Watch: Yulanda Lui ‘23 on being a 2L Leadership Co-Chair of the Women of Color Collective
In the second year of law school, writing skills are emphasized. You can hone your writing through directed research with a professor, or as part of seminar, completing the analytic paper required to graduate. You can use your paper as the basis for a “note” submitted to one of NYU Law’s student journals, and as a writing sample when applying for jobs and clerkships. You'll also start to focus on advanced courses and can take simulation courses and clinics.
Before Your Arrive
Academics
- Register for your Fall and Spring courses. Use COURSES to register for classes, check your law school schedule, or check for blocks that prevent registration.
Careers
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Attorney Interview Match (AIM) Program: OCS will attempt to match you with a practicing attorney from a law firm in New York City, or wherever you are working, for a mock interview at their office in preparation for Early Interview Week (EIW), when 300+ employers are on campus to interview students for summer or full time positions. (July)
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Take part in the Practice Interview Evening Program in advance of EIW.
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Come to the Interview Skills Workshop in preparation for EIW.
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Participate in EIW. The majority of students secure their 2L summer positions through this program. (July/August)
Fall Semester
Academics
- Choose a subject and an advisor for your note. For guidance, see Why Write a Student Note.
- Figure out how you will choose to meet the mandatory Substantial Writing requirement.
- Continue to register for your Spring courses (late October). Use COURSES to register for classes, check your law school schedule, or check for blocks that prevent registration.
- Add/drop during the first week of classes for Fall.
- Attend the Exam Skills workshop. Check the calendar for event date.
- Understand how to meet the mandatory pro bono requirement.
Outside of Class
- Participate in student organizations.
- Consider going on Alternative Spring Break.
- Talk to professors about being a teaching assistant.
Careers
Private Sector
- Attend call backs at firms.
- Participate in the Fall On-Campus Interviewing (OCI).
- Attend the 2L clerkship orientation to learn about clerkships and the application process.
Public Interest
- Participate in the Fall OCI.
- Learn more about PILC’s Summer Funding Program.
- Review PILC’s special Summer Internship Programs.
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Attend PILC career programs and info sessions.
Spring Semester
Academics
- The schedule of classes is published in March. Counselors in Academic Services are available to meet by appointment to discuss.
- Think about taking a clinic or going on NYU Law Abroad next year to spend a semester immersed in the law and legal culture of Buenos Aires or Paris through a program designed by the Law School.
- Register for the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE).
Outside of Class
- Apply for executive board positions with student organizations.
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Looking toward their third year, 2Ls should consider taking advantage of these NYU Law programs:
Careers
Private Sector
- Spring OCI takes place.
- Attend How to Succeed as a Summer Associate and Throughout Your Legal Career. (April)
- Think about your next steps. See OCS's Your Career Journey.
Public Interest
- Spring OCI takes place.
- Learn more about PILC’s Summer Funding Program.
- Review PILC’s special Summer Internship Programs.
- Attend the PILC Fair. (February)
Clerkships
- If you're interested in clerking, make an appointment with a counselor at the Judicial Clerkship Office and/or attend the 2L clerkship orientation to learn about clerkships and the application process.
- Attend the clerkship reception with alumni clerks.
- Attend the Judicial Clerkship Diversity Panel and Reception and hear a panel of judges speak about the value of a clerkship and the application process and meet the judges and current and former NYU Law clerks.
2L Summer
Academics
- Register for your Fall and Spring courses. Use COURSES to register for classes, check your law school schedule, or check for blocks that prevent registration.
- Attend joint Academic Advising/Career Counseling sessions held by Academic Services, Career Services, and PILC.
- Register for the New York Law Exam (NYLE).
Careers
Clerkships
- Apply for clerkships.
Public Interest
- Secure host organizations for public interest project fellowships.