Bored GULC 3L Taking Questions Forum

[Sgtpeppernyc]

What kind of people choose section B? What kind of jobs do they go into?

Also, is it hard to place on Capitol Hill or other gov't-related policy positions from GULC? Is it as grade dependent as Big Law? And how does GULC place in Big Law firms in DC? I always hear that it's a tough market to crack, does being from the city give you advantage?

Thanks for your time.

There are a few types. The stereotype (which is largely accurate) is public interest types - you find a lot of people who want to be professors or do public interest work in section b. Some people are just curious and go for it. Though plenty of people go biglaw from section B, I'd imagine they have the lowest % since they're self-selected otherwise.

I know a ton of people who are going to DC firms. The rule of thumb is if it's a solid firm, the DC office is going to require a higher GPA (they're smaller than their NYC counterparts and have pretty prestigious work). That said, they ALL come to GULC OCI, and while I can't say if they have a preference, GULC is very well represented there - this may be a small sample, but in my group of friends we have more people going to DC firms than NYC firms.

As far as policy positions go, the agencies are a pretty tough nut to crack because their honors programs are really small - counterintuitively, it's easier to get a firm job than a federal agency job because they're so selective. The hill is a bit easier to get into, but remember that they start you off making almost nothing (or, often they start you off making literally nothing), so being able to deal with a hill job is often more about your willingness to work for nothing than it is your credentials.

[politibro44]

What kind of people choose section B? What kind of jobs do they go into?

Also, is it hard to place on Capitol Hill or other gov't-related policy positions from GULC? Is it as grade dependent as Big Law? And how does GULC place in Big Law firms in DC? I always hear that it's a tough market to crack, does being from the city give you advantage?

Thanks for your time.

There are a few types. The stereotype (which is largely accurate) is public interest types - you find a lot of people who want to be professors or do public interest work in section b. Some people are just curious and go for it. Though plenty of people go biglaw from section B, I'd imagine they have the lowest % since they're self-selected otherwise.

I know a ton of people who are going to DC firms. The rule of thumb is if it's a solid firm, the DC office is going to require a higher GPA (they're smaller than their NYC counterparts and have pretty prestigious work). That said, they ALL come to GULC OCI, and while I can't say if they have a preference, GULC is very well represented there - this may be a small sample, but in my group of friends we have more people going to DC firms than NYC firms.

As far as policy positions go, the agencies are a pretty tough nut to crack because their honors programs are really small - counterintuitively, it's easier to get a firm job than a federal agency job because they're so selective. The hill is a bit easier to get into, but remember that they start you off making almost nothing (or, often they start you off making literally nothing), so being able to deal with a hill job is often more about your willingness to work for nothing than it is your credentials.

Thanks!

[eljefe1]

What kind of people choose section B? What kind of jobs do they go into?

Also, is it hard to place on Capitol Hill or other gov't-related policy positions from GULC? Is it as grade dependent as Big Law? And how does GULC place in Big Law firms in DC? I always hear that it's a tough market to crack, does being from the city give you advantage?

Thanks for your time.

There are a few types. The stereotype (which is largely accurate) is public interest types - you find a lot of people who want to be professors or do public interest work in section b. Some people are just curious and go for it. Though plenty of people go biglaw from section B, I'd imagine they have the lowest % since they're self-selected otherwise.

I know a ton of people who are going to DC firms. The rule of thumb is if it's a solid firm, the DC office is going to require a higher GPA (they're smaller than their NYC counterparts and have pretty prestigious work). That said, they ALL come to GULC OCI, and while I can't say if they have a preference, GULC is very well represented there - this may be a small sample, but in my group of friends we have more people going to DC firms than NYC firms.

As far as policy positions go, the agencies are a pretty tough nut to crack because their honors programs are really small - counterintuitively, it's easier to get a firm job than a federal agency job because they're so selective. The hill is a bit easier to get into, but remember that they start you off making almost nothing (or, often they start you off making literally nothing), so being able to deal with a hill job is often more about your willingness to work for nothing than it is your credentials.

