Need Advice
For some context I have just finished my 1L at a T100 with a below median gpa. My school is very regional and mostly places graduates back in its home state. A handful of graduates place in Chicago which is my preferred location to practice post grad. I have no aspirations for big law and am focused on landing a small-mid size firm offer in Chicago post grad. I currently have two internships for my 1L summer. One for the state government and a year long position as a legal fellow.
What steps should i be taking right now to ensure I have a job in my preferred location post grad? I’d rather not be taking the bar without having a lined up position. I plan on applying broadly in the Chicago area on linkedin and other such sites in hopes of getting a 2L internship in Chicago and a subsequent return offer. Is there anything else I should be doing? How can I maximize the success for this envisioned future I have?