Can You Get BigLaw Without OCI?

The Direct Answer

Yes, you can get BigLaw without OCI. Thousands of people have. But the path is harder, less structured, and requires more hustle.

OCI is a funnel that processes large numbers of candidates efficiently. Without it, you need to create your own opportunities. Here's how.

Mass Mailing

The most common post-OCI approach. You send applications directly to firms — resume, transcript, cover letter, writing sample. Response rates are low (2-5%), but volume works in your favor if you're strategic.

Key: don't spray and pray. Target firms where your credentials match and write specific cover letters. Read our full mass mailing guide.

Networking

This is the path most people underestimate. Reaching out to alumni at target firms, attending bar association events, and building genuine relationships can lead to interviews that never get posted publicly.

The legal industry runs on relationships. A warm introduction from a partner or senior associate can get your resume to the top of the pile at firms that would otherwise filter you out.

Judicial Clerkships

Clerking for a federal judge — especially at the circuit court level — is one of the strongest credentials you can bring to BigLaw. Many firms actively recruit clerks, offer clerkship bonuses ($75K-$100K+), and treat former clerks as premium hires.

If OCI didn't work out, a clerkship can reset your candidacy entirely. Firms that wouldn't have interviewed you out of OCI may aggressively recruit you after a prestigious clerkship.

Lateral Hiring

Start at a smaller firm and lateral into BigLaw after 2-3 years. This is more common than people realize. If you develop strong skills and a good reputation at a mid-size or boutique firm, BigLaw doors can open through recruiters and networking.

The path: small firm to mid-size firm to BigLaw. Or: small firm directly to BigLaw. It depends on your practice area and market conditions.

Off-Cycle Hiring

Not all BigLaw hiring happens on the OCI schedule. Firms sometimes have unexpected needs — someone deferred, a practice group expanded, a summer associate reneged. These positions get filled through direct applications, recruiters, and word of mouth.

Keep an eye on firm career pages and legal job boards. And keep your Gold Stars updated on Big Law Bear so you know which firms to watch.

Government to BigLaw

Starting in government — DOJ, SEC, SDNY, a US Attorney's office — and then moving to BigLaw is a well-worn path, especially in litigation and regulatory practices. Government experience is highly valued and can compensate for a non-traditional recruiting trajectory.

What All These Paths Have in Common

They require initiative. OCI is a system that comes to you. Everything else requires you to go find the opportunities. That means researching firms, building relationships, and putting yourself out there consistently.

Start by exploring the firm directory to identify firms that match your practice interests and geographic preferences. Not every firm fills its entire class through OCI, and knowing which firms are receptive to alternative candidates is half the battle.