Landing a BigLaw summer associate position is the dream for many law students, and the journey starts in your 1L year. Top firms are highly selective, and the competition is fierce. To stand out, you need to be strategic from the very beginning. Here are the top 10 things every law student should do in their first year to maximize their chances of getting a BigLaw offer.
| See Related Articles: |
Ace Your 1L Grades
Your 1L grades are the most critical factor in determining whether you’ll receive BigLaw offers. In fact, for most law students, first-year performance is make-or-break. BigLaw firms hire the majority of their summer associates through On-Campus Interview (OCI) programs that rely heavily on GPA cutoffs. If your grades aren’t competitive, it becomes much harder—though not impossible—to break into a top law firm.Why Grades Matter So Much
BigLaw recruiters often don’t have time to conduct a nuanced review of each candidate’s full resume during OCI. Instead, they use grades as an initial filter. A strong 1L GPA—especially in core classes like Civil Procedure, Contracts, Torts, and Legal Writing—signals that you can handle complex legal work under pressure. At T14 schools, being in the top third may be sufficient. At regional schools, you’ll likely need to be in the top 10% to be seriously considered.Strategies to Improve 1L Grades
- Outline Early and Often: Start preparing your course outlines from the first month of class. Don't wait until finals season. Use commercial outlines and supplements (e.g., Examples & Explanations) to help reinforce key concepts.
- Practice Exam-Taking Skills: Law school exams are unlike anything you’ve seen before. The key is issue-spotting and applying the law to facts. The more practice exams you do under timed conditions, the better your performance will be.
- Focus on IRAC Writing: Structure matters. Train yourself to write concise and analytical answers using the IRAC method (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion), which is what professors expect.
- Utilize Office Hours: Professors can clarify confusing material, but they also appreciate students who are engaged. Building relationships with your professors can lead to valuable exam tips and future recommendations.
- Join or Form Study Groups: Collaborating with peers can fill gaps in your understanding and give you new ways of thinking through legal problems.
- Avoid Burnout: While grades are essential, pacing yourself is just as important. Create a sustainable study schedule that balances focus, sleep, and mental health.
How This Sets You Up for OCI
If you nail your 1L grades, you’ll be in a strong position to bid on top firms during OCI and impress them in screening interviews. Many firms have “grade floors” that they won’t bend for. Having your academic credentials in the top tier ensures that your resume gets a second look—and that you’re invited to callback interviews.Final Tip: Don't let early setbacks define your year. Even if your fall semester didn’t go as planned, you can still turn things around in spring and demonstrate upward trajectory—a trait law firms respect.
Target a Top Law School or Be at the Top of Your Class
When it comes to landing BigLaw offers, where you go to law school—and how you rank within your class—matters more than most students realize. The legal hiring market is intensely competitive, and Big Law firms rely heavily on law school pedigree and class rank as early indicators of legal potential. Suppose you’re aiming for a BigLaw summer associate position. In that case, you must either attend a top-tier school or perform near the top of your class at a regional or lower-ranked institution.The Power of Attending a T14 Law School
If you're still in the application or decision phase, it's important to understand that attending a Top 14 (T14) law school gives you a significant advantage in BigLaw recruiting. These schools—like Harvard, NYU, Columbia, Chicago, and Stanford—have long-established pipelines into major law firms. Most BigLaw recruiters attend their OCI year after year and heavily draw from their student bodies.Even mid-tier students at T14 schools can often secure interviews at top firms simply because of the institutional prestige of those schools. Firms assume students from these schools are already vetted for intellectual rigor and legal aptitude.
What If You’re Not in a T14 School?
Don’t worry—BigLaw is still within reach. Students at regional or lower-ranked schools can absolutely get BigLaw jobs—but they need to be in the top 5% to 10% of their class, and ideally on Law Review or another journal. Your grades must be stellar to overcome any perceived prestige gap.Many firms don’t actively recruit from lower-ranked schools. However, if your academic credentials are exceptional, you can still break in by applying directly, networking, or working with legal recruiters who know how to pitch your strengths.
