Postgraduate Job Search FAQs

Not at all! Many public interest and government opportunities are available to graduating law students. 

Public Defender offices, State Attorneys' offices, and various state and local government agencies regularly hire 3Ls and recent graduates. Many legal service organizations and nonprofits also welcome new attorneys, although some may require bar passage. In Florida, some organizations that typically require bar passage consider applications from 3Ls eligible for Certified Legal Intern (CLI) status, allowing them to begin work while waiting for bar results. 

Fellowships and Honors programs are an important pathway for graduating law students as well. Programs like Equal Justice Works, Skadden, and Justice Catalyst provide funding for recent graduates to work in public interest roles immediately after law school. Honors programs offer entry points into federal, state, and local government agencies across the country. Students typically apply to these programs in their 3L year or over the 2L summer.

It is true that some highly sought-after public interest jobs, particularly at national nonprofits or in federal government, are extremely competitive and often require several years of post-law school experience. Certain organizations may not consider entry-level candidates at all. However, many opportunities are available to recent graduates that allow you to begin building the skills and experience needed to become a strong candidate for those more selective positions down the line.  

You should begin thinking seriously about your postgraduate job search in the spring of your 2L year. This is a critical time to meet with OCPD to explore which types of entry-level opportunities align with your interests and to map out key deadlines. Some employers have early hiring timelines or require substantial preparation well in advance of the application deadline so early planning is essential. 

If you're considering a judicial clerkship or are interested in roles that typically hire entry-level attorneys through fellowship programs it's especially important to connect with OCPD early to ensure you're prepared for the application process. 

Deadlines vary widely by employer and practice setting. Many state and local government agencies, including public defender offices, participate in Stetson's On-Campus Interview (OCI) Program, with deadlines beginning in mid-summer and continuing into early fall of your 3L year. A smaller number of employers also participate in OCI during the spring.

Federal and out-of-state government honors programs typically open for applications in late summer or early fall. 

Postgraduate fellowship timelines also vary. Project-based fellowships generally have early fall deadlines but require significant advance planning such as identifying a host organization and developing a detailed project proposal. Other fellowships may have rolling deadlines, opening over the summer, early fall, or even later in the spring as funding becomes available. 

Outside of fellowships, nonprofit and legal services organizations typically hire based on need, not on seasonal schedules like corporate law firms, public defender offices, and state attorney offices. Therefore, it is neither uncommon nor cause for concern for students to still be seeking postgraduate employment in the spring semester. 

Because many opportunities involve early deadlines or require substantial preparation, it is important to begin researching options as early as possible. Establishing a tracking system and meeting regularly with OCPD will help you stay organized and avoid missing out on opportunities. 

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on a variety of factors unique to each applicant. The number of applications you should submit will vary based on your geographic flexibility, the types of employers you're targeting, how competitive those roles are, and how well your experience and skills align with the positions you're applying for. 

Applying to too few might limit your options, but applying to jobs that aren't a good match can waste your time and energy. Finding the right balance between focusing on opportunities that fit your skills and goals, while applying broadly enough to increase your chances of success, is key. If you'd like help developing a strategy that works for you, don't hesitate to reach out to OCPD. We're here to support you every step of the way. 

Participating in the On-Campus Interview (OCI) program offers a convenient way to apply and interview with a variety of employers interested in hiring Stetson Law students. 

Many public sector employers throughout Florida use OCI to fill entry-level roles. If these opportunities align with your career goals, participating in OCI is highly recommended. 

Keep in mind that OCI is just one part of your public interest job search. Exploring public interest job boards, career fairs, fellowships, and networking will expand your options.  

Yes, Stetson hosts several career fairs each year that provide opportunities to connect with public interest employers: 

• Public Interest Career Fair (February): Nonprofit legal service organizations, government agencies, and public defender offices from across Florida attend to recruit for internships and postgraduate roles. 
• Career Fair (March): Open to both public and private sector employers, this event is a great option for students exploring a range of career paths. 
• Pro Bono Fair (October): Offers a chance to meet attorneys working in public interest and government settings and learn more about their work and opportunities to get involved. 