So I've read job bios for positions that a grad might take on the hill, but they're kind of non-specific. That being said, could you give me some insight about the kinds of jobs a GULC grad might take on the hill and what those jobs entail? Also, does GULC have a loan repayment assistance program for the grads choosing to work on the hill?

[JustHawkin]

Is there a list of firms that come to OCI? What's the typical grade cutoff?

[hichvichwoh]

Is there a list of firms that come to OCI? What's the typical grade cutoff?

there is one, but it's behind a GULC login page, so I think we're not supposed to share that info

[Sgtpeppernyc]

Is there a list of firms that come to OCI? What's the typical grade cutoff?

there is one, but it's behind a GULC login page, so I think we're not supposed to share that info

It really varies by firm. The top firms may require 3.7-3.8, and it goes all the way down to a median of 3.1. The rule of thumb I've heard is that being in the top 3rd gives you a really solid chance of getting a firm job. I was dead median (3.34) for my class and had a few callbacks / got a firm job, and I know others in this range who did the same.

It really depends on a variety of factors, though.

[Sgtpeppernyc]

So I've read job bios for positions that a grad might take on the hill, but they're kind of non-specific. That being said, could you give me some insight about the kinds of jobs a GULC grad might take on the hill and what those jobs entail? Also, does GULC have a loan repayment assistance program for the grads choosing to work on the hill?

I don't have much experience here, and these jobs haven't really started hiring. I think the most common position is a legislative aid, which is a pretty junior position that doesn't pay much. Rumor is that when you start, you're a glorified secretary, and you have to work your way up to doing substantive work for your congressman. But again, this isn't really my area of expertise so take that with a grain of salt.

GULC's LRAP program pays all your loans if your take-home is under $75k (which it certainly will be to start on the hill), and it ratchets down for every dollar you make over $75k.

[JustHawkin]

there is one, but it's behind a GULC login page, so I think we're not supposed to share that info

It really varies by firm. The top firms may require 3.7-3.8, and it goes all the way down to a median of 3.1. The rule of thumb I've heard is that being in the top 3rd gives you a really solid chance of getting a firm job. I was dead median (3.34) for my class and had a few callbacks / got a firm job, and I know others in this range who did the same.

It really depends on a variety of factors, though.

Awesome, thanks for the response guys!

How about the Government Interview Program? It seems theres not as much info as EIW.

[Sgtpeppernyc]

there is one, but it's behind a GULC login page, so I think we're not supposed to share that info

It really varies by firm. The top firms may require 3.7-3.8, and it goes all the way down to a median of 3.1. The rule of thumb I've heard is that being in the top 3rd gives you a really solid chance of getting a firm job. I was dead median (3.34) for my class and had a few callbacks / got a firm job, and I know others in this range who did the same.

It really depends on a variety of factors, though.

Awesome, thanks for the response guys!

How about the Government Interview Program? It seems theres not as much info as EIW.

A decent number of orgs come (DOJ, FTC, JAG), and there are other programs as well. Counterintuitively, those employers are some of the hardest to get because they take a handful of people. Some agencies are just as selective as top 10 law firms, if not moreso. But, there's no set rhyme or reason to them - they all have different criteria so it's difficult to say either way.

[politibro44]

Do you know ppl placing into CA big law? Or any other legal work in CA?

As a native, I'm left with bad law school options (Stanford out of my league, and Berkeley admissions seems like pandora's box), so am looking out of state. While DC is a market I could most certainly see myself working in, CA would be my first and eventual goal.

[linkx13]

Tagged

[hichvichwoh]

Do you know ppl placing into CA big law? Or any other legal work in CA?

As a native, I'm left with bad law school options (Stanford out of my league, and Berkeley admissions seems like pandora's box), so am looking out of state. While DC is a market I could most certainly see myself working in, CA would be my first and eventual goal.

are you IP?

[nhs]

Do you know ppl placing into CA big law? Or any other legal work in CA?

