Summer Job Search FAQs

It is completely normal not to know exactly what you want to do right away. A great place to start is by reviewing OCPD's Public Interest Job Search Timeline, which outlines the typical timeline and application process for a 1L. You should also read What Is Public Interest Law for a helpful overview of the many types of work that fall under this category. 

Your classes, law school activities, and programs attended can also help you identify different areas of interest. Attend OCPD events like the Pro Bono Fair, where you can meet public interest and government employers and talk with them about the work they do and the individuals/groups they serve. Be sure to attend OCPD programming about the public interest job search as well as events and panels featuring public interest practitioners. 

Beginning in October, you'll have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with OCPD. These meetings will be most productive if you've taken some time to familiarize yourself with the public interest landscape and reflect on your interests. Think about the issues that matter you you, the communities you want to serve, the advocacy tools and practice settings you want to explore, and the geographic areas you'd like to work. Coming to your meeting with these reflections will help you and OCPD develop a more tailored and strategic job search plan. 

The timing depends on your class year.  

1L

1Ls should plan to meet with OCPD in October to discuss your interests and goals for the summer. Some public interest opportunities have deadlines as early as November. Whether you should begin sending applications in November or wait until winter break depends on which organizations interest you most. OCPD can help you develop a personalized, realistic application timeline. 

2L 

2Ls should begin their search over their 1L (Rising 2L) summer and continue actively searching through early fall. Many public interest and government employers post 2L internship openings early, with deadlines falling in late summer/early fall. Starting early over the summer gives you ample time to research employers and opportunities and prepare strong, tailored application materials. 

Note: Private sector employers are recruiting earlier each year for 2L summer associates, some with deadlines before your 1L summer internship even begins. Therefore, it's important to monitor those timelines closely if you're considering both sectors. 

There are lots of resources available to help you find public interest internships for the summer. Start by reviewing the Public Interest Job Search Resources page, which provides an overview of public interest job boards, Stetson's On-Campus Interview (OCI) program, career fairs, and other opportunities. 

To help you stay current, OCPD is launching a Public Interest listserv in the fall that will share select job postings, upcoming deadlines, relevant events, and a monthly Public Interest Newsletter. Sign up for the listserv to get new opportunities and important updates delivered straight to your inbox. 

Finally, don't underestimate the value of networking. Talking with professors, alumni, and public interest practitioners can help you learn about organizations, build connections, and discover opportunities that aren't widely advertised. 

Don't let that discourage you! Most public interest organizations take on legal interns during the summer, even if positions are not promoted widely. Some organizations post internships directly to their website's careers page or have a dedicated web page for law student internships or volunteer opportunities available online. Others post on job boards or send their postings directly to law schools, and therefore may be on Symplicity. 

Start by checking the organization's website. If you can't find information about internships there, you can always reach out to ask about their application process. OCPD may have insight into the organization's typical hiring timeline or know the best point of contact. 

There's no one-size-fits-all number, but below are some general guidelines for students depending on their class year. 

1L

As a 1L, it is important to apply broadly to increase your chances of securing a meaningful summer position, especially if you're exploring multiple geographic regions or areas of interest. While there is no exact recommended number, it is not uncommon for students to submit 15-20 applications their 1L year, depending on their goals and the competitiveness of the positions. 

In developing your application strategy, remember that quality matters as much as quantity. Take time to tailor each application to the specific employer by explaining why you're interested in their work and how you can contribute. Thoughtful, personalized materials can significantly improve your chances, even if you don't have extensive experience. 

Keep in mind that the summer public interest job market can be competitive, and many organizations have limited openings. Applying broadly while ensuring your materials are tailored to each position you apply to can help you maximize your opportunities. 

2L

As a 2L, your summer job search should be more targeted and strategic than your 1L year. Beacuse you likely have more clarity about your career goals, it is important to prioritize quality over quantity at this stage of your job search. 

Some students focus on 10-15 well-researched, carefully tailored applications to organizations where they have a strong interest and might want to work long-term. With that said, competition can be stiff in certain practice areas, so some students apply to more positions as needed to increase their changes. 

