The Library Staff wishes you all a happy and safe Labor Day.
In honor of this day celebrating Labor and the work that we all do, here are a few tips as well as some resources available in the library for finding work post-graduation.
Networking: So often in today’s job market, it’s not about what you know but who you know. A sad fact, but oftentimes true. This is why developing relationships with attorneys, judges, and other persons of influence in your chosen area of law during law school can make the job search after law school much easier. This is not a guarantee, but it does help on many occasions.
Solo Practice: If you’re more interested in going solo, that’s also a very viable option. Remember that as a solo practitioner you will be responsible for all aspects of your firm, which can be a daunting task. Tackling a solo practice is all about educating yourself. Check out these resources for more information: Teach Me to Solo; Start Your Own Law Practice: A Guide to All the Things They Don’t Teach in Law School About Starting Your Own Firm; and How to Start & Build A Law Practice.
Non-Attorney Jobs: It may surprise you to find that some J.D. graduates don’t ever pursue a career as an attorney, but there is a great abundance of alternative careers where your J.D. will come in handy but you don’t need to be an attorney. For example, a choice close to my heart, a law librarian. The J.D. helped prepare me and my fellow law librarians to better assist students, practitioners, faculty, and other patrons with their legal research needs. Because we went through the J.D. program ourselves, we have a better understanding of what exactly our patrons need. Above the Law provides an interesting article on this here. Business Insider talks about additional avenues here. The Library has additional resources on this area including Life After Law and What Can You Do With A Law Degree?
Resume Building: The Library has many resources with great tips on creating the perfect resume, including Developing A Professional Vita or Resume. And remember to take advantage of your Career Services department since they have invaluable information and experience to share with you on your job search.
These are just a few ideas to keep on the back burner as you go through law school and think about your career afterwards. There are always, of course, the big firm practice area or joining a smaller firm. In fact, these options are often the most sought-after and thought-of choices.
Regardless of what avenue you pursue, you have the tools to succeed!
Veterans Memorial Law Library 