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Teflon_Don wrote:Born & raised in TX, college there as well. I notice that not a large percentage of the HLS class to TX, and I'm assuming that's because most of the major offices aren't located in TX. For someone considering TX Biglaw, though, I'm curious how HLS fairs for someone with strong ties in landing Texas Biglaw? Anyone have experience/anecdotes with this?

I have personal experience with it. I had a mentor that was a partner at Fulbright in Austin. So I got to know some associates in the firm. There were a few from Harvard. In my personal opinion, I don't think you will have much of a problem landing Texas Biglaw coming out of Harvard having actually lived in Texas.

I don't think you'd have any issues at all. They'll understand leaving for Harvard, and it doesn't sound like your ties could be much better.

Pretty sure they'll love you.

Teflon_Don wrote:Born & raised in TX, college there as well. I notice that not a large percentage of the HLS class to TX, and I'm assuming that's because most of the major offices aren't located in TX. For someone considering TX Biglaw, though, I'm curious how HLS fairs for someone with strong ties in landing Texas Biglaw? Anyone have experience/anecdotes with this?

You actually have a pretty good shot at a 1L SA in Texas. If you didn't have significant ties to TX, you'd still be competitive for TX Biglaw (for 2l) coming from H.

Im currently a summer at one of the big three and i am at HLS. My only tie to TX is that I went to school here. They love you, go to HLS and dont look back. You are in much better shape than someone who goes to UT with a lot of connections

Some connection is all that is needed for a 1L SA in TX. Sounds like you have more than enough ties. 2L SA does not even require ties, just genuine interest; being from the south is often enough (say Georgia or Louisiana or whatnot), though even that may not be necessary. For 1L SA, I recommend applying around Dec. 1.

I grew up in TX, went to HLS for my 3 yrs and felt that it helped a lot in my 1L/2L summers. Worked as a 1L SA and at two firms that were my top choice for 2L summer, w/ median grades at the time. Get median grades, be a good interviewer, seem interested in TX + HLS = TX biglaw pretty easily. Probably need better than median grades for Susman though, fyi.

Meh

Teflon_Don wrote:Thanks for the advice, everyone. Since grades don't come out prior to December 1, I assume it's fine to apply to TX firms for a 1L SA without my grades? Also, To doubles point, what if (worst case scenario) I'm below median.. Would that screw me for TX Biglaw or am I still fairly safe? Thanks again

Yes, apply as soon as you can. Applying from Harvard will be a big boost. And even below median, you'll get opportunities. Maybe not with the top firms, but definitely large firms that pay market or close to it.

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Teflon_Don wrote:Thanks for the advice, everyone. Since grades don't come out prior to December 1, I assume it's fine to apply to TX firms for a 1L SA without my grades? Also, To doubles point, what if (worst case scenario) I'm below median.. Would that screw me for TX Biglaw or am I still fairly safe? Thanks again

Apply before grades come out for sure. My offers for 1L SA came in BEFORE my grades for the fall came out, in fact. Chances are you'll do some interviews during your winter break, and they'll decide shortly after (couple of weeks?).

Below median won't hurt too much for TX biglaw, but like any market, you have to do well on your interview. imo, at HLS, I'd rather have below median grades and very good interviewing skills than very good grades and below median interviewing skills As kalvano said, below median grades won't lock you out of really anywhere except the most elite firms, like Wachtell or W&C or Susman, etc.; it obviously doesn't HELP you, but it isn't damning.

Bad grades though (all Ps or all Ps w/ an LP) will probably hurt you in any market, TX included. That being said, I think you'd still manage a TX biglaw 2L SA...just not at your first choice firm I bet, and instead at one of the 'smaller' ones.

Just echoing other posters-- you're golden. Houston is the best market for 1L SAs but folks get Dallas and (occasionally) Austin as well. If you interview well and have a good pre-LS resume, you'll likely get at least one offer before grades come out, which you can use to leverage others.

Tx biglaw loooooves HLS.

You lucky bastard OP.

I can't imagine Harvard grads have trouble anywhere. You're golden, OP, provided you don't kill someone and flunk out (The latter would probably be the most detrimental thing, actually)