OCPD is available to help you develop a strategy based on your goals, academic performance, experience, and target market. 

Yes! Students are strongly encouraged to consider applying to public interest internships beyond the Tampa Bay area. Other geographic markets, especially in smaller markets and rural communities, may be less saturated with Stetson Law students or law students in general. This can increase your chances of securing a position and offer unique learning experiences. 

In fact, there is a particular need for law students and attorneys in rural areas, and some programs offer incentives such as generous stipends or post-graduate hiring pipelines to attract candidates to these underserved regions. 

Your 1L summer is an ideal time to explore a new city or region, build transferable skills, and experience a different legal market. By contrast, your 2L summer is typically more targeted, focusing on locations where you could see yourself living and working after graduation. 

Of course, personal or financial circumstances may make relocation more challenging, and that is completely valid. 

If you are applying to an organization in a location where you have no previous ties, be prepared to explain why you are interested in that area. This might include your interest in a particular legal issue, a desire to serve the local community, or your openness to relocating there after graduation. 

That's completely okay, especially as a 1L. While some students may have relevant experience, many will not, and employers know this. Instead of limiting yourself to areas where you already have experience, first ask yourself what kind of work you want to do this summer and why. Your interest might come from a class you took, a speaker you heard, current events, or personal experiences. All of these are valid sources of motivation. 

Then, take a critical look at your past expereinces, even if they don't seem obviously related at first glance. You may find transferable skills that align well with the work you hope to do over the summer. These skills can come from volunteer work, jobs, leadership roles, coursework, or even life experiences.  

When writing your cover letter, focus on your "why." Why you're interested in the organization, why you care about its work, and what you hope to contribute. Thoughtful, mission-driven applications can make a strong impression, even without direct experience in the subject area. 

Externship: Externship programs place students in off-campus, legal environments where they observe and participate in the activities of host organizations. Externship placements vary widely and include state and federal courts, governmental agencies, nonprofits, and local corporations. Consequently, students enjoy the unique opportunity of observing how these entities operate from behind the scenes. Students routinely perform functions such as reviewing documents, conducting research, and writing memoranda of law. 

Clinic: Most clinic programs place students in off-campus, legal environments where they are authorized to practice law under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Off-campus clinic placements include legal aid organizations, local governments, the Office of the Public Defender, and the Office of the State Attorney. Students routinely conduct research, interview clients and witnesses, write motions or memoranda of law, and advocate during hearings and trials. Stetson also currently has two on-campus clinics, the Veterans Advocacy Clinic and the Dick and Joan Jacobs Public Interest Law Clinic for Democracy and the Environment. 

In addition to receiving academic credit, students are awarded 30 legal public service hours for completion of a clinic. These hours are credited toward the Pro Bono/Public Service graduation requirement, but are not counted toward the Blews Award (which is reserved for pure Pro Bono service). 

In general, students participating in clinic programs are approved by the Florida Supreme Court as Certified Legal Interns (CLIs). CLIs are authorized to practice law under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Consequently, CLIs may speak in open court. Speaking in court often includes arguing motions and advocating during criminal proceedings, including jury trials. Although participation in a clinic program generally requires approval as a CLI, there are exceptions--most notably, participants in the Immigration Law Clinic and Veterans Advocacy Clinic are not required to be CLIs. 

Internships: Internships are typically not for academic credit, may be paid or unpaid, and are offered by a wide variety of legal employers during the summer or academic year.

Please note that the terms externship and internship are sometimes used interchangeably by employers. When an external opportunity is labeled an externship, it typically means the position is unpaid, but it does not necessarily require that you receive academic credit to participate. If an internship is unpaid and with a qualifying nonprofit, goverment, or legal services organization, you may be eligible to earn pro bono credit instead of academic credit. If you wish to earn academic credit for an unpaid opportunity that is not already part of an approved externship program at Stetson Law, you may be able to pursue it as an Individual Externship by seeking approval from the Clinical and Experiential Education Office. 

