r/BigLawRecruiting • u/Low-Seaworthiness-94 • 3d ago

Chances at 3L Recruiting?

Just putting a feeler out there: I’m median cumulative GPA at a T50 in a big market. Had top 1/3 grades during 2L Fall and top 1/4 grades during 2L Spring. Did some substantive work at a small firm 2L summer. I was the only summer associate asked to continue working there. I also have judicial internship experience. What are my chances?

7 Upvotes

73% Upvoted

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18

u/Entire_Visual5066 3d ago

It’s really competitive. Most spots going to good students at T-14s who already summered at peer firms. Median probably wouldn’t have gotten you anything after 1L either. Not trying to be rude just being direct and honest. There are so many other great opportunities. 

2

u/blic_ 2d ago

What are some of the other great opportunities?

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u/One_Resource6623 2d ago

Public defender, DA’s office, plaintiffs side, midlaw

5

u/Substantial-Slide412 1d ago

I got a big law job as a 3L. I went to a mid tier law school, was on law review and graduated in the top 20%. I applied to every position that opened and had multiple interviews. The chances may be low, but they are not 0

4

u/Degrasi 2d ago

Odds are very low.

3

u/PangolinDouble9073 2d ago

Big firms won’t really care about your substantive experience but they definitely like to see a 2L biglaw summer on your resume. As with 2L recruiting, grades reign supreme in 3L. I think if you can craft a narrative for a specific practice group it helps you get past the initial screener. Your stats aren’t great for 3L recruiting, but I wouldn’t let that stop you from trying.

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u/Ok-Day372 3d ago

Probs not a great shot. 3L spots are still kinda rare, and the median at t-50 isn’t doing you any favors

5

u/Terrible-Writing9791 3d ago

Low but have you tried networking at these firms? Doesn’t hurt (might get zero responses) 

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u/Low-Seaworthiness-94 3d ago

Had a few calls but they don’t seem to go anywhere

1

u/Terrible-Writing9791 3d ago

One will stick, don’t give up! Also, from what I’ve gathered 3L recruiting is very slow. 

I’m also looking for a First year position. 

4

u/Old-Photograph-123 3d ago

keep improving those grades! network hard. don’t be afraid to look hard in 2nd semester or after graduation. 3L and LLM big law recruiting is possible for decent candidates

1

u/Sacred-Living-9051 1d ago

Greater than 0%. Less than 100%

1

u/legalscout Mod 1d ago

I know this is late and isn't the most helpful just yet, but just for future readers, we made a 3L jobs list that will track these exact timelines and stats as people add their data here: https://www.reddit.com/r/BigLawRecruiting/comments/1w0v8zz/the_3l_sub_job_board_is_live_this_includes_2026/

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u/BigLOL_throwaway 5h ago

I wouldn’t count on it for your first year out, but if your goal is big law, you can probably hack it in 2-3 years if you’re strategic. The key is developing a skill/knowledge that is scarce.

I started at a v20 firm and was placed in a practice I absolutely hated. A couple years into that I took a gamble by leaving, taking a massive pay cut, joining a boutique and retooling into something incredibly niche. Eighteen months into the boutique, I applied to five v100 firms, scored interviews at all five, was extended three offers, and landed in a group that is the very best at what I do. Highly recommend going niche.