0L dumb question regarding employment. Forum

[SwollenMonkey]

After the first year, I will have a summer break and might have to secure funds to live. So what is there to do for employment after the first year during the summer?

[General Tso]

if next year is anything like this year, don't count on it --->
http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 3&t=116803

[SwollenMonkey]

if next year is anything like this year, don't count on it --->
http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 3&t=116803

Well...I'm thinking something that is non-law. Like maybe selling something or busting tables for a check plus tips...lol...

[findlayswimmer28]

It depends on where you live, how diligent you are, and how flexible you are willing to be. Big and medium sized firms typically do all their hiring by January. If you were not able to get a job that route, start looking to small firms. A lot don't advertise positions or wait until the mid/end of the spring semester to start interviewing. Also, a lot of county courthouses start looking for summer clerks around that time as well. I am not at the top of my class at a TTT school and was able to get a job as a law clerk with a small local firm. My husband found a job with general counsel at an insurance company.

Another thing you might consider would be if your school has legal clinics. My school does a public interest clinic where you are matched with a public interest organization, judge, or prosecutor's office. You don't get paid for those, but you can usually get credit. Also, you can get work study money if you volunteer for any sort of public interest positions. Believe me, if you are willing to work for free or cheap, there is someone out there willing to hire you.

The jobs may not be glamorous or all that you expected, but legal experience looks a hell of a lot better on your resume than working in a bar or taking classes for the summer IMHO. I am sick of everyone whining about how bad the legal market is. Just because no one hands you a job, doesn't mean there aren't jobs out there. I think that the people that aren't able to find jobs, aren't exercising all their options.

Good luck and don't be scared of what everyone else says.

[General Tso]

if next year is anything like this year, don't count on it --->
http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 3&t=116803

Well...I'm thinking something that is non-law. Like maybe selling something or busting tables for a check plus tips...lol...

it'd probably be better to do at least SOME kind of unpaid legal stuff while working at a restaurant or grocery store at night. If you don't acquire any legal experience during your 1L summer, then you will be applying for 1L jobs again during your 2L summer.

[SwollenMonkey]

It depends on where you live, how diligent you are, and how flexible you are willing to be. Big and medium sized firms typically do all their hiring by January. If you were not able to get a job that route, start looking to small firms. A lot don't advertise positions or wait until the mid/end of the spring semester to start interviewing. Also, a lot of county courthouses start looking for summer clerks around that time as well. I am not at the top of my class at a TTT school and was able to get a job as a law clerk with a small local firm. My husband found a job with general counsel at an insurance company.

Another thing you might consider would be if your school has legal clinics. My school does a public interest clinic where you are matched with a public interest organization, judge, or prosecutor's office. You don't get paid for those, but you can usually get credit. Also, you can get work study money if you volunteer for any sort of public interest positions. Believe me, if you are willing to work for free or cheap, there is someone out there willing to hire you.

The jobs may not be glamorous or all that you expected, but legal experience looks a hell of a lot better on your resume than working in a bar or taking classes for the summer IMHO. I am sick of everyone whining about how bad the legal market is. Just because no one hands you a job, doesn't mean there aren't jobs out there. I think that the people that aren't able to find jobs, aren't exercising all their options.

Good luck and don't be scared of what everyone else says.

Thanks! Very helpful and what i was looking for in terms of an answer. I'd be willing to work cheap and free after 1L and maybe even after graduation. =-D

[SwollenMonkey]

if next year is anything like this year, don't count on it --->
http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 3&t=116803

Well...I'm thinking something that is non-law. Like maybe selling something or busting tables for a check plus tips...lol...

it'd probably be better to do at least SOME kind of unpaid legal stuff while working at a restaurant or grocery store at night. If you don't acquire any legal experience during your 1L summer, then you will be applying for 1L jobs again during your 2L summer.

Great! Thanks. Will do some unpaid legal stuff for sure! =-]