Choosing What's Right for You: As you weigh your options for the summer, consider what type of experience will best support your goals and needs. Think about your financial circumstances--earning academic credit requires paying tuition, while earning pro bono credit, requires that your work be unpaid. Also note that not all clinics and externships are available during the summer term. 

Working in the private sector won't automatically hurt your chances of landing a public interest job. However, it can come witht trade-offs. The 2L summer is typically your most intensive legal experience before graduation, and choosing a firm position may mean missing out on the chance to build hands-on experience in public interest, strengthen your connections in the field, or set yourself up for post-graduate fellowships or opportunities. 

Every student's situation is different. If you're unable to spend your summer at a public interest organization, there are still meaningful ways to stay involved throughout your time in law school, such as through clinics, externships, or internships during the academic year.

Public interest post-graduate opportunities are often limited and competitive, so the more you can show a demonstrated commitment throughout law school, the stronger your applications will be. OCPD can help you weigh the decision and strategize how to stay on track for your long-term goals. 

Yes, it's a good idea to review your online presence before you begin applying to summer internships. Employers may conduct internet searches on candidates or review social media accounts such as X, Bluesky, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and others. Delete any content that could raise concerns, including inappropriate photos, posts with overly negative language, or references to recreational drug use or excessive drinking.

Employers may be cautious about candidates with unprofessional online profiles. Use good judgment, as your online presence will be treated as an extension of your professional identity. Out of caution, treat everything you post as if it were public. 

Your resume should rarely exceed one page, especially for 1Ls and 2Ls applying to summer positions. Legal employers are accustomed to one-page resumes and may overlook important details if the document is too long.

There are a few narrow exceptions where a longer resume may be advisable. For example, a two-page resume may be appropriate if you are applying for a post-graduate fellowship. If you're unsure, OCPD can help you determine whether your resume should exceed one page. 

As you build experience throughout your legal career, we recommend maintaining a separate master resume that includes your full work experience and accomplishments. When applying to different opportunities, tailor your resume by highlighting the most relevant experiences while keeping it to one page, while being mindful of gaps in employment or educational history. Small formatting adjustments can also help you fit more content without sacrificing readability. 

Yes, a tailored cover letter is essential because it shows you've taken the time to research the employer and think carefully about why you want to work there. While letters for internships in the same sector may share some similarities, each one should still clearly explain why that particular employer and position interests you and how your experiences and skills make you a strong candidate for that specific role. 

Avoid generic statements that could apply to any employer. Instead, mention something unique about the organization's mission, recent work, or client population that genuinely speaks to you. Then, connect the dots between what they do and what you bring to the table. A well-tailored cover letter can make a significant difference, especially in the public interest field where employers value commitment to their mission as much as credentials. 

Employers understand that first-year students have limited options for writing samples. A memo or brief written for your Legal Research and Writing (LRW) class is entirely appropriate, even if the topic is unrelated to the employer's practice area. 

Upper-level students may submit work produced during an internship, externship, or clinic, provided they have permission from the supervising attorney and have redacted any confidential or identifying information. Your writing sample should be substantially your own work, free of grammar, spelling, and citation errors, and not something that has been heavily edited by another person. 

When submitting a graded LRW assignment, you may incorporate changes based on feedback you recevied from your professor. 

Please note: As a matter of office policy, OCPD does not review or provide substantive feedback on writing samples. 

The preferred length for legal writing samples is typically 5-10 pages, unless otherwise specified. Writing samples may be either single- or double-spaced. However, if the employer provides specific guidance on length or spacing, follow their instructions exactly. 

If your writing sample is too long for what is requested, you may submit an excerpt, provided your excerpt makes sense without the rest of the document. 

When submitting your writing sample, always attach a cover page. Use this page to explain when and why you wrote the document, and provide context if you are submitting an excerpt. The cover page should also include your name and contact information and match the formatting of your resume. 

Unless the employer specifies otherwise, an unofficial transcript will usually be fine. You may request your transcript from the Registrar's Office. 