In addition to Stetson-hosted events, students are encouraged to participate in regional and/or national events such as the Equal Justice Works (EJW) Career Fair, which is typically held virtually in early October. Explores across the country participate in EJW's Career Fair to recruit for summer internships and postgraduate positions. Registration usually opens up in September. 

To view additional career fairs visit OCPD's Job Resources.

Yes, there are several common missteps that can make the public interest job search more difficult. One is waiting too long to get started. Some students don't begin applying until the spring of 3L year, by which point many deadlines have already passed. Meeting with OCPD early and checking in regularly can help you stay on track and avoid missed opportunities. 

Another mistake is assuming that postgraduate fellowships aren't worth pursuing. In reality, fellowships are a primary pathway for 3Ls seeking entry-level positions at nonprofit or legal services organizations.

Some students apply only to a small number of highly competitive jobs without building in alternative options, which can lead to unnecessary stress if those roles don't pan out.  

It is also important to avoid treating public interest or government jobs as a fallback. These positions are highly mission-driven, often quite competitive, and typically require a demonstrated commitment to the work. Some students come to law school planning to pursue public interest careers but drift to the private sector, only to realize in their 3L year that they want to return to public service. While career paths can and do evolve, shifting directions late in law school without relevant experience can make it more challenging to stand out in a competitive hiring process. Being intentional throughout law school about exploring and staying connected to public interest work, even in small ways, can make a big difference. 

Don't be discouraged. Many public interest careers are built gradually, and the path is rarely linear. Some positions within highly competitive organizations or niche practice areas may be out of reach for recent graduates or have intense competition. That's why it's important to approach your job search with both vision and realism. 

Start by asking: 

Is there a market for the kind of work I want to do, in the location where I want to do it?

For example, if you're committed to working on Indigenous rights issues, but are unable or unwilling to relocate, your options may be limited, or may not exist at all, in your geographic area.  

In some cases, the work you're drawn to may simply not exist yet in the region you're targeting. If that's the case, ask yourself whether this reflects a gap in services, which could realistically be addressed through a project-based fellowship. Programs like Equal Justice Works, Skadden, and Justice Catalyst are designed to support recent graduates in launching public interest projects in partnership with nonprofit host organizations. Many of these projects are innovative or help to fill gaps in services. 

If fellowships aren't available or don't fit your goals and your target role is typically limited to experienced atorneys, focus on building the skills and experience that role requires. 

Ask yourself:

What are the core skills attorneys in my target role use every day?

This might include litigation experience, direct client services, or developing subject-matter expertise in a particular area of law. 

Where else could I build those same skills right now?

Legal services organizations, smaller nonprofits, public defender offices, and government agencies often offer early opportunities for hands-on experience and skill development. 

Some practice areas may have typical entry points or expectations. Reviewing lateral job postings or reading staff bios at organizations you admire can help you identify these patterns. You should also consult with OCPD for personalized advice and guidance. There may be entry points, fellowships, or similar opportunities you haven't yet discovered. 

The key is to view your first job as a launchpad, not a final destination. By strategically building relevant experience, you'll become a stronger candidate for the roles you aspire to down the line. 

Whether you've developed a strong interest in a specific region or are open to going wherever your preferred practice area takes you, conducting an out-of-state job search requires careful planning and a strategic approach. Below are tips and resources to help guide your search, whether you are geographically flexible or targeting a particular location. 

If you're targeting a specific region: 

Before diving into your search, it's important to understand the local job market within the area you're targeting. Competition can be strong in major metropolitan areas or regions such as New York with multiple law schools, where employers may have no shortage of candidate and/or prefer candidates with local ties. Therefore, you'll need to be proactive and strategic in your search. For example, you may need to expand your search to include a wider range of employers or adjacent practice areas within the region. 

If you don't have ties to the region, clearly explain your interest in your cover letter and be prepared to discuss this during interviews. "I've always wanted to live here" is not a compelling enough reason to set you apart.

