Should You Actually Split Your 2L Summer?

Splitting your 2L summer means working at two different employers, typically spending half the summer at each. The conventional wisdom in law school is that splitting is risky. That is partly true, but it is more nuanced than a blanket rule.

Why people split

The most common reasons:

• You have offers from two firms and genuinely cannot decide between them
• You want to try two different practice areas or markets
• One employer is a non-BigLaw option (government, public interest, international) and you want diverse experience
• You are hedging your bets between two markets to decide where to live

The risks

Shorter evaluation window. Instead of 10 weeks to make an impression, you have 5. That is less time to build relationships, get substantive assignments, and demonstrate your value.

Logistical stress. Moving between two cities, adjusting to two different cultures, and managing two sets of relationships is genuinely taxing during an already intense period.

Signal risk. Splitting can signal that you are not fully committed to either firm. Some firms view it negatively, though this attitude is fading.

When splitting makes sense

Splitting is a smart move when:

• One half is non-BigLaw. Splitting between a BigLaw firm and a government agency or public interest organization carries little risk. Most firms are fine with this, and the diverse experience makes you a more interesting candidate.
• You are genuinely torn between two specific firms. If you have done your research on the firm directory and talked to associates at both firms and still cannot decide, the direct comparison of splitting can be valuable.
• You want to explore two different markets. If you are deciding between, say, New York and Chicago, splitting lets you experience both.

When to avoid it

Do not split if you already have a strong preference for one firm. Do not split just to accumulate more offers. And do not split if either employer has expressed reservations about it.

How to do it well

If you split, give each employer your full attention during your time there. Do not compare the firms out loud. Do not check your phone for emails from the other firm during work hours. Treat each half as a complete experience.

Most firms will let you split if you ask. Some will push back gently. If a firm says they strongly prefer you do the full summer, take that seriously.