This week’s story is by Laura Benetti, who is currently working in a contract position for a small real estate firm. As she explains, Laura’s position can be credited to keeping in touch with her professional contacts.
I had one goal in mind during law school for my post bar experience- travel Europe! Of course that sounded like a great idea then, but once Bar studying started I began to reflect on my life… A lot. After three years of living off of my parents and finding myself turning 29 during a Bar study session in the library at GGU I knew that traveling was a thing of the past and it was time to take the next step into adulthood. At that moment I made a birthday wish/deal- take a week off after the Bar then motivate myself to find a job.
I had interned at a couple places during law school and did my fair share of networking at the many different events that GGU has to offer. The one place that always stuck out in my mind was a small real estate firm I worked for the summer between my 2L year and 3L year. I had actually enjoyed the work and experience so much I stayed on for the fall semester. After my time with them I made sure to stay in contact with my boss as much as possible during my last semester at GGU. Naturally, this was the first place that popped up in my mind when I finally resurfaced from the shadows of the Bar. I literally emailed my old boss the day after the Bar. To make a long story short, a couple days later I had a lunch meeting with my old boss and the two other attorneys that worked for him. Then after a couple of weeks I was offered contract work with the firm.
I guess the best piece of advice I can give to anyone looking for a job, or about to embark on the journey that is the Bar, is don’t burn bridges. Keep it friendly with past employers or attorneys you’ve met at past networking events. They will make the best contacts once you are done with the Bar and the “Post-Bar Limbo Blues” have set in. Also, I know there is a lot of pressure for 3Ls to start looking for a job immediately. To that I say- You have enough on your plate as it is and the anticipation of taking the Bar is more than enough. Your cup runneth over! If you can cultivate the relationships you have made throughout law school there is bound to be someone who is excited to hear from you come the first week of August.
Trust me, being busy with work has made my life/anxieties about passing the Bar much easier. Until November 16th… Good luck!
Laura Benetti graduated from GGU in 2012. Laura was born and raised in Redwood City, and moved to LA to attend Loyola Marymount University in pursuit of her long-time dream of working in the entertainment industry. After college, she worked in entertainment PR, and then as an associate producer of a television show before moving back to Northern California to be closer to family and to give the whole law school thing a try. Laura says she fell in love with GGU within the first few weeks. Laura's passions in the world of all things law are trademark and real estate law.
