3L Career Planning Timeline

The job search process often continues throughout students' final year of law school. The following timeline is designed to help you stay on-track and conduct a thoughtful and effective job search. 

If you are interested in pursuing a public interest career, we also encourage you to review the 3L Public Interest Career Planning Timeline.

Reflecting on Summer & Search Plan

September 1 - October 31

Step 1: Reflect & learn

• Take time to consider your 2L summer and how the experience aligns with your career goals

Step 2: Build professional relationships

• Add the contacts you’ve developed since you started law school to your database and/or LinkedIn
• Draft follow-up emails and schedule meetings with contacts
• Continue to identify & initiate contacts
  • Informational interviews are a requirement of the Upper-Level Foundations of Practice Program
• Attend Employer-in-Residence programs

Step 3: Continue your action plan

• Consider whether a spring internship fits your goals
• Research small/medium firms and government positions
• Continue direct writes to firms

3L Fall Semester Action Plan

Job Searching Skills

October 15 - January 31

Step 4: Prepare application materials and get ready for interviews

• Update your resume & cover letters
• Meet with your career advisor to review materials and solidify your search plan
• Schedule a mock interview to refine your interview skills

Step 5: Continue building professional relationships

• Set goals for targeting new contacts and follow-up
• Update your LinkedIn profile
• Use LinkedIn, Martindale, Leadership Directories, and Career Center website resources to develop leads for new contacts

Step 6: Job listings & fairs

• Apply for job listings in CORE, PSJD, AZ Guide
• Attend spring events:
  • Small & Medium Firm Networking Event
  • Public Sector Recruitment Program

Preparation & Goals for Post-Grad

February 1 - May 1

Step 7: Spring semester action plan

The Spring Semester Action Plan will help you complete the Upper-Level Foundations of Practice requirements, as well as:

• prioritize your remaining time in law school,
• assess strengths and skills gaps,
• update your careers timeline,
• continue your summer job or semester externship search, and
• use your professional networks strategically.

See a career counselor for assistance prioritizing the action items in the plan.

3L Spring Semester Action Plan

Step 8: Continue building professional relationships

• Follow-up with contacts
• Small/Medium Firm networking events
• Identify & attend events
• Develop a plan for networking over spring break
• Attend Coffee with Experience hosted by the Alumni Office (typically hosted in March)

Step 9: Continue job search

• Read the 3L Career Center Newsletter
• Job postings in CORE, PSJD, AZ Guide
• Submit your resume to spring resume books in CORE
• Direct writes to small/medium firms
• Attend Career Center programs targeted to post-graduation searches

Step 10: Prepare for graduation

• Decide which state Bar Exam you will take; prepare and submit your Bar application

After Graduation

Job Search Guide for Recent Graduates