Application Timing and Approach

When should I begin to apply for 1L summer jobs?

Our policy for employers states that employers should not consider applications from YLS first-year students until November 15. We advise you to begin applying for 1L summer jobs on November 15, at the earliest.

Quick Links

Summer 1L Evaluations Regarding Offer Timing 2023-25

Summer Offers by Month Nov - 2%; Dec - 32%; Jan - 32%; Feb - 20%; March or later - 14%

Why should I wait until November 15 to begin applying?

The first semester of law school is essential to the formation of a strong academic foundation, and we encourage you to spend most of your time during your first semester focusing on classes and acclimating to the law school environment.

We also hope you will develop meaningful relationships with faculty who will be well equipped to serve as references when you apply for positions.

In addition, applying on or after November 15 will allow you to assess your career goals and research employment opportunities with the support of CDO counselors.

Will I be at a disadvantage if I begin applying on or after November 15?

In short, “No.” CDO data indicates that most 1L students secure their 1L summer positions in December, January, and February of their 1L year since most employers set application deadlines for December 1 or later.

Will CDO help me if I apply before November 15?

Yes! CDO will support your 1L summer job search on your timeline. So, if an employer you wish to work for sets an application deadline before November 15, CDO counselors will be happy to advise you and assist you in preparing materials for that employer.

General Advice

See below for specific advice regarding application timing for different types of employers, since employers’ hiring timing varies greatly by type
For 1L summer positions, most students submit some applications between mid-November and the end of classes; others decide to apply after exams depending on time demands
Apply in waves, prioritizing the most competitive employers and your favorites
For your first wave, consider sending 6-12 applications
Because many employers review materials on a rolling basis, applying earlier in the process may be beneficial
Conduct research to determine when to apply
- Visit employers’ websites for specifics 
- Review the Quick Links on the top of this page
- Access the Career Management System to review
  - job announcements
  - Summer Employment Feedback surveys 
- Talk to upper-class students
Send a cover letter and resume to employers of interest, even if you cannot find a specific job posting
Meet with a counselor to strategize

Employer-Specific Advice 

	Large Law Firms  In November, review the list of law firms participating in January OCI and bid on firms of interest for 1L summer and 2L summer positions If firms in which you are interested are not participating in January OCI, consult  Flo Recruit’s Law Student Recruiting Tracker to determine the firms’ hiring timelines for both summers and plan to apply accordingly
	Mid-Sized and Small Firms Apply December – March Hiring timelines vary Consult firms’ web pages
	Government Agencies  Apply beginning November 15 for most competitive offices Apply January-March for others  Consult Government Honors & Internship Handbook  Password: please contact CDO Pro tip: Review deadline tables to view “Deadlines for Applications by Agency Name”
	Non-Profit Organizations  Apply beginning November 15 for most competitive organizations like ACLU, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Civil Rights Corps, Constitutional Accountability Center Apply January-March for others Consult PSJD   Create your own username and password  Pro tip: Search Employer database. Either apply to listed open positions or send cover letter and resume directly to the employer, even if no position is posted
	Judiciary  Apply to judges in most the competitive locations and courts (e.g., federal courts in New York City, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and San Francisco) starting November 15  Typically, judges do not publicize position openings Send a cover letter and resume to judges of interest Note that judges may make hiring decisions very quickly