Most law schools allow second and third-year students to select their own courses. These courses usually cover topics in greater detail than those in first year. Although these upper-level courses still demand a high level of in-class discussion, the Socratic method is less likely to be used.

Students are often given extended research assignments and papers in second and third-year courses. Upper-level students sometimes have the option to take directed-writing courses in which they complete assignments under the supervision of a professor.

Many first and second-year students look for summer jobs as “clerks” at law firms. Since the competition for summer clerkships is often based on academic performance, second-year students have an advantage over first-year applicants. Most summer jobs involve research and writing for associates in private law firms or government agencies.

Upper-level students also spend considerable time and effort looking for articling positions. An articling position is an intensive, year-long apprenticeship at a law firm that begins after graduation. The search for articling positions usually begins well before students graduate.