On‑campus interviews (OCIs) are a pivotal experience in law school for students aiming to secure highly coveted BigLaw or other summer associate roles. The OCI recruiting process serves as a matchmaking exercise for both students and employers. You get a firsthand look at different firms and practice areas, while firms get to evaluate your potential to eventually join them full‑time. It’s a major stepping‑stone in the legal hiring pipeline and can shape the early trajectory of your career.
OCIs typically occur during the fall semester of your second year of law school, providing an opportunity to interview with multiple firms in a condensed timeframe. While the experience can feel intense and very competitive, it’s also an exciting endeavor. With thoughtful preparation and a clear strategy, you can navigate OCIs confidently and increase your chances of landing a position at a firm or organization that aligns with your goals.
Understanding OCIs in Law School
On-campus interviews are organized by law schools and their career services offices to enable law firms, government agencies, and other legal employers to do initial interviews with students. The OCI process is especially important if you are targeting BigLaw, as large firms rely heavily on this system to identify and hire their future associates. Successful candidates often receive offers to return after graduation, making the OCI one of the most direct pathways from law school to BigLaw employment.
While OCIs are undeniably competitive, the process also levels the playing field. It grants you structured, guaranteed access to elite employers you might not otherwise be able to reach.
How OCI Law School Recruiting Works
The OCI process typically follows a predictable structure:
Employer Registration
Law firms and legal employers register with participating law schools. They indicate exactly how many interview slots they will offer and outline the strict criteria they seek. This often includes GPA cutoffs, class rank requirements, and journal membership.
Student Bidding or Application Period
You submit your applications for interviews through your school’s specific OCI platform. Depending on your institution’s system, you may “bid” on employers using a lottery system or apply directly by submitting your required materials.
Interview Selection
Employers rigorously review applications and select candidates for initial screening interviews. Expect these preliminary meetings to be fast-paced, usually lasting only 15 to 20 minutes.
Interview Days
OCIs take place on campus or virtually. Because of the rapid-fire nature of these schedules, you want to go in fully prepared, be highly professional, and communicate clearly from the first handshake to the final goodbye.
Callbacks
After the initial round of interviews, firms may extend callback invitations to you for additional interviews at their offices. These sessions are longer, more in-depth, and often involve meeting multiple partners and associates. Callback interviews are a chance to ask thoughtful questions about the firm’s work and culture and to further showcase your qualifications and interest in the firm.
Learn more about navigating callbacks.
Offers
Offers for summer associate positions come with standardized response timelines, giving you a defined window to accept your role.
What You Need for Your OCI Application
Your paperwork is your first impression, so flawless application materials rather go without saying. Most top-tier employers require the following components:
Legal Resume
Your one-page resume should be concise and heavily tailored to legal employers. Be sure to highlight:
- Academic achievements and honors
- Relevant legal or professional experience
- Leadership roles and meaningful extracurricular activities
- Specialized skills, such as advanced research, technical writing, or foreign languages
As a 2L, your education section should be featured prominently at the top of the page.
Legal Transcript
An official transcript provides employers with your GPA, class rank, and specific coursework. Make no mistake, academic performance remains the primary screening factor for BigLaw OCI candidates.
Writing Sample
A strong legal writing sample proves your analytical reasoning and clarity. A winning writing sample should:
- Be your own original legal writing, ideally 7 to 10 pages in length
- Include a brief cover memo explaining the context of the assignment
- Be meticulously edited and free of grammatical errors
- Ensure confidentiality by redacting sensitive information or using fictitious names
Cover Letter
A well-crafted and tailored cover letter explains why you want to work at that specific firm or organization. Use this document to bridge the gap between your personal interests, past experiences, and the firm’s core practice areas and culture.
Preparing for OCI Interview Day
Thorough preparation is important for OCI success. Start by researching every employer in exceptional depth. Review their core practice areas, major clients, even their culture and established values. Understanding the firm’s specific needs and recent deals/high-profile cases allows you to tailor your interview responses and demonstrate genuine interest.
Helpful resources to do all this include firm websites, the NALP Directory, and your school's alumni network.
Practice Interviews
Mock interviews through your law school’s career services office can help you refine your answers to the most common questions, so you don’t walk into an OCI cold:
- “Tell me about yourself.”
- “Why are you interested in this firm?”
- “Why do you want to work in BigLaw?”
Practice will help you deliver concise, highly confident responses that immediately highlight your qualifications and motivation.
Logistics + Presentation
Plan your interview logistics well in advance. Confirm your schedule the night before and select something very professional to wear. A polished physical appearance and a composed demeanor go a long way during these stressful interview days.
What to Expect During OCI Interviews
Be prepared to answer a wide variety of questions with complete professionalism. On-campus interviews are designed to assess your legal knowledge, interpersonal skills, and overall fit with the firm’s culture. You may encounter behavioral questions about your past experiences, specific resume-based inquiries, and situational or problem-solving questions to assess your ability to think like a lawyer.
Listen carefully to the interviewer and respond thoughtfully. When you ask highly researched, intelligent questions about the firm or its culture, you show genuine engagement and set yourself apart from candidates who simply go through the motions.
Following Up After OCI Interviews
After every interview, it’s important to send a timely thank you note via email within 24 hours as a professional courtesy. Keep this message brief and personalized, directly referencing a specific topic you discussed during your conversation. Thoughtful follow-up reinforces your interest and leaves a lasting positive impression on the hiring committee.
Secure Your BigLaw Future
Understanding how OCI law school recruiting works gives ambitious 2Ls a massive strategic advantage. If you are aiming for the top, OCIs remain the most reliable, proven path to securing a BigLaw summer associate position—and ultimately, a highly rewarding full-time legal career.
BARBRI is here to help you be successful in law school and beyond. View our seven tips for how to stand out during OCIs. Besk of luck!
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