Does it matter how many weeks you work during 1L summer? Forum

[TigerBeer]

I have the option of working anywhere between 8 and 12 weeks this summer. I'm considering whether there's a tangible benefit to biglaw OCI to working as much as possible.

Since you don't normally list exact dates on your resume and only the months, it seems like the employer won't have an idea of how many weeks you spend working unless you tell them, or they ask you. Would they ask something like that? Seems like an odd question.

The position is unpaid, so there's no monetary incentive for me to work more weeks. Actually, there's a monetary incentive for me to work as little as possible, since I have to pay rent and food. I could live at my parents' place otherwise.

I'd be willing to do it if it would help my career chances, but I'm dubious on that. Any advice?

[UCLAtransfer]

I think the only real cost here would be missing out on some of the closer connections you would have with others (co-workers/attorneys/judge/whatever), and obviously fewer assignments/less time working on whatever type of legal work you are doing. Obviously there is SOME value here, but it's entirely debatable whether it is worth the extra $ it will cost you to work a few extra weeks. As for affecting your Biglaw chances, I don't think you really have anything to worry about there.

[Stanislaw Carter]

Work as little or as much as you want.

[Renzo]

Work as little or as much as you want.

Yep. 8 weeks is enough to learn something and make some connections, and that's all you really need. You'll learn more the longer you spend (assuming the job doesn't suck), but if you feel you have better uses of your time, than go do that instead--it won't matter.

[Julio_El_Chavo]

1L grades are infinitely more important.