Law Review, Honors, and Other Differentiators
If you’re outside the T14, it’s critical to stack your resume with credentials that demonstrate excellence:- Law Review or journal membership
- Moot court or trial team honors
- Top class ranks or CALI awards (highest grade in a course)
How Class Rank Opens Doors
Being at the top of your class can lead to:- Eligibility for On-Campus Interviews (OCI) with BigLaw firms
- Scholarships and clerkships that further strengthen your resume
- Stronger faculty recommendations and mentorship opportunities
You can’t control your alma mater once you’re enrolled, but you can control your performance. If you’re at a top school, stay competitive. If you’re not, fight to be the best. BigLaw firms want the best and brightest, regardless of where they come from, and if you can prove you're among them, opportunities will come.
Build Relationships with Professors
Your professors are more than just your lecturers—they are potential mentors, references, connectors, and even gatekeepers to prestigious opportunities like judicial clerkships or research assistant positions. Developing strong, genuine relationships with your law school professors during your 1L year can give you a strategic edge in your BigLaw job search.Why Professors Matter for BigLaw Ambitions
Many law school professors have firsthand experience working in BigLaw, clerking for federal judges, or practicing in top government or nonprofit roles. Their insight into legal careers is not only practical—it’s influential. They often write recommendation letters for competitive internships, clerkships, and prestigious 2L summer associate programs, and they may even know firm partners or recruiters personally.How to Build Meaningful Relationships
You don’t need to be the top student in every class to form strong faculty connections. What matters is engagement, professionalism, and genuine curiosity. Here’s how to do it:- Be an Active Participant: Show up to class prepared. Ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate you’ve done the reading and are thinking critically about the material.
- Use Office Hours Strategically: Don’t just go in with vague questions. Ask for clarification on complex topics, discuss recent case law, or inquire about their legal background.
- Follow Up Professionally: If a professor gives advice or recommends a resource, follow up later with an email expressing appreciation and sharing what you learned.
- Ask for Research Opportunities: Professors often need help with legal research. Becoming a research assistant not only builds your resume, but it also deepens your relationship and gives you hands-on experience with legal writing and analysis.
The Payoff: Recommendations, Referrals, and More
When BigLaw firms evaluate candidates, a well-written, enthusiastic letter of recommendation from a respected professor can set you apart, especially if you’re applying outside of OCI or come from a non-T14 school. Professors can also:- Refer you to competitive internships, clerkships, or fellowships
- Introduce you to alumni in BigLaw who may offer guidance or referrals
- Help you refine your resume, cover letter, or writing samples
- Provide personalized guidance based on your academic and career goals
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Don’t wait until the end of the semester to suddenly appear in office hours. Professors notice who puts in effort consistently and who disappears until it’s time to ask for a recommendation. Relationships take time—start early and be authentic.In law school, relationships are as important as raw performance. Building trust and rapport with professors not only enriches your academic experience but also opens doors that grades alone may not. If BigLaw is your goal, having mentors in your corner can be one of your most valuable assets.
Join Law Review or a Prestigious Journal
If you're serious about landing a BigLaw offer, joining Law Review or another prestigious legal journal can be one of the most powerful resume boosters in your 1L year. It signals to top law firms that you possess the writing ability, academic discipline, and legal intellect they look for in summer associate candidates. While grades are the primary filter, journal membership—especially Law Review—can be the factor that seals the deal.Why Law Review Matters to BigLaw Firms
The Law Review is widely considered one of the most prestigious extracurricular activities in law school. Many BigLaw partners and hiring committees are themselves former journal editors and view it as a reliable marker of legal excellence.Journal participation demonstrates:
- Superior legal research and writing skills
- The ability to handle rigorous editorial work and complex citations
- Commitment to detail and accuracy—traits critical in BigLaw litigation and corporate transactions
How to Join Law Review as a 1L
Different law schools have different selection methods:- Grade-On: Some journals automatically extend invitations to top-ranked 1Ls based on GPA.
- Write-On: Others conduct a writing competition, usually after spring finals, where students edit citations (Bluebooking) and submit a case comment or legal analysis.
- Grade + Write-On Hybrid: Many schools combine both GPA and writing performance.
