3 replies to this topic

[BigLawHopeful]

Hey,

I'm sure a few of you are biting off their fingers with nervousness as applications to the firms are due next week!
I am so nervous and I want to manage my expectations properly.
I had a 32 CRC in Cegep, a 3.6 GPA in my first degree (Psychology at McGill) and I have a 3.0 now at UdeM civil law. My current GPA would be a bit higher if it was not for my first semester. (I had a 2.7 my first semester and 3.2 in my second and third, with a 3.7 in my summer class). So I have improved quite a bit, but still not sure a 3.2 is high enough. (sidenote: i think i should mention i failed a class in my first semester and redid it)

My CV is pretty good, worked in customer service for cegep and part of my first degree and then went on to roles with more responsability in an office for the past 2 years. I also have a lot of extra-curricular and volunteer experience.

But my lingering fear is always my grades. I don't doubt I would be a very hard-worker and a great stagiaire (I'm more of a practical person), but I guess it's hard to make someone see that when they see 3.0-3.2 GPA (I say 3.2 because I tell myself I would have that if it wasn't for the first semester).

What are my chances?

[he4dhuntr]

It will definitely be harder to get to the first interviews with a 3.0 than it would have been with a 3.7. That being said, the fact that you already have a first degree, as well as some work experience can help you. My suggestion, apply broadly and hope for the best. There are no cutoffs so to speak. I know people who got articling positions at major firms with under a 3.0 average and having come straight out of CEGEP. Nothing is set in stone, but you also won't find your answers before you simply apply and see.

You'll know in a few weeks!

Cheers,

[BigLawHopeful]

Thanks!
Also, when do you think marks stop mattering? I've heard that they are taken into account until the end, but then I've also heard that once you've done your first interview, grades are not important anymore and it is only "fit" and personnality at that point.

Toughts, anyone?

[he4dhuntr]

For sure they "matter" until the end. Grades are the only thing that law firms have in order to evaluate us against one another on an even ground. Also taking into account that many students don't have much, if any, background work-wise and even school-wise, it makes grades all that much more of the "logical" evaluation criteria for cutoffs. This is the reason why if you have another bachelor and some work experience your grades matter a tad less.

That being said, if you go into interviews with a 4.0, you're playing more of a "don't screw up" game, rather than the "gotta show why I'm good" one that the people going in with a 3.0 or what not are putting forward.

Typically, and I say this with regard to jobs and interviews in general, once you get an interview it means that you have what it takes on paper to work at that firm or company. I say typically, because there are definitely some candidates that are taken into interviews for the reason of "well, we're not too sure about this person, but let's see what they have to offer". These are the people that will have to really sell themselves in the first interview. As in, go above and beyond just being likeable. That being said, I'd say they are the minority.

So yes, generally when it comes to interviews, grades go out the window to a good extent and then it comes down to whether they like you or not. Whether they think that you are a good "fit". Whether they think you will make a good lawyer in their firm. Whether they wouldn't mind working with you 50+ hours a week. It's called the "plane test". Would I want to be stuck in a seat on a plane next to this person for a 12 hour flight.

Once again though, if you have a 4.0 average, work experience, perfectly bilingual, etc etc. Then you're playing more of a "don't mess up" game. These people have it easier, but not to say that they are golden either. I would personnally hire someone with lesser grades, but a better personnality than someone with the grades, but who is socially awkward. Grades show them that you know how to work, that you are disciplined, can learn, are dedicated, etc.

Anyway, all these things you don't have to worry about. Just apply. If and when you get interviews, go in there confident and be yourself. You have to understand that as much as you are shopping for them, they are shopping for you. That "fit" can't be forced (and if it's faked it shows rather quickly thereafter). It's called a "fit" because it's a two-way road. They have to want you and you have to want them, and yes, there will be times where you will not want them. Just be honest with yourself and with the firms and everything should be just fine.

Cheers,