Many students come to law school to work at a law firm, but the process of getting that coveted job can be difficult to navigate. How do you make the transition from your studies to the office when you have no legal experience? Which firms should you apply to? What are hiring managers looking for?
To help you answer these questions and more, we’ve put together some helpful tips on how to get a job at a law firm – even without experience!
Make sure your résumé is on point
Sometimes law students believe that if they have no legal experience, their résumé should feature their education information and nothing more. That’s not the case! Even if you don’t have legal experience, chances are that you’ve had other jobs or internships that have helped you develop useful skills.
Did you work in a restaurant before law school? You likely learned effective communication and prioritization skills relevant to a law firm job. Did you start a dog-walking business in your neighborhood? Sounds like you’ve got solid management and organization skills. Be sure to use any resources provided by your law school’s career services office to make sure your resume is the best it can be.
Use the resources you have to make a list of firms
Once you have a résumé you’re proud of, it’s time to start your work search. To get a job at a law firm without experience, you’ll need to find the right kind of firm. Here, your school’s career services office is a great resource. They likely have lists of firms that have hired from your school in the past, along with alumni working at those firms. You can also use LinkedIn to see where alumni from your school have worked. Try to narrow down the options based on the location you want, the type of legal work you’re interested in and other factors important to you.
Start making connections
Armed with your resume and your list of potential firms, it’s time to start your outreach!
If possible, reach out to alumni or other connections you may have at the firms you’re interested in to ask how they got their jobs. If they pass your résumé to the right person, you might just get an interview! If you’re interested in a particular firm but don’t have any personal connection there, a cold email is a great way to open the door. Send your resume and a quick, well-written email about why you think you’re a good fit for the firm. If you don’t hear anything, you can politely follow up after a week or so.
Learn the hiring process
Some law firms have specific hiring processes. For example, larger law firms will often tell students to apply during specific times of the year and participate in on-campus interviews (OCIs). Oftentimes, those firms will closely examine your grades to see if you are a good fit to work at the firm.
The best way to become aware of the hiring processes that specific firms have is to talk to the career services office at your school.
Volunteer your skills
If you think your lack of legal experience is holding you back, one surefire way to gain legal experience is to volunteer your services. Whether you do this over the summer or part-time during your 2L or 3L year, a legal internship is a great stepping stone on your way to getting a job at a law firm. Many law firms end up hiring interns when they have positions to fill!
Getting a job at a law firm without experience can seem intimidating, but it’s possible! Follow these five steps to put yourself in the running for your dream law firm job.
