Career Development Timeline for 1Ls
UC Irvine Law subscribes to the NALP Principles for a Fair and Ethical Recruitment Process, which are a set of best practices designed to ensure the highest standards of professionalism, fairness, transparency, and non-discrimination. In addition, the UC Irvine Law Recruiting Policies provide clarity and set forth expectations for employers and students in connection with recruitment and employment, including a provision that prospective employers, with a limited exception, should not initiate formal one-on-one recruiting contact with first-year students, including applications, interviews, or offers prior to November 10, 2025.
1Ls are encouraged to focus on coursework and acclimate to law school. The majority of 1L summer employers hire during the spring semester, and most students interview and receive offers for 1L summer positions in January and February.
July
- Review the CDO's resume handout and begin updating your resume.
- Update or create a LinkedIn profile.
August and September
- Focus on your coursework, develop strong study skills, and keep up with all assigned readings.
- Get involved! Join student organizations that interest you or are related to your projected career goals.
- Attend the first PILF meeting so you maintain eligibility to apply for a PILF stipend.
- Sign up for pro bono projects to explore your interests or develop new skills.
- Set up your LEO account (UCI Law’s job search site) and review career related events.
- Get in the habit of reading SLATE (UCI Law's weekly student newsletter) every Friday.
- Attend the CDO's mandatory 1L Resume and Cover Letter Workshop.
- Attend the 1L Summer Job Information Fair to learn about summer possibilities from 2Ls & 3Ls.
October
- Schedule an appointment with your primary counselor.
- Familiarize yourself with resources on the CDO website and research different types of legal careers.
- Begin drafting your cover letter and complete updates to your resume.
- Attend lectures, programs, and events on campus on subjects that interest you.
- Attend the CDO's Networking Skills Program.
- Explore joining bar associations and attending section meetings and events.
- Attend the CDO's program and student panel explaining BigLaw firm hiring.
- Decide if you want to order business cards.
November
- Develop a customized job search strategy for your preferred 1L summer plan.
- Attend the CDO's mandatory 1L Interviewing Skills Workshop.
- To learn how to receive academic credit for your summer job, attend the workshop explaining UCI Law’s Externship Program.
- Finalize your resume and cover letter.
- Review job postings on LEO.
- Starting November 10, apply to jobs currently accepting applications. Plan ahead for applications that open on December 1. As finals approach, focus on studying and preparing for your first semester exams.
December
- Continue to regularly review job postings on LEO.
- Follow up on pending applications. Attempt to schedule interviews over winter break if you will spend the vacation in the same place you hope to spend your summer.
- Schedule informational interviews. Meet with one or two contacts during winter break.
- Think about which pro bono projects you want to volunteer for next semester.
- Register for Public Interest Career Day.
- If interested, complete the UC Irvine Law Review write-on exam during winter break.
January and February
- Attend the CDO’s Public Interest Career Day & Spring Interview Program Workshop.
- Continue to check LEO and apply to additional positions.
- Once your grades are available, follow up on outstanding applications.
- Check in with your primary counselor.
- Schedule a mock interview as part of the CDO’s 1L Mock Interview Program.
- Attend Public Interest Career Day.
- Apply for positions through the Spring Interview Program.
- If you are interested in working at a BigLaw firm:
- Attend the Roadmap to 2L Summer Associate BigLaw Hiring Presentation.
- Attend Meet the Firms.
March through May
- Continue to develop important relationships by attending law firm receptions, scheduling informal interviews, and meeting with other contacts.
- Be aware of deadlines for summer funding, including the Public Interest Law Fund (PILF) and other fellowships and grants.
- Tell your primary counselor where you are working.
- If you are interested in working at a BigLaw firm for your 2L summer, prepare to submit direct applications.
June
- Consider your career goals and select 2L courses, externships, clinical programs, and pro bono projects to build relevant skills and to demonstrate commitment to your desired practice area and career path.
- Engage with your summer employer, work hard, and build strong relationships.
- Update your resume to include summer employment and activities, including pro bono work from the spring semester.
- If you’re interested in working in public interest, look for information in August about attending the Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair held virtually in October.