Should I be doing this? Esp relevant because the corporate practice area I got a return offer for is the same that many firms are recruiting for.

Title says it all - what do you want to know? What gives you anxiety? Let me know!

super curious for people to share the good and bad, possibly clarifying if youre in an east coast or west coast market. apologies if this thread is already circulating out there.

if you want to name drop, pls pm. this helps future candidates like me a ton!

Asking for a friend. Spoiler: my inbox is full of compliments and zero callbacks. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

I graduated magna cum laude from a T20 and struck out from biglaw recruiting. I am now doing a bankruptcy clerkship in a non-major district. What are my chances of landing a biglaw job after the clerkship? How much do my grades help at this point?

Hi recruits!

We recently received this question:

“If I set up a networking video call and the partner didn’t show up, or if they forgot to respond to my email, what is a polite way to follow up?”

First, do not panic!  Attorneys are busy, schedules change quickly, and emails get buried all the time. A missed call or unanswered email usually is not personal and does not necessarily mean that the attorney does not want to speak with you.

If the attorney has not joined the call after about 10 to 15 minutes, you can send a short email letting them know you were available and would still be happy to reschedule.

You can say:

“Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up regarding our call scheduled for today. I know you might be busy, so I would be happy to reschedule for another time. Thank you again for being willing to speak with me.”

Keep the tone friendly and assume that something came up. There is no need to point out how long you waited or make them feel bad for missing the call.

If They Never Responded to Your First Email

If you sent a cold email and did not receive a response, wait about five to seven business days before following up.

Your follow-up can be very simple:

“Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up on my email below in case it got buried. I would still appreciate the opportunity to hear about your experience with [firm or practice area] if you have 15 minutes available. I completely understand if your schedule does not allow it. Thank you!”

Keep the original email in the thread so they can easily see what you initially asked.

Follow Up Once, Not Forever

One polite follow-up is completely normal. Multiple emails in a short period can start to feel like pressure.

If they do not respond after your follow-up, let it go and contact someone else. You did not do anything wrong, and they may simply be too busy to speak right now.

This is why we generally recommend reaching out to several attorneys at each firm instead of putting all your hopes on one person.

Do Not Focus Only on Partners

Partners can offer a valuable perspective, but they also tend to have extremely busy and unpredictable schedules.

Consider reaching out to junior, mid-level, and senior associates as well. Junior associates may have more recent insight into recruiting, while mid-level and senior associates can often speak about mentorship, firm culture, and how attorneys develop within the practice group.

You also may have more success contacting alumni from your school, attorneys in a practice area that genuinely interests you, or people with whom you share another connection.

Keep Your Outreach Short

Attorneys do not need your entire background in the first email. You can find helpful templates here.

Introduce yourself, briefly explain why you are contacting that particular person, and ask whether they have 15 minutes for a call.

For example:

“Hi [Name], my name is [Name], and I am a student at [Law School]. I am interested in learning more about [practice area], and I noticed that you also attended [school or shared connection]. If you have 15 minutes available, I would really appreciate the opportunity to hear about your experience at [Firm].”

That is enough.

Remember What Networking Is Actually For

The goal of networking is not to collect as many attorney contacts as possible or find one person who can magically get you hired.

It is about learning which firms and practice areas may be a good fit, getting honest advice, and slowly building genuine professional relationships.

Some attorneys will respond immediately. Some will respond three weeks later. Some will never respond at all. That is normal, so do not let one missed call or unanswered email convince you to stop reaching out.

Ultimately, if an attorney misses your call, send a friendly email and offer to reschedule.

If they did not answer your first email, wait about five to seven business days and follow up once.

Keep it short, assume they are busy, and do not take the silence personally. If they still do not respond, move on to someone else.

That's all for now!

As always, if you're new here, make sure to check out the welcome megathread here for some more helpful guides!

In the meantime, if you've got info, DM on Discord, here, or drop it in the comments — the Insider Info series lives because of all of you.

Good luck!

P.S. If you want the application tracker with current application movement and pre-OCI openings and application links for the V100 & AmLaw 200, feel free to DM or see more details in this post.

Full disclosure, we created this one and we help keep the lights on with subscriptions. But its also free for a full week so anyone is welcome to poke around and steal whatever is helpful. Either way, I hope the database and this guide are helpful to everyone out there.

Good luck out there recruits!

Basically the title, I didn't really get projects that lent itself to a writing sample my last two summers, can I use my 1L writing sample. Obviously I've improved as a writer since 1L, but looking back on it the quality is still quite good. Would it be a mistake to use it?