What If You Don’t Make Law Review?
Not making Law Review doesn’t disqualify you from BigLaw, but it helps to join another reputable journal related to your interests (e.g., International Law Journal, Business Law Review). Many of these journals continue to feature legal scholarship and demonstrate strong research and editing skills.Additionally, some firms may view moot court, mock trial, or specialized clinics as comparable forms of academic excellence, especially if your writing sample or oral advocacy stands out.
The Value Beyond the Resume
Law Review isn’t just a line on your CV—it’s a professional development opportunity. As a member or editor, you’ll:- Learn how to evaluate legal arguments critically
- Improve your legal citation and editing skills (vital for litigation and clerkships)
- Get access to professors, alumni, and potential authors—expanding your network
- Possibly publish your student notes, which can distinguish you in interviews
Attend Law Firm Networking Events
One of the most overlooked—yet incredibly powerful—strategies for landing a BigLaw job is simply showing up. Attending law firm networking events during your 1L year can open doors that resumes and transcripts alone cannot. These events are your opportunity to make face-to-face connections with attorneys, recruiters, and alums who may later advocate for you during the hiring process.Why Networking Events Matter for BigLaw Aspirants
BigLaw hiring isn’t just about numbers; it’s also about relationships. Many firms invite 1Ls to receptions, panels, coffee chats, and dinners hosted on campus or virtually. While these events may be labeled as “informational,” they are, in fact, informal interviews in disguise. Making a memorable impression on the right person can lead to early interviews, callbacks, or even direct referrals for summer associate positions.How to Maximize These Opportunities
To make the most of law firm events during your 1L year, follow these tips:- Do Your Homework: Before the event, research the firm, its practice areas, major clients, and any alumni from your school. Prepare 2–3 thoughtful questions that go beyond “What’s it like to work there?”
- Show Genuine Curiosity: Attorneys can tell when you're just trying to impress versus when you're truly interested in their path or insights. Ask about their practice group, why they chose the firm, or what advice they wish they'd received as law students.
- Dress Professionally and Be Punctual: Treat every networking event as if it were an informal interview. Conservative business attire and arriving early show that you take the opportunity seriously.
- Follow Up: If you connect with an attorney or recruiter, send a personalized thank-you email. Mention something specific from your conversation to stand out and reinforce your interest in the firm.
Types of Networking Events to Attend
- 1L Diversity Receptions: Many Large Law firms host events specifically designed for diverse candidates. These often come with scholarship and early-interview opportunities.
- Firm-Sponsored Panels and Info Sessions: These allow you to learn more about practice areas, firm culture, and hiring timelines.
- Alumni Mixers and Bar Association Events: Your law school alum network is a valuable resource—many BigLaw associates and partners attend these events to scout rising talent.
The Long-Term Value of Early Networking
The relationships you form during your 1L year may bear fruit during 2L OCI or even later in your career. Attorneys remember students who made a great impression, asked intelligent questions, or demonstrated maturity and potential.Many students who receive early offers from top firms didn’t just have great grades—they also had advocates within the firm due to their effective networking efforts.
BigLaw hiring isn’t just transactional—it’s relational. By attending law firm networking events early in your legal education, you create visibility, demonstrate professionalism, and position yourself as a future colleague. These events are not optional—they’re strategic opportunities to shape your career trajectory.
Secure a 1L Summer Job That Signals Commitment to the Law
While most BigLaw firms don’t hire 1Ls for summer associate positions (except through diversity programs), your 1L summer job still plays a critical role in shaping your legal career—and your resume. The job you take during the summer after your first year tells a story. That story should be clear: You are serious about the law, and you are committed to developing as a future practicing attorney.Why 1L Summer Jobs Matter to BigLaw Recruiters
BigLaw firms look at your 1L summer experience during 2L OCI (On-Campus Interviewing) as a proxy for judgment, initiative, and legal motivation. It’s not about prestige—it’s about relevance. You want your summer experience to reflect your growth in legal skills, your interest in practicing law, and your willingness to work in a professional environment.The right 1L summer job shows that you’re:
- Capable of handling legal work
- Committed to learning the profession
- Not just coasting on your GPA
The Best Types of 1L Summer Jobs
- Judicial Internships or Externships: Working for a judge gives you exposure to real legal issues, courtroom dynamics, and legal reasoning. Judges often provide excellent recommendation letters, and firms appreciate this experience.
