How to Land a BigLaw Job: A Law Student’s Guide to Breaking Into the Top Firms

For many law students, securing a position at a prestigious BigLaw firm is the ultimate goal. With six-figure starting salaries, high-profile clients, and elite training, BigLaw offers a fast-paced and rewarding career path. But with intense competition and evolving recruitment timelines, students must be proactive and strategic from the moment they step onto campus.

🎯 What Is BigLaw?

“BigLaw” refers to the largest and most prestigious law firms in the U.S., typically with hundreds of attorneys and offices in major cities. These firms handle complex corporate, litigation, and regulatory matters for Fortune 500 companies and global clients. They’re known for:

• High starting salaries (often $225,000+ in 2026)
• Demanding hours and workloads
• Structured summer associate programs
• Clear promotion tracks to partnership or in-house roles

📅 Year-by-Year Strategy for BigLaw Success

1L Year: Build Your Foundation

• Prioritize Grades: BigLaw firms heavily weigh 1L grades. Aim for the top 10–15% of your class.
• Join Law Review or Journals: These credentials signal academic excellence and writing ability.
• Network Early: Attend firm-sponsored events, panels, and receptions.
• Use Career Services: Get help with your resume, cover letters, and mock interviews.
• Apply for 1L Diversity Fellowships: Many BigLaw firms offer paid summer positions for underrepresented students.

2L Year: Secure a Summer Associate Position

• Participate in OCI (On-Campus Interviewing): This is the primary path to BigLaw. Prepare thoroughly.
• Bid Strategically: Focus on firms that match your interests and where your credentials are competitive.
• Ace the Interviews: Practice behavioral and resume-based questions. Know your writing sample and transcript.
• Follow Up: Send thank-you emails and stay in touch with recruiters and attorneys you meet.

3L Year: Lock in Your Offer and Prepare

• Accept and Confirm Offers: Most BigLaw offers come after the 2L summer.
• Continue Networking: Build relationships with future colleagues and mentors.
• Take Relevant Courses: Focus on corporate law, litigation, or other practice areas of interest.
• Stay Professional: Your reputation matters — firms may rescind offers for misconduct or poor academic performance.

🔑 Additional Tips for BigLaw Success

• Target the Right Law Schools: T14 and other top-tier schools place the most students in BigLaw.
• Consider Clerkships: Judicial clerkships can enhance your resume, especially for litigation.
• Stay Informed: Follow legal industry news, firm rankings, and hiring trends.
• Be Flexible: Consider secondary markets (e.g., Dallas, Charlotte, Denver) where competition may be less intense.
• Polish Your Online Presence: Keep your LinkedIn and law school profiles professional and up to date.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Breaking into BigLaw isn’t just about being smart — it’s about being strategic. From academic performance and networking to summer internships and interview prep, every decision counts. Start early, stay focused, and use every resource your law school offers to position yourself for success.