The Official 1L Summer Employment Thread - 2012 Edition Forum

[bdubs]

Bright spot for all of those of you still looking. I got an interview request from a V20 firm today after more than a month of silence. I turned it down since I have already accepted another firm offer, but there are still very desirable positions out there that haven't been filled yet.

[094320]

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[Anonymous User]

Turned down by Shook in KC today.

[snowpeach06]

Not that your asking for advice, but, I'd decide against less-legal jobs your first summer if you ever want to be a lawyer. I was offered a few, but realized I needed some actual legal experience. I now have it, and this summer I'll be working in a less-legal capacity about issues I'm passionate about. Even this mostly non-legal employer seemed to want to see that I had legal research and writing skills, though.

I sorta was in an offhand way, so thank you! Yeah, I figure. I'm pretty sure I'm going to turn it down, but I'm a little nervous since I don't have any other offers yet.

Chin up... a day after I turned down my non-legal job, I got a legal one. Granted, this was in April. I understand thinking that something is better than nothing, and I guess it is a risk, but, I still think it's ultimately best. I think you'll be in a better position in the long term. Besides, lots of smaller firms don't start hiring til much later on anyway. I'm working at a small firm, and I think it's a fantastic way to get legal experience, and even make a bit of money. If you can get a small firm job with some sort of public interest focus... even better. It's like the best of both worlds.

[LoyalRebel]

I'm interviewing with a federal judge next week. I'm shaking with excitement/nervousness because this would absolutely be the perfect opportunity for me. I also have an interview with a equity/probate judge in a couple of weeks that I'm very interested in.

This is the culmination of many years of hard work. I think I know how Olympic athletes feel right before their events.

[094320]

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[snowpeach06]

Chin up... a day after I turned down my non-legal job, I got a legal one. Granted, this was in April. I understand thinking that something is better than nothing, and I guess it is a risk, but, I still think it's ultimately best. I think you'll be in a better position in the long term. Besides, lots of smaller firms don't start hiring til much later on anyway. I'm working at a small firm, and I think it's a fantastic way to get legal experience, and even make a bit of money. If you can get a small firm job with some sort of public interest focus... even better. It's like the best of both worlds.

Thank you. The standard is to wait 2 weeks before contacting somewhere and asking for an estimate of when they'll get back to you, yeah?

After you apply? I guess. But, if you've had an interview anywhere and you are waiting on that decision, it is totally fine to say "I recently received an offer, and I have to respond by so and so a date, would it possible for you to give me a decision before that time."

[094320]

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[snowpeach06]

Chin up... a day after I turned down my non-legal job, I got a legal one. Granted, this was in April. I understand thinking that something is better than nothing, and I guess it is a risk, but, I still think it's ultimately best. I think you'll be in a better position in the long term. Besides, lots of smaller firms don't start hiring til much later on anyway. I'm working at a small firm, and I think it's a fantastic way to get legal experience, and even make a bit of money. If you can get a small firm job with some sort of public interest focus... even better. It's like the best of both worlds.

Thank you. The standard is to wait 2 weeks before contacting somewhere and asking for an estimate of when they'll get back to you, yeah?

After you apply? I guess. But, if you've had an interview anywhere and you are waiting on that decision, it is totally fine to say "I recently received an offer, and I have to respond by so and so a date, would it possible for you to give me a decision before that time."

I've had some interviews/callbacks, some within this very week. I'm not sure when is too soon to be like btw, offer, can you give me a reply soon maybe please. Anytime after the interview?

Yeah, do it now! You need to have some options before the deadline to accept/reject this internship. If you just had the interview with the past few days though, you might want to say something acknowledging the short time frame. I suppose, ideally you shouldn't do this less than a week after the interview, but, it happens and places understand.

[thelaststraw05]

I started an independent thread on it, but does anyone know when folks will hear back about interviews for the Akin Gump Pro Bono Scholars program?

[Anonymous User]

This firm asked me about a month ago if I was considering splitting my summer since they didn't think a period of less than 10 weeks would be a valuable learning experience. At the time I wasn't considering it and said no. Only now they've extended an offer, but I've already accepted a PI job that is flexible and might allow me to work only 6 weeks. Would it be horrible to ask this firm if they would allow me to split my summer?

[bk1]

This firm asked me about a month ago if I was considering splitting my summer since they didn't think a period of less than 10 weeks would be a valuable learning experience. At the time I wasn't considering it and said no. Only now they've extended an offer, but I've already accepted a PI job that is flexible and might allow me to work only 6 weeks. Would it be horrible to ask this firm if they would allow me to split my summer?

