It's not too early to get ready for OCI

Yes, it's only the end of June and you've just settled into your summer routine, but now is the perfect time to get ready for OCI. The resume drop deadline for fall is August 25, 2008. That is one week after classes start. So, before you're too busy to update your resume or even think about a cover letter, make a plan. Think about the type of employer you want for your 2L summer, get your resume together, and make any needed appointments with CSO. Fall recruiting will be here before you know it. Don't be unprepared.

In anticipation of the season, NALP has revised it's Open Letter to Law Students. It provides excellent insights and tips regarding OCI. Make sure you check out this excellent reference.

Success as a summer intern

You've landed the summer intern position. Now your goal is to get the permanent offer of employment. What are the keys to a successful summer? The New York Lawyer has a wonderful article on what summer associates need to know to get that offer. A registration is required, but it's free.

Networking resources

Summer is a great time to network. There are always barbeques, concerts, and ball games where folks get together to have a good time and get to know new people. Of course, you are using these and other opportunities to network with classmates, alumni, family, friends, colleagues, local bar associations, and civic groups. However, if these are not enough, check out JDWired's Networking Resources for other great networking outlets.

Tips for finding the "perfect fit"

As you toil away at your summer internship, you are being evaluated by your employer as to your potential as a first-year associate or entry-level attorney. At the same time, you should be doing some evaluating of your own as to their potential as a future employer. Once you get past the basics - firm size, practice areas, salary, and location - you need to access what combination of variables would make you happy both professionally and personally. An excellent article from the lawjobs Career Center may give you some ideas about what factors you should consider if finding the perfect employer fit. And, as the article states, once you figure out what you're looking for, ask anyone you can for information - career services, recruiters, mentors, alumni, young associates, and even more senior-level associates. You certainly don't want to put all that effort into considering your options only to find surprises down the road.