I am a fourth-year law student from a non-NLU institution and a first-generation aspiring lawyer. Over the past few months, I have applied for internship opportunities at several top-tier law firms, but I have faced repeated rejections.
This has made me reflect on whether there are gaps in my profile, application strategy, or understanding of what these firms look for in prospective interns.
For students from non-NLU backgrounds, what factors make the biggest difference when applying to top-tier law firms? How can one build a profile that stands out despite not having the brand value of a premier law school? Additionally, how should students approach repeated rejections—what are the most common reasons applications get rejected, and what practical steps can be taken to improve the chances of securing an internship at a leading law firm?