BigLaw

Podcast Episode 496: The Early BigLaw Recruiting Timeline (w/Sadie Jones)

March 25, 2025 By Law School Toolbox Team Leave a Comment

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we discuss the early timeline for 2L summer job applications and stress the importance of applying before the traditional OCI period. We highlight the need for early preparation, proactive networking, and maintaining academic performance throughout the semester.

In this episode we discuss:

When to start applying for 2L BigLaw summer jobs?
Applying directly at firms versus through OCI
Market trends affecting BigLaw hiring
Practical tips for job hunting in a dynamic economy

Thanks for listening!

Podcast Episode 433: Career Tips from a BigLaw Partner (w/Bryan Nese)

January 23, 2024 By Law School Toolbox Team Leave a Comment

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we’re excited to be talking with Bryan Nese – a partner at Mayer Brown – about career tips for law students, from identifying your ideal employer and successfully making networking connections, to excelling at your job.

In this episode we discuss:

Bryan’s background and his path to BigLaw
The one-sentence version of what good legal writing is
What two questions to ask yourself before you start the job search
How can you identify and target your ideal employer when many places seem so similar?
What are firms really looking for when they hire law students?
Tips for successfully networking as a law student
Bryan’s advice for law students who are frustrated that they have not gotten their perfect first job
Life as a BigLaw partner

Thanks for listening!

Podcast Episode 411: A Conversation with Legal Recruiter Emily Witt

August 15, 2023 By Law School Toolbox Team Leave a Comment

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we’re joined by Emily Witt — a legal recruiter who worked at Wachtell for many years — to talk about about BigLaw recruiting, summer programs, going in-house, and more.

In this episode we discuss:

Emily’s background and path to the legal recruiting field
Tips for approaching the OCI process
Post-law firm options in litigation and corporate law
How to leverage a clerkship in the job market
What types of skills do people need to be successful as a large firm or an in-house lawyer
How to start working with a legal recruiter

Thanks for listening!

How to Know if BigLaw is Right for You

May 10, 2023 By Marissa Geannette Leave a Comment

If you’re a law student, you’ve probably heard about BigLaw – large law firms that offer high salaries and prestige (along with some other not-so-great things we’ll talk more about). While you may have heard about BigLaw, before jumping on the OCI bandwagon, it’s best to consider if BigLaw really is right for you.

First, let’s talk a little bit about what BigLaw is. BigLaw firms are often headquartered in major cities and handle complex legal matters for large corporations and financial institutions. As a BigLaw associate, you will work long hours and be expected to bill a certain number of hours each year (usually about 2,000).

BigLaw is not for everyone. Like most jobs, there are highs and lows. It really is a unique job that some people thrive in and others burnout from. So, how do you know if BigLaw is the right fit for you? Here are five factors to consider:

Podcast Episode 380: Why BigLaw Isn’t for Everyone (w/Sadie Jones)

March 7, 2023 By Law School Toolbox Team Leave a Comment

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we’re chatting with our career consultant Sadie Jones about why a career in BigLaw might not be for everyone.

In this episode we discuss:

Which firms are considered “BigLaw”?
The work you might expect to be doing in a BigLaw firm
What personality types fit into BigLaw firms better?
What’s specific about the BigLaw work environment?
Summer associate positions at BigLaw vs. other firms

Thanks for listening!

Podcast Episode 360: Legal Jobs in a Slowing Economy (w/Sadie Jones)

September 27, 2022 By Law School Toolbox Team Leave a Comment

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones with us to talk about looking for legal jobs in the current economy, where law firm hiring is slowing down and some layoffs may even be happening.

In this episode we discuss:

A look at recent periods of economic challenges
What fuels BigLaw work?
For students interested in BigLaw, how concerned should they be right now?
What can students do to position themselves for a summer associate position/job offer, in any economy?
How to analyze in more depth which firms to apply to and where to accept an offer
Learning to be flexible on desired practice areas
If a BigLaw job doesn’t pan out now, is all lost?

Thanks for listening!

BigLaw

Want Better Law School Grades?

Footer