graduating law school without a job
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
| graduating law school (AU) without a job lined up. Plan on keeping my internship with the DC local gov't until I have to give it up. Will take the bar this summer. Any advice for finding a job as a non-barred lawyer? I will be graduating in the upper middle of my class, it is possible I will graduate cum laude. No journal experience but have done well at trial competitions and have had an internship at small firm last year. |
Anonymous
| Job placement office? |
Anonymous
|
Network as much as you can. You didn't say if you have a specific practice area in mind, but if you do, go to DC Bar events, ABA events, any kind of networking opportunity you can find. Knowing people helps so much.
Where are you taking the bar? What are you seeking to do? Firm, government, in-house? Are you open to jobs in the VA/MD burbs? |
Anonymous
| consider interning for the experience/spin it as a real gig |
Anonymous
| I know several AU law grads that had significant issues finding jobs. Hindsight is 20/20. Agree with other posters. Branch out from law. You may have to get a non-law job as both of my friends eventually did. |
Anonymous
| I would do anything that required a JD... I am sort of hopeless. Job market isn't good for shitlaw grads. Byebye 200k |
Anonymous
| Its so tough because you are competing with the sub 50th percentiles from Georgetown, GWU, Catholic, UMDand GMU all for the same entry level jobs. Is there any way to schmooze your way into a full time position with the DC govt via your internship connections? |
Anonymous
| above PP -- I have asked and they do not have it in the budget... sadly. I know a few lobbyist - should I try for a non JD lobby position? Then hope my JD comes in useful later on? |
Anonymous
| If possible, you'll have to go anywhere in the country for your first legal job. |
Anonymous
Yes. The law school experience, ability to write and understanding of the law and the legislative process will all come in handy even in a lobbying position that isn't with a law firm. |
Anonymous
| Apply at Binder and Binder. They are always hiring. |
Anonymous
| contract law cases. |
Anonymous
|
Why has AU law school's rating taken a nosedive?
I always thought of it as a fairly good law school. |
Anonymous
| Its ranked in the 70s or 80s now from being in the 40s 5 or 6 years ago... |
Anonymous
| NETWORK. |