Big Sis Briefing: The Truth About the Big Law Dream

Every year, I hear from law students who tell me their dream is to work in Big Law. The clerkships, the firm names, the sharp suits and glass corner offices… it can all look like the pinnacle of success. For some lawyers, it truly is a fantastic career path. But before you get swept up in the gloss, I want to share the real truth behind the dream and what it really takes to get there.

Firstly, what do we mean by “Big Law”?

When people talk about Big Law, they’re usually talking about the biggest commercial firms – the ones with glass towers in the CBD, hundreds of lawyers and the blue-chip client lists made up of public companies, large private corporations and Government organisations. In Australia, that often means the so-called “Big Six” heritage firms (Allens, Ashurst, Clayton Utz, Herbert Smith Freehills, King & Wood Mallesons, MinterEllison) along with a handful of big international players like Jones Day, K&L Gates and Dentons. Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Piper Alderman and Gilbert+Tobin are also right in the mix.

They run the most competitive clerkship programs, offer structured graduate training and put you on headline-making deals or disputes. The trade-off can be long hours, high expectations and a pyramid structure where only a few make it all the way to Partner (and less again to equity partnership where you own a stake in the firm and the profits).

Big Law can give you world-class training, prestige and incredible career opportunities. But it also comes with intense demands that aren’t shown in the TikTok Corporate Girlie DIML videos or law firm cocktail evenings.

That’s why being clear on your why matters more than chasing the brand name alone.

“Big Law” is not inherently “good” or “bad.” It’s simply just one version of a legal career, one that comes with its own set of rules, rewards and realities. What matters most is not whether you get there but whether you’ve been honest with yourself about why you want it.

Because if your only answer is the allure of the prestige or the glamorous office building and marble foyer: believe me, that shine fades fast.

What matters is going in with eyes wide open. This is what I want every law student with Big Law dreams to know:

The Clerkship Hunger Games

Let’s not sugar-coat it. The Big Law graduate pathway is built on the clerkship pipeline and for that reason, clerkships are very competitive.

Every year, hundreds of law students apply for a small handful of spots, all while studying and maintaining an already full schedule. It is A LOT. Some unicorn students take more than one clerkship, narrowing the pool further.

You will usually apply in your second last year of law school and this can blindside you if you aren’t prepared. You need your grades to be in top shape well before then to have a decent shot.

The process itself can feel brutal:

💖 Applications open, then close, in a flash. Firms know students are desperate for a chance and they can set the rules. Miss a deadline and you’re out.

💖 The GPA cut-off is real. High grades get you through the first sift. It’s not personal, it’s supply and demand and an AI algorithm at work By high grades I mean = Distinction average.

💖 Extra-curriculars become your differentiator. Mooting, student society leadership, volunteering, pro bono work, part-time work, sport – they’re looking for evidence that you’re more than just a transcript.

💖 The interviews test more than academics. They want to see if you can think commercially, work under pressure and hold your own in a room. Do you have the social graces and polished etiquette to fit the mould?

💖 Rejections are common. You could be an outstanding candidate and still miss out. That’s the reality of a market where firms simply can’t take everyone.

It really does feel like the Hunger Games. The rules are clear, the odds are stacked and everyone is hustling for survival.

Eyes Wide Open

Here’s the perspective shift I give all students that ask: clerkships aren’t the only way to succeed in law. They’re just one game. If you want to play, play hard and play smart. But don’t tie your worth, or your whole career, to the outcome.

Because the truth is, Big Law is not for everyone. It’s demanding, client-driven and often, relentless. After three years, I knew it wasn’t for me (okay, probably even earlier If I’m really honest).

If you’re clear on your “why” – maybe you thrive on the adrenaline of high-stakes deals, international clients (read: out of working hours conference calls) or structured training programs and someone else picking up the PLT bill, then fantastic. Go for it!

If your “why” is just the firm name on your LinkedIn bio? Sorry sis, that won’t sustain you for the long haul.

Plenty of brilliant lawyers build fulfilling careers in other spaces: in-house, boutique firms, government, policy, academia, startups or creating something of their own. Some start elsewhere and move into a bigger firm later in their career as a part of the tapestry of legal careers (remember: marathon not sprint!).

Trust me, there are many games, not just this one - it’s just the one that is most advertised on campus.

The Big Sis Truth

Big Law can be an excellent career choice if it aligns with your values, skills and long-term goals. But don’t chase it for prestige alone. Prestige won’t hold you when the hours are long.
Purpose might.

But, if Big Law is really your dream and not just what you think you should do to appear impressive – go for it!

Learn the rules, play the game and give it your best shot.

Mel

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Big Sis Checklist: How to Position Yourself for Big Law

Okay, so if you’ve read the above and you’re like “yeah, yeah, okay Mel but I’m still keen as” … then here’s where to focus:

💖 Prioritise your GPA. Strong grades open doors. Do what you need to do to secure them. This is key. HD average is ELITE. Distinction average with strong showing in some of the below will probably get you an interview.

💖 Get involved. Mooting, student societies, pro bono clinics, volunteering, sport, leadership roles – they all show balance and commitment.

💖 Build commercial awareness. Read the Australian Financial Review (AFR), follow business news, understand the industries your target firms advise and what big trends are emerging there. This shows up in interviews.

💖 Network early. Attend firm open days, connect with grads on LinkedIn, ask smart questions. Relationships matter.

💖 Understand the uni factor. Firms often draw heavily from certain universities because it’s efficient to work with a smaller, known pool of candidates. This doesn’t mean you can’t get in from a different uni – it just means your GPA, extra-curriculars and networking may need to shine even brighter.

💖 Practise your story. Be ready to explain why you want Big Law and what you bring to the table beyond your transcript.

💖 Don’t fear rejection. Everyone gets knockbacks. Learn, adjust and keep moving.

💖 Keep perspective. Clerkships are one pathway, not the only one. If it doesn’t work out, your legal career can still thrive.

More on this topic and here.