Small & Midsize Firm Open House

The Small & Midsize Firm Open House (Open House) connects University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) students and recent graduates directly with legal employers from firms with 50 or fewer attorneys. 
This event offers the opportunity to:

• Learn about small and midsize firms’ practice capabilities and culture;
• Cultivate your professional network with local attorneys; and
• Explore available school-term law clerk, summer, and entry-level attorney positions.

UHLC hosts the Open House twice each academic year to maximize access to employers and opportunities.
2026-2027 Open House Dates:

• Fall Open House: September 11, 2026
• Spring Open House: February 12, 2027

Who Can Participate in the Open House?
Students and recent graduates are invited to participate in the Open House based on the time of year:

• Fall Open House:
• 2L,3L, and LL.M. students
• Recent JD and LL.M. graduates
• Spring Open House:
• All current UHLC students
• Recent graduates

The Open House features employers at firms with 50 or fewer attorneys, however larger firms, corporations, and other organizations may participate if the event aligns with their recruiting needs.  Employers who participate in the Open House are encouraged to share knowledge with students about their practice or, if opportunities are available, hire law clerks for school-term, summer, or the post-bar period. Employers may also be looking for current 3Ls, LL.M. candidates, and recent graduates to fill permanent attorney positions.

What Important Information Do I Need to Prepare for the Open House? 

The Career Development Office encourages students to prepare in advance to maximize the value of the Open House experience.
Students may gain insight into working in a small or midsize firm setting by watching the student interview series featuring upper-level students who have worked at small firms and speaking with students or attorneys who have worked in this sector. These interviews will be published in Symplicity during the week of the Open House. Viewing the student interview series provides perspective on both the advantages and challenges of working small and midsize firm practice, as well as what employers seek in candidates.

Moreover, it is important to prepare for attending the Open House by researching the employers. Students can review information about the Open House employers in Symplicity Career Fairs as employers register.  Students and recent graduates are encouraged to meet with their career counselors to review and update their application materials to ensure that they are the best possible representation of their interests and capabilities.

There is no bidding process for this event, but students are encouraged to RSVP in advance.

What Are the Pertinent Details for the Next Open House?

• Event:            Fall Small & Midsize Firm Open House (Fall Open House)
• Date:               Friday, September 11, 2026
• Time:              12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
• Place:              The Foundation Room in the John M. O’Quinn Law Building
• Participants:   2L, 3L, and LL.M. students and class of 2026 JD and LL.M. graduates

• Format:    Students/graduates attend the fair dressed in business attire and equipped with their application materials. Employer representatives are placed at tables designated by the firm’s name and students/graduates freely move among tables speaking with the representatives about their firms and practice capabilities.

What Are the Post-Event Expectations?
Following the Open House, students should follow up with the employers with whom they would like to pursue employment or the attorneys with whom they would like to build a networking relationship. Employers may express interest in candidates' credentials, keep their resumes on file for future opportunities, or extend formal interviews and employment offers. Hiring timelines will vary by employer.

Timely follow-up, including thank-you notes, and post-event submission application materials is encouraged.

Additional Information

For additional information about the Open House, including how to prepare and what to expect, students and recent graduates should consult the Open House FAQs that are available in Symplicity and contact their UHLC Career Counselor for an individualized strategy session.

We look forward to having you join us to network with attorneys and to learn about the opportunities available in small and midsize law firms during the Open House.