SMU 2011 Forum

[deliriousxix]

Applied FT/PT

My date (1/10/2011) hasn't changed yet.

I have that same complete date and I haven't changed yet.. I'm applying PT

[holdencaulfield]

Can any current SMU students speak to how the class is fairing on job prospects ITE?

The 2009 and 2010 class had it very rough. I knew 3 people on law review that graduated last year without jobs; however, they all secured something by the time they took the bar.

The summer prospects were also rough, but I was able to get a paying gig both summers and so were many of my friends. I don't really know the rest of the 3L's are doing, but I accepted a midlaw job several months ago.

Everyone I know in the top 10%, which is 5-6 people, had no trouble getting great summer jobs. As you know, your first semester 1L grades will likely either open or close the door to biglaw.

[Capitol A]

Just withdrew. Good luck everyone.

[Billy Batts]

Can any current SMU students speak to how the class is fairing on job prospects ITE?

The 2009 and 2010 class had it very rough. I knew 3 people on law review that graduated last year without jobs; however, they all secured something by the time they took the bar.

The summer prospects were also rough, but I was able to get a paying gig both summers and so were many of my friends. I don't really know the rest of the 3L's are doing, but I accepted a midlaw job several months ago.

Everyone I know in the top 10%, which is 5-6 people, had no trouble getting great summer jobs. As you know, your first semester 1L grades will likely either open or close the door to biglaw.

So now it's just first semester grades?

[kalvano]

Can any current SMU students speak to how the class is fairing on job prospects ITE?

The 2009 and 2010 class had it very rough. I knew 3 people on law review that graduated last year without jobs; however, they all secured something by the time they took the bar.

The summer prospects were also rough, but I was able to get a paying gig both summers and so were many of my friends. I don't really know the rest of the 3L's are doing, but I accepted a midlaw job several months ago.

Everyone I know in the top 10%, which is 5-6 people, had no trouble getting great summer jobs. As you know, your first semester 1L grades will likely either open or close the door to biglaw.

So now it's just first semester grades?

I wouldn't think so. Obviously, you aren't going to move from top 1/3 to top 5% or something, but I don't see why you can't go from top 1/3 to top 25%, or top 25% to top 15%.

[holdencaulfield]

Can any current SMU students speak to how the class is fairing on job prospects ITE?

The 2009 and 2010 class had it very rough. I knew 3 people on law review that graduated last year without jobs; however, they all secured something by the time they took the bar.

The summer prospects were also rough, but I was able to get a paying gig both summers and so were many of my friends. I don't really know the rest of the 3L's are doing, but I accepted a midlaw job several months ago.

Everyone I know in the top 10%, which is 5-6 people, had no trouble getting great summer jobs. As you know, your first semester 1L grades will likely either open or close the door to biglaw.

So now it's just first semester grades?

I wouldn't think so. Obviously, you aren't going to move from top 1/3 to top 5% or something, but I don't see why you can't go from top 1/3 to top 25%, or top 25% to top 15%.

You will send your 1st semester grades to the big law firms as soon as you get them, and 1L SA positions will be based on those. You may be able to move as you mentioned and recover for 2L OCI, but you really need to do well both semesters. If you are bottom half after 1st semester (there is a 50% chance you will be) you probably won't get a shot at big law. That's all I'm sayin...

[kalvano]

You will send your 1st semester grades to the big law firms as soon as you get them, and 1L SA positions will be based on those. You may be able to move as you mentioned and recover for 2L OCI, but you really need to do well both semesters. If you are bottom half after 1st semester (there is a 50% chance you will be) you probably won't get a shot at big law. That's all I'm sayin...

But 1L paying gigs are extremely difficult to land, period. I think when you talk about "getting a job" for most people, it means 2L OCI.

[Billy Batts]

I'd be interested in getting a job that I like and that also pays a shitload of money.

[mbusch22]

You will send your 1st semester grades to the big law firms as soon as you get them, and 1L SA positions will be based on those. You may be able to move as you mentioned and recover for 2L OCI, but you really need to do well both semesters. If you are bottom half after 1st semester (there is a 50% chance you will be) you probably won't get a shot at big law. That's all I'm sayin...

But 1L paying gigs are extremely difficult to land, period. I think when you talk about "getting a job" for most people, it means 2L OCI.

+1.

Top 10 here, and I've gotten dinged from a bunch of the the firms I've applied to. 1L [edited: biglaw, firm, paying] stuff [even with grades] is still difficult without connections.

