Many larger firms, especially those out of state, seek to hire 1L’s who have shown a commitment to diversity issues as part of “diversity clerkship/fellowship” programs. This can be a great way to get firm experience your first summer. For 1L’s, most application deadlines will be at the end of December and early January.
If you have shown a commitment to diversity, and are interested in working at a law firm this summer, consider applying for a diversity fellowship! Many large law firms sponsor these fellowships for 1L’s. You can also access this information in the Document Library in Symplicity, in the document entitled “Diversity Scholarships and Fellowships, A to Z.”