If you know early on that you want to work in a particular location, try to secure a summer internship there, if feasible, and start building connections with local attorneys. 

If you're geographically flexible: 

If your passion for a particular type of work outweighs your location preferences, geographic flexibility can significantly expand your options. It opens doors to a wider range of opportunities, including in regions where the demand for public interest lawyers is high and the applicant pool is small.  

Ideally, you'll begin reflecting on your geographic preferences early in law school. Research where your desired practice areas are most active and where communities face significant unmet legal needs. This can help you identify places where your work can have the greatest impact. 

At the same time, take stock of your personal circumstances and priorities. Do you have family, professional connections, or other ties that influence where you want to live and work. Under what conditions would you consider relocating? Would you be open to living in smaller or rural communities, where the need for public sector attorneys is great. Consider what kind of environment will support your growth, not just professionally, but personally as well. 

Of course, practical factors matter too. Think about cost of living, housing availability, transportation, climate, and work-life balance. These day-to-day realities can shape your experience just as much as the nature of the job itself. 

Once you've reflected on these questions, you'll be better positioned to pursue opportunities. Geographic flexibility, when paired with thoughtful planning, can open up unexpected and rewarding career paths. 

Resources and next steps: 

• Schedule a meeting with OCPD to develop a strategy. We can help you identify relevant job boards, opportunities, and potential contacts. 
• Use PSJD.org to research organizations and find job postings by practice area and location. 
• Take advantage of opportunities, such as Equal Justice Works' Career Fair, in which employers from across the country participate. 
• Network with alumni and practitioners working in your desired regions or fields of interest. 
• Reciprocity can be helpful for recent graduates and alumni seeking out-of-state jobs. OCPD can request access on your behalf to another law school's job board and limited services. Be sure to review each school's policy on the NALP website and contact OCPD to initiate a request. Do not reach out to other schools directly. 
• If you plan to take the bar in another state, research the state's bar registration timeline and application requirements. New York, for example, has a 50-hour pro bono requirement for admission to the bar. Stetson Law's definition of pro bono is different from New York's so some or all of your hours may not qualify. 

There are many different types of fellowships. Fellowships typically fall in one of the following five categories, with the first two being the most common: (1) Organizational-based; (2) Project-based; (3) Clinical/Academic; (4) Law Firm Funded/Hosted; and (5) Entreprenurial. 

For a comprehensive overview, review OCPD's Fellowship Resources. 

All public interest-minded students should take the time to learn about fellowships and give them serious consideration. For many public interest roles, fellowships offer a valuable and sometimes essential entry point into the field. 

Whether fellowships are the right fit for you will depend on a number of factors, including your specific career goals, areas of interest, and geographic flexibility. For example, if you're focused on working in a public defender's or prosecutor's office, there are more direct hiring pathways that don't involve fellowships. In contrast, students interested in working at a nonprofit or legal services organization--whether in direct services, impact litigation, community education, or policy work--should look at fellowships more closely. In some cases, a fellowship may even allow you to step into your dream job after graduation. 

Meeting with OCPD early on can help you assess whether fellowships align with your goals.

It's a good idea to begin exploring your options in the spring of your 2L year. Many fellowships have deadlines in early fall of 3L year and involve multiple steps, such as identifying a host organization, developing a project proposal, and submitting drafts for feedback, so early planning is key. Other fellowships may have rolling deadlines during the 2L summer or later application windows that extend into 3L year. 

Because the process and timeline can differ depending on the type of fellowship and your specific goals, the best way to get started is meeting with OCPD. We can help you identify fellowships that align with your interests and guide you through the application process. Before meeting with OCPD, you should also spend some time reviewing our Fellowship Resources. 

If you're interested in working at a nonprofit through a fellowship, the application process depends on the type of fellowship. In most cases, the nonprofit you are interested in working at must first agree to serve as your host organization and you would then apply separately to an external funder for financial support. The most well-known external funders include Equal Justice Works, Skadden, and Justice Catalyst. 

