid Fenwick 1 unless you 100000% want a screener with Orrick. But zero people who bid Orrick 2 last OCI got a screener.

Anonymous User
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Re: Median at Berkeley, want SV, how likely?

Post by Anonymous User » Sun Jun 13, 2021 1:39 pm

Anonymous User wrote:
Fri Jun 11, 2021 5:58 am
Anonymous User wrote:
Fri Jun 11, 2021 1:51 am
Anonymous User wrote:
Fri Jun 11, 2021 12:34 am
Anonymous User wrote:
Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:47 pm
Anonymous User wrote:
Thu Jun 10, 2021 6:40 pm
Grades were released just now. Did a little worse than I expected and ended up with 3 Hs for my 1L year, which should roughly put me around median. I really want to stay in the bay area, and maybe LA to a lesser extent. No interest in any other region tbh. Mainly looking for CA native firms like Fenwick, WSGR, Gunderson, Cooley, Latham, Orrick, OMM, etc. Interested in tech but don't have any advanced degrees. Given how competitive the SV/SF market is, what are my chances, and what should my bidding strategy be? Thanks a lot!
Berkeley rising 3L summering at one of the firms mentioned. You’ll be fine, especially if you target SV instead of SF. Latham might be a little dicey because they’re relatively more grade sensitive. You don’t need advanced degree or STEM degree, just show interest. Bid Orrick 1 and Fenwick 2 unless Orrick increases their number of screeners back up.
That's great to hear! Yeah I definitely want SV much more than SF, and Fenwick is currently my top choice.
If Fenwick is your top choice, I highly recommend bidding Fenwick as your #1. Fenwick gets the most bids out of all the firms. Like what others said, you'll be perfectly fine. Even people with straight Ps will land a decent biglaw job. Just practice your interviews and be normal.
Any reason why Fenwick gets the most bids out of the firms? They are ranked much lower than Cooley and WSGR for example.
Anyone who cites "rankings" when comparing Bay Area firms like Cooley, WSGR and Fenwick don't know what they are talking about. All three have top tier transactional and especially startup practices. If you're referring to Vault rankings, only refer to those when comparing NY corporate firms.

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