As a native, I'm left with bad law school options (Stanford out of my league, and Berkeley admissions seems like pandora's box), so am looking out of state. While DC is a market I could most certainly see myself working in, CA would be my first and eventual goal.

I know people at a number of top CA firms from Georgetown. Good grades help, as do ties to the area. I think it's just a self-selection thing to some extent; there are a lot of people who want to stay in DC or go to NY. California offices that Georgetown 3Ls are going to include:

Northern California: Skadden, Gibson Dunn, Kirkland, Quinn Emanuel, Morgan Lewis, Holland & Knight, Cooley, and Finnegan.

Southern California: Gibson Dunn, Milbank, O'Melveny, Quinn, Sidley, and Morgan Lewis.

[wolf]

Do you know ppl placing into CA big law? Or any other legal work in CA?

As a native, I'm left with bad law school options (Stanford out of my league, and Berkeley admissions seems like pandora's box), so am looking out of state. While DC is a market I could most certainly see myself working in, CA would be my first and eventual goal.

I know quite a few of my section mates are going to Cali biglaw. I think California is the third most popular destination for GULC kids behind DC & NYC.

[politibro44]

Do you know ppl placing into CA big law? Or any other legal work in CA?

As a native, I'm left with bad law school options (Stanford out of my league, and Berkeley admissions seems like pandora's box), so am looking out of state. While DC is a market I could most certainly see myself working in, CA would be my first and eventual goal.

are you IP?

Naw, or at least I don't think at this point. I don't know about what that practice entails. I do have B.S. but it's soft science.

Do you know ppl placing into CA big law? Or any other legal work in CA?

As a native, I'm left with bad law school options (Stanford out of my league, and Berkeley admissions seems like pandora's box), so am looking out of state. While DC is a market I could most certainly see myself working in, CA would be my first and eventual goal.

I know quite a few of my section mates are going to Cali biglaw. I think California is the third most popular destination for GULC kids behind DC & NYC.

That's good news.

Do you know ppl placing into CA big law? Or any other legal work in CA?

As a native, I'm left with bad law school options (Stanford out of my league, and Berkeley admissions seems like pandora's box), so am looking out of state. While DC is a market I could most certainly see myself working in, CA would be my first and eventual goal.

I know people at a number of top CA firms from Georgetown. Good grades help, as do ties to the area. I think it's just a self-selection thing to some extent; there are a lot of people who want to stay in DC or go to NY. California offices that Georgetown 3Ls are going to include:

Northern California: Skadden, Gibson Dunn, Kirkland, Quinn Emanuel, Morgan Lewis, Holland & Knight, Cooley, and Finnegan.

Southern California: Gibson Dunn, Milbank, O'Melveny, Quinn, Sidley, and Morgan Lewis.

Is MoFo insanely hard to get? Also, is it easier to get into field offices of big firms. For example, would it be easier to get into a DC field office of a Cali firm then transfer to Cali after a few years. Or is it equally hard to enter a firm no matter what office it is?

[hichvichwoh]

Is MoFo insanely hard to get? Also, is it easier to get into field offices of big firms. For example, would it be easier to get into a DC field office of a Cali firm then transfer to Cali after a few years. Or is it equally hard to enter a firm no matter what office it is?

office definitely matters, with nyc almost always being easier to get into. whether dc or ca is easier will vary by firm

[Sgtpeppernyc]

Is MoFo insanely hard to get? Also, is it easier to get into field offices of big firms. For example, would it be easier to get into a DC field office of a Cali firm then transfer to Cali after a few years. Or is it equally hard to enter a firm no matter what office it is?

office definitely matters, with nyc almost always being easier to get into. whether dc or ca is easier will vary by firm

Agreed, NYC is almost always easier to get. DC tended to be more selective, as they often do DC-specific work (federal regulatory, appellate litigation) and a lot of people are gunning to do that work.

MoFo is fairly selective, but certainly doable (I at least had a fighting chance there with a 3.34, which is 50th percentile).