Of course you should ask to split. Explain to them that you've already accepted somewhere else (and really can't renege), but you really want to work for the firm if they would be willing to allow you to split. You have nothing to lose here. If you don't ask you can't really accept and if they say no you're in the same spot.

I guess you could renege on the offer you've already accepted but I think that's messed. Others may disagree. If this were 2L summer I'd probably say that you should get yours and switch if the PI offer wouldn't lead to full time employment whereas the firm offer would, but it's 1L summer.

[Anonymous User]

This firm asked me about a month ago if I was considering splitting my summer since they didn't think a period of less than 10 weeks would be a valuable learning experience. At the time I wasn't considering it and said no. Only now they've extended an offer, but I've already accepted a PI job that is flexible and might allow me to work only 6 weeks. Would it be horrible to ask this firm if they would allow me to split my summer?

Of course you should ask to split. Explain to them that you've already accepted somewhere else (and really can't renege), but you really want to work for the firm if they would be willing to allow you to split. You have nothing to lose here. If you don't ask you can't really accept and if they say no you're in the same spot.

I guess you could renege on the offer you've already accepted but I think that's messed. Others may disagree. If this were 2L summer I'd probably say that you should get yours and switch if the PI offer wouldn't lead to full time employment whereas the firm offer would, but it's 1L summer.

Thank you. Hopefully it works out, and if not then I hope I still have a chance at working with them next summer.

[Anonymous User]

For those discouraged or concerned that their grades won't allow them to get a good job...

I'm a 1L at a school right outside the T14 (UCLA/Vandy/Texas) and slightly below median. I accepted an offer for an amazing job opportunity this week -- full summer, market salary, and at a reputable law firm in my home (secondary) market. Also, I didn't have any connections to the firm.

My recommendations:

(1) When you see a job opportunity you want, find out who worked there at your school before (2Ls or 3Ls) and reach out to them. Try to schedule a meeting to discuss the job -- an information session, basically. It shows you are genuinely interested in the employer (if they still communicate with their former interns, as was the case in my situation). Treat that meeting as an interview. Try to show the 2L/3L you would be a good fit for the job.
(2) Sell your positives. I'm a native of the market in which the firm's located; obviously, that's a good card to play. Don't have that? Find something that makes you attractive to the employer and emphasize it.
(3) Follow-up. This is key. I had a screening interview with the firm, and I followed-up with the hiring partner this Monday via email. On Tuesday, I received a call for an interview. Wednesday, I was interviewed, during which I was offered the job.

Good luck, everyone!

[Sm Firm Hiring P]

For the midwest, keep plugging. Shook may have turned you down but several of the other larger firms are hiring 1Ls. LR and HB do hire 1Ls for most of their offices. Sure there are others as well. Key is to get some legal experience even if not big firm. I can't tell you how many 2L resumes I saw this year with top grades and no legal experience. While it is not fair especially in this economy, you undoubtedly ask, why is this person still on the market.

[Anonymous User]

For the midwest, keep plugging. Shook may have turned you down but several of the other larger firms are hiring 1Ls. LR and HB do hire 1Ls for most of their offices. Sure there are others as well. Key is to get some legal experience even if not big firm. I can't tell you how many 2L resumes I saw this year with top grades and no legal experience. While it is not fair especially in this economy, you undoubtedly ask, why is this person still on the market.

Seriously? Isn't it abnormal for a 1L not to have a legal job during 1L summer?

[TatteredDignity]

For the midwest, keep plugging. Shook may have turned you down but several of the other larger firms are hiring 1Ls. LR and HB do hire 1Ls for most of their offices. Sure there are others as well. Key is to get some legal experience even if not big firm. I can't tell you how many 2L resumes I saw this year with top grades and no legal experience. While it is not fair especially in this economy, you undoubtedly ask, why is this person still on the market.

LR?

[Sm Firm Hiring P]

Lewis Rice

[Sm Firm Hiring P]

Well, I guess it depends what you mean by legal experience. I was primarily referring to law firm experience, corporate legal departments and related experiences in the actual practice of law.

[beachbum]

Well, I guess it depends what you mean by legal experience. I was primarily referring to law firm experience, corporate legal departments and related experiences in the actual practice of law.