Some nonprofits, however, offer and fund their own fellowship positions directly. 

This depends on the type of fellowship and the organization. For fellowships where the nonprofit hosts and funds the position directly, you typically do not need to develop a project proposal to apply. 

For fellowships funded by third parties, such as Equal Justice Works or Skadden, a project proposal is required as part of the application. An applicant for project-based fellowship opportunities may present their own project ideas to a potential host organization, provided those ideas align with the organization's mission or priorities. However, many organizations already have projects in mind and are seeking candidates to carry them out. 

If you are exploring project-based fellowships, be sure to contact OCPD's Associate Director of Public Interest during the spring semester of your 2L year. 

Once you've spent some time reflecting on your fellowship goals, there are various ways to identify potential host organizations. 

• Talk with OCPD, former employers/supervisors, professors, and others about your interests. These individuals can offer advice, share information about organizations, or introduce you to practitioners working in your field of interest. 
• Explore current/prior employers as potential hosts, including organizations where you've completed an internship, externship, clinic, or pro bono project. 
• Attend Stetson Law's Public Interest Career Fair, panels, and other events where you can meet and learn directly from public interest practitioners about their work and organizations.  
• Conduct research using resources like PSJD to explore organizational profiles and view postings from nonprofits seeking fellows. Keep in mind that not all organizations publicly solicit candidates but may be still be open to partnering on a project-based fellowship. 
• Review lists of previous fellows and host organizations on fellowship websites to identify potential hosts and learn about current/former fellows' projects. 

For more detailed guidance on how to identify and secure a host organization, consult with OCPD. 

Note: fellowship funders have restrictions on the types of organizations that can host fellows and the types of projects that can be funded. 

Not necessarily. In fact, many nonprofits already have project ideas in mind and are looking for candidates to help carry them out. 

Regardless, it's still helpful to carefully reflect on the issues you care about and the populations you hope to serve before reaching out. This preparation can help you identify organizations that align with your goals and engage in more meaningful conversations. 

If you do have a specific project idea in mind, make sure it's consistent with the organization's mission and the populations they are able to serve. For example, if you're interested in eviction prevention, it makes sense to approach a legal services organization with a housing unit instead of one that practices only immigration law. Similarly, it would not be appropriate to propose a project specifically for undocumented immigrants to an organization whose funding restricts them from taking on such cases. 

Ideally, a strong project-based fellowship proposal is the result of collaboration between you and the host organization, combining your interests and skills with their expertise and capacity. 

Before reaching out, be sure to check whether the organization has a formal process or timeline for selecting fellowship candidates and follow any posted instructions. 

Yes. While fellowships are a common entry point into public interest work, many nonprofit organizations also hire recent graduates directly as staff attorneys. However, the hiring timeline often looks different than what you might see with private firms or government offices. Unlike public defender or prosecutor offices, most nonprofits do not hire a set "class" of new attorneys each year. Instead, they typically hire on an as-needed basis, when a position becomes available or new funding is secured. 

That said, in some larger metropolitan areas where there is a high need for attorneys in areas like housing law (such as in New York City) certain organizations may have more structured hiring and bring on cohorts of recent graduates at regular intervals. 

It is also difficult to generalize when you'll be eligible to apply. Some nonprofits require bar passage before hiring, others will consider recent graduates who have recently taken the bar, and and some may be open to 3Ls closer to graduation, especially in the spring semester. Much depends on the organization's size, funding, and capacity. 

If you're interested in pursuing these roles, be proactive: gain relevant experience during law school, stay connected with public interest practitioners, and regularly check job boards. If you're targeting a particular geographic area, consider following the career pages of local nonprofit legal services organizations directly to monitor openings, as opportunities may be filled quickly as they arise. 

Yes, many fellowships welcome applicants coming from term-limited judicial clerkships. 

If you plan to clerk and later pursue fellowship opportunities, it's important to start planning early, as some fellowships require applications up to a year before the fellowship start date. 

