The Early BigLaw Recruiting Timeline (w/Sadie Jones)

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we discuss the early timeline for 2L summer job applications and stress the importance of applying before the traditional OCI period. We highlight the need for early preparation, proactive networking, and maintaining academic performance throughout the semester.

In this episode we discuss:

• When to start applying for 2L BigLaw summer jobs?
• Applying directly at firms versus through OCI
• Market trends affecting BigLaw hiring
• Practical tips for job hunting in a dynamic economy

Resources:

• CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/)
• Law School Toolbox Podcast: Careers (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-archive/careers/)
• Biglaw Summer Associate Recruiting Leaves OCI In The Dust In Favor Of Alternative Hiring Plans (https://abovethelaw.com/2025/03/biglaw-summer-associate-recruiting-leaves-oci-in-the-dust-in-favor-of-alternative-hiring-plans/)
• Podcast Episode 55: An Overview of BigLaw On Campus Interviewing (OCI) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-55-overview-biglaw-campus-interviewing-oci/)
• Podcast Episode 164: No Offer After OCI? Here's What to Do (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-164-no-offer-after-oci-heres-what-to-do-w-sadie-jones/)
• Podcast Episode 185: Thinking About the 2L Job Search as a 1L (w/ex-BigLaw Recruiter Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-185-thinking-about-the-2l-job-search-as-a-1l-w-ex-biglaw-recruiter-sadie-jones/)
• Podcast Episode 353: Tips for a Successful Callback Interview (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-353-tips-for-a-successful-callback-interview-w-sadie-jones/)
• Podcast Episode 478: Quick Tips – LinkedIn Best Practices for Law Students (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-478-quick-tips-linkedin-best-practices-for-law-students/)
• How to Prepare for OCI Interviews (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/prepare-oci-interviews/)

Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-496-the-early-biglaw-recruiting-timeline-w-sadie-jones/)

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Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee