Six Steps To Finding A Legal Job While Waiting For Bar Results

by Amy Parekh

Finally, that three-day, arduous test on everything you learned and didn’t learn in three years of law school is over!  The Bar Exam was a test, just a test.  The short game.  The result will neither define you nor determine your lifelong success.  The long game is your job search, professional preparedness and networking.   If you are like many law school graduates searching for their ideal first job, these next few months can be integral to your future success as a lawyer and in landing an opportunity!

Here are 6 useful tasks you can do while awaiting your Bar results:

1. Follow up on the process for all pending applications.
2. Refine cover letters and resumes.
3. Reconnect with your alma mater’s Career Development Office.  Most law schools provide lifetime career counseling including job listings resources and access to career counselors who will review application materials.
4. Attend networking events under your local bar association.
5. Brush up on professional etiquette in the legal world.  The Internet and social networks have changed the young professionals perception of the world.  However, established law environments remain formal and traditional.  Every legal environment is unique and has different sets of social norms.  Whatever your niche may be, research the Internet or read books such as The Curmudgeon’s Guide to Practicing Law by Mark Herrmann to prepare yourself for the expected demeanor at your first job.
6. Volunteer at a legal organization such as a District Attorney’s office, public defender office or public interest law center.  The experience, network and professionalism you will gain from volunteering could open doors to opportunities and introduce you to a new passion or talent.

Amy Parekh graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 2002.  After law school, Amy represented children and families in the abuse and neglect system and represented individuals charged with federal, state and capital crimes.  She joined Montage Legal Group in 2011; was the Interim and Assistant Director of Academic Support at UCI Law School from 2011 to 2013; and continues a criminal appellate practice.

Amy is also the co-founder www.SucceedLaw.com, a bar exam tutoring company.  Amy creates individualized programs and intensive instruction to law school graduates preparing for the bar exam.  She also provides bar exam support and intensive essay and performance test courses to law schools through Academic Support programs.  As part of SucceedLaw’s mission to support law school graduates and recent bar exam takers, the first twenty 2013 bar exam candidates to submit their cover letter and resume to SucceedLaw, will receive complimentary feedback.  Emails can be sent to succeedlaw@gmail.com or amyp@montagelegal.com.