Yes, most fellowships last one to two years, but they are widely viewed as prestigious opportunities in the public interest space that open many doors.

Fellows may have the chance to stay on at their host organization as staff attorneys, if funding and organizational needs allow. In fact, some organizations view fellowships as a pipeline for long-term hiring. Even if a permanent role is unavailable or you decide to move on, the skills, experience, and professional network you build during a fellowship can make you a more competitive candidate for a wide range of future career opportunities. 

Many attorneys in public interest and government roles build rewarding careers and lead financially stable lives. Whether this path is sustainable for you depends on your individual circumstances, financial priorities, and what you value in your personal and professional life. 

While public interest salaries will rarely match those seen in large law firms, they are often comparable to entry-level pay at smaller firms. Some positions, particularly those based in large metropolitan areas or in more senior roles, offer highly competitive salaries. Your ability to live comfortable on that income depends on several factors, including your geographic location and cost of living, household income, student loan debt, and lifestyle expections. 

It's also important to look at the full compensation picture. Many public interest and government employers provide generous benefits that can significantly enhance overall value. These may include substantial paid leave, employer retirement contributions or pension plans, flexible work arrangements, and in some cases, fully covered health, dental, and vision insurance with no employee premium contribution. Some organizations even offer sabbatical leave after a certain number of years in service. 

If you're managing student loans, federal programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) can make public interest work financially viable. The PSLF Coalition hosts monthly live webinars to share information and updates you need to know about earning PSLF. 

Additionally, some attorneys may also qualify for Loan Repayment Assistance of up to $10,000 yearly through the Florida Bar Foundation. Planning ahead and staying informed about repayment and forgiveness options can ease financial stress as you grow in your career. 

Finally, if you're choosing this path, it's helpful to avoid comparing your salary directly to private sector peers working in larger firms. While the pay gap is real, so are the trade-offs: meaningful work, a sense of purpose, and often a better work-life balance. Many public interest attorneys find those benefits well worth it. 

Yes, but it requires careful planning and a clear exit strategy. You may face some challenges. It can be easy to grow accustomed to the salary and lifestyle that comes with private practice. It may also be harder to land a public interest job later if your resume does not reflect a recent commitment to the work or show that you have developed the specific skills and experience that public interest employers are looking for. Some employers may also be skeptical about your reasons for making the switch and whether you are genuinely committed to the mission or likely to stay long term. 

To keep the door open, devote as much time as you can to pro bono work, ideally in the area you eventually want to move into. Firms vary in how the handle pro bono. Some count a portion of pro bono hours toward billable hours, while others do not. If you do not make time for it, public interest employers may assume it is not something you truly care about. 

If pro bono work is not feasible, find other ways to stay engaged. Volunteer in a non-legal capacity, sit on the board of an organization you care about, or join relevant bar committees. Show up to community events, attend annual fundraising galas, and find ways to build genuine connections with people and organizations doing the work you hope to be part of. 

You will likely take a salary cut when you make the switch, so try to live simply and frugally to make the transition easier. Have an exit strategy in mind. That could mean making the move after paying off a certain amount of loans, gaining a particular skill set, or reaching another personal or professional milestone. With intentional planning, many lawyers have successfully made this transition. 

Yes, it is possible, but much depends on how your experience aligns with the role you are seeking. The issue is not simply public versus private sector. Like any transition, what matters most is whether the skills, knowledge, and professional relationships you have developed are relevant or transferable to the next position. 

Many litigators in government or public interest transition successfully into private practice, especially if they have gained substantial courtroom experience or managed complex matters. Attorneys with regulatory experience or subject-matter expertise that aligns with a firm's practice are also well-positioned to make the move, particularly when their background supports the firm's client needs. 

Private public interest firms can also be a natural fit for attorneys with a background in public interest or government work. These firms blend a mission-driven approach with a private practice structure, and may value prior experience advocating for underserved communities or working on impact litigation. 

