So I got my 1st semester grades and while decent (all B's, right around the mean in every class), they were not as good as I was hoping for.

That being said, I am curious as to the best way to sell myself to potential summer employers. Realistically, I will take just about any job I can get. Preferrably, I would like to work for a firm but I want to know if my grades will preclude me. Specificially, I am looking at firms that have a strong practice in Capital Markets (specificially mortgage securitization) and Real Estate. Prior to coming to law school, I worked for a mortgage company for 3 years as an underwriter, as well as other positions, so I do have highly relevent work experience. Is my work experience enough to overcome my grades and get an interview? I think I have a good chance if I can get an interview, but how realistic is getting one? Obvioiusly it depends on the firm, but I don't want to spend all my time looking at places where I have not shot and then have to scramble to get a job later. I would rather target the few places I am most interested in and look at as many realistic options I can find.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
David

David,

I don't have an answer to your question, but I wanted to asksome additional questions about summer positions for 1L's.

Most importantly, I was told earlier this week by one of the career counselors at my school that most firms have already hired their 1L summer associates. I didn't really understand how that was possible since schools just recently received their first semester grades. Is that really the case? I guess I'd like to know since I also don't want to spend time preparing cover letters and resumes if certain positions are filled.

In addition, I received a GPA of 3.431 and attend a third tier-ed school. What are my chances of landing a good PAID position?

Gentlemen,

I too earned very good grades (3.53) during my first semester at a Tier 2 Law School in NY. However, I was told the same thing by my career counselor. That is, although most 1L summer positions may not have been filled at the larger firms, they will be, and they won't be filled by students with exceptional grades at Tier 2 or Tier 3 law schools, unless those students have a connection. She stated that a spot will be filled by the "partner's grandson, a Columbia Law student, and a student @ NYU." So, your best bet is to work on that Resume and Cover Letter (which I am also in the process of). Don't forget that there is something to be said for ambition, work at it, network with whomever you must. If you want that prestigious 1L position, your best bet is to know someone (and that will only get your foot in the door). Good Luck.

-EAS

EAS had an excellent quote. Unfortunately, during one's first summer it is very competitive to get a paid position at a large firm. Generally, 1L summer jobs go to graduates at the top of their class (upper 1/4 to 1/3) from top law schools.

However, getting experience and a decent salary at a small law firm or getting experience with a judge or public agency is very valuable for the resume. Thus, I would not get disappointed if you get rejected from large firms (may be worth trying), but best to focus on smaller firms or where you have connections. Looking up alumni of your undergrad or law school never hurts, for they will often try to give you a hand when possible.

Also, it is always an excellent idea to focus upon past strengths. For example, David is wise to parlay his experience at a mortgage company into seeking a position involving real estate law.

Best of luck, know that it gets a lot easier to get a highly paid position during your second-year summer.

A lot more information on 1L summer jobs is at the law student forum:

viewforum.php?f=3