[TheSpanishMain]

How do finals work with respect to scheduling? I see for the fall they're anywhere from 9 - 20 December. Are the days and times just randomly assigned to individual sections or what?

My wife is active duty military and is going to be overseas next year. Between semesters/over Christmas I'm planning on traveling to see her, so I want to get my finals done as soon as humanly possible. I emailed and asked about getting assigned to whatever section finishes them the earliest and was told to wait and contact the registrar. Any insight into how amenable they might be to a request like this?

[linkx13]

Any input on how likely it is that student who want curriculum B don't get it?

[Sgtpeppernyc]

How do finals work with respect to scheduling? I see for the fall they're anywhere from 9 - 20 December. Are the days and times just randomly assigned to individual sections or what?

My wife is active duty military and is going to be overseas next year. Between semesters/over Christmas I'm planning on traveling to see her, so I want to get my finals done as soon as humanly possible. I emailed and asked about getting assigned to whatever section finishes them the earliest and was told to wait and contact the registrar. Any insight into how amenable they might be to a request like this?

There's no way to know - they know the dates fairly early in the semester, but even those are subject to change.

Regardless, though, most sections have largely the same dates for finals. And I doubt they'd let you reschedule for that reason - it's not dire / unchangeable enough.

[Sgtpeppernyc]

Any input on how likely it is that student who want curriculum B don't get it?

I'm really hoping you typed this on your phone.

I'm not sure - I know they accept fewer than apply, but I don't know what the actual numbers are.

[nhs]

Is MoFo insanely hard to get? Also, is it easier to get into field offices of big firms. For example, would it be easier to get into a DC field office of a Cali firm then transfer to Cali after a few years. Or is it equally hard to enter a firm no matter what office it is?

office definitely matters, with nyc almost always being easier to get into. whether dc or ca is easier will vary by firm

Agreed, NYC is almost always easier to get. DC tended to be more selective, as they often do DC-specific work (federal regulatory, appellate litigation) and a lot of people are gunning to do that work.

MoFo is fairly selective, but certainly doable (I at least had a fighting chance there with a 3.34, which is 50th percentile).

Just to add, because you're asking about California, MoFo SF cancelled their EIW interview our year (EIW Fall 2012), which is likely we have no one going to work at that office (that I know of). I would suspect it's no harder to get than other firms of their caliber, presuming they actually do come and interview at Georgetown.

I think your question about starting in CA versus transferring is so firm-dependent and so unknowable as to not be a factor. If I were you and was dead-set on CA, I'd do my best to get interviews with all the CA firms and then fill out my schedule with realistic firms that have CA offices. Obviously, it's grade-dependent. Job > no job.

[nhs]

Is there a list of firms that come to OCI? What's the typical grade cutoff?

Tons and tons of firms come to EIW. It's one of the biggest on-campus interview programs in the country. Regarding cutoffs: Top ten percent is virtually a lock, top third you have a good shot, top half you have a shot... assuming you can hold a conversation and don't bid insanely poorly.

[nhs]

How do finals work with respect to scheduling? I see for the fall they're anywhere from 9 - 20 December. Are the days and times just randomly assigned to individual sections or what?

My wife is active duty military and is going to be overseas next year. Between semesters/over Christmas I'm planning on traveling to see her, so I want to get my finals done as soon as humanly possible. I emailed and asked about getting assigned to whatever section finishes them the earliest and was told to wait and contact the registrar. Any insight into how amenable they might be to a request like this?

You'll have three exams during that period. They'll probably be spaced out with approximately 3-4 days in between each. Regardless of the section, you'll probably have exams for the duration of the exam period. I find it unlikely they'd change anything for you.

[linkx13]

Any input on how likely it is that student who want curriculum B don't get it?

I'm really hoping you typed this on your phone.

I'm not sure - I know they accept fewer than apply, but I don't know what the actual numbers are.

Haha, yeah I did and didn't even bother proofreading.

Thanks!