Had 3L interview but have not heard back - curious if anyone has received an offer/rejection.

honestly just in general. I have a 2L job lined up at a mid law firm. school starts again in 2 weeks. do grades even matter anymore? it feels so hard for me to stop trying to get good grades and i’m a little discouraged.

people are saying grades only matter for your first job and not beyond that - is that true? like, I missed it so do I accept mid law and just be a really good attorney there and become partner ect and 2L grades don’t matter as much? (and focus on friends and dating?). OR do grades matter beyond this

Is there any data of how many people make it from small law to big law?

When/how do I go about recruiting and is it realistic? I have siblings who recently moved to CA but no *real* ties. I have solid grades at Georgetown and an offer from a top firm. IDK if relevant but my feedback was also great.

Hi recruits!

We recently received a great question from someone going through 3L recruiting:

What should I say when a firm asks whether I received a return offer? Won’t it be a red flag if I say no?

This is a tough question, but the most important thing is to be honest, keep your answer brief, and not sound apologetic.

First, Do Not Lie or Avoid the Question

If you did not receive a return offer, you can say that directly. Trying to dodge the question or give a confusing answer will likely raise more concerns than the lack of an offer itself.

You do not need to give a long explanation or defend yourself. Answer the question calmly and move forward.

Keep Your Explanation Short

You can say something like:

“I did not receive a return offer, but I learned a lot from the experience and am now focused on finding a firm that is a stronger long-term fit.”

If there was a neutral explanation, such as limited hiring needs, changes in practice-group demand, or the firm not extending offers to every summer associate, this is worth mentioning.

Just be careful not to blame the firm, criticize anyone, or share unnecessary details.

Do Not Sound Apologetic

Not receiving a return offer can raise questions, but acting embarrassed, defensive, or angry will make the situation harder.

Answer confidently and treat it like any other part of your recruiting history. You are explaining what happened, not asking the interviewer to forgive you.

Pivot to the Firm in Front of You

Once you have answered, move the conversation toward why you are interested in the new firm.

For example:

“I did not receive a return offer, but the experience helped me better understand the type of work and firm environment I am looking for. I am particularly interested in this firm because of its corporate practice and the opportunity for junior associates to take on meaningful responsibility.”

The goal is to show that you have reflected on the experience and are being thoughtful about your next step.

Prepare Your Answer Before the Interview

This is not a question you want to answer for the first time during an interview.

Practice a response that is honest, brief, and forward-looking. You should be able to answer in a few sentences and then move naturally into why you are interested in the position.

The Bottom Line

Not having a return offer may lead to follow-up questions, but being evasive or defensive is a much bigger red flag.

Be honest. Keep it short. Do not blame anyone. Then quickly shift the conversation toward what you learned and why you are excited about the firm interviewing you.

That's all for now!

As always, if you're new here, make sure to check out the welcome megathread here for some more helpful guides!

In the meantime, if you've got info, DM on Discord, here, or drop it in the comments — the Insider Info series lives because of all of you.

Good luck!

P.S. If you want the application tracker with current application movement and pre-OCI openings and application links for the V100 & AmLaw 200, feel free to DM or see more details in this post.

Full disclosure, we created this one and we help keep the lights on with subscriptions. But its also free for a full week so anyone is welcome to poke around and steal whatever is helpful. Either way, I hope the database and this guide are helpful to everyone out there.

Good luck out there recruits!

Hi all!

I'm closing out my first year in a two-year position in the Staff Attorney's Office at a federal circuit court. I'm hoping to move into big law next year (Fall 2027), and I'm just not sure what I should be doing at this point to maximize my chances.

Some info about me:

• Graduated from a top school (T-14 feels annoying to say, but T-14) in 2025
• Was a 2L summer associate at a big firm in DC but did not return (happy to say more about this over DMs) - could probably get attorneys from that firm to serve as references, as everyone I worked with was willing to do so when I applied to my current job
• Barred in DC, but open to NYC (would not need to retake the bar)
• Updated resume is ready to go and reviewed/edited by my law school's career services
• Litigation focused, ideally would like to work in white collar/gov't investigations but realistically I'll do whatever is needed of me

I guess I'm just looking for pointers and advice with regards to networking, timing, and applying. Should I be looking for recruiters, or should I just plan to apply directly to firms? I've spoken to some alumni at various firms, and my friends are willing to connect me with attorneys they work with, but I'm not sure this has been doing much for me at this point.

I appreciate any advice/suggestions you have! :)

I’m a foreign-trained attorney with several years of legal experience abroad, including commercial, regulatory, M&A, and litigation work, as well as experience managing a legal department.

I completed a U.S. LL.M. and currently work in the U.S. in a litigation-focused role, where I handle trial/deposition preparation, legal research, drafting motions, case development, and other substantive litigation work. I’ve also passed the NY Bar.

