The best way to start your summer after 1L? Dive right in and enjoy the time off!
1L breezed by in a flash and the next thing you know it’s May, the sun is shining, and there is nothing but a world full of possibilities in store for the next four months. With all those options it can be difficult to decide what to do over your glorious summer break. For those of you not originally from Vancouver, you may also be wondering whether you should spend your summer at home. Lucky for you, today’s blog is devoted to outlining some of the ways my fellow law students have spent their summers after 1L. Read on for some inspiration!
Working for Law Firms
One of the big questions you may have is: when am I supposed to start working for a law firm? Although I will not fully get into answering that question, I will say that it is very rare for students to work for law firms right after 1L. Some firms in Alberta and Ontario hire a few students fresh out of their first year (note: this happens fairly early in the fall). However, this is generally not the case in BC. If you are interested in more information on these opportunities try reading: http://www.law.ubc.ca/careerservices/info.html#6 and speak with someone in the Career Services Office!
Working for UBC Law
The Faculty of Law offers some summer student positions (which vary from year to year) with the Alumni Association, the Career Services Office, Student Services, and of course, the Orientation Coordinator. I have to admit, I feel incredibly fortunate to have landed this amazing opportunity to plan your Orientation Week. Summer positions with UBC Law are fairly relaxed and perfect if you want to take a few weeks off during the summer. If any of these jobs interest you I would definitely recommending applying in February and March!
Research Assistants
Numerous law professors offer part and full-time research assistant positions during the summer. These are often posted on the Career Services Website but many students are also successful in finding these positions simply by approaching professors who specialize in areas that they are interested in.
Fellowships
First year students will have the opportunity to apply for fellowships, such as the BLG Fellowship (http://www.law.ubc.ca/news/2010/feb/02_18_10_blg.html These allow students to work on a specific research project alongside a professor throughout the summer. Start your applications early as they are highly competitive!
Student Organizations: ProBono Students Canada, Canadian Journal of Family Law, Law Revue, Innocence Project, Centre for Feminist Legal Studies
Many student organizations hire summer students to work on a variety of projects to prepare for the upcoming year. These positions vary from year to year and are often posted on the Career Services Website. Usually these summer jobs are given to students who have actively participated with an organization throughout the school year.
Working for Law Firms
One of the big questions you may have is: when am I supposed to start working for a law firm? Although I will not fully get into answering that question, I will say that it is very rare for students to work for law firms right after 1L. Some firms in Alberta and Ontario hire a few students fresh out of their first year (note: this happens fairly early in the fall). However, this is generally not the case in BC. If you are interested in more information on these opportunities try reading: http://www.law.ubc.ca/careerservices/info.html#6 and speak with someone in the Career Services Office!
Working for UBC Law
The Faculty of Law offers some summer student positions (which vary from year to year) with the Alumni Association, the Career Services Office, Student Services, and of course, the Orientation Coordinator. I have to admit, I feel incredibly fortunate to have landed this amazing opportunity to plan your Orientation Week. Summer positions with UBC Law are fairly relaxed and perfect if you want to take a few weeks off during the summer. If any of these jobs interest you I would definitely recommending applying in February and March!
Research Assistants
Numerous law professors offer part and full-time research assistant positions during the summer. These are often posted on the Career Services Website but many students are also successful in finding these positions simply by approaching professors who specialize in areas that they are interested in.
Fellowships
First year students will have the opportunity to apply for fellowships, such as the BLG Fellowship (http://www.law.ubc.ca/news/2010/feb/02_18_10_blg.html These allow students to work on a specific research project alongside a professor throughout the summer. Start your applications early as they are highly competitive!
Student Organizations: ProBono Students Canada, Canadian Journal of Family Law, Law Revue, Innocence Project, Centre for Feminist Legal Studies
Many student organizations hire summer students to work on a variety of projects to prepare for the upcoming year. These positions vary from year to year and are often posted on the Career Services Website. Usually these summer jobs are given to students who have actively participated with an organization throughout the school year.
LSLAP
Another employer of first year students is the Law Students Legal Advice Program (LSLAP). The number of summer students they take on varies from year to year and more information on LSLAP's hiring process is given out when you sign up. Working for LSLAP provides students with invaluable law-related experience and with a large student-run team, it can be a lot of fun!
WorkSafe BC
WorkSafe BC also hires some first year summer students. These positions are an excellent way to gain law related experience while working alongside actual lawyers. Check the Career Services Website and attend the WorkSafe BC info session in January for more information.
Internships
If you are interested in volunteering overseas then I would highly recommend joining Canadian Lawyers Abroad (find them during the clubs fair in your first week of school) and applying for an internship. With positions across the globe, an international internship can make for a great summer adventure. One of my friends is currently volunteering in Ghana…I will be sure to share updates on her experience with you when she gets back!
Summer Courses
Many students choose to take summer courses to lighten their workload in the year to come. Summer courses vary each year and generally run from mid-May to mid-June and then again from mid-June to mid-July. For more information see: http://www.law.ubc.ca/current/jd/summer.html
Homeward Bound
Many students who left home to attend UBC Law do return to spend their summers with their friends and family. Also, many students return to summer jobs they have held in previous years. Either of these options provide a refreshing change of scenery so be sure to keep them in mind!
Holidays!
Last but not least, many students choose to skip town and savor the freedom of travelling throughout Canada, BC, or overseas. As many students are tight for cash, venturing out on weekend getaways to one of BC’s campgrounds or tourist destinations (see My Vancouver Guide) is also very popular.
There are so many ways to spend May to August so keep your eyes open for opportunities throughout the year and be sure to attend the Career Services info sessions. These will provide you with more in depth information on summer opportunities after 1L. In the meantime, don’t get too ahead of yourself, keep your focus on the upcoming year, and just enjoy this summer while it lasts!
Hope you had a fantastic Canada Day!
Your Orientation Coordinator,
Kaitlyn
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