A Guide to the LSSEP and Everything After
One thing I wish I knew before applying to the Law School Summer Employment Program (LSSEP) was that it was more competitive than I thought. Since it was obvious that the 1L formal recruit was highly selective, I had the impression that I would default to an LSSEP position. That was not the case. Out of the eight LSSEP positions that I applied to, only one extended me an interview. I was fortunate enough to get the offer, but it felt too close of a call.
This year, however, I get the impression that students have taken cautionary tales like mine a little too seriously. First-year students should know that the road to LSSEP is feasible. Not only that, but there are also more opportunities beyond LSSEP.
For the sake of simplicity, I have summarized the new LSSEP Guide from the CDO. There are about a dozen employers participating in the LSSEP, with Downtown Legal Services (DLS) leading in number of prospective hires with about 25 to 30 potential hires. International Human Rights Program (IHRP), Advocates for Injured Workers (AIW), and Law in Action Within Schools (LAWS) follow suit with about 11 to 16, 8, and 6 potential hires respectively. Excluding fellowships and prospective Future of Law Lab hires, an estimated 74 to 85 students will be hired under the LSSEP. With a 1L cohort size of 232 this year, about 32% to 37% of students will be hired by LSSEP employers, fellowships and Future of Law Lab aside. This is not an insignificant number.
Now, to some anecdotal LSSEP experiences.
DLS Recruit Experience
I only applied to two divisions at DLS. I ranked the Employment division first and the Housing division second. Ultimately, I got an interview with the latter. I found that asking for personal statements from previous summer caseworkers greatly benefitted me in the process.
The interviews conducted during the recruit process involved a set list of questions, most of which were behavioural ones. Interview candidates were also asked to submit a written assessment. I found that reaching out to previous summer caseworkers and booking a mock interview with the CDO helped me a lot with my interview performance.
That being said, students still interested in DLS following the LSSEP recruit will have a chance to work as a caseworker during the school term if they do not get to do so over the summer.
Opportunities Beyond LSSEP: Update Your UTLC!
Having spoken to several first year students, many were shocked to discover that there were still opportunities beyond LSSEP. If this serves as any comfort to those participating in the LSSEP recruit, bear in mind that job postings will continue to appear on UTLC even when the LSSEP recruit is over. I would recommend updating your UTLC account every now and then to check for job postings. Furthermore, students have the option to individually reach out to professors or regional law firms for summer opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The LSSEP recruit, while competitive, is just one of many paths available for securing summer employment. Opportunities don’t end with LSSEP!
To the 1Ls navigating this process, remember that your summer experience is not a definitive measure of your success in law school or your future legal career. Stay open to possibilities, keep learning from each experience, and trust that your path is unfolding in the way it is meant to be. And as always, best of luck!