This guide outlines the essential steps to securing a BigLaw position, including the traditional on-campus recruitment process, alternative pathways, and insider tips on standing out in interviews.
The BigLaw Allure
BigLaw firms—those with 500+ attorneys and offices spanning the globe—represent the pinnacle of the legal profession in terms of prestige, pay, and workload. These firms serve major corporations, high-net-worth individuals, and institutional clients, offering junior attorneys exposure to complex legal matters and the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest legal minds.
The draw is obvious:
Top-tier salaries (first-year associates now command six-figure starting salaries with substantial bonuses)
Unparalleled training (mentorship, professional development, and exposure to high-stakes cases)
Strong exit opportunities (BigLaw alumni often transition to in-house roles, government positions, or high-paying lateral moves)
But for all its advantages, BigLaw is not for the faint of heart. The hours are grueling, the expectations are sky-high, and the pressure to perform is relentless. The key is understanding whether this world aligns with your professional and personal goals—and if so, how to break in.
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The Traditional Path to BigLaw
The most direct route to a BigLaw associate position is through a firm’s summer associate program, which takes place between a law student’s second and third year. While securing a summer associate role does not guarantee a full-time job, it significantly increases the odds of receiving an offer upon graduation.
On-Campus Recruiting (OCR)
For most law students, on-campus recruiting is the golden ticket to BigLaw. During the summer before their second year, students interview with firms that visit their law schools. The process typically includes:
Initial Interviews: 15- to 20-minute interviews with firm representatives, often conducted in rapid succession.
Callback Interviews: If the firm is interested, candidates are invited to the firm’s office for longer interviews with multiple attorneys.
Offers: Successful candidates receive summer associate offers, which, if accepted, put them on the fast track to a full-time position post-graduation.
Law School Prestige Matters
Where you go to law school heavily influences your chances of landing a BigLaw job. Firms prioritize students from Top 14 (T14) law schools, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report. If you attend a lower-ranked school, breaking into BigLaw is still possible—but you’ll need exceptional grades, networking skills, and persistence.
The Importance of 1L Grades Your first-year grades are critical. BigLaw firms use GPAs as a primary filter, and only the top percentage of students at each law school receive interview opportunities. While there are exceptions, excelling academically is the most reliable way to secure a spot in BigLaw.
Alternative Routes to BigLaw
Not everyone secures a summer associate position through on-campus recruiting. If you strike out, don’t panic—there are still ways to break in.
Networking & Relationship Building
Attend law firm networking events and introduce yourself to attorneys.
Utilize LinkedIn and alumni networks to connect with BigLaw attorneys.
Join local and national bar associations to build connections.
Mass Mailing Applications
If on-campus recruiting doesn’t yield results, targeted mass mailing can be a lifeline. This involves sending applications directly to firms not interviewing at your school. A well-crafted cover letter, resume, and transcript can open doors, particularly in secondary legal markets.
3L Recruiting
While less common, some firms hire third-year law students who were overlooked during 2L recruiting or who had strong summer experiences elsewhere. If this applies to you, leverage any legal work experience from your 2L summer and demonstrate why you’re a strong candidate for BigLaw.
Judicial Clerkships & Mid-Law Firms
Clerking for a judge or working at a mid-sized firm can also serve as a stepping stone to BigLaw. Some firms prioritize candidates with clerkship experience, particularly for litigation roles.
How to Stand Out in BigLaw Interviews
Given the competitive nature of Big Law hiring, strong interview performance is essential. Here’s what separates successful candidates:
1. Preparation Is Everything
Research the firm extensively, including its practice areas, recent cases, and culture.
Understand what differentiates the firm from its competitors.
Prepare responses to common behavioral questions, such as “Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge.”
2. Know Your Story
Big Law firms want confident, articulate candidates who can explain:
Why they chose law as a career.
Why they are interested in that specific firm.
How their skills and experiences align with the firm’s work.
3. Demonstrate Genuine Interest
If possible, mention conversations with current or former attorneys at the firm.
Show an understanding of the firm’s unique culture and strengths.
4. Showcase Strong Communication Skills
Be concise yet engaging.
Avoid rambling or overly rehearsed answers.
5. Highlight Work Ethic & Resilience
Big Law is demanding, and firms want candidates who can handle pressure. Use past experiences to illustrate your ability to thrive in high-stakes environments.
Final Thoughts: Is Big Law Right for You?
While Big Law offers incredible professional benefits, it’s not for everyone. Before committing to this path, ask yourself:
Am I comfortable working long hours under high pressure?
Do I see myself in a corporate law setting?
Am I pursuing Big Law for the right reasons, beyond salary and prestige?
If the answer is yes, start preparing early, prioritize strong academic performance, and leverage every networking opportunity available. Breaking into Big Law isn’t easy, but with the right strategy, persistence, and preparation, it’s absolutely within reach.
About Harrison Barnes
No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.
A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter
Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:
- Immigration Law
- Workers Compensation
- Insurance
- Family Law
- Trust and Estate
- Municipal law
- And many more...
This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.
Proven Success at All Levels
With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:
- Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
- Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
- Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
- Growing firms in small and rural markets
He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.
Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search
Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.
The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys
Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.
- His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
- He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
- His placement success is unmatched-see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
- He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.
Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes
If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.
Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here
With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.
A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success
Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.
Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:
- Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
- Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
- Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.
This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.
A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives
Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.
He has worked with:
- Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
- Senior attorneys who believed they were "too experienced" to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
- Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options-only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
- Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.
For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.
Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation
If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.
Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.
Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.
About BCG Attorney Search
BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.
Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays
You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts
You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives
Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.
Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.
To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.
