As you wrap up law school, you’re thinking about the next steps in your legal career. First, congratulations! You’ve achieved a major milestone. No matter where you are in the process – on-campus interviews (OCI), internships, or taking the Bar exam – it’s always a good time to network and think about where you want your legal career to go. While it might take some time and hard work, your time and dedication will pay off.
As you’re considering opportunities, you want to be strategic with your search, leveraging your law school connections and guidance from career counselors. You also need to think about what type of law career you want. Consider the first steps you need to take to reach your goal, whether it is to be one of a few attorneys at a small firm or at an internationally renowned large firm. Follow a routine and create a plan of action for your targeted roles. You may also look into finding recruiting firms to help you get a leg up in your job search.
5 Tips on Finding a Job After Law School
If you didn’t get an opportunity via OCI or if you have already taken and passed the Bar and are looking for the next step, here are some additional tips for a successful job search:
1. Don’t lose focus
Show your future firm that you are dedicated and continue to have a strong work ethic all the way through completion of your formal education and beyond. Take on extra training and say yes to pro bono work if offered. All of these opportunities will not only help you continue to grow and learn more about your field but will also help give you an advantage when applying for your next role.
2. Network, network, network
Law school gives you the opportunity to meet a lot of professionals in your field. Making these connections and building relationships is important to help you not only land a job but also learn about the different aspects of the legal world that you might be interested in. Join networking events whether in-person or virtually and put your best foot forward while introducing yourself. When you make these connections, you build trust and in turn these connections into long-term professional relationships.
3. Reach out to your counselor
Your counselor at law school has insights to help you stay on track and guide you on your job search. They know the legal hiring market, what’s trending and where the opportunities are. Additionally, the career center will help you prep for interviews, refine your resume and give you guidance on where and how to apply with confidence. Make an appointment if you haven’t already taken advantage of the resources they have to offer you.
4. Get recommendations
Connections are everything in any career. Seek recommendations from your professors and internship supervisors and ask them for help when it comes to finding jobs that you might be a fit for. Because of the personal connection you have made while studying or working with them over the years, they will be some of the best people to vouch for you as they know your work ethic, your strengths, and your interests.
5. Monitor trends in the legal field
While the legal field can often be judged as traditional and consistent, it does evolve and change with technology, changing laws and updated business practices. Therefore, it’s important to keep up with any changes that happen and be in the know of what’s trending in terms of the tech tools being used and recent changes to different areas of the law. Additionally, you want to sharpen your current in-demand skills and make sure you are well-versed in major issues and cases in the legal world.
Stay Positive and Dedicated
Looking for a job after law school is no easy feat and can often be draining. Don’t get off track, but instead keep to your routine and be open to as many opportunities as you can – even if some are pro bono. You will still gain valuable insights and learn from every opportunity. Good luck!
Adams & Martin Group builds connections between legal professionals and law firms and legal departments throughout the U.S. For more information about how our team can help with your career search, contact your local branch today.
