Fall & Spring On-Campus Interviews (OCI)
What is OCI?
On-Campus Interviewing (OCI) is the Fall and Spring recruiting program through which law firms, government agencies, military, corporations, federal and state prosecutors, and public defenders’ offices hire summer associates and interns.
It is important to recognize that OCI is not the only way to get a job. Please know that most students will NOT obtain a job through the OCI process. Indeed, approximately 90% of students experience job search success through internships, networking, informational meetings, job fairs, and not through the OCI process.
What about my grades?
As a rule, grades play a very important role to most OCI employers. However, some OCI employers are interested in more than class rank. These positions are extremely competitive, so please keep this in mind. If you are having trouble deciding whether or not to participate in OCI, please make an appointment to speak with a Career Counselor.
Who can participate in OCI?
OCI is open to all continuing students (2L and 3L) at the LSU Law Center. If you have any questions regarding your eligibility, please make an appointment to speak with a Career Counselor.
What should I do to prepare for OCI?
Attend all OCI related programming during the Fall and Spring semesters, and stop by the Career Services Office (Room 101) to review resources or talk to a Career Counselor. You will need to have your resume, cover letters, and writing sample ready immediately.
Do all students get an interview?
No. Employers will notify the Career Services Office who they wish to interview. It will be very important for you to check your student e-mail each day to receive the most updated information.
How should I prepare for an interview?
The best preparation is to sign up for Mock Interviews early, and attend all OCI-related events. Our resources within the Career Services Office are great sources of valuable information.
Where will the interviews take place?
All interviews will be held in the Career Services Office (Room 101) of the LSU Law Center.
Where can I go for advice?
The Career Services Office staff is always available to help you in your career search. Whether it is OCI or any other questions or concerns, please contact the Career Services Office at (225) 578-8787.
How can I maximize OCI opportunities?
During your first year, it is critical to concentrate on your studies not only for prospects of future employment, but to also lay a good foundation for the remainder of law school. Take advantage of opportunities to receive feedback on your legal writing and exams. Try to get some legal experience, either paid or as a volunteer, and work to cultivate strong references. Participation in essay competitions can also offer additional legal writing experience. Take advantage of the Career Services programs and resources to learn more about specific areas of practice and the wide range of career paths you may pursue with a law degree.
Why would I participate in OCI?
If you think you want to work for the employers who participate in OCI after graduation, virtually the only entry-level option is to receive an offer through OCI. Most employers do not routinely hire entry-level attorneys through any other process or at other times. (Common exceptions to this rule may include judges and small employers. Keep in mind that this is only a small segment of potential employers out there.)
What if I want to work for a law firm, but not in Louisiana?
Firms nationwide take part in on-campus interviewing. However, many firms will not send attorneys to every law school in the country. Therefore, if you are interested in working for a law firm out-of-state, you will need to proactively submit your materials (they may not be solicited from out-of-state students). If the firm is interested in interviewing you, they will typically schedule a telephone interview, a videoconference and/or invite you to interview in person. You should research the employers in the geographic area of interest to find out if they participate in OCI and send in your materials. Use www.nalpdirectory.com to locate employers. Be sure to meet with a Career Counselor about your out-of-state job search, they can help you formulate a plan of action.