If you are trying to enter a field that is unrelated to your current work and have been in your role for a long time, the transition may be more difficult. You will likely need to be more proactive in building new skills, expanding your network, and demonstrating how your experience translates to the role you want. 

Not at all! Legal careers are long and often non-linear. Most lawyers change jobs and many shift into new areas of law. Your first job may shape your initial skill set and network, but it won't define your entire career. 

Still, it's helpful to be intentional and strategic about your early experiences. The skills, relationships, and exposure you gain in your first few years can influence your future opportunities, especially if they're transferable across different areas of practice. Some roles are harder to break into later and may require careful planning, additional experience, or a gradual transition. 

If you have a clear long-term goal, it may be easier to make choices that move you in that direction. Even if you're unable to land your ideal job right out of law school, you can take steps that keep you aligned with your goals. For example, if you want to be a trial litigator, look for roles that offer courtroom experience. If your goal is impact litigation, seek out opportunities that strengthen your writing, research, and case strategy skills. 

Timing also matters. For example, if you hope to do both litigation and policy work in your career, starting in litigation and moving into policy tends to be easier than the reverse, since employers hiring experienced attorneys for litigation related positions will expect prior courtroom experience. Starting with litigation can also give you insight into how policy decisions affect real people in legal settings. 

It's also normal to discover that your first job or practice area isn't the right fit. Many lawyers pivot once they gain clarity about their strengths and interests. With intention and effort, those shifts are entirely possible 

Your first job matters, but it's only the beginning. As your experience grows, so will your options. 

It is possible, but opportunities will be limited and competition will be strong. Legal service organizations and nonprofits typically hire as positions become vacant or new funding permits. As a 3L seeking postgraduate employment, opportunities open to recent graduates who have not yet passed the bar will be relatively few, and competition for those roles is often high. 

If you are applying for fellowships, keep in mind that the most competitive candidates are those who have a demonstrated commitment to the population they hope to serve or the issues they hope to work on. Without this type of background, it may be more difficult to show funders or host organizations that you have the credibility, insight, and commitment needed to succeed. 

Outside of fellowships, legal services organizations and nonprofits tend to look for candidates who can contribute immediately. That often means having relevant background (e.g., through clinics, internships, pro bono work, community involvement, or coursework) that shows both interest and preparation. That experience does not have to be directly tied to the organization's specific legal issue area. Working with underepresented or marginalized communities, even in a different context, can still show meaningful alignment with an organization's mission and work. If your resume does not reflect experience in the area, you may still be considered if you can clearly articulate your interest and show that you have developed transferable skills and a real understanding of the organization's mission and needs. 

In short, it is not impossible, but you will be competiting with candidates who have taken steps throughout law school to build a foundation in public interest work. The earlier you begin building that foundation, the more competitive of a candidate you will be when it comes to apply. 

Clerking can be a valuable experience no matter what career path you intend to pursue. A clerkship provides intensive experience in legal research and writing, insight into judicial decision-making, and a close-up view of courtroom processes. It also offers a strong mentoring relationship with a judge, which many clerks find personally and professionally rewarding. 

On the other hand, if you have other goals or eager to start working with clients, it's perfectly reasonable to focus on those paths instead. Keep in mind that some judges prefer or are willing to hire experienced attorneys, so clerking remains a possibility for some later on. 

If you're interested in clerking after graduation, start planning early and meet with OCPD in the spring of your 2L year. 

Your timeline will vary depending on the type of job you're seeking after your clerkship. Clerks who hope to transition into public interest practice through a fellowship or government honors program may need to begin their search up to a year in advance, sometimes even before the clerkship begins, in the case of one-year appointments.

If you're planning to pursue public interest or government work outside of these structured programs, timelines can vary widely. In most cases, clerks will need to identify prospective employers on their own and apply as opportunities become available. Some public interest organizations and government agencies hire a new "class" each year, typically composed of recent graduates or attorneys with one to three years of experience. In those cases, application timelines often mirror those for 3Ls. 

In all cases, it's a good idea to begin thinking about your post-clerkship goals early.