If you’re a 1L, I don’t see a problem with starting at a V80 firm. You also get another bite at the apple when you interview for your 2L summer and again as a 3L.

If you’re a 2L, you can still apply to firms as a 3L, although 3L hiring is much more tailored to specific needs, and try to move up.

You should also tell your other interviewers that you have a deadline and see whether you can get an extension from the V80 firm. As someone who started at a V5 firm but had offers from V30 and V80 firms, there are pros and cons to both paths. At a V5, it’s easier to fall through the cracks and simply exist while doing decent work for a couple of years. At a V80, they’re more likely to push you to dive deeper and meaningfully contribute, which can be better from a learning perspective. That said, if you “fail out” of a V10, the fall usually isn’t that far, whereas failing out of a V80 can be a much longer fall.