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The Apprentice Program-FAQ

Rising second and third year law students may consider applying for the UHLC Apprentice Program for the opportunity to  work as an apprentice with a small law firm (4 or fewer attorneys) in the Houston area during the semester. 

Apprentice Program - FAQ
Below you will find the most frequently asked questions regarding the Apprentice Program.  If after reviewing the information below you still have questions, please contact your assigned Career Development Office (CDO) counselor. 

General Apprentice Program Related Questions

  • The UHLC Apprentice Program allows rising 2Ls and 3Ls to work as an apprentice with a small law firm (4 or fewer attorneys) in the Houston area during fall, spring, or summer semesters.  The goal of the program is to provide a true "apprentice" experience to students, and we encourage Apprentice Program firms to give their law clerks a meaningful opportunity to learn and be exposed to their practice and field of law.

  • The Apprentice Program is open only to rising 2Ls and 3Ls currently enrolled at the Law Center.

  • Apprentice Program employers will place their job postings in the online Job Bank. The job posting title will denote that the employer is an Apprentice Program employer. To be a part of the Apprentice Program, simply apply to the position as you would any other job posting. The employer will contact you to set up an interview if interested in your application. If the employer makes you an offer of employment and you accept, the employer will notify the CDO and you will officially be enrolled in the Apprentice Program for that semester.

  • Fall or Spring: Employers hire an apprentice for up to 15 hours a week, for up to 12 weeks. Apprentice Program job descriptions that are posted in the job bank between July 1st and November 1st are eligible for the Fall Apprentice Program. Apprentice Program job descriptions that are posted in the job bank between November 1st and March 1st are eligible for the Spring Apprentice Program.

    Summer: Employers hire an apprentice for up to 30 hours a week, for 6-8 weeks. Apprentice Program job descriptions that are posted in the job bank between March 1st and July 1st are eligible for the Summer Apprentice Program.

    We strongly encourage employers to hire their apprentice for the entire period allowable in order to maximize the learning experience; however, the length of employment varies by firm so students should read all descriptions carefully. Employers are welcome to have the student work more than the maximum apprentice hours per week or beyond the maximum number of apprentice weeks; however, the Law Center will only provide compensation for a maximum of 15 hours per week for 12 weeks in the fall or spring, or the maximum of 30 hours per week for 6 to 8 weeks in the summer.  The exact time period during the semester also varies by employer. Thus, interested students should be mindful of their commitments when placing bids.

  • Yes, Law Center students hired for the Apprentice Program are paid a minimum amount of $16 per hour, 50% of which is subsidized by the Law Center.   Employers are welcome to have the student work more than the maximum apprentice hours per week or beyond the maximum number of apprentice weeks and can choose to pay more; however, the Law Center will only subsidize up to 15 hours a week at a rate of $8 per hour for up to 12 weeks during the fall or spring, or up to 30 hours a week at a rate of $8 per hour for 6 to 8 weeks during the summer.

  • You will need to supply the documents requested by the employer in the job posting. Most employers participating in the Apprentice Program request at least a resume from applicants. Some employers may also ask for a cover letter and/or writing sample.

  • 1. Log in to Symplicity.

    2. Click on the “Documents” tab located on the top navigation bar.

    3. Click on the “Add New” button to upload a new document.

    4. Enter the title of your document in the “Label” field.

    5. Select a “Document Type”.

    6. Under “File”, click on the “Choose File” button to select a file to upload.

    7. Choose the document and click “Open”.

    8. Once you select the document click on the “Submit” button.

    Please note that you cannot bid unless you have uploaded all the documents requested by an employer.

    If you have the ability to convert Word documents into .pdf documents, always convert your documents to .pdf prior to uploading them to Symplicity. This will eliminate any conversion errors with Symplicity.

    If you do not have .pdf conversion software (such as Adobe), you may upload your Word document to Symplicity, which will convert it for you. However, please be aware that if your Word document contains excessive formatting or macros, or if it was created using a template, the format may be altered during the conversion process.

    Once your document is uploaded and converted to a .pdf, be sure to open and view the .pdf document to ensure that there have been no format alterations. If the format on your document changes during the conversion, you may need to modify the format of your Word document and re-upload it to Symplicity. If you continue to have difficulties, please contact the CDO.