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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2028 & 2029 Clerkship Hiring Underway
3Ls, if you are interested in clerking in 2028 or 2029 and not already plugged into the application process, now’s a good time to join, get organized, and perhaps start applying. Our tracking of judges’ hiring status indicates many are acting already, although of course others will act later. (That’s on top of the many
September 10, 2026
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Next Week: Law Firm Recruiting Info Sessions
If you are considering law firm recruitment for your 2L summer, be sure to attend your section’s Law Firm Recruiting Information Session next week. We will tell you everything you need to know about the process and timelines and answer any questions you might have.
September 10, 2026
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1L Careers Timeline
As you have likely heard, the timeline for recruiting, especially in the private sector, has accelerated in recent years. Taking steps early in 1L year and spreading the tasks throughout the semester helps make the process manageable and sets you up for success. Use the 1L timeline to see what actions to take for applying
September 8, 2026
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Interested in the Texas Legal Market? Join the Texas Club mailing list.
If you’re interested in potentially working in Texas during your summer(s) or after graduation, be sure to connect with the Texas Club. The Texas legal market is unique because many firms fill the majority of their summer associate spots through 1L and 2L recruiting, and those hiring cycles can start earlier than in other markets.
September 8, 2026
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Using CSM
CSM is our online appointment and recruiting platform at HLS where you can make advising appointments (starting September 9), view career events, including law firm coffee chats and virtual office hours, see job postings, and find many additional resources for your job search. To learn more about the features available to you through CSM, visit
September 3, 2026