Interested in working in New York?

CDO advisor Victoria Behr met with ten firms in their New York offices last week to learn more about the firms, their practice areas and their recruiting methods. If you are interested in learning more about any of the following firms, please reach out to her at vbehr@bu.edu with your inquiry.

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP (Chicago headquarters) (175 NY attorneys)

Otterbourg P.C. (~50 NY attorneys)

Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP (180 NY attorneys)

Crowell & Moring (DC headquarters) (68 NY attorneys)

Epstein Becker Green (107 NY attorneys)

White & Case (446 NY attorneys)

Lowenstein Sandler (155 NY attorneys)

Kramer Levin (331 NY attorneys)

Hunton Andrews Kurth (Richmond headquarters) (133 NY attorneys)

Herrick Feinstein LLP (118 NY attorneys)

Median GPA information available from 2019 and 2020 OCI

To help you in deciding where to bid, please review the average and median 1L GPAs for participating firms' initial screening interview selections for the Classes of 2019 and 2020 here. Keep in mind that GPA is one of many factors that will be used in evaluating your application. Prior work experience, diversity, demonstrated interest in the firm, and undergraduate/other graduate performance (among other aspects of your application) can all impact interview selections.

 

 

Preparing for Networking Receptions

As you begin planning for the many law firm networking receptions this summer, please take a moment to review the CDO's Networking Basics page for information on why networking is an important part of the process.  Remember to practice your elevator pitch in advance, dress appropriately (err on the formal side of business casual, unless otherwise specified), and focus on making a few solid connections that you can follow up on. (Do not bring your resume to the event.)  Reach out to your CDO advisor with any questions.

Am I a Strong Candidate for OCI?

While there are very few firms with strict GPA requirements, remember that firms may be assessing the following factors in addition to law school performance:

  • Prior work experience
  • Undergraduate (or other graduate) performance
  • Diversity (defined broadly)
  • Demonstrated interest in their firm (attendance at receptions, communication with attorneys there, etc.)
  • Specific reasons for why you want to join a large law firm (ex: professional development opportunities), combined with a particular interest in their office (ex: geographic ties + a specific practice group)

Work with your CDO advisor to develop your narrative, and be sure to identify the features or attributes that each firm promotes on its recruiting website - those are aspects they value and feel are distinguishing (ex: Choate's "one office" model)

Declining offers – when and how should I let an employer know?

If you are certain you are not accepting an offer you have received from a firm, you should let the firm know immediately, either by phone or by email. There is no benefit to you or the firm to wait until your offer expires if you know you are not going to accept. This allows firms to make offers to other students, and firms will appreciate your transparency and communication. It will also reduce the number of deadlines you are keeping track of, and allow you to focus on the firms you are most interested in.

Attending Employer Receptions

Am I being evaluated at firm receptions, or are they simply meet-and-greets?

Yes, you are absolutely being evaluated at receptions. Until you have an offer, treat every interaction with the firm as an evaluation.

Receptions are a terrific opportunity to connect with more people at the firm, and to demonstrate that you would be a cultural "fit." Dress professionally, keep one hand free for handshakes/introductions at all times (i.e., don't have a drink in one hand and plate of food in the other), and create face time with as many of the attorneys as you can.

Cancelling interviews after receiving an offer

I received an offer, and have accepted/plan to accept/prefer the firm that extended the offer over the firm(s) I am scheduled to do callbacks with. What should I do?

If you prefer a firm that you have an offer from over another that you have a callback scheduled with, you should not proceed with the callback. Call the firm where you were scheduled for the callback ASAP, thank them for the opportunity, and politely request to cancel the interview. (If you've accepted an offer elsewhere, it's fine to share that if you choose.)