2L Hunter Conetta interned last summer with Textron Systems in Hunt Valley, Maryland. Hunter will spend his 2L summer with Watt, Tieder, Hoffar & Fitzgerald, LLP in McLean, Virginia.
What advice did you get that was particularly helpful in your job search?
The best advice I received was to take the initiative. My CDO advisor encouraged me to reach out to lawyers and employers about my areas of interest and job opportunities. This is a great way to explore what opportunities are out there and to build up your network.
How did you land your 2L summer job?
I landed my 2L summer job through a combination of research and persistent networking. This approach was recommended to me by my CDO advisor, and with enough time and effort, you will find the right job for you!
I started my search by researching law firms in locations I am interested in working: Martindale-Hubbell and current or past job postings on LawQuest were great search tools. I also searched for law firms that specialized in the field of law that I am interested in. Chambers & Partners is a website that provides comprehensive rankings of law firms and their performance in a diverse group of legal practices.
Once I found compatible firms, I searched the attorney profiles of members of the firm to identify any UR alumni, alumni from my undergraduate school, or attorneys who had an interesting experience. I then created a spreadsheet with their names and contact information. I used the spreadsheet to track the dates when I sent an email asking to meet or arrange a Zoom meeting.
If the attorney responded and we found a time to talk, I made sure to have good questions about their firm, their career, opportunities for law students, and recommendations for other lawyers to speak with. If they did not reply via email, I made sure to give them a call to follow up!
This is exactly the process I used to find my summer job for 2026. I had sent out dozens and dozens of emails and made plenty of calls. If you are persistent and act with confidence, you will find your way to the right job for you!
What advice do you have for other students?
Do not settle: the right summer job is out there if you can find it. This past summer I used a combination of tools to find a summer internship that I was truly excited about. I used LawQuest, online searches, and networking to identify employers and positions that would allow me to meaningfully pursue my interests. If you dedicate enough time and effort and use all the resources at your disposal, you will find the right opportunity for you.