If you're going to Charlotte you should. Otherwise you're probably OK, though I'd suggest expressing a strong interest in litigation.

Or bankruptcy.

I would imagine that most firms are optimistic that alot of the work will pick up by Fall of 2009--so I don't think that there will be a ridiculous amount of no-offers . . . that being said I wouldn't jump into a line of work, such as bankruptcy, unless that is something you are interested in--otherwise in 3 to 4 years when bankruptcy really slows down you may be questioning your reasoning.

What about tax?

@12:39 -- The need for tax practice is as certain as death.

Expect a lot of "soft offers" unless shit really hits the fan.

I'm a 2L summering in NY. I'm a bit worried b/c my grades dropping this year (from a 3.7 to a 3.3 in the fall, and will probably be around 3.0 this spring). Is this something I should be worried about? Do firms no-offer students b/c of grades?

4:46--will your cum gpa drop to a 3.0 this spring or you will get a 3.0 this spring (what is your cum gpa??)--I don't think it will be a problem, first, most firms don't even look at transcripts (however, I guess if firms are looking to no-offer they may resort to looking at transcripts), second, unless your cum gpa fell to a 3.0--meaning that you did absolutely terrible both semesters.

sorry I didn't finish my thought--if your cum gpa fell to a 3.0 I would be worried about them looking at the transcript considering that is a huge drop.

7:54 - my gpa for the spring will likely be around a 3.0, give or take. My cum. gpa will probably come in around 3.2-3.3.

8:16--I don't think it will be a problem (that is a decent drop, but not monumental), most firms don't even look--that being said, anyone know of firms that will no-offer for a drop in grades and if so, how much of a drop will it take

I am a bit worried as well. My GPA drop isn't as significant, but it is a steady decline: 3.92 --> 3.6 --> 3.5, I don't know what I will get this semester, but I might get something around a B+ average.
My school is stronger (T5) and I will be going to a V20 firm in NYC (NY isn't its home office). Do you think there will be problem with my declining GPA, perhaps that shows low motivation.

10:37--I would not worry, I think to get no offered it has to be much more drastic--like a full point drop (from a 3.9 to a 2.9)

Anyone have any more insight on this

I'm a current 2L at a second tier regional school. I was in the top 10% and on Law Review after 1L, and am headed to BigLawNYC in the summer.

Are my grades more paramount than those for students at more elite schools? If I drop out of the top 20% or so am I in trouble?

FWIW, my V10-20 in NY didn't even ask to look at our grades before extending permanent offers last summer.

Anyone have an idea of how grades factor in for transfer students (your 2L summer offer based on your performance at another law school)? What if you don't do well at the new school?

I don't think transfers are treated any different from "regular" JDs.