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For the last month I've been looking to get a job working at a law firm in any capacity. So far it seems that my lack of office/law firm experience is a bit of a hindrance for most employers, and, for those that it isn't, most employers wouldn't want to hire me for only the 6 months before I go to law school. In addition, it also seems that most employers who are seeking someone for a more substantial position want a 1L, 2L, or 3L.

On the flip side, I have fairly extensive fine carpentry experience, and I could likely make just as much money, if not more, doing freelance work.

This being said, should I hold out/continue the search for a law firm job to gain experience to make me more attractive as a candidate for internships or off-season law firm work during law school? Or does it not make much of a difference if one has any office/law firm experience once one has gone through his or her first year?

I think it does. One of my friends has law firm experience and got interviews to the majority of the jobs she applied to. Definitely got responses from a higher proportion of the places she applied to than than most of us.

The importance for law firm hiring is more focused on what school you go to and your 1L grades. Experience of any sort is a way of differentiating yourself from the KJD crowd but honestly if you can speak passionately about your carpentry work in interviews it might make you a more interesting and noticeable applicant than being one of the umpteen million law students with some minor paralegal work on their resume.

The fact that your a rather skilled carpenter.... I think that will make for a much more interesting talking point. Besides, you will have the opportunity to work at a law firm at some point during law school. Enjoy the carpentry now in the meantime.

Working in a law firm is beneficial because it gives hands-on experience in the legal field and may help determine which specific area of law you choose to go into. As far as applications are concerned, working in a law firm may be beneficial, but if you are unable to find an opportunity to work in a firm, you may continue with your carpentry work as to show you did use your time productively before attending or applying to law school. It does not hurt to continue looking for both paid and unpaid internships whether for big firms or sole practitioners. Any experience is beneficial.