Economy has me scerred, comment on my situation

[captainsalad]

At a T18. About .15 above median. Working for USAO this summer. Assuming I do so-so on my spring 1L finals (fall to about median) how screwed will I be? I realize I can kiss any market job good-bye. But how about just landing...a job? When should I start my mass-mail? August I assume? Any other tips?

p.s. I realize I should just study hard and up my GPA. I like to plan for worst case scenarios. Puts my mind at ease during finals.

[1LMan]

Who says T18 lol?

[captainsalad]

Vandy, USC, UT, UCLA students.

[Peaches]

Take a week this summer in early August to travel to the geographic market where you want to work.  Mass-mail firms in July saying "Here is my cover letter, I will be in the area August 9-14, I want to schedule an interview", and be sure to follow up.  This will set you apart, show you are serious about the geographic area, allow you to interview early, and let you bypass on-campus interviewing and go straight to callback for some firms.  They're more likely to bring you in because there's no hotel, airfare, etc.  Do mock interviews with the career services office, ask them to be ruthless on your feedback, and ask them to try a few different styles of interviewing.   

The more the GPA drops, the more you widen your net.

[Best-Legal-Aid.com]

Don't be discouraged.  You have plenty of time to improve your resume and GPA.  Think about taking a summer class.  They are generally easier than during the year, and it's an easy way to improve your GPA.  Also, consider applying for an internship during Fall of your 2L year, this will be on your resume when you apply for OCI and will give you a leg up over other students.