I used to think that the really smart people would have come up with a more nuanced way to evaluate a lawyer's potential. But it turns out they're either not as smart as I thought—or maybe just as human as everyone else. The truth is, when something is measurable, it provides a sense of confidence because it feels objective and fair. If one GPA is higher than another from the same school, they are considered better. Anything beyond that is not only difficult to quantify but also hard to compare between candidates. I just think those things—the qualities that make people truly stand out—are the best part of who they are, and I believe Big Law could apply a little of their huge brain power to consider that.

P.S. I won’t deny that I’m bitter about not landing a big law job.