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Applicant guide · CCBA Job Fair 2027
Register with purpose.
Bid with intention.
This guide shows you how to prepare for the established OCI process—and where to look as 2027 registration and bidding information is released.
FormatStructured OCI program
Event dateFriday, January 8, 2027
VenueEmbassy Suites · 511 N. Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL 60611
01
Start here
This is not a walk-up fair. It is a planned interview process.
Applicants register, provide their materials, bid for employer opportunities, and are considered by participating employers. Employers select the applicants they want to interview; selected students then receive a schedule for Job Fair day.
What is confirmed now
The Job Fair takes place Friday, January 8, 2027 at Embassy Suites, 511 N. Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL 60611. Final registration windows, bidding dates, class-year requirements, and interview timing will be announced by CCBA.
02
Eligibility context
Know the established framework before you apply.
The current CCBA guidance has focused on J.D. students from fully accredited law schools that meet one of the following criteria. CCBA will publish the final 2027 eligibility and class-year requirements before registration opens.
HBCU law schools
Law schools at historically Black colleges and universities.
Midwest law schools
Law schools located in the Midwest as defined by NALP.
CLEO community
Fellows and associates of the Council on Legal Educational Opportunity.
If you have a question about future eligibility, begin with your law school’s designated Job Fair Liaison once 2027 materials are issued.
03
Register & bid
Build your path to a scheduled interview.
Complete the official registration
When the 2027 process opens, enter your profile information through the designated CCBA online system and submit the required materials. Advance registration is mandatory; walk-ins do not participate.
Use a reliable email address
Your interview schedule and important Job Fair communications are sent electronically. Use an address that will be accessible through Job Fair day and avoid changing it after submitting your profile.
Bid for the employers you want to meet
Approved applicants rank their employer preferences. The prior CCBA process used ranked employer selections; the 2027 bidding limit, dates, and instructions will be confirmed with registration materials.
04
Selection & schedule
Employers decide who they want to interview.
There is no on-site matching process. Participating employers prescreen applicant materials and select the candidates they wish to meet. Selected students receive interview schedules after the matching process is complete.
What your liaison does
Your Job Fair Liaison is the primary school contact. Liaisons support student eligibility and graduation-date verification after registration closes.
What you should do
Review your schedule carefully, honor confirmed interviews, and communicate promptly through your school’s established process if an emergency affects your participation.
05
Prepare to interview
Bring a clear point of view, not just a résumé.
- Prepare a polished, current résumé and a concise explanation of the work you want to pursue.
- Research the employers you rank so your bidding decisions and interviews are intentional.
- Practice a brief introduction that connects your experience, goals, and interest in the organization.
- Plan the logistics that let you arrive early and focused for every scheduled interview.
06
Questions
Student FAQs
Can I attend without registering?
No. The CCBA Job Fair is built around advance registration, employer selection, and scheduled interviews—not walk-in participation.
Will every applicant receive interviews?
Interview opportunities depend on employer selection. Bidding shows your interest; participating employers review applicants and select the candidates they wish to interview.
When will I receive my interview schedule?
CCBA will announce the 2027 matching and scheduling timeline with the official registration materials. Use a reliable email address and monitor communications from your law school and CCBA.