Graduating law school without a job need not spell doom for your legal career. Take control by gaining experience and conducting a proactive job search.
Graduating from law school is different from the guaranteed money-maker it once was. Many new lawyers are finding that the triumph of passing the bar is bittersweet without a paycheck to accompany it.
The good news is that a lawyer’s first paycheck is the most difficult to earn. Here are some tips on earning that first paycheck, geared primarily toward those who have exhausted the “traditional” avenues.
Do Not Be Idle!
Recent law school graduates and bar exam takers may feel entitled to some downtime after three years of moderate stress (law school) and months of unbelievable stress (studying for the bar). Let me be blunt: if you do not have a job lined up, you are NOT entitled to downtime.
A better way to look at the situation is that you DO have a job, and that is to find a job. Work a regular nine-to-five work day, Monday through Friday, until that steady paycheck becomes a reality. As detailed further in this article, your time should be spent actively searching for a job and gaining experience.
Get Into a Courtroom
Courtrooms are open to the public. Although you may not be interested in a litigation career, use some of your time to get into a courtroom and see how the process works.
Observing court in session will give you valuable insight that your peers (employed or unemployed) do not possess, similar to how engaging an essay writing service can provide a deeper understanding of legal documentation and argument structuring. In most legal practice areas, issues are ultimately resolved in the courtroom.
Whether your career will be spent helping clients avoid the courtroom, preparing them for court, or prosecuting their cases, a fundamental knowledge of how a courtroom works is invaluable. Many young lawyers need more time to be a fly on the wall in a courtroom.
Understanding the intricacies of courtroom proceedings is crucial, just as understanding the nuances of legal writing is essential for those who seek assistance from services in crafting legal documents or essays.
Volunteer or Take Pro Bono Cases
You will feel more comfortable practicing law with a bit of courtroom observation! Every metropolitan area has legal aid clinics that are often starving for attorneys. Even if you can’t get in the door at a legal aid clinic, you probably know someone with a legal problem.
Nothing plays better at an entry-level interview than a candidate with real-world experience handling clients, dealing with opposing counsel, and navigating the everyday aspects of legal practice. However, if you can’t afford malpractice insurance, ensure you’re confident in your abilities or that your client won’t sue you!
Consider Public Sector Employment
Many new lawyers are set on wanting to work for a law firm or as in-house counsel for a major corporation. These are great options but also some of the most challenging positions to get in a tough economy. Consider public sector employment. The quintessential public legal job is that of a prosecutor.
Still, lawyers are employed in virtually every agency of every level (Federal, state, and local) of government. Your paycheck may be less digits than you expected when you went to law school, but the work can be rewarding. The non-salary benefits (particularly the possibility of a pension) can be impressive.
Consider Non-Legal Employment
Many employers value workers with a legal education, even in positions not traditionally held by lawyers. Particularly in business, healthcare management, and securities exchange, legally trained employees tend to be adept at spotting possible problems and solving them before they require legal attention.
Candidates with significant prior work experience in a non-legal field may be outstanding candidates for non-legal employment. However, be aware that a lengthy period of non-legal employment after law school may make it difficult to obtain a traditional legal job.
Charting a Path to Success After Law School
While graduating from law school without immediate employment presents challenges, it is far from a career dead-end. The key lies in taking proactive steps towards building your legal career.
Embrace the post-graduation period as a crucial time to gain valuable experience and hone your job-hunting skills. From being present in courtrooms to understanding the legal process to considering roles outside the traditional legal sphere, each step is a learning opportunity and a potential door opener.
Volunteering or taking on pro bono cases builds your resume and gives you real-world experience that can set you apart in interviews. Pay attention to public sector employment; it offers unique rewards and valuable professional experience.
And remember, your legal education is a significant asset in various fields, so exploring non-legal employment can also be a strategic move.
The first paycheck might be the hardest to earn, but with perseverance, flexibility, and a strategic approach, your law degree can be the start of a rewarding and successful career path.
