What Firms Look for on a Transcript

Yes, GPA matters. But firms look at more than the number at the top of your transcript. Here's what else they notice.

The GPA

Let's get this out of the way: GPA is the primary screen for OCI at most firms. Different firms have different cutoffs depending on your school. Top firms at T14 schools might screen at 3.5+; the same firms at T30 schools might look for 3.7+.

But GPA is a threshold, not the whole story. Once you're past the cutoff, other factors take over.

Grade Trends

An upward trend matters. If your 1L fall was rough but you improved significantly, screeners notice and view it positively. A downward trend raises questions.

Course Selection

Firms, especially specific practice groups, look at what you took and how you did. If you're applying to a firm's tax group and you got an A in tax, that's meaningful. If you avoided all transactional courses but claim to want to do M&A, that's a disconnect.

Take courses that align with your stated interests. Do well in them.

The Outliers

A single bad grade in an otherwise strong transcript usually doesn't matter. You don't need to explain it unless asked. If you got a C in Civ Pro but A's in everything else, interviewers will likely let it go.

Multiple bad grades are harder to overcome but not impossible, especially if they're early and followed by improvement.

Pass/Fail Courses

COVID-era pass/fail policies are understood. Firms won't hold it against you. But if you chose pass/fail for courses outside the mandatory period, it may raise a question.

What Doesn't Matter

Your undergrad transcript. Unless it's from a highly recognizable school or program, most firms don't look at it closely. Your law school record is what counts.

Research target firms on the firm directory to understand which practice areas value which courses. For resume formatting tips, see our resume guide.