Select Page

How to Position Yourself for a Legal Job

Jul 28, 2015 | Students

Working in the legal field can be stressful, exciting and highly rewarding for the right person. A career in law can offer the perfect opportunity for law professionals to help others while earning a comfortable salary in most positions. If you are an aspiring lawyer in college, you can take certain steps to ensure you land yourself the right job in the legal field after graduation.

 

Education and Experience

  • Narrow your area of focus depending on your education. If you are a law student, consider applying for internships, clerkship, public interest law or for junior positions in a private firm.

 

  • Consult your school adviser to find out what would be the best fit for you after graduation, based on your academic achievements and interests.

 

  • If you are looking for a position as a paralegal, legal secretary or other support positions, and lack experience, consider going for legal training in local community colleges and legal institutions.

 

  • Register with an online job board and search for legal jobs. Consider registering with sites specific to people who are looking for positions in the legal field. Some sites offer free registration while others require a monthly subscription. Your college may also have job listings.

 

Build your resume

  • If you lack experience in the legal field, consider applying for internships and entry-level positions.

 

  • Apply for volunteer positions in non-profit and public interest firms to gain experience.

 

  • Register and actively participate in the activities of clubs or school organizations that are focused on law and justice. If possible, freelance for legal publications.

 

 

Network

  • Network with your peers in the legal profession. Build relationships with experienced professionals in the field. You can find networking opportunities by attending seminars, business discussions and other law-related events.

 

  • Get to know fellow staff if you do internship for a law firm or other legal organization.

 

  • Talk about your career aspirations with your peers and others, as you never know who can offer helpful advice or open doors to better opportunities.

 

  • Talk to professionals who hold positions you eventually hope to obtain including family lawyers and criminal lawyers, and ask them about the job responsibilities, hours and opportunities for advancement.

 

 

Further Training

  • Consider going for further training or schooling. Training is important especially if you are changing careers or want to advance in your profession.

 

  • Request information on appropriate courses and programs at local colleges and legal institutions.

 

The good news is that lawyers are required in every industry, the legal field can be highly competitive and it is important for college students aspiring to get jobs in this field to do whatever is possible to stand out. This may involve adding volunteer work to your resume or obtaining additional education and training. Find positions in specialties that interest you such as criminal law if you want to be a criminal lawyer or public interest law.

 

Avoid lying on your resume about your education or experience. You must be alive to the fact that you may have to work long hours on many occasions if you want to pursue a career in the legal field. Finally, do not assume that all positions in the legal field come with a sizable salary package; support staff may be offered a modest income to start.

 

We welcome your feedback to our work.

Email:  General Information   |   Dr. Daniel de Roulet   |   Prof. David C. Pecoraro

Thank you!

Daniel & David

###

How to Position Yourself for a Legal Job

 

 

 

0 Comments