If you are entering law school with the goal of landing a BigLaw job, it is important to understand one thing upfront: The recruiting timeline is moving much faster than most students expect. In many cases, students are applying to law firms just a couple of months into their first semester. Some are interviewing before they have even fully adjusted to law school.
This means your first semester is not just about learning how to succeed academically. You will also be managing applications, networking and interviewing at the same time. Students often underestimate how time-consuming this process is. Between classes, studying, applications and interviews, it can feel like a full-time job on top of law school.
The good news is that there is a lot you can do the summer before law school to put yourself in a strong position.
- Learn how to excel in law school and prioritize time management.
Law school is very different from college, and using the same study strategies is unlikely to lead to strong results. For example, most law school classes rely on the Socratic Method, and your entire grade is often based on a single final exam that requires a high level of analysis and application.
Because of this, there is a steep learning curve.
The summer before law school is a great time to reduce that curve. You can read books about how to succeed in law school, such as “Getting to Maybe: How to Excel on Law School Exams,” or complete a law school prep course so you understand what is expected before classes begin. Students often tell me that small adjustments, like starting outlines early, make a significant difference in their performance in law school (as well as in their stress levels).
If you are aiming for BigLaw, grades are still one of the most important factors in the hiring process. This needs to be a priority from the very beginning.
- Get your resume completely ready now.
Do not wait until you are in the middle of your first semester to update your resume. Polish it now. Check for grammar, formatting inconsistencies and clarity.
Just as importantly, be prepared to discuss every single line on your resume. Many interviewers will go through it in detail and ask follow-up questions about your experiences.
Your interests section also matters more than students expect. Interviewers frequently ask about it, so make sure everything you include is genuine and something you can speak about comfortably.
- Start researching firms and building connections early.
You do not need to have everything figured out before law school, but you should start thinking about where you may want to work.
Consider:
- What geographic markets interest you
- What types of work you may want to explore
Then begin researching firms in those areas.
If you find firms that interest you, consider reaching out to attorneys for a brief virtual coffee chat. If possible, connect with alumni from the law school you will be attending. Introduce yourself as an incoming law student, express genuine interest in their work and ask thoughtful questions during your meetup.
These conversations are valuable for several reasons. They help you better understand the profession, refine your interests and demonstrate genuine interest if you later apply to the firm and interview.
- Prepare to apply early.
One of the biggest advantages you can give yourself is being ready to apply as soon as applications open. In many cases, this means having your resume and cover letters ready to go early in your first semester so you are not scrambling to prepare materials while also adjusting to law school. Students who apply early often have better outcomes than those who wait, even by a few weeks.
At the same time, you should not expect immediate responses in every case. Some firms will wait to review grades before moving forward. It depends on several factors, including the firm preferences as well as whether the firm typically recruits from the law school you are going to.
The key is to be prepared so that timing is working in your favor.
- Be strategic with your time, even before you start.
It is easy to think that the solution is to do everything: attend every event, meet as many people as possible and say yes to every opportunity. That approach can quickly become overwhelming. Once law school begins, your time will be limited. You will need to balance coursework, applications, networking and possibly interviews.
I recently spoke with a student who told me she had no idea how time-consuming the process would be. Within the first few weeks of the semester, she was juggling classes, multiple networking events and early interviews, and quickly found herself feeling behind academically. She had assumed she would have time to figure things out as she went, but the pace of recruiting made that difficult.
Students who are most successful are not the ones who do the most. They are the ones who are the most intentional. They focus on high-impact activities, protect time for studying and avoid overcommitting.
If your grades suffer because you were trying to do everything, that is not a good trade.
Final thought
The students who put themselves in the best position to earn a BigLaw position are the ones who understand how early the process begins, prepare in advance and manage their time carefully once law school starts.
The summer before law school is one of the few opportunities you have to get ahead before everything begins moving quickly. Taking advantage of that time can make a meaningful difference in your outcomes.
