In the fall semester, your primary focus should be your classes and getting the best grades you can. Many of the most competitive public interest positions ask for transcripts and require students to have high grades and a top class rank.

EVENTS TO TAKE NOTE OF:

1. The DC/Baltimore Public Service Recruitment Fair (Click to go to website)

• Friday, January 29, 2021 - VIRTUAL

• Sign-Up Here: https://law-dcpscf-csm.symplicity.com/students/

HOW TO SECURE A JOB:

1. Determine your goals.

   • What practice areas are you interested in?

   • What do you want to gain from your summer experience? (i.e., improvement of writing skills/a writing sample, direct client engagement, ability to see court proceedings, etc.)

   • Do you have any geographical preferences/constraints?

   • Should you prioritize paid positions?

2. Search for jobs and externship opportunities.

   • Where to search for jobs:

     1. PSJD (exclusively public service, updated daily)

     2. Symplicity (for employers who have reached out to Howard)

     3. For more Resources, click here

3. Create a spreadsheet of positions you plan to apply.

   • Include important information: due dates, required application materials, geographic location, salary (if applicable), point of contract, etc.

   • Read the description of each position and make sure the tasks and objectives match your goals (don't be afraid to pick some positions that are not exactly what you thought you wanted to do)

4. Prepare application materials.

   • Start your Application Materials early and have each document reviewed by peers, law faculty, mentors, etc.

5. Practice interview skills.

   • After applying and securing interviews, reach out to your peers, law faculty, mentors, etc. for practice interviews

   • Prepare your "elevator pitch" (a short introduction of yourself and your skills that last approximately)

SUMMER INTERNSHIP TIPS:

• Make a good first impression. Strive to show up early, especially on the first day. Punctuality matters. Wear professional dress.

• Try to develop a good work-related writing sample over the summer. You should discuss this with your supervisor, and have something in the works by the end of June.

• Be prepared. It’s a good idea to bring your Bluebook and laptop with you so that you have access to resources that you may need to complete your assignments. Know your LexisNexis and Westlaw Log-in information. Additionally, always carry a pen and notepad with you so that you are ready to jot down notes at any time. This is typically better than using your phone.

• When given an assignment, make sure to confirm your understanding of the project and the deadline at the end of the meeting or in an email summary. Promptly communicate with the assigning attorney if you think the timeframe is insufficient to produce the work requested.

• Summer internships are about building skills sets and networks. Try to develop a good rapport with your supervisors and coworkers.

• Most importantly, produce good work! Remember you are building your professional reputation as a legal professional. This employer may be in a position to offer you a full-time position after graduation.

Secured an unpaid position? Look at your Summer Funding options!