- Government or Public Interest Internships: Positions at district attorney’s offices, U.S. Attorneys’ offices, legal aid organizations, or federal agencies (like the SEC, DOJ, or EPA) show public service values and provide solid legal experience.
- Mid-size or Boutique Law Firms: Some smaller firms are open to hiring 1Ls and offer hands-on legal work in areas like litigation, employment law, family law, or corporate transactions.
- In-House Legal Departments: A corporate legal department can expose you to contract drafting, compliance issues, and internal legal advisory work. While rare for 1Ls, these positions are highly relevant.
- Research Assistantships for Professors: Although not technically a job in the traditional sense, assisting a professor with legal research demonstrates strong writing and analysis skills, especially if no internships are available.
What to Avoid
- Unrelated Work (Unless Necessary): If possible, avoid jobs that have nothing to do with the law (e.g., waiting tables, retail)—unless you’re supporting yourself and can explain the commitment. Firms are seeking indications of legal interest.
- Purely Administrative Roles: Some law firm clerical jobs may not give you enough exposure to substantive legal work. If you accept one, try to find ways to take on legal research or writing assignments.
How to Land the Right 1L Job
- Start Applying Early: Some opportunities open as early as November or December.
- Utilize Your Career Services Office: They often have connections with judges, nonprofits, and firms that are open to 1Ls.
- Apply broadly: Send targeted, customized applications to small and midsize firms in your area.
- Leverage Networking: A professor, classmate, alumnus, or mentor may know someone hiring a 1L—many of these positions are never advertised.
Polish Your Legal Resume and Cover Letter
Suppose you’re aiming for Big Law; your legal resume and cover letter need to do more than just list accomplishments. In that case, they need to communicate focus, professionalism, and a clear trajectory toward becoming a successful practicing attorney. Law firms review hundreds of applications during recruiting season. A polished, concise, and strategically written application can be the difference between landing an interview and being passed over.Why Your Resume and Cover Letter Matter
Even if you have stellar grades and relevant experience, a poorly constructed resume or generic cover letter can raise red flags. BigLaw firms hire selectively, and your application materials serve as your first impression. A well-formatted resume and tailored cover letter signal that you:- Understand professional expectations
- Have attention to detail (critical in legal work)
- Can present information clearly and persuasively
How to Write a BigLaw-Ready Resume
- Stick to One Page (for 1Ls and 2Ls): Law firms prefer concise resumes. Only go to two pages if you have extensive pre-law professional experience.
- Emphasize Education and GPA: Your law school, undergraduate institution, GPA, class rank (if available), and honors (Dean’s List, Latin honors, etc.) should be prominently displayed near the top.
- Use Action-Oriented Bullet Points: Describe your experiences with verbs like “researched,” “drafted,” “analyzed,” or “assisted with.” Focus on skills relevant to legal practice.
- Include Legal Experience First: Even if it’s unpaid or part-time, list any legal experience (internships, RA roles, clinics) at the top of your experience section.
- Highlight Writing, Leadership, and Analytical Skills: Include law review, moot court, mock trial, or leadership roles in student organizations that demonstrate initiative and discipline.
Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid
- Typos or formatting inconsistencies
- Using a dense, unreadable font or long paragraphs instead of bullet points
- Including unrelated experience without connecting it to transferable skills
- Listing high school achievements (they’re no longer relevant)
Crafting a Targeted Legal Cover Letter
While many students treat cover letters as an afterthought, this is your chance to tell your story and express specific interest in the firm.Key points to include:
- Why you’re interested in the firm (based on their practice areas, reputation, culture, or attorneys)
- How does your experience or academic background make you a good fit
- A summary of your legal goals and what you’re looking for in a summer experience
- Any connection to the office location or ties to alums or attorneys at the firm
Use Your Career Services or a Legal Recruiter
Get feedback from your school’s career services or someone experienced in legal hiring. Even small tweaks can make a big impact. You can also work with a legal recruiter who specializes in law student placement—they often know what individual firms look for.BigLaw hiring is as much about presentation as it is about performance. Your resume and cover letter are your marketing tools. Ensure they reflect the professionalism, attention to detail, and legal commitment that firms expect from top candidates. Don’t rush this process—invest the time to get it right.
