Big Law hiring perspectives? Forum

[RenardLouisianais]

Keeping things vague, but would appreciate any thoughts!

As a 2025 applicant, I basically had T20-level stats. According to historical data, I might’ve scored a lower T14 in a good cycle. Instead, for several reasons, it looks like I’ll be going to a T50-type school (think UNC/SMU/UGA/etc.) with nearly a full scholarship.

I’m absolutely grateful to be in this position, but I can’t help feeling a little insecure.

I’d like to do a stint in NYC Big Law, mostly because I want to do the kind of cross-border transactional work dominated by big firms. Usually 25–35% of the class gets Big Law/Federal Clerkship, but I know not all Big Law firms are created equal, and the data doesn't really show any distinctions within the "Big Law" category.

Laying aside that you can’t count on being in the top third of your class (although my stats are high compared to the median), do you think that a top candidate from a T50 remains at a hiring disadvantage, or will be excluded from many top firms, compared to a T14/T20 student? What if you're in the top 10% of your T50 class vs. the top 33%?

I guess I just hate the idea of being classified as a second-rate candidate when I theoretically have the stats to attend a higher-ranked school. I know that, no matter my rank, my school choice will exclude me from a few highly selective firms (Wachtell), but I’m wondering how prevalent the attitude is generally. A few lawyers have told me I have interesting skills and work experience that would stand out, but I'd like to have a realistic idea of the prospects.

PS: I hope this kind of post is allowed here. If not, I apologize and would be happy to post elsewhere. Thanks!

[Anonymous User]

Class of 2025. I was top 10% (ranked right around the tenth percent) after my 1L, and accepted a spot in litigation at a V10/Band 1 in NYC. My school is T50, ranked between 40 and 50. But there’s a bit difference between top 10% (lots of V10s or best-in-chosen-market firms) and top 33%, which is going to place more into MidLaw. That being said, the schools you listed I think of as being better than my school, so the ability to join an “elite” firm might be a little wider.

[Anonymous User]

Replying to myself. If you end up at the top of your class (top 5% or thereabouts), there’s going to be very few big firms that won’t at least consider you. Wachtell, maybe Cravath. None of the other V10s are so selective for NYC transactional that they won’t take a look at the top top students at regional powerhouse type schools like UGA or UNC.