A reference list is a document you provide to employers that includes the names and contact information of individuals who can speak about your qualifications and work experience. Typically, this list includes three individuals such as current or former employers, supervisors, or law school professors. Reference lists should be submitted only when an employer specifically requests them and should include each person's name, title, contact details, and your relationship to them. Employers may request references as part of an application or following an interview. Before listing someone as a reference, always ask for their permission to do so. 

A letter of recommendation is a letter written on your behalf by a professor, employer, or another source who recommends you for a specific position. The letter is addressed to a prospective employer and provides a more detailed and personalized endorsement of your skills and qualifications. Recommendation letters are requested less frequently than references, but are commonly required for judicial clerkship and public interest fellowships applications.

When an application requires a letter of recommendation, it is best to contact potential recommenders several weeks before the deadline to give them ample time to prepare. Provide them with your current resume, the job description, and accurate submission details. Providing this information allows your recommender to craft a more personalized letter that highlights your qualifications for the position. 

Review OCPD's guidance on Preparing Materials, including Resumes and Cover Letters. 

Submit your materials to OCPD for review, or schedule an appointment to meet with the Associate Director of Public Interest Careers. Contact [email protected] to have materials reviewed or schedule an appointment. 

OCI Applications: If you've applied for a position through Stetson Law's On-Campus Interview (OCI) Program, the posting will list the date when interview invitations will be released. To view this, visit the OCI page on Symplicity, select "Review" next to the employer, and check the "Important Dates" section. 

Once invitations are released, your status will appear in the "Invitations" column:

• Pre-Select (Accept or Decline): You've been invited to interview. 
• Pending: The employer has not made a decision yet. 
• Not Invited/Not Selected: You were not selected for an interview. 
• Alternate: You've been selected as a backup. If a slot opens, OCPD will contact you. 

Non-OCI Applications: The timeline for hearing back on non-OCI applications varies widely. Some respond quickly, especially if they are hiring on a rolling basis and are particularly interested in your application. Others may take several weeks or months before reaching out, depending on the hiring timeline. 

Start by reviewing the job posting to see if it includes a timeline or instructions about follow-ups. Some postings specify when you can expect to hear back or note that only selected candidates will be contacted. If a posting explicitly says no calls or emails, be sure to respect that request. 

If you're unsure or concerned about a specific employer, reach out to OCPD. We may be able to provide insight based on prior student experiences. 

In many cases, yes, but it depends on the employer and the timing. If the job posting includes a specific deadline that has not yet passed (and the opportunity is not listed as "rolling" or "open until filled"), it is best to wait until a reasonable time (e.g., two weeks) after the deadline before reaching out. 

If no deadline is listed and a few weeks have passed since you applied, it is generally acceptable to send a brief, polite follow-up email to check on the status of your application. Before doing so, be sure to check the posting for any instructions about follow-ups. If the posting says "no calls or emails," respect that guidance. 

When in doubt, OCPD is happy to help you assess whether and how to follow up appropriately. 

If a non-OCI employer proposes an interview time that conflicts with your schedule, it is appropriate to politely request an alternative. Reply promptly, thank them for the opportunity, and offer several alternative dates and times, while inviting them to suggest any other time that works best for their schedule. 

Maintaining professionalism and flexibility in your communication is key. 

It's completely normal to feel nervous before an interview. The best way to ease that anxiety is through preparation.

Start by learning what to expect in public interest interviews and how to prepare. OCPD's interview resources for public interest employers can help guide you through common questions and strategies. 

Next, schedule a mock interview with OCPD. Practicing in advance can help you refine your responses and build confidence. If feasible, request that your mock interview be conducted in the same format as your upcoming interview, whether in person, by phone, or virtually. This will help you get comfortable with the setting and any technology involved. 

You can also practice common interview questions with a friend or on your own. 

Contact OCPD to reserve an interview room. The earlier you let us know, the more likely we'll be able to accommodate you. Alternatively, you can check with the library to reserve a study room. 

