Find Summer Employment in 7 Steps

If you are still thinking about what to do this summer, here are some helpful suggestions for finding legal internships: 

1. Check the JobNet on the CSO’s Symplicity site.
   Many small firms begin posting summer positions late in the spring semester. As of April 16th, there are currently 56 summer internships posted on the JobNet on the CSO's Symplicity site. Last year, 24 summer internships were posted during the months of May and June.
   
   
2. Check other on-line resources.
   Do not limit your search to any single job posting site; instead, look in a variety of places. The on-line job search resources handout found in the document library on Symplicity offers a helpful list of a of other various job search websites depending on your interest.
   
   
3. Request reciprocity.
   If you are looking for employment out of state, you may be able to request reciprocity from a law school career services office in that state in order to access their job postings. To learn about the program and to complete a request form, visit the reciprocity information page on our website.
   
   
4. Contact firms and organizations directly.
   Do not wait for a job to be posted. Be proactive in your job search by contacting firms and organizations directly. Use the career guides in the CSO Career Development Handbook, martindale.com and other on-line directories to do a targeted search of organizations within your area of interest. Stay organized and follow up with each employer you contact as you would when applying for posted jobs.
   
   
5. Network.
   According to the 2009 Summer Employment Survey, most students found their summer job through informal means, either through a referral from someone they knew or through networking and self-intiated contact. Don’t know where to start? Read the networking sections of  this blog and the  CSO Career Development Handbook.
   
   
6. Be flexible.
   If you have a car, look for opportunities outside of major metropolitan areas. Also consider taking an unpaid position and balancing your time with a paid non-legal position. The more flexible you are regarding pay and location, the better your chances are for finding summer employment.
   
   
7. Contact the Career Services Office.
   Send us your resume and cover letters to be reviewed, schedule a mock interview appointment to improve your interview skills, and meet with a counselor to go over your individual job search needs. We are here to help and look forward to hearing from you!