Before embarking on your law school journey, you may have pictured yourself going straight from graduation to the job of your dreams at a nonprofit or a corporate firm. However, this is only the case for a few graduates. Before officially becoming a lawyer, you must pass the Bar Exam.
Many law students wonder how to find a job that accommodates their rigorous study schedule before and after graduation.
Finding a Job Before or After Law School Graduation
While finding the right job may seem daunting for any student or new graduate, and especially so for law school students, your job search is not impossible. A number of careers are perfect for those still studying or just out of law school.
For example, legal transcription is a very in-demand profession. In this new remote work era, exciting new companies are always on the lookout for new talent, so there are plenty of transcription jobs to choose from. We’ve put together a list of the top five jobs for law school students in 2023.
Legal Transcription
The legal transcription field is growing rapidly, and it offers a number of opportunities for law school students. This career path allows you to use your legal knowledge and skills while also honing your transcription abilities. If you’re looking for a career that will utilize your education and offer room for growth, legal transcription may be the perfect choice for you.
As a law student, working in legal transcription can give you the job experience you need while working from home. Many legal transcription companies offer remote-based transcription jobs to legal professionals and law students. If you’re seeking to work in legal transcription services, LexTranscribe is always on the lookout for talented individuals specialized in the legal system to transcribe documents for court proceedings, depositions, arbitration, etc. Below are just some of the other different benefits working as a legal transcriptionist.
Use Your Knowledge
First and foremost, legal transcription requires knowledge of the law, which as a law student, you already possess. So this will make the transition into professional legal transcription that much easier for you.
Gain Valuable Experience
While working as a legal transcriptionist, you’ll also gain valuable experience and insight into all sides of the legal process. You’re sure to use this later when you practice law.
Flexible Schedule
The flexible schedule will give you plenty of time to study for the bar. When working for many online companies, you can set your own schedule.
Work From Home
You’ll also get to work from home, which saves you additional time commuting.
Non-profits
Law students and recent graduates should consider working at a nonprofit before or after they graduate. First, nonprofit work can give you valuable experience in the legal field. Plus, many nonprofits offer room for growth and advancement, which can be beneficial for your career. If you’re looking for a way to give back and gain experience in the legal field, this field may be perfect for you.
Non-profit organizations usually have affiliate groups in universities, through these groups you can apply as a paid volunteer. You can apply via social media, LinkedIn is a great place where you look for a job under a non-profit organization. Below are just some of the other benefits to working in a non-profit organization.
Give Back to a Good Cause
You’ll be able to use your knowledge and skills to help a good cause and make a difference in your community.
Learn About the Needs of Nonprofits
If you want to start your own charitable foundation or head the law department, working for a nonprofit before you practice law can help you better understand their needs and the rules they must follow.
Remote Jobs Available
Like many industries, nonprofits are constantly looking to fill remote positions. With the analytical and negotiation skills you’ve honed in law school, you’ll likely have a competitive advantage during the hiring process.
Government
Law students should consider applying for government positions before or after they graduate because they offer a variety of opportunities in different areas of law. Government jobs often have good benefits, and the work can be interesting and challenging. Working in a government office can also help law students build their resumes and gain valuable connections for future employment recommendations.
Usually, government offices will post jobs on their website or social media page, which you can apply at. Besides that working in government comes with many other benefits, which are outlined below.
Hands-On Experience Working With Law
Every government job will entail working with the law in some form or fashion. This experience will be extremely valuable no matter what area of the law you choose to practice once passing the bar.
Decent Benefits
Government jobs tend to have decent benefits in comparison to other positions. For example, besides healthcare benefits, you’ll also receive more holidays and better retirement plans than many other positions.
H3: Pay For Law School
One of the major reasons many choose to work in a government position is because of the tuition reimbursement offered by many departments on the state and federal levels. Law school is costly, and working for the government is one way to offset the cost of tuition.
Library
While it may not be the first place you’d think of when considering professions after law school, a library may provide the perfect place for you to work during law school. It can be one way you can contribute to your local community as a university student.
You can inquire at your local library if they’re looking to hire students to work part time. Also, it provides you with a quiet place to study during your downtime and a chance to hone your research skills, among many other benefits, including the following:
Time to Study for Bar Exam
You may find time at work to study for the bar exam. Libraries are not always jam-packed. So you may find it easier to carve out time to study.
Easy Access to Books
You will also have all the books you need on hand to study. You
Work-Study
If you’re working on campus, you may be able to apply for tuition reimbursement through work-study programs designed to make tuition more affordable. Each school has its own guidelines, so you’ll need to refer to your university for more information to see if this is available.
Corporate Work
While not all people are cut out for corporate work, law students tend to be more prepared than others. You are already equipped with critical thinking to make quick decisions and solve problems. Furthermore, you have the negotiation skills to present solutions to department heads and executives.
Many companies have legal teams and so, it’s not surprising that they too would be interested in hiring law students. They hire law students to assist corporate lawyers with various tasks. You can search and apply at job hunting websites, Indeed doesn’t just offer remote-based jobs but also office-based ones depending on your location. Plus, corporate jobs come with many advantages for law students, including the following:
Great Pay
The majority of corporate jobs come with great pay, and of course, this is something everyone could use, especially if you’re paying for a law degree.
Experience in a Fast-Paced Environment
All lawyers need to be able to think on their feet, and a corporate position challenges you to do so daily. While some may find this aspect of corporate work off-putting, this experience will allow you to grow as a problem solver, even under pressure.
Hone Negotiation Skills
If you take a corporate job, you should focus on honing your negotiation skills because, after all, practicing law is all about the art of negotiation. So whether you take a job in marketing or administrative work, think about how you can show your leadership skills and present solutions to your department. Doing so will give you practice negotiating in a high-pressure environment.
Whether you’re a recent law school graduate or still a student, you should explore these positions along with the benefits of each and get a headstart on the competition. The recent shift to skills-based hiring makes the job market more competitive than ever. So focus on the skills you’ve gained in law school and the abilities that make you unique. Going forward with this mindset, you’re sure to land a job where you can gain experience and grow.
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