The majority of companies and firms follow the routine of placing a hold on hiring during the holidays because the human resources and other administrative personnel are away on vacation. Nevertheless, there always has to be at least one manager present, and that manager might be a gung-ho type, who is looking for some talent to improve his or her department. As such, it might be a good idea to get that person's attention when not much is going on at the office.
Because law firms operate all year around, there is always going to be a firm that is looking to fill a vacancy that has been created for one reason or another. Alternatively, firms may have short-term positions open that have the potential to become permanent. In either case, sending a resume is not a bad idea, because it is also possible that vacancies will exist when the holiday season is over, due to unexpected circumstances.
While relaxing may be the first thing on most students' minds after finals, it is a good idea to send in an application to a firm or company for a summer position or even a part-time position. Experience during law school is extremely valuable because it allows the students to get used to a law firm environment and gain practical experience before graduation, which will make it easier to obtain a job after law school.
When it gets closer to summer, law firms tend to be swamped with applications. Again, getting ahead of the other candidates is advantageous. For the law firm, it saves time later, because the firm will not have to search for someone to fill an opening. And the student will be secure in the knowledge that he or she has lined up a summer job.
Furthermore, a summer position gives the student an opportunity to try out different areas of law and see which fields he or she likes. With specialization as the norm, law firms tend to favor the candidates that have demonstrated competency in areas where there are openings. Therefore, gaining experience in the field of law that the student wishes to practice in will ultimately distinguish him or her from other candidates.
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