What kind of summer jobs do first-year students get?
Nearly all 1L students will do legal work or study law abroad during their first summer. Typical legal employers include government agencies, non-profit organizations, judges, law school faculty, and law firms. The 1L summer is a good time for you to investigate practice areas and practice settings to begin the process of finding the right “fit” in the law.
Geographically, where do 1Ls work during their first summer?
Some students choose to remain in Ithaca, where they often work for faculty or local public-sector employers. Others will return a location where they can live inexpensively with friends or family. If you would like to establish ties to a completely new location, you should consider spending your 1L summer in that city/town to show future employers your commitment to that location.
When should 1L students start looking for work?
First-year students shouldn’t begin to think about the job search process until November 1. Then, at some point between November 1 and the beginning of the second semester, you should make an appointment with a career counselor to discuss your job search strategy. Most 1L students don’t need to begin their job searches in earnest until they have completed their first semester examinations.
How do students find jobs?
1Ls employ various methods to find work. Some apply for positions listed on the career services job database or other databases available through Cornell. Other students research employers for which they would like to work and write to those employers directly. Still others contact family, friends and Cornell mentors to find work through their personal and professional networks. While the on-campus recruiting program for 1Ls is very small, it too is an avenue through which a few 1Ls secure employment.
When do 1Ls get job offers?
Most students begin interviewing in January and February of their 1L year, with many offers being given during February through April. It is the very rare student who will return to campus at the beginning of the spring semester with an offer of permanent employment in hand.
How much money will I make during my 1L summer?
Work for government agencies and non-profits is usually uncompensated, however, Cornell Law School's PIF program guarantees funding for all qualified government/public interest employment. In addition, other funding sources exist for these types of employers. Judicial internships are volunteer as well, but not eligible for funding; students working for judges may, however, enroll in a related course and earn academic credit. Cornell law school faculty pay students on an hourly basis. Small firms will also pay an hourly rate, which varies by location and firm size. Larger firms compensate their summer associates on a weekly basis.
