I am a law student who hopes to build a career with a reputed law firm. While preparing for internships, I often hear that maintaining a strong CGPA is essential for securing opportunities. Some students believe that anything above 8 is sufficient, while others suggest that recruiters focus far more on practical experience and skills.
These differing opinions have left me confused about the actual role academic performance plays during the recruitment process. I understand that grades are important, but I am unsure whether they act as a minimum eligibility criterion, a deciding factor, or simply one aspect of a candidate’s overall profile.
From your experience, how important is CGPA during internship and placement recruitment at leading law firms? Is there a minimum academic benchmark that firms generally expect, and can a strong profile in terms of internships, practical skills, research, or extracurricular achievements compensate for average grades?
Dear Querist,
A good CGPA is a benchmark of your knowledge and understanding. This is what you do in College to learn the law. At the same time, law being both procedural and substantive, understanding of the procedural aspect i.e. court filings, compliances, paperwork undrstanding etc. is a must. Further, each case has its merits and demerits, requiring distinct treatment and strategy. Thus the refrain of having both a good CGPA and a good practical knowledge.
Insofar as whether good practical knowledge will trump an average CGPA, the same is different across different firms/ teams/ partners. Also, you better have a good excuse for having an average CGPA, considering the entire profession is about learning, understanding and comprehending.
