t14, between top 1/3 and median. got something like 15 CBs from 23 interviews.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1397672&forum_id=2#15806381)

make sure you play up the language skills and email firms' offices in that region. all of them (if you're willing to work there).

as far as nyc/dc/chi office interviews, you really need to just be the man during the interview. don't be a douchebag hotshot, but act the same way as if you just met me at a bar. crack a joke at the start, etc. talk like a normal person (dont use words that you wouldnt otherwise use).

i'd go out of my way to say that you're aware of what the biglaw life is like, you know what you're signing up for, and that you're the right person for it for XYZ reasons (i work hard, don't mind long hours, understand everyone has to pay their dues and expect to do tough work --not billion dollar deals on day 1). associates like hearing this stuff. acknowledge your crummy grades but also say that the firm would be making a mistake if they hired a guy because he has a 0.2 GPA higher. tell them why. be compelling, be assertive. be convincing, but not desperate.

this is an aggressive strategy and will not work with all interviewers. some interviewers will think you're unprofessional or whatever. that's fine. you're not shooting for 100% success, you're shooting for 2-3 callbacks (with people who will think you're truly a good fit for the firm despite your grades and presumably willing to go to bat for you with the hiring committee). and the only way you're going to get those 2-3 callbacks is if you really leave a tremendous impression with your interviewer. talking about conlaw or your summer job won't do that.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1397672&forum_id=2#15806612)

i know that even if some people can get jobs chatting about sports and their favorite parts of law school i can't do that, and that i need to be much more aggressive. how exactly do i make sure i hit the points you outlined? how do i segue to them? some of it can be in the answer to that "why do you want to work for us" q, i know

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1397672&forum_id=2#15806811)

most of your interviewers are just going through the motions. they'll look at your resume, see you're not a target for the firm, and fire off their 10 pre-determined Qs when you sit down. it's your job to get them out of their routine.

when i say ACT YOURSELF and BE NORMAL, i mean it. be respectful, but don't go into this like it is a biglaw interview. act like you just met a family friend or something like that.

find a department or practice within the firm and learn a bit about it. when they ask WHY US? talk about how that group interests you and you're the kind of person who excels when you're working on something you're interested. give examples (like your strong UG/major here?). but don't sound corny/robotic. be quick -- just enough to show that you actually looked into the firm.

say that you're fully aware that there are tons of qualified applicants who want a job there, and they have better grades and perhaps more impressive resumes than you, but that the firm would be hard pressed to find someone who is willing to bust their ass harder than you are. say why you'd be an asset for the firm. those kinds of messages leave lasting impressions, trust me.

if it's a partner, that's REALLY you chance to shine. i wouldn't tone it down, i'd kick it up a notch. because if you got a partner in your corner before you even go to a CB, then you're really closing in on the offer. make sure they know they'll be getting someone who is smart and willing to bust his ass. make a smart remark about some of your pampered classmates who think they are going to be the point man on a billion dollar deal on the first day of work. say that you understand there's a lot more that goes into running a successful practice and that you're willing to play your part -- even if its the non-glorious tasks like doc review or due dilligence.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1397672&forum_id=2#15806990)

gl

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1397672&forum_id=2#15807160)

also what are some types of questions to ask generally that are good? i am of course going to individualize them

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1397672&forum_id=2#15806852)

something that shows you actually know what youre talking about and not just some kid who did well on the lsat and has no real world experience.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1397672&forum_id=2#15807235)

you are clearly a smart dood

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1397672&forum_id=2#15806618)

what was your undergrad major? i think people who major in english/journalism/other writing intensive majors tend to PWN 1L.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1397672&forum_id=2#15806665)

that's rough

sometimes shit just doens't go your way, i certainly know the feeling too

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1397672&forum_id=2#15806752)

what did you do during interviews?

or do you just have CONNECTIONS?

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1397672&forum_id=2#15806434)

this is going to sound cliche, but all i did was act myself. act like a normal human being and you will be a huge change of pace from the other 50 robots they interview that day.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1397672&forum_id=2#15806468)

i feel like this is pretty much life pwnage. no buying a house, never starting a small business, etc.

hopefully something works out though. I would rather just pay off my loans and not suck of the taxpayer tit.

congrats on oci, btw. that's amazing. you seem like a good d00d. you probably deserve it

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1397672&forum_id=2#15806813)

this sounds crazy, but really think about it: you can ALWAYS be doing something to make money. it might be waiting tables, it might be fucking around on e-bay, whatever. you're smarter than 99% of the population. you hit a bump in the road -- that's fine. you're young and have all the time in the world. make something happen -- and you'll be even happier if you can do it without sitting in an office.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1397672&forum_id=2#15807042)