The interview loop is challenging. Knowing the law firm’s business processes and long-term plans can guide you in making a sound decision in your next career move.
Sometimes your GPA is a factor, and sometimes it is not. It is mostly a factor when looking for work with one of the Big Law firms, Am 100/200.
Am 100/200 law firms are interested in hiring you as a new associate attorney when your GPA is cum laude and above, and you graduated from a top law school. Graduating from a top law school with a mid-level GPA, or graduating with a very high GPA from a lesser known law school may still get you into some of the Big Law firms.
When you gain more experience in a sought-after practice, the GPA and law school become less of a factor.
I spoke to one attorney who started in a big law firm as a staff attorney because their GPA was lower. Once proven, however, the attorney became a partner track associate at the law firm, and then a Managing Associate.
Your law school may or may not be a deciding factor. I have seen law firms requiring the top 25 law schools and the top 20% in the graduating class. Yet, other firms are more relaxed in this requirement.
Keep in mind; there are thousands of law firms in Southern California who are ranking outside of the AM 100/200 that are looking for attorneys. Being smart, driven, a great writer and researcher with the right attitude and a great work ethic also go a long way.
My role is to provide valuable information about Southern California law firms and match attorneys to the right opportunities. I am an attorney recruiter and I spend all day every day recruiting attorneys for Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego law firms and speaking with the law firms to get the insider information.