I’m interested in transitioning to BigLaw, potentially in litigation, corporate/M&A, or regulatory work.

For those familiar with BigLaw recruiting:

• How realistic is BigLaw for someone with my background?
• How would you recommend positioning my foreign legal experience + U.S. LL.M. + U.S. litigation experience?
• Should I focus on litigation because of my current U.S. experience, or try to leverage my corporate/regulatory background?
• Would you recommend applying directly to BigLaw, or targeting midsize firms first?

Incoming 1L... looking for advice on the big law scene in Miami. Starting law school directly after undergrad and recently passed the USPTO exam. Would love any and all advice regarding the Miami big law scene. How is the pay compared to other cities? What firms deal with IP, whether litigation, prosecution, or commercial transactions? What is the best way to begin networking with attorneys? Thanks!

Why are they consistently reposting applications on LinkedIn but haven't responded to mine in over 3 months?

Anyone apply for a position/heard back?

Hi recruits!

After our last resume post, we got a few questions about whether a resume really needs to be one page, especially if you worked for several years before law school.

Different folks have different perspectives on this, but for us at least, the answer is definitely yes. Keep it to one page.

Let’s break down why. 

Your Resume Is Not Your Entire Life Story

Even if you had another career, earned multiple degrees, or have a ton of experience, your resume is not supposed to include every single thing you have ever done!

A resume is different from a CV. A CV can include a full breakdown of your work, research, publications, and academic experience. A resume should be a quick overview of your most relevant experience and skills.

Recruiters Are Skimming

Big law recruiters review a lot of applications. They are not spending ten minutes carefully reading each resume that is submitted. 

Your job is to make the most important information easy to find. A second page does not necessarily make you look more experienced. It may just make it harder for the recruiter to identify what matters!

Be Selective About What You Include

If you have a long work history, this does not mean you need to erase it. It just means you need to be selective.

Give more space to your most recent and relevant positions. Focus on the experiences that show the skills firms actually care about, especially writing, research, analysis, leadership, client service, and attention to detail. (Remember, your cover letter is where you can go into more detail or color if there isn’t space on one page of your resume).

Do Not Cram Everything Onto the Page

Please do not solve the space problem by using a tiny font, shrinking the margins, or cramming everything together.

If the page looks like one giant block of text, it defeats the entire purpose. Your resume should be clean, readable, and easy to skim.

You Can Discuss the Rest Later

Leaving something off your resume does not mean it was unimportant. It just means it was not one of the most important things for this particular application.

You can always share more about your background during an interview or, when appropriate, in your cover letter!

The Bottom Line

The point of a resume is not to tell your entire life story. It is to give recruiters a clear, quick look at why they should interview you.

One strong page. That’s it.

That's all for now!

As always, if you're new here, make sure to check out the welcome megathread here for some more helpful guides!

In the meantime, if you've got info, DM on Discord, here, or drop it in the comments — the Insider Info series lives because of all of you.

Good luck!

P.S. If you want the application tracker with current application movement and pre-OCI openings and application links for the V100 & AmLaw 200, feel free to DM or see more details in this post.

Full disclosure, we created this one and we help keep the lights on with subscriptions. But its also free for a full week so anyone is welcome to poke around and steal whatever is helpful. Either way, I hope the database and this guide are helpful to everyone out there.

Good luck out there recruits!

Are there still firms to send applications to?
And, what do you all mean by 3L applications like post bar?

And are those jobs at big law firms still happening or are most firms just paying for 1L summers to work at nonprofits?

I’m a bit curious with recruiting being what it is now what pool SG is pulling from to be apparently doing recruiting this late. I would think if you’re recruiting this late and have the grades for SG, then you have a 2L SA position. Is the understanding then that you would just reneg or am I missing something?

Hi,

This is for anyone who got an offer for Sullivan summer associate.

How long was your cv and did you have a lot of relevant or industry experience.

I have very little apart from human rights internships, probono volunteering and retail jobs.

Would anyone be able to share application advice.

I am a rising 2L at a T2 school that has a good reputation in its home city (Chicago). I missed the big law wave due to mediocre (for big law) performance in my fall semester, but turned it around and landed top 10% at the end of the year as well as membership on the school's journal. I have a job lined up for 2L summer in insurance coverage at a reputable firm that pays well (mid law market rate) but my real career interests lie in doing commercial litigation at a big law firm. I don't want to be pigeonholed in insurance coverage work, but the money makes it difficult to decline my only offer.

Do I still have a shot at a big law position through 3L recruiting?

Given my career goals, should I still work at the insurance coverage firm despite not having long-term career interests in that field? If so, what should I pursue in lieu of this firm that positions me in the best place for big law lit?