So, where do you draw the line of "actual practice of law?" I assume this means RA positions are viewed less favorably, but what about judicial internships? I'm interning for a judge this summer and am hoping to return to St. Louis for 2L summer and after graduation. (I'm currently attending a southern school).

Also, any advice (general or specific) about the St. Louis legal market and interviewing for and obtaining a firm job in St. Louis would be very helpful. Many thanks.

[Sm Firm Hiring P]

Obviously, it is somewhat subjective. What we look for in law practice experience - know how a file is kept, how to navigate the office systems, how to redline, email etiquette, exposure to handling multiple projects at once, practical legal writing experience. We have hired clerks before, two from the state court of appeals and one from the state supreme court. While the was some lack of understanding private office workings, the writing and research skills plus some other valuable experiences on their resumes made them attractive.

The market itself is soft. That is no secret. I saw a lot of 2L resumes still without jobs which I would not have seen in better economic years. The volume of applicants was way up. We had 152 applications for one position. Fairly evenly split between 1Ls and 2Ls. The grades of the 1L applicants tended to be better. I can't help you too much with firms looking for graduates. Lateral hiring has picked up and the summer associate classes in the larger firms are still 50% or less in size than before the economic deterioration, so I assume 3L jobs are scarce. We hired one recent graduate in office due to an associate leaving, but she worked during her 2L and 3L years in the legal department of an industry in which we have many clients, so an easy decision for us. She graduated from a local law school. I know from her than none of her friends from her class have legal jobs.

We had 11 graduates from 2003 -2011 apply for our summer associate job. So I presume from all of the above, the market in St. Louis is like most places now.

[beachbum]

Obviously, it is somewhat subjective. What we look for in law practice experience - know how a file is kept, how to navigate the office systems, how to redline, email etiquette, exposure to handling multiple projects at once, practical legal writing experience. We have hired clerks before, two from the state court of appeals and one from the state supreme court. While the was some lack of understanding private office workings, the writing and research skills plus some other valuable experiences on their resumes made them attractive.

The market itself is soft. That is no secret. I saw a lot of 2L resumes still without jobs which I would not have seen in better economic years. The volume of applicants was way up. We had 152 applications for one position. Fairly evenly split between 1Ls and 2Ls. The grades of the 1L applicants tended to be better. I can't help you too much with firms looking for graduates. Lateral hiring has picked up and the summer associate classes in the larger firms are still 50% or less in size than before the economic deterioration, so I assume 3L jobs are scarce. We hired one recent graduate in office due to an associate leaving, but she worked during her 2L and 3L years in the legal department of an industry in which we have many clients, so an easy decision for us. She graduated from a local law school. I know from her than none of her friends from her class have legal jobs.

We had 11 graduates from 2003 -2011 apply for our summer associate job. So I presume from all of the above, the market in St. Louis is like most places now.

Yikes, I'm almost sorry I asked. Sounds... uh, rough out there. Anyway, I appreciate the insight. I'll certainly be targeting St. Louis for my 2L summer job search, so we'll see how it goes. Thanks again.

[Anonymous User]

I am getting a bit frustrated by the regional bias in law school hiring. I am a 1L from a school right outside the T14. The problem is I am from a very small town while nearly all my classmates are from major cities.

I got an offer to intern for a federal judge in Little Rock where I do have (weak) family ties that I played up. I certainly would still like to work in Houston, Chicago, or NYC. Am I killing any hope of this--or of getting any Big Law--by taking a 1L summer job in a "second-rate" secondary market where I only have one uncle who just moved there?

I specifically got dinged by one Big Law firm for lack of ties to the area, and the "area" is the largest city in the state in which I grew up and in which I currently attend LS. I came into LS assuming everyone understood that one has "ties" to everywhere within his/her home state. I guess not. This whole "ties" bs is getting irritating. Why doesn't anyone understand that hanging your shingle in a town of 1500 is not a desirable option? Aside from inventing a fiance for NYC, Chicago, Dallas, and Houston for 2L OCI, any other advice?

[bk1]

Am I killing any hope of this--or of getting any Big Law--by taking a 1L summer job in a "second-rate" secondary market where I only have one uncle who just moved there?

No. Most biglaw jobs are in NY and NY firms aren't going to care where you spent your 1L summer.

[thegrayman]

what is the proper format for sending an email expressing continued interest in a job?

I interviewed with a place and haven't heard back, I want to follow up to make sure I am still in the running.

Is there an accepted format for this kind of email?

thanks!