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Applying to become a Paralegal @ AmLaw 100 firm
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 4:28 pm
by TrunksFan1
Hello everyone, I am currently in UG (rising junior). I will be taking my lsat and applying to law school before i graduate. Regardless of whether I am admitted to my desired schools, I would like to take a year off for work experience outside of my internships. For those who have worked as a paralegal in such a setting: How would I go about applying for a job as a paralegal at at an AmLaw 100 firm, and how difficult was it to obtain this position? Thanks
If any background is needed: I have a 3.8 gpa at a top 33 Nationally ranked university, with many strong leadership positions, and quite a few internships under my belt.
Re: Applying to become a Paralegal @ AmLaw 100 firm
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 4:33 pm
by moonman157
Your chances are great since you go to a T33 school. But outside this very recognized and established band of prestigious undergraduate institutions, I would say your chances are much worse.
Re: Applying to become a Paralegal @ AmLaw 100 firm
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 4:41 pm
by anyriotgirl
wait until after you graduate to fuck with the LSAT and applications. Schools don't always let you defer your merit aid, and you will have more time to study.
it's pretty easy to get a paralegal job. Your school may have some sort of job database where you can apply for positions directly (this is how I found my para job). You just need a decent GPA and be able to interview well. No one cares if you did mock trial or w/e.
Also, think about applying to smaller firms. You'll have a better chance at getting some substantive work rather than spending 15 hours a day making binders.
Re: Applying to become a Paralegal @ AmLaw 100 firm
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 4:43 pm
by bjsesq
moonman157 wrote:Your chances are great since you go to a T33 school. But outside this very recognized and established band of prestigious undergraduate institutions, I would say your chances are much worse.
Moonman157 is absolutely correct. One cannot overestimate the impact that coming from a T33 institution has. Number 34 sits outside, jealous at its prole alumni base and lack of connections. Be proud.
Re: Applying to become a Paralegal @ AmLaw 100 firm
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 4:45 pm
by anyriotgirl
Also you are a sucker for going to NYU
Re: Applying to become a Paralegal @ AmLaw 100 firm
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 7:00 pm
by TrunksFan1
Didn't mean to sound like a fool with the 33 thing. Just trying to help give some background.
Re: Applying to become a Paralegal @ AmLaw 100 firm
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 8:45 pm
by jingosaur
TrunksFan1 wrote:Didn't mean to sound like a fool with the 33 thing. Just trying to help give some background.
Since this was your 34th post, this comment is completely insignificant.
Re: Applying to become a Paralegal @ AmLaw 100 firm
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 10:59 pm
by kalvano
OP, the actual answer is you fill out an application like everyone else and hope they call you, or develop connections that can get you the job.
Re: Applying to become a Paralegal @ AmLaw 100 firm
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2014 10:13 am
by LRGhost
anyriotgirl wrote:Also you are a sucker for going to NYU
Re: Applying to become a Paralegal @ AmLaw 100 firm
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2014 10:16 am
by NYC2012
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Re: Applying to become a Paralegal @ AmLaw 100 firm
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2014 10:19 am
by anyriotgirl
NYC2012 wrote:It's competitive to get a position at the top firms. Many of them attend job fairs at undergrad schools and do the first round of interviews there. Then, you have another round of interviews at the firm.
yeah but I don't think anyone really cares if you were a paralegal at Skadden or at Shit Law LLP
Re: Applying to become a Paralegal @ AmLaw 100 firm
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2014 10:23 am
by LRGhost
anyriotgirl wrote:NYC2012 wrote:It's competitive to get a position at the top firms. Many of them attend job fairs at undergrad schools and do the first round of interviews there. Then, you have another round of interviews at the firm.
yeah but I don't think anyone really cares if you were a paralegal at Skadden or at Shit Law LLP
It makes for good conversation and gives you a very minor "in," especially if you do a two year stint. But it also varies from firm to firm.
Re: Applying to become a Paralegal @ AmLaw 100 firm
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2014 10:47 am
by toothbrush
i know of a couple people who paralegaled at v10s before law school and got cb's lined up before oci,
ymmv
Re: Applying to become a Paralegal @ AmLaw 100 firm
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2014 10:50 am
by LRGhost
toothbrush wrote:i know of a couple people who paralegaled at v10s before law school and got cb's lined up before oci,
ymmv
hey man!
Re: Applying to become a Paralegal @ AmLaw 100 firm
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2014 10:54 am
by toothbrush
LRGhost wrote:
ymmv
hey man![/quote]
hai old frand
Re: Applying to become a Paralegal @ AmLaw 100 firm
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2014 5:10 pm
by NYC2012
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