Wear business professional attire to your interview and pay attention to good grooming and a neat appearance. For virtual interviews, dress professionally from head to toe and choose a clean, neutral background or use a background blur to minimize distractions

Yes, sending a thank you note is highly recommended. It demonstrates professionalism, appreciation for the interviewer's time, and reinforces your interest in the position. While handwritten notes are thoughtful, timing is usually more important, so email is preferred. Try to send your thank you note within 24 hours after the interview to make the best impression.

If the employer requested additional materials during your interview (e.g., writing sample, references, or transcript) be sure to include those in your thank you email. If for some reason it is not possible for you to send the additional requested materials within 24 hours, do not wait to send your thank you email. In your thank you email, you can tell the employer when you will submit the requested materials by, or confirm that you will submit the materials by the date requested (if one was provided). 

If you were interviewed by multiple people, it is perfectly acceptable to send one thank you note addressed to everyone. If you have the names and contact information for each interviewer, you can send the thank you email to the entire group. Staff members' email addresses are sometimes posted under the staff bios section of the organization's website. If you do not have contact information for everyone, send the thank you email to your primary contact and express your appreciation for the time spent with all the interviewers. You can politely ask that your thanks be shared with the rest of the interview team. 

Employers generally understand that law students apply to multiple organizations and that their offer may not be a student's first choice. However, it is important to treat every employer with professionalism and respect as the legal community is small. Always respond to employer communications promptly, ideally within 24 hours, as timely responses reflect well on you and demonstrate your professionalism.

If you receive an offer "on the spot" or before you are ready to accept

Congratulations! Receiving an offer on the spot is a strong indication that you made a great impression. Still, it can feel uncomfortable if you're not prepared to accept right away. Begin by expressing your appreciation. It is perflectly appropriate to ask when a decision is needed or to request a specific timeframe (such as 1-2 weeks) to consider the offer. Most employers will be open to giving you a reasonable time to decide. 

If your second choice makes an offer before your first 

As with any offer, start by thanking the employer and confirming the response deadline. Then, contact your preferred employer. Let them know you've received another offer and that their organization is your first choice. Ask if they are able to share their hiring timeline, and if possible, whether a decision could be made before your offer deadline. 

DO NOT tell any employer that they are your first choice unless that is truly the case and never say this to more than one organization. 

If you're waiting to hear back from other employers.

You may also reach out to any other organizations you've interviewed with to let them know you've received an offer and share your decision deadline. You can ask if it is possible to have an update on your application by that time. It is completely reasonable to seek more information before making a decision, just as it is reasonable for employers to stick to their original timeline. 

Final tips 

Keep careful track of all offer deadlines and honor the timeline you've agreed to. Do not ask for additional time once it has been granted. If you need help navigating these conversations, OCPD is available to support you and help you strategize. 

Once you have accepted an offer, you are expected to honor that commitment. Accepting a job or internship should be treated as a final decision. 

Changing your mind after acceptance can have serious consequences. Even if you feel certain that you will never apply to that organization again, backing out of an accepted offer can still damage your professional reputation and impact future opportunities. The legal community is small, and public interest employers often communicate with one another. The public and private sectors are also more connected than you might expect. 

In addition, your actions may affect how the employer views future Stetson Law candidates. Withdrawing after accepting can jeopardize opportunities not just for yourself, but for others who follow you. 

To avoid this situation, take time before accepting any offer to carefully consider your options. If you're not ready to commit, it's perflectly appropriate to thank the employer and ask for a reasonable deadline to decide. OCPD can help you navigate these conversations and weigh your options so you don't feel rushed into a decision you may later regret. 

If you believe you have truly extraordinary circumstances that may require you to rescind your acceptance of an offer, contact OCPD right away to discuss the situation. 

Yes. Once you accept an offer, you should promptly withdraw any outstanding applications to other organizations. Thank the employer for their time and consideration, and let them know that you are withdrawing your application because you have accepted another opportunity. 

If you remain interested in the work of the organization and hope to be considered for future opportunities, it is perfectly acceptable to say so.

Withdrawing your application in a timely and respectful way helps preserve relationships, maintains your professional reputation, and reflects well on you and Stetson Law.