Job Hunting: The Ideal Time For 3L Law Students

As a 3L law student, you might be wondering when to start applying for jobs. It's important to strike a balance between preparing for upcoming exams and prioritizing your job search. While it can be challenging to manage your time effectively, making your job search a top priority during your 3L year is crucial. Many entry-level positions, such as judicial clerkships and postgraduate fellowships, have strict application deadlines, so it's essential to be proactive and organized to avoid missing out on career opportunities. Here's a guide to help you navigate when to start your job search and maximize your chances of success.

Job search strategy

Make Your Job Search Your Top Priority

As a 3L law student, your job search should take precedence over other commitments. Entry-level positions like judicial clerkships, postgraduate fellowships, and "bridge to practice" jobs have strict application deadlines. Being proactive and organised will prevent you from missing out on career opportunities. The summer after graduation will be dedicated to bar prep, leaving little time for job applications. Most legal employers are aware of this and avoid recruiting recent law graduates during this period.

Develop a Written Plan

Write down how you intend to search for jobs. How many hours per week will you dedicate to the job search? Which websites will you use? What types of positions and geographic markets are you considering? It's also helpful to outline your short-term and long-term goals, such as where you see yourself in two, five, and ten years. This will provide clarity and direction to your job search.

Be Flexible and Open-Minded

Recognise that your first job after law school might not be your dream job. Focus on gaining practical, hands-on legal experience that will help pay the bills. Remember, you're not committing to your first legal job for the rest of your life. Time passes quickly after law school — remember that you’re not committing to your first legal job for the rest of your life.

Focus on Gaining Practical Experience

If you're struggling to secure a permanent position, aim to develop practical skills through temporary work. Many small firms and non-profit organisations are willing to take on a post-grad law clerk to work under the supervision of a licensed attorney. You can also explore postgraduate internship opportunities or assist professors with their research. If possible, consider volunteering with local legal services organisations to put your law degree to good use while keeping your resume current.

Networking is Critical

Building a network of connections is vital to your success in landing your first paid position. Set up informational interviews, coffee dates, and lunch meetings with lawyers in your field of interest, career services offices, recent graduates, and adjunct professors. These interactions will help you gain valuable insights, expand your network, and increase the likelihood of relevant opportunities being forwarded to you.

Additional Considerations

• Keep in mind that many jobs requiring experience may still be open to applicants without it, so don't be discouraged from applying.
• Your first job should help you develop marketable, transferable skills relevant to your areas of interest and build connections with organisations and practitioners in your field.
• Understand the hiring mechanisms, timelines, and starting salaries for the types of employers you're interested in.
• Ensure your application materials, including your resume and cover letter, are tailored to each position and reviewed by a career advisor before submission.
• Practice for interviews, including potential on-the-spot hypotheticals or mock client interviews, and always send thank-you notes within 24 hours after your interview.
• Be mindful of offer protocols and deadlines, and do not accept an offer if you are unsure, as reneging on a job offer can have negative consequences for your career.

Networking

Reframe Your Mindset

Take Advantage of Networking Events

Law schools often organise networking events for students, and attending these can be a great way to meet attorneys and legal professionals. If the idea of attending alone is intimidating, ask a fellow law student to come with you. At networking events, be prepared to ask intelligent questions and actively listen to the responses. Networking is a two-way conversation, so avoid treating it as an opportunity to deliver a monologue about yourself. Instead, focus on having reciprocal and easy conversations.

Think Outside the Box

While networking events are valuable, networking can happen anywhere and at any time. It can take place within your law school, while volunteering in the legal community, or even during extracurricular events. If you feel awkward at formal networking events, you may find it easier to connect with people at a bar association event or a fundraiser. Be open to different environments and contexts for networking.

Utilise Career Services

Your law school's career services can be a great resource for job-seeking 3L students. They can provide guidance on resume and cover letter writing, as well as help you identify potential job opportunities. They may also have connections with alumni or local legal professionals who are hiring.

Reach Out Directly

If you know the specific government agencies, firms, or legal organisations you want to work for, don't hesitate to reach out directly. Send your resume and a tailored cover letter expressing your interest in working for them. You can also contact alumni or legal professionals in your network to inquire about potential job openings or referrals.

Apply Broadly

When searching for entry-level positions, cast a wide net and apply to various firms, organisations, and agencies. Use your law school's job website and career platforms specifically for legal jobs. Don't be discouraged if you don't hear back from every application—persistence is key. Tailor your resume and cover letter for each role, emphasising relevant skills and experiences.

In conclusion, networking is a crucial aspect of the job search for 3L law students. By reframing your mindset, attending networking events, thinking creatively, utilising career services, reaching out directly, and applying broadly, you can maximise your chances of finding the right job for you. Remember, it's all about building genuine connections and creating mutually beneficial relationships.