If you are bottom half after 1st semester (there is a 50% chance you will be) you probably won't get a shot at big law. That's all I'm sayin...

This is generous. The economy blows and unless you're t14, biglaw won't be looking much outside of the top 15-20%. [Most on TLS would say this is overly-generous too].

[kalvano]

But, at least in Dallas, it doesn't seem like it's Biglaw or nothing. There seems to be some nice middle ground, more so than other places.

[holdencaulfield]

You will send your 1st semester grades to the big law firms as soon as you get them, and 1L SA positions will be based on those. You may be able to move as you mentioned and recover for 2L OCI, but you really need to do well both semesters. If you are bottom half after 1st semester (there is a 50% chance you will be) you probably won't get a shot at big law. That's all I'm sayin...

But 1L paying gigs are extremely difficult to land, period. I think when you talk about "getting a job" for most people, it means 2L OCI.

Sure, but a very small percentage of students get jobs through OCI. Average 1st semester grades will likely lead to zero OCI interviews, and thus zero OCI offers. Which, again, is what I was trying to say.

I've digressed, but I just wanted to point out that "getting a job" should not mean 2L OCI for anyone until he/she finishes 1L in at least the top quarter. I'm sure this is likely falling on deaf ears as all 0L's are thinking, "Of course I will be top quarter."

Lastly, this is a great school, and I'll let the thread get back to discussing admittances and whatnot. Feel free to PM me for any questions if they arise. Pony up.

[mbusch22]

But, at least in Dallas, it doesn't seem like it's Biglaw or nothing. There seems to be some nice middle ground, more so than other places.

This. Biglaw is far from being the end-all-be-all of success, and if it is for someone, they are probably setting themselves up for disappointment (either in not getting biglaw, or getting it and hating it). Dallas and SMU have way more to offer.

Sure, but a very small percentage of students get jobs through OCI. Average 1st semester grades will likely lead to zero OCI interviews, and thus zero OCI offers. Which, again, is what I was trying to say.

I've digressed, but I just wanted to point out that "getting a job" should not mean 2L OCI for anyone until he/she finishes 1L in at least the top quarter. I'm sure this is likely falling on deaf ears as all 0L's are thinking, "Of course I will be top quarter."

Lastly, this is a great school, and I'll let the thread get back to discussing admittances and whatnot. Feel free to PM me for any questions if they arise. Pony up.

And this. 2L OCI does not equal the only means of getting a job.

[kalvano]

Sure, but a very small percentage of students get jobs through OCI. Average 1st semester grades will likely lead to zero OCI interviews, and thus zero OCI offers. Which, again, is what I was trying to say.

No argument here, I was just trying to clarify for anyone not familiar with lawl skool yet.

I've digressed, but I just wanted to point out that "getting a job" should not mean 2L OCI for anyone until he/she finishes 1L in at least the top quarter. I'm sure this is likely falling on deaf ears as all 0L's are thinking, "Of course I will be top quarter."

LOL. Without question.

Top Gear Top Tip - it's hard. I'm friends with a great guy, very intelligent and smart, and he isn't.

Lastly, this is a great school, and I'll let the thread get back to discussing admittances and whatnot. Feel free to PM me for any questions if they arise. Pony up.

Word. But I think some discussion about these things is probably helpful for people wrestling with the decision over what school to attend.

[byronmullens]

In today via status checker

[adamtx11]

In today via status checker

ditto

[Thirteen]

In today via status checker

ditto

Congrats!

[AP-375]

In via status checker. Sweet.

[TJISMYHERO]

Still held, though I'm not expecting an answer for a while.

[jwmalone87]

Visited the campus last weekend and was blown away. Right behind Rice as the most beautiful campus in Texas, imo.

[annelise88]

I'm in!!!!!!!!!!!!

[swilson215]

Visited the campus last weekend and was blown away. Right behind Rice as the most beautiful campus in Texas, imo.

This is good to know! I won't be able to visit until the first ASW (the first weekend in April), but the aesthetics of a campus are semi-important to me. I just don't think I'd be able to study/live in a place that looked like I was attending law school behind the Iron Curtain or something.

[chstls]

Those of you who just got in via status checker, when did you go complete/in review? I've been complete since early jan but no movement..

[Longhorn88]

Never went in review but my date changed last Thurs. I believe

[thewarflamingo]

*sigh* I want to be a pony so much *sigh*

[chstls]

Never went in review but my date changed last Thurs. I believe

word. thanks and congratulations