A Day in the Life of a Legal Career Coach
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6) If there are law students who would like to one day do what you do, what advise would you offer them?
Practice law. Get involved in the hiring side of things, whether by mentoring, interviewing, or other activities. Learn about the market and the challenges faced by law students and lawyers today as the legal market changes, and as law firms themselves face pressure to evolve.
There’s really no substitute for having done these things yourself. My clients come to me because of my experience in all these areas; many are referred to me by other resume writers and career coaches who have a difficult time relating to a technical field like law and to the dynamics of law firms and legal departments. To truly understand these things, you need to have been there on the ground. Once you’ve done that, you’ll have more to offer your clients. You’ll have more credibility both with clients, in the careers industry, and with the hiring attorneys and legal recruiters in your network.
7) Any advice you would like to offer students?
It’s never too early to think about building your career. Earning your JD is a great accomplishment, but it’s just the beginning.
In the old days, earning your JD and passing the bar meant you were certain to have a job and a career. Nowadays, that certainty is gone. So while you’re earning your degree, you need to start thinking about—and working toward—your end goal: a legal career. That means you need to focus on grades, clinical programs, journal work, moot court, leadership, and activities while in law school. Go out and find summer experiences that interest you and build your resume. Publish. Meet people. It’s never too early.
But just as important, it’s not too late either. If you haven’t been doing those things, then think through your goal, get an action plan in place, and then commit yourself! It’s never too late to start.
Learn more about Shauna at www.brycelegal.com/blog or follow her on twitter @brycelegal.
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