How to Explain A Low Law School GPA During A Job Search
How can you overcome a low law school GPA in the hiring process? I’ve worked with candidates with low law school GPAs and have seen how it can present challenges when applying for other roles. While I don't like it, the legal profession can be highly focused on credentials, especially in biglaw and other top firms. It’s not just where you went to law school that matters - how well you did can continue to be important throughout your career. In fact, I’ve had candidates asked for their law school transcripts even 20 years after graduation!
What counts as a “low” GPA?
It varies by firm. The most credential-conscious firms tend to look for a 3.5 or higher, but many are more flexible, requiring a minimum GPA between a 3.0 and 3.25. In my opinion, a GPA below 3.0 is generally considered “low” in the lateral hiring world.
How can you overcome a low GPA in your job search? Here are some tips:
1. Certain firms may be off-limits.
Some firms are simply not willing to hire candidates without top GPAs - that's just their philosophy. There’s often not much you can do to overcome it. Luckily, this is usually the case with only the very top firms, and even among those, some are surprisingly flexible.
2. Do you have an exceptional reason for your low GPA?
I’ve worked with candidates who faced serious challenges during law school - health issues, family problems, etc. If there’s a truly exceptional reason for your GPA, you can explain it during the application process, as long as you're comfortable sharing. A recruiter can help highlight the issue and work with you to present it in the best way. If you're applying on your own, a thoughtful explanation in your cover letter can help, but only if the reason is truly extraordinary. For example, general stress during 1L year isn’t enough and using it as an excuse could very well weaken your application.
3. Highlight your other achievements.
If there’s no exceptional reason - or even if there is - focus on your successes. Did you achieve anything impressive during law school? Have you worked on particularly notable matters since graduating? Make sure to highlight those accomplishments in your resume, cover letter, and interviews.
4. Be practical.
Certain firms may be out of reach, but that doesn’t mean all doors are closed. You may need to target firms with more flexible hiring practices and prove yourself there. Later, you could potentially move to a higher-ranked firm, especially in a booming market or if you’re in a high-demand practice area.
5. Build and leverage relationships.
Networking is key. By building relationships with attorneys at other firms -through working together on matters or participating in professional organizations - you may find advocates who can vouch for you and help you bypass GPA-related barriers.
I hope this helps! If you'd like to discuss this issue or anything else related to a job search, please contact us.