HLS grade cutoffs Forum

[Anonymous User]

Does the TLS hivemind have any insight into the HLS grade cutoffs at v20 firms? Particularly interested in Skadden, Latham, Kirkland, and Paul, Weiss?

[Anonymous User]

Does the TLS hivemind have any insight into the HLS grade cutoffs at v20 firms? Particularly interested in Skadden, Latham, Kirkland, and Paul, Weiss?

None of the firms you listed are particularly selective at HLS... lol the benefit of being at Harvard is that all these listed firms will dip below median if they like you. I mean, you could even secure offers at these firms with straight Ps, assuming you are a good interviewer (not decent like the majority of students).

[Anonymous User]

Does the TLS hivemind have any insight into the HLS grade cutoffs at v20 firms? Particularly interested in Skadden, Latham, Kirkland, and Paul, Weiss?

Assuming NYC, it's likely PW > Kirkland >> Skadden = Latham for grade cutoffs, but none of these firms seem likely to have rigid cutoffs given WE, interviewing, etc. You can peruse other threads to get a sense of what "selective" really means in terms of H's, but I doubt the auto-ding level is very high for any of them.

[Anonymous User]

Can’t speak to those specific firms, but I received 2 offers from v20 firms (non-NY offices) with below median grades. So at least a few have either no or very loose grade cutoffs.

[Anonymous User]

As someone who frequently interviews during OCI (but does not ultimately make decisions) at one of the more “selective” of those firms, I would say that while all Hs plus a DS or two would make an HLS candidate close to an auto-admit, someone with straight Ps who is likable, well prepared, appears to understand what the job entails, and maybe has some good work experience, would have a very good chance of an offer. Ultimately, every firm likes to have Harvard kids in their class, so just don’t give them a reason to ding you.

Be prepared with thoughtful questions, play up any experience that makes those interviewing you think that you’re actually going to stick around in biglaw for more than 36 months, and above all, do what you can to personalize your interview for that particular firm - it really is a big winner when someone shows they know what they are talking about. If your screener and all of your callback interviewers support an offer, straight Ps won’t hold you back.

[Anonymous User]

As someone who frequently interviews during OCI (but does not ultimately make decisions) at one of the more “selective” of those firms, I would say that while all Hs plus a DS or two would make an HLS candidate close to an auto-admit, someone with straight Ps who is likable, well prepared, appears to understand what the job entails, and maybe has some good work experience, would have a very good chance of an offer. Ultimately, every firm likes to have Harvard kids in their class, so just don’t give them a reason to ding you.

Be prepared with thoughtful questions, play up any experience that makes those interviewing you think that you’re actually going to stick around in biglaw for more than 36 months, and above all, do what you can to personalize your interview for that particular firm - it really is a big winner when someone shows they know what they are talking about. If your screener and all of your callback interviewers support an offer, straight Ps won’t hold you back.

Yeah this is 100% true. Other than the super selective firms like Wachtell & Susman, you will not be out of the running even if below median. People with straight Ps have secured spots at Cravath for example. Super huge luxury for being at HLS.