New York Law Journal: Law Schools, April 27 2009

The Rankings

tunities that will lead you to your goal, but not without some ingenuity and resilience.

Whether there are opportunities available to you now, or a little further down the road, taking the following steps in marketing yourself and making connections with members of the legal community, who you also should consider potential employers, will be well worth the effort and will add value to your long-term professional development.

When reading legal
blogs, keep in mind
that postings may not
be confirmed. Do your
research and learn
to filter the news.

What Frims Want

public interest. Look into industries where you can acquire skills that will benefit you as you move into your career as a lawyer.

Research companies that you have a personal interest in. If you are flexible, be open to various geographical locations and investigate the top three markets that interest you.

Make a list of positions you would like to pursue and continue to work toward that goal.

Create a Strategy

Making Connections

Be organized in your approach and continue to think about where you want to end up after graduation,

as well as three to five years beyond.

Step away from your televisions and computers and remember that the key to creating new opportunities for yourself is to start by thinking positively and to understand the need to move forward, despite the economy.

Gather information. You must remain informed of developments in the economy and the legal world.

Although blogs may be the fastest way to collect news, it’s important that you find accurate

information from reliable sources, such as major newspapers (including their online sites). When reading legal blogs, keep in mind that postings may not be confirmed. Do your research and learn to filter the news.

Whether you create a new plan or update your current one, it’s important to remain realistic about your immediate and long-term objectives. Career services is a good place to start.

Make an appointment with a career counselor and bring an outline of

your expectations, as well as your résumé. Career services professionals maintain close relationships with legal employers and will have insight on what your expectations should be for the items on your list, and as you consider additional options.

Although career services is always a valuable resource, don’t rely on them solely. Contact alumni for information on employers that have hired them and may not recruit directly through the on-campus interviewing process. Talk

to legal recruiters or other legal professionals if you need additional advice. You’ll be surprised to learn how willing people are to help you.

Be reassured that any experience is good experience, particularly where it can be tailored to your future goal. Legal employers want to see law students remain involved and active.