Over the past few weeks, many law students in our community have asked what top law firms actually look for while shortlisting candidates for internships and placements. Although students are often advised to maintain a good CGPA, participate in moot courts, publish research papers, complete multiple internships, build professional networks, and take up various extracurricular activities, there is considerable confusion about which of these experiences genuinely influence recruitment decisions.
As a result, many students end up trying to do everything without understanding where their efforts will have the greatest impact. They are looking for practical guidance on how to build a profile that is both meaningful and competitive rather than simply collecting achievements.
From your experience, what experiences, skills, and achievements genuinely make a law student’s profile stand out during the recruitment process at leading law firms? If you were reviewing internship applications today, what would immediately catch your attention, and what are the most common mistakes students make while building their profiles?
Dear Student,
The list enumerated in the question itself sufficiently answers the query. All good firms first look at the GPA, followed by previous internship experiences within the same field. Additionally, participating in moots and publications are definitely a big plus to help your profile stand out.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that while applying, your CV itself should speak for the specific role you are pursuing. For instance, if you are applying for a disputes team, you should include previous internships done within that same field, ensuring you mention all your litigation internships. Furthermore, while detailing your work in your CV, always mention the specific section you worked on, being as precise as possible. Lastly, as previously mentioned, the CV must be structured strictly according to the role for which you are applying.