Start Building a Professional Online Presence
In today’s legal hiring landscape, your online presence matters—even for law students. BigLaw recruiters, hiring partners, and even alums' connections often conduct online searches of candidates before interviews or callbacks. What they find can either strengthen your candidacy or quietly disqualify you. That’s why building a professional and polished online footprint during your 1L year is a smart long-term investment in your legal career.
Why Online Presence Matters for BigLaw Opportunities
A strong online presence:- Reinforces your credibility and professionalism
- Signals that you’re serious about your legal trajectory
- Makes it easy for attorneys, alums, and recruiters to find and connect with you
- Differentiates you from other law students with similar academic profiles
Key Platforms You Should Focus On
- LinkedIn
- Your LinkedIn profile should be current, keyword-rich, and aligned with your career goals in the legal field.
- Include a professional headshot, a compelling headline (e.g., “1L at NYU Law | Aspiring Corporate Attorney”), and a summary that highlights your interests, skills, and accomplishments.
- List your law school, undergraduate education, internships, honors, and any journal or club involvement.
- Connect with classmates, professors, and attorneys you meet at networking events. Relationships are built both online and in person.
- Law School Directory Profiles
- If your law school provides profile pages for students (especially if you’re on Law Review or in a clinic), make sure yours is updated and showcases your academic achievements and interests.
- Professional Legal Blogs or Writing Platforms
- If you enjoy writing, consider publishing short thought pieces on platforms like Medium, LinkedIn Articles, or a personal website.
- Topics can include current legal trends, reflections on your law school experience, or summaries of important cases.
- This demonstrates legal curiosity and initiative—two traits BigLaw firms value highly.
- Twitter and Other Public Platforms
- If you use Twitter, make sure it's professional—or keep it private. Avoid controversial or unprofessional content.
- Many legal professionals follow hashtags like #LawTwitter, where commentary on current legal issues happens in real-time.
What to Avoid
- Inappropriate social media content: Remove or restrict access to posts that could be considered unprofessional or controversial. Law firms have rescinded offers based on poor online judgment.
- Outdated or conflicting information: Ensure consistency across your resume, LinkedIn, and other public-facing profiles.
- Trying too hard: Authenticity matters. Don’t present yourself as a “legal expert” in your first year—present yourself as a serious, thoughtful, and motivated future lawyer.
Optional but Powerful: Personal Website
Some students create a personal website with a simple bio, resume, writing sample, and contact form. This is especially helpful if you’re applying for public interest roles, clerkships, or want to stand out from the crowd.Your online presence is an extension of your professional reputation. By taking control of it early, you send a strong signal to BigLaw firms that you are proactive, polished, and ready to be part of a client-facing team. Treat your online profile like your digital handshake—firm, confident, and memorable.
Understand the OCI Process Early
If your goal is to land a coveted BigLaw summer associate position after your 2L year, then mastering the On-Campus Interview (OCI) process is essential. OCI is the main recruiting mechanism used by large law firms to hire law students, and how well you prepare for it—starting in your 1L year—can directly impact whether you receive offers from top firms.Many students wait too long to figure out how OCI works, assuming it’s just like any other job search. It’s not. OCI is fast, competitive, and built around a unique bidding and callback system that rewards preparation and strategy.
What Is OCI?
On-Campus Interviewing (OCI) is a formal recruiting process in which law firms come to your school (or participate virtually) to interview students—mostly rising 2Ls—for summer associate roles. These summer positions often lead to full-time post-graduate offers, making OCI one of the most important moments in your law school career.Why You Should Learn the OCI Process During 1L
Understanding OCI early helps you:- Make informed decisions during 1L (such as selecting a strong summer job that supports your BigLaw goals)
- Build relationships with firms before OCI, through networking, 1L firm receptions, or diversity programs
- Avoid common mistakes, like bidding for the wrong firms, failing to prepare for interview questions, or neglecting to tailor your application materials
Key Elements of the OCI Process
- Bidding System: Students rank the firms they want to interview with. Some schools use a lottery system; others rely on GPA or a hybrid model. Knowing your school's OCI policies is critical.
