We all know how easy it is to become so focused on your summer job or class schedule that you lose sight of your overall law school mission. That mission, in case you’ve already forgotten, is to become a successful member of the legal community. You’re in law school for three years, and we encourage you to get at least three to five legal experiences in that time. Given that timeline, you’ll want to make sure you’re always planning for the future.
We’ve put together a short list of tasks that can help you stay connected to your career development over the next couple of months. Your summer homework, which we promise will not be graded, is to 1) become a member of bar/legal associations, 2) perform informational interviews and 3) submit your writing for competitions and publications. Good luck!
Assignment #1:
Join Bar/Legal Associations & Attend Events
The summer break presents a unique opportunity to expand your network through free professional and social events occurring all around the Bay Area. Bar associations, legal organizations and law firms offer workshops, panel discussions and other programs that allow you to learn about particular areas of the law while mingling with practicing attorneys. Check out the Legal Associations handout on LCSonline to see which legal groups, bar associations or other Bay Area opportunities might interest you. Many of these associations have reduced rates for students and recent graduates.
Upon joining a group, take advantage of all the membership privileges, which typically include access to its attorney database and job listings. The best way to maximize your involvement in these groups is to become an active member of a committee and take on projects with other students and attorneys.
Here are just a few upcoming bar association events that you may want to check out:
- What SF Family Court Judges Want New Attorneys to Know
- AABA Summer Law Clerk Reception
- 5th Annual Pride Breakfast at Jones Day
Assignment #2:
Follow Up With Contacts & Conduct Information Interviews
Once you’ve made contact with an attorney (maybe through cocktail events, workshops, or even the GGU Alumni Directory), capitalize on that connection and your lighter summer schedule.
Don’t underestimate the importance of informational interviews, and don’t be afraid to ask for them! A phone conversation or an email exchange may lead to a meaningful professional association, but speaking with someone in person is the best way to establish a relationship. Offer to meet at the attorney’s office, or find a place that is convenient for him/her. One of the great things about an informational interview is the lack of pressure or stress that comes with interviewing for a job. While you should always conduct yourself professionally, you can go into the meeting knowing that this person wants to help you. Having consulted with a senior attorney that you met through networking efforts, you will likely feel a lot more confident in your next formal interview for legal position.
Remember to always follow an informational interview with a thank-you note or email. Good manners go a long way in a job search.
Assignment #3:
Write For Competitions & Publications
There are many opportunities throughout the summer to enter writing contests and publish in legal journals and periodicals, both online and in print. You can view a list of contests here. Writing about a specialized area of the law allows for a nuanced understanding of legal issues and will likely help you engage more fully in your summer work. Share your love of the law without having the pressures of the dreaded curve.
Get started and have fun!
