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I'm at a T10 with medianish grades and a biglaw offer. What is most important at this point? Taking substantive classes or raising my GPA? I've heard mixed things.

Some say that there are classes that are absolutely necessary for biglaw (corporate) (like securities regulation, bankruptcy, etc). Others say that it is a myth that grades don't matter once you're trying to lateral so you should focus on graduating with the highest possible GPA. Maybe both are true.

I think I can construct a class schedule this semester that would almost definitely allow me to increase my GPA quite a bit. However, it would not involve any of the substantive classes listed above. (note: it wouldn't be complete bullshit either).

What should be a priority?

gnuwheels wrote:What should be a priority?

Do you have a PS4? If not, then I would say that.

Dude, your GPA is fine, and from a T10, median is good enough down the road. Substantive classes are flame, take Sec Reg (maybe) if you will be a securities attorney, or a bar course (evidence for me) if you are worried about learning it for the Bar.

Otherwise, drink/play videogames/workout/read what you want/do literally anything you enjoy because this is the last year for a long time you will have time to do it.

Note: also a 3L with biglaw offer.

does most of this advice apply to 2l year if going to a firm with history of 100% offer ?

(Graduated, going into regional mid/big law)

Forget your gpa, you have an offer. Take classes that will prepare you for the bar (evidence, corporations, family... anything you think you could use more prep for - I found my law school classes woefully underprepared me for what is actually tested on the bar.) Other than that, just relax.

toothbrush wrote:does most of this advice apply to 2l year if going to a firm with history of 100% offer ?

Not as much. 100% doesn't mean much until you actually have an offer and 3L with a 2L offer is about the only time you can change firms so a grade increase could help you out. But it's nowhere near as important.