As a 1L, the pressure to navigate the legal job market can feel overwhelming. BigLaw firms, with their prestigious reputations and lucrative salaries, often top the list of desired employers. However, it’s important to understand that the goal of attending BigLaw networking events as a 1L is not necessarily to secure a job for your first summer. In fact, the chances of landing a coveted BigLaw position as a 1L are slim. So, why is networking during your first year of law school so crucial? The answer lies in the preparation for your 2L job search.
Networking as a 1L isn’t only about finding a job for that summer—it's about building relationships that will pay off in the long run. By attending BigLaw events early in your law school journey, you’re putting yourself on the radar of firms that might hire you down the road. It’s an opportunity to introduce yourself, show genuine interest in the firm, and start forming connections that can benefit you when the time comes to apply for 2L positions. It also sets you apart from the many 1Ls who are so busy trying to figure out law school that they aren’t as strategic about their long-term legal career. Firms take notice of the 1Ls who put themselves out there.
While you might get lucky and secure a 1L job through networking, that’s not the primary goal. Many BigLaw firms are not even looking for 1L hires, even if they are hosting events. At the most, firms would hire a handful of 1Ls and usually far fewer.. Instead, the focus should be on getting to know the people at these firms, understanding their culture, and figuring out if they might be a good fit in the future. Building these relationships early allows you to stand out when it’s time for 2L recruiting, as firms will already be familiar with you. Plus, you'll have done your own research by the time you're seriously considering offers, which means you'll be making a more informed decision and probably be way ahead of your classmates who are just starting their research prior to Spring/Summer recruiting.
The 2L recruiting process moves at a lightning-fast pace these days. Gone are the days of OCI in the Fall and an almost semester-long process of interviewing. By the time your 1L summer rolls around, the window for BigLaw hiring has often already closed. That’s why it’s crucial to be prepared by the spring of your 1L year. This timeline means that the networking and relationships you’ve started building as a 1L are critical—they’ll position you to hit the ground running when the time comes to apply for your 2L summer job.
By attending networking events early and often, you’re ensuring that when 2L recruiting kicks into high gear, you’re not scrambling to make connections. Instead, you’re already familiar with the firms you’re interested in, and more importantly, they’re familiar with you. This gives you a significant advantage over your peers who may be starting their networking efforts later in the game.
Even if your 1L job is not in BigLaw, it still plays a crucial role in your legal career. The experience you gain during your 1L summer will help you stand out in your 2L interviews. Whether you’re working for a smaller firm, a judge, or a public interest organization, the skills you develop and the connections you make will be invaluable.
Focus on finding a 1L job that offers you meaningful experience, whether that’s through substantive legal work, networking opportunities, or both. Ideally, you’ll come away with a strong writing sample and stories to tell in your 2L interviews. Remember, your 1L job is about laying the groundwork for your future career, not necessarily securing your dream job right away.
For those with BigLaw ambitions, the 2L summer job is often the key to achieving that goal. Firms use their 2L summer programs as a primary recruiting tool, and if you perform well, there’s a good chance you’ll receive an offer for full-time employment after graduation. This is why it’s so important to focus on securing a 2L job that aligns with your long-term career goals.
The relationships you’ve built during the 1L year and your 1L summer job will be instrumental in landing a 2L position. Firms are more likely to hire someone they’ve met before, especially if you’ve made a positive impression. With many law students having comparable grades and activities, it’s the personal interactions that really can make the difference in securing a job offer.
To make the most of your 1L networking efforts, it’s essential to stay organized and proactive. Resources like Flo Forward can help you plan your event calendar, ensuring you don’t miss any crucial networking opportunities. Law school is always about prioritizing what you are spending your time on by seeing all of your options in one place, it’s much easier to make those crucial decisions. And, by researching your top choices early and staying on top of important events, you’ll set yourself up for success when the 2L recruiting season arrives.
Priority number one is to create a list of firms you’re interested in and make it a point to attend their events whenever possible. Follow up with the people you meet, whether through email or LinkedIn, to keep the relationship going. The goal is to build a network of contacts who can advocate for you when it’s time to apply for a 2L position. It will be a much less daunting process come 2L time if you can open up your contact list and have people to reach out to right away!
Networking as a 1L isn’t just about securing a job for that summer—it’s about playing the long game. By focusing on building relationships, gaining experience, and preparing for the fast-paced 2L recruiting season, you’ll position yourself for success in the legal job market. Remember, the goal is not just to find a job, but to find the right job for you, one that aligns with your career goals and leads to long-term success. This is why you should come up with a strategy that makes sense for you and stick with it - don’t get distracted by classmates or buzz around campus. Not everyone has the same career goals, and it’s always important to stay focused.
So, start early, stay organized, and keep your eye on the prize. Your 1L networking efforts may not pay off immediately, but they’ll be invaluable when it comes time to land that coveted 2L position.