Application deadlines

As a 3L law student, your job search should be your top priority. Many entry-level positions such as judicial clerkships, postgraduate fellowships, and "bridge to practice" positions have strict application deadlines. These deadlines will pass you by if you're not proactive and organised in your approach, and you'll miss out on career opportunities.

During the summer after graduation, you'll likely be focused on bar prep and too busy to apply for jobs. Most legal employers are aware of this and don't actively recruit recent law school graduates during June and July.

Fellowship sponsorship deadlines may begin as early as May. There are also early government honours programs with deadlines in September, such as the Washington Attorney General's Office, the Federal Trade Commission, the State Department, and the Department of Justice.

Most public interest employers prefer to hire experienced attorneys into open, full-time positions. As a result, a majority of students will start their public interest careers through government honours programs or fellowships. Some employers, like the military, public defenders, prosecutors, certain plaintiffs' and private public interest law firms, and some civil legal services organisations, will hire 3Ls directly.

Big law 3L hiring is much smaller than 2L, but will mainly occur between August and October/November. If a firm didn't like their summer associate and decides not to hire them, they'll be looking for a replacement around that time.

Local government and small firms probably won't be looking to hire until December or later, as they will know their budget for new hires by then.

It's important to be aware of the varying timelines that different fields of employers follow when hiring entry-level attorneys or fellows. Make sure to begin your planning process with these timelines in mind.

Job requirements

Job hunting as a 3L law student can be challenging, but with the right strategy, you can increase your chances of success. Here are some key requirements to keep in mind when navigating the job market:

Make Your Job Search a Priority:

Treat your job search as a part-time job. Allocate dedicated time each week to focus on your job hunt. Many entry-level positions have strict application deadlines, so staying organised and proactive is crucial. Don't wait until after graduation, as you'll likely be busy with bar prep and most legal employers don't actively recruit during this period.

Develop a Written Plan:

Create a written strategy for your job search. Determine how many hours per week you'll devote to it, which websites and job boards you'll use, the types of positions you seek, and your geographic preferences. It's also essential to reflect on your long-term goals and write down where you see yourself in the next two, five, and ten years. This will help guide your job search and ensure you're on the right path.

Gain Practical Experience:

Employers often seek candidates with practical, hands-on legal experience. Consider temporary work opportunities, internships, or research assistant positions to develop these skills. Contact your career office about small firms and non-profit organisations that may be looking for a post-grad law clerk. You can also reach out to local legal services organisations for volunteer work or internships.

Network and Seek Advice:

Networking is critical to your job search. Set up informational interviews, coffee dates, and meetings with lawyers in your field of interest, mentors, recent graduates, and adjunct professors. These connections can provide valuable insights, forward relevant opportunities, and connect you with other professionals. Don't hesitate to ask for help and utilise your school's career services.

Be Flexible:

Keep an open mind during your job search. Very few people land their dream job immediately after law school. Focus on gaining practical experience and finding a position that will help pay the bills. You can always work towards your ideal job by gaining the necessary skills and building your network.

Prepare for Interviews:

Once you start applying, be ready for interviews. Practice common interview questions, work on your professional attire, and consider doing mock interviews with an adviser. If you're interviewing for prosecutor or public defender positions, expect a more intense process that may include on-the-spot hypotheticals or mock client interviews.

Remember, job hunting as a 3L is a process, and it's important to stay persistent and proactive. By following these requirements and tailoring your approach to each position, you'll be well on your way to landing that first job out of law school.

Interview preparation

Before the Interview

First, check the invitation for any requirements to do preparatory work. Research the recruiter, competitors, the market, legal news and current affairs. Re-read your CV or application form and prepare clear and concise descriptions of each of the roles you've included. Think about what you have to offer the recruiter and what your main strengths are. If you're applying for trainee or pupillage positions, look at the professional codes of conduct. Plan what to wear—opt for a conservative, formal suit.

During the Interview

Speak clearly and slowly—if you're nervous, you may be inclined to speed up. Provide a logical structure to your answers, for example, "I think there are three main issues... Firstly…Secondly… and finally…". It's perfectly acceptable to pause before answering to collect your thoughts. Show that you're listening and thinking on your feet by occasionally repeating part of the question to the interviewer in your answer. Be interested and engaged—refer back to something the interviewer said.

Questions to Ask

Asking the right questions is a great way to demonstrate your ambition for the role. However, you should also be prepared to answer those questions yourself. For example, if you ask a question to make yourself sound clever, be ready for the interviewer to turn it around and ask for your opinion. When asked if you have any questions, try to relate them to something the interviewer previously mentioned.

Other Tips

• If your school offers it, book a mock interview with a career adviser.
• Listen to the questions you're being asked and tailor your answers accordingly.
• Remember, it's okay to not have an answer to everything—show that you can think on your feet.
• Don't be too mechanical—build rapport with the interviewer.

Frequently asked questions