- Screening Interviews: These are 20–30 minute interviews conducted by firm attorneys or recruiters. The goal is to assess your fit, personality, and interest in the firm.
- Callbacks: If the firm is interested, you’ll be invited to their office (or meet virtually) for several rounds of interviews with associates and partners.
- Offers: Most summer associate offers are made quickly after callbacks, sometimes within 24 hours.
How to Prepare for OCI During Your 1L Year
- Attend OCI Workshops: Your school’s career services office likely offers sessions on bidding strategy, firm research, mock interviews, and resume prep. Take advantage of these now, not the week before interviews start.
- Create a Target Firm List: Begin researching firms by practice area, size, location, and culture. Track where alums from your school have gone.
- Improve Your Interviewing Skills: Use mock interviews, attend firm info sessions, and prepare answers to common behavioral questions and resume-based inquiries.
- Focus on Your Story: You need a compelling, authentic narrative that explains why you want to work in BigLaw, why a particular firm interests you, and how your background supports your goals.
Be Strategic About Your Practice Area Interests
While it’s completely normal not to have your legal career path figured out in your 1L year, demonstrating thoughtful awareness of practice areas can give you a major edge in BigLaw recruiting. Firms aren’t necessarily looking for rigid commitment. Still, they do value candidates who have taken the time to explore different types of legal work and can articulate why they’re interested in certain areas.If you can speak intelligently about a practice area and how it aligns with your skills, interests, or goals—even at a preliminary level—you’ll stand out in interviews and networking conversations.
Why Practice Area Awareness Matters in BigLaw
BigLaw firms are large and diversified. Their offices handle a wide range of matters, including mergers and acquisitions, white-collar investigations, IP litigation, private equity, bankruptcy, antitrust, employment, and more. When you're interviewing, especially during OCI, attorneys want to hear:- What kind of work do you think you might enjoy
- Why you’re drawn to their firm specifically
- Whether you’ve done any research into their key practice groups
How to Start Exploring Practice Areas in 1L Year
- Pay Attention to Your Classes: Notice whether you're more drawn to subjects like Contracts and Property (often tied to transactional law) or Torts and Civil Procedure (often linked to litigation).
- Attend Firm Panels and Info Sessions: Many BigLaw firms host virtual and on-campus events that highlight different practice areas. These are great opportunities to hear from practicing attorneys about the day-to-day reality of their work.
- Talk to Upperclassmen and Alumni: They’ve likely completed summer associate programs and can share which practice areas were most rewarding, competitive, or surprising.
- Read Legal News and Industry Insights: Sites like Above the Law, Law360, and American Lawyer often feature stories about hot practice areas, industry demand, and firm expansions that can shape your interests.
- Consider Your Background: If you have studied economics, you may be inclined toward M&A or finance. If you worked in tech, IP law might be a fit. Consider how your past experiences or passions can inform your exploration of a potential practice area.
How to Talk About Practice Areas in Interviews
When asked about your interests during interviews or networking events, your answer doesn’t need to be definitive, but it should be informed. For example:“While I’m still exploring different areas, I’ve found myself particularly interested in transactional work. I enjoyed Contracts and have been reading more about M&A. I’d love the chance to work on deals that help companies grow.”
Or:
“I’ve always had an interest in litigation, and after attending a panel on white-collar defense, I’ve been fascinated by the overlap between investigations, strategy, and courtroom advocacy.”
These types of answers show curiosity and direction without locking you into one path too soon.
You don’t need to pick your entire legal career in your first year, but being strategic about your practice area interests shows you’re serious about the profession and thoughtful about your future. It also enables you to engage meaningfully with attorneys, tailor your applications more effectively, and position yourself for summer work that aligns with your long-term goals.
