As you explore careers in the private sector, early in your 1L year you will be conducting a 1L summer job search at the same time as exploring and applying to firms for 2L summer associate positions. Below, find core guidance and resources for your application materials and your job searches for 1L summer jobs, 2L law firm positions, and post-graduate clerkships. Alumni and LLM students will also find private sector job search and application guidance and resources below.
Application Materials for J.D. Students
Your application materials should pitch your candidacy through a compelling narrative that showcases your unique skills. Your application materials should pitch your candidacy through a compelling narrative that showcases your unique skills.
Job Search during 2L and 3L Year
Private sector job searches conducted during 2L or 3L year typically involve a multi-pronged approach that will vary greatly by student. We encourage you to meet with an OCS Adviser to develop your plan.
Application Materials and Job Search for LL.M. Students
Application Materials and Job Search for Alumni
Updates from Hire Ground
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What Should I Be Doing Now?
With November just around the corner, it’s time for a career check-in to make sure you are on track. If you have not done so already:
October 27, 2026
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Why You Shouldn’t Rush to Apply
You may be hearing that you should apply for 2L summer positions as soon as possible. So why is OCS encouraging you to wait? We understand the pressure, but in recent years we have not seen an advantage to applying first. Firms may encourage early applications because they’re easier to process. But firms then wait
October 27, 2026
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Understanding EIP Versus Direct Applications
For 2L summer firm recruitment, aim to identify a list of firms to which to apply by the end of November. Once you have your full list, you will refer to the 2L Recruiting Firm List to see how the firm and office to which you are applying wants you to apply: Both EIP and
October 27, 2026
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1L Job Search
As you consider your 1L job search, don’t miss OPIA’s student-to-student job fair next Monday, October 26 from 6:30-8 p.m. where 2Ls and 3Ls will share their experiences from summer internships, answer questions, and offer insights on the application process for various organizations. You should also look to OPIA’s Winterview program for 1L employment. Winterview,
October 20, 2026
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Get Back in Touch with your References
It’s time to reconnect with the people you will want to list as references when you apply to summer jobs. Former work supervisors and undergraduate professors are typical references for 1Ls. Over the next few weeks, send a short email to them asking if they’d be willing to serve as an employment reference for your
October 13, 2026