Do you have a question about small firm hiring or networking? Would you like to share a story or anecdote about law school or legal practice? Do you have a hiring tip to share? E-mail donna@donnagerson.com.
Excerpts from Volume One of Asked & Answered, a career advice series written by Donna Gerson published by Thomson Reuters.
Q. What types of summer jobs are the best? How do I find a job following my first year of law school?
A. The best summer work experience enables you to gain some familiarity with a legal environment. It's that simple. Concentrate on acquiring some law-related knowledge that you can list on your résumé. Experience serves two important purposes: - It allows you to use your limited first-year legal knowledge in a practical environment (researching issues, drafting memoranda, and seeing the practice of law in action); and
- It enables you to test out a practice area that may interest you in the long-run. Thus, if you think working as a prosecutor might be a good career path for you, then consider finding work as an intern with either the district attorney's office or the local U.S. Attorney's Office this summer.
Focus on Skills Acquisition, Not Clerical Work
"It's important to look at the substantive experience you will be obtaining this first summer," notes Elaine Bourne, Senior Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at Hofstra Law School. "If you are in a position to volunteer with a public defender or the district attorney's office and can be certified to handle bail hearings, minor court appearances, etc. consider doing the substantive work. If you have a choice between work of a more clerical nature (messenger, answering phones) and something more concrete, you're probably better off getting the hands-on experience because when you interview for your second summer job, it gives you something to talk about and enhances credentials." ***
Q. Should I consider a summer study abroad program? Can summer study abroad take the place of summer legal work experience?
A. Summer study abroad programs offer you an extraordinary opportunity: Earn academic credits while exploring a foreign country. Many law schools now offer summer study abroad programs and academic credits are usually transferable. For a full list of offerings from all ABA-accredited law schools, see the January issue of Student Lawyer magazine (American Bar Association) or consult the ABA Section on Legal Education & Admissions to the Bar for a complete listing of approved summer programs.
For most law students, your "first" summer is – realistically speaking – your last hurrah to enjoy a study abroad experience. This is your chance to be flexible, gain experience, and recharge your batteries before the start of your second year.
Your "second" summer is typically viewed as a much more serious time for large firm summer associate opportunities, developing more lasting employer relationships, and really hunkering down to gain in-depth experience to build your résumé.
Is summer study abroad right for you? Here are some questions to guide your decision-making process….
Want to read more? Order Asked & Answered Volume One by calling 800-313-WEST or by accessing www.west.thomson.com or through www.amazon.com.
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