I’m a 2L at a Pennsylvania T2 law school. I’ve received and accepted a summer associate position at a top Detroit firm. How much will my grades and staying on law review this year affect my chances of getting an offer at the end of the summer? (Assuming that I do an adequate job while actually working as an SA next summer.)
For the most part, your grades will be irrelevant in the hiring decision. The firm will most likely make its decision based entirely on your performance as a summer associate. Evaluating your actual performance as a lawyer is far more important than your second-year GPA. Having said that, don’t start partying your ass off just yet. Some firms do review second-year grades—especially in a tight job market like this. So keep working hard, but don’t freak out about an occasional B or B- either.
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