As a 1L, the summer job search can feel overwhelming. With limited experience and a lot to learn, it may be hard to know where to focus your efforts. But understanding your options and developing a strategy for the summer can set you up for success. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the 1L and 2L job search, with a particular focus on building your skills and connections as you prepare for the next step in your legal journey.

Types of 1L Jobs

1L summer positions generally fall into four main categories, each offering valuable practical and educational experience.

1. Public Interest

The term “public interest” encompasses a broad spectrum of legal work. Whether you’re drawn to civil rights, social justice, or government service, public interest roles offer rewarding opportunities to make a difference in your community. These positions can include working for nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or advocacy groups, where you will have the chance to engage in work that directly impacts social change.

• Tip: Public interest jobs may not be as competitive as those in large firms, but they often have limited slots, so applying early and expressing a strong commitment to the field is key.

2. Research Assistant

A Research Assistant position, often underutilized by 1Ls, is a great opportunity for students looking to hone their research and writing skills. Working with a professor on academic research can give you a strong foundation in critical thinking, legal writing, and analysis—skills that will serve you throughout law school and your legal career. Additionally, these positions allow you to build strong relationships with faculty, which may be helpful for future recommendations.

• Tip: Don’t overlook this option. Many students underestimate how beneficial it can be to develop a close working relationship with a professor.

3. Judicial Internships (State or Federal)

Judicial internships are another excellent option for 1Ls, offering exposure to the inner workings of the court system. Interning for a judge, whether at the state or federal level, provides unparalleled insight into legal decision-making processes and attorney advocacy. It also gives you an inside look at court procedures and allows you to engage in meaningful legal research and writing.

• Tip: Judicial internships may be more competitive, but they offer invaluable experience. Make sure to apply early and have strong writing samples and references to back up your application.

4. Law Firm Jobs

While it’s common for 1Ls to focus on public interest or judicial internships, law firms are still an important part of the job search landscape. Some larger law firms hire 1Ls for summer positions. Typical assignments range from research to substantiative drafting, and working in a law firm environment can help you explore whether the litigation or transactional side of law is a good fit for you.

• Tip: Research firms you’re interested in and be prepared to apply directly on their websites. Large firms typically open their application windows early.

Balancing the Job Search and Academics

While the job search can be stressful and time-consuming, it’s crucial not to lose sight of your academic performance. Your grades from your 1L year are important and often play a significant role in shaping your legal career; they can open doors to better job opportunities and ease the job search process.

Employers across all sectors often use grades as a key metric in evaluating candidates. Your academic record ultimately reflects your work ethic and analytical skills.

• Tip: As the end of 1L year approaches—with the Journal write-on competition, 2L job applications, and final exams—plan your time carefully. Map out application deadlines along with study schedules. Prioritize your coursework and give yourself enough time to prepare for finals while staying on top of networking and applications.

But grades are not everything. Continue to build your network, engage in extracurricular activities, and find time for personal activities. Employers appreciate well-rounded candidates and passions that extend beyond the law.   Do not neglect the “Interests” section of your resume. Often, your interests are the easiest thing to talk about during an interview. Unique interests will capture an interviewer’s attention and will naturally guide the conversation. In the end, employers want to hire someone that they would enjoy sitting next to every day.

Key Goals for Your 1L Summer Job

As you begin your summer position, try to outline some key goals for this stage of your legal career:

1. Develop Research, Writing, and Analytical Skills: Whether you’re in a law firm, public interest, or judicial internship, your summer job should be an opportunity to sharpen these foundational legal skills.
2. Explore Practice Areas: This is your chance to get a taste of different legal areas, from civil rights to corporate law, and decide which direction excites you most.
3. Refine Time Management and Teamwork Skills: Managing your workload effectively while collaborating with others is a crucial skill for any legal career. Summer positions provide a real-world setting to develop these competencies.
4. Build Connections: Networking is essential in law school. Whether it’s with professors, judges, or fellow interns, you’ll want to begin cultivating relationships that could help you throughout your career.
5. Start Branding Yourself: Think of your summer job as an opportunity to start shaping your professional brand. Building a reputation as a hardworking, reliable, and dedicated intern will help you in securing future jobs and recommendations.

Looking Ahead to 2L: Preparing for Future Job Searches

While focusing on your 1L summer job, it’s also important to keep an eye on the 2L job search. Your 1L experience will set you up for 2L internships, including positions at big law firms, mid/small law firms, and public interest organizations.

• Big Law Firms: Applications for 2L summer positions at large law firms typically open in the summer after your 1L year. These positions are highly competitive, so be prepared to submit your application early. Consistently check firm websites to see when their Summer Associate applications open. When they do, directly apply as early as possible. If your second semester grades are not available, apply with your first semester grades and supplement the application once grades are released.
• Mid/Small Law Firms: Many mid and small firms start recruiting in the fall. Stay proactive by researching firms and reaching out directly to learn more about their hiring timelines. Make sure to prepare for the OCI process at the end of the summer.
• Public Interest/Government Roles: Public interest and government jobs have more varied timelines. Some may start recruiting in the spring, while others could have deadlines later in the summer or fall.

Final Thoughts

Although it’s tempting to focus solely on securing a job, remember that your academic performance is equally critical.

Stay organized, plan ahead, and balance your job search with your academic responsibilities. By doing so, you’ll set yourself up for a successful summer and an even stronger start to your 2L year.