A lot of law students feel that there opportunities are limited if they cannot make the top 10% of their graduating class. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Of course being in the top of your class would be great. But let’s face it, 90% of us won’t make it. Does that mean certain doom and that three years of your life has been wasted? Of course not!
Many students have been programmed to believe that if you don’t graduate in the top 10% only “second class” firms will hire you. Balderdash! This sort of thinking can really stress a law student out, especially a non-traditional law student who has tremendous demands on his or her time. Being in the top 10% indicates that you are an exceptional law student. It does not necessarily indicate that you will be an exceptional lawyer.
I have spoken with many lawyers, and there is one common theme among them; the real world is not like law school. While every lawyer needs a firm legal foundation, there are many other factors to consider when determining what makes a good lawyer. Do you have a passion for what you are doing? Do you like dealing with people? Do you lead a fulfilling and balanced professional and personal life?
Good grades do not equal success; good lawyering does. Of all the lawyers in the profession more than just 10% of them are doing well for themselves and their clients. While good grades are important and you should definitely strive for the best grade you can get, they are not the end all and be all of becoming a great lawyer. Remember, grades don’t make the lawyer, you make the lawyer. God Bless and have a great day.
2 users commented in " What? Your NOT In The Top 10% Of Your Class! "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackThe mistake most law students make is that they believe top grades guarantee a job. The reason why they arrive at this conclusion is because many top firms use GPA as part of the screening process. From a law firm’s perspective, it is a practical method to reduce the number of candidates, but as you have pointed out, a great law student does not necessarily equate an effective attorney.
From my experience as an interviewer, I would do exactly what law firms do if I do not personally know a candidate. I would want some sort of reassurance that the person I am hiring is smart, responsible, and reliable. I extract this information from his/her resume and references. The GPA and journal experience requirements are conceptually similar.
But what law students forget is that summer clerkship is only one way to gain employment. You can still interview after you have graduated. There is still plenty of time to network and build your lawyering skills. The most important part is not being in the top 10% (although it makes your interviewing process a little simpler as a law student), but passing the bar exam.
Well said. Thank you for your perspective from an interviewer’s point of view. I appreciate the comment.
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