Summary of the First Year J.D. Career Curriculum
All currently enrolled students may link to their personal Career Services Manager (CSM) accounts for details and registration information for OCS events and recruiting programs.
September-October
1L students participate in general orientation where they are introduced to the OCS career counselors. Per the guidelines set by the National Association of Law Placement (NALP), students may not interact with the OCS until November 1, nor contact employers until December 1.
November
Students embark on their "Career Curriculum" in November. 1L Orientation takes place and students are introduced to the OCS staff. 1L students receive their "Passport to Career Success," along with a resource binder, which details the Career Development curriculum and action steps for embarking on the legal job search.
The Career Fair, held in November, introduces first-year students to dozens of practice area specialties and provides a forum for interaction with 1L students and attorneys from over 70 law firms.
The OCS conducts detailed résumé review sessions and works one-on-one with 1L students as they begin their career planning for the summer following their first year.
December
Students take part in summer job search workshops for those working in New York, nationwide, or abroad. Many students begin to prepare mailings to 1L employers as they consider their options for 1L summer employment.
January
Students take part in the orientation session for Spring on-campus interviews. Numerous law firm and corporate sponsored events, receptions, lunches and dinners take place throughout the spring. These are generally social events, held at venues ranging from the firm’s offices to local restaurants and lounges that enable students to get acquainted with partners and associates at various firms. The Washington, D.C. private sector employer networking event introduces students to attorneys and alumni working in this region.
February-March
The West Coast Connection and the Boston private sector employer networking events introduce students to attorneys and alumni working in this region. On-campus interviews take place and students submit their interview preferences. Career Education programs are offered throughout the spring including such topics as “Private Practice Revealed,” "How to Succeed as a Summer Associate" and much more.
April-May
Students attend an orientation session for Early Interview Week (EIW), the largest on-campus interview program of the year. First-year students are required to take part in the Strike-A-Match program in preparation for EIW. This comprehensive program provides detailed statistics, "inside" information and feedback on how to best prepare for this interviewing program. Students can register for these programs online through Career Services Manager (CSM).
June
Students who wish to participate in EIW are able to enter the lottery process and select from 350+ employers. Students upload their résumés so that employers may view it. Students have the opportunity to have their selections critiqued by an OCS career counselor.
July
Students participate in Interview Workshops and the Practice Interview Evenings with partners and
associates from dozens of law firms in preparation for EIW. OCS also offers the Attorney Interview Match practice interview program for one-on-one practice interviews with alumni as well as out-of-town practice interviews for students working outside of NYC. Students engage in a "mock interview" followed by candid feedback and suggestions on their interview skills. Students can also set up a mock interview with an OCS career counselor.
August
Incoming students complete their mandatory Career Services Manager (CSM) online profile and gain access to their personalized account in August.
Students who have completed their first year of law school participate in EIW, the largest on-campus interview program of the year. 350+ employers are on campus to interview students for summer or full time positions. There are approximately 130 interviews each day. The interviews are assigned on a lottery basis, employers may not pre-screen résumés. The majority of students secure their 2L summer positions through this program.
Students register for the off-campus recruiting program in Washington, D.C. in September.