You might think that getting accepted for a law degree is quite difficult. But then you are faced with many, many days, months and years of study. Not to mention the daunting prospect of taking the bar exam.
Then, of course, once you've successfully passed the bar, there's the small matter of securing yourself that all-important first law job. And for many law graduates, this is where the hard work really begins.
Landing your dream role straight out of university is very difficult as it often requires – and you're usually competing against peers who have – several years of relevant experience in the field.
So for many graduates, entry-level opportunities are the way to go. Typically, this could include everything from associate positions in small law firms and staff attorneys in government or business departments, to judicial positions and fellowships. If this is the type of entry level legal position you are currently looking for, you will no doubt be fully aware of how competitive the market is.
So, in this article, we'll try to help you with your search by highlighting 10 tips for landing an entry-level lawyer job. Put these helpful tips into practice and you should have a fully-fledged legal career in no time.
Tip 1 – Get a USP
As the graduate job market is so competitive, you will need a USP.
Obviously one of the best ways to stand out is to graduate with honors, or at least as good a grade as you can get. But since this is something many of your peers would also do, you'll need to have another point of difference.
Think participation in contests, because if you win one, that's obviously a big achievement for you. Also, consider doing pro bono work. Or write a blog or publish articles in relevant publications.
You can even try to secure a leadership role in a legal association. Anything that will make you stand out as a candidate.
Tip 2 – Get a graduate coach
A graduate coach is someone who essentially helps graduates find an initial job.
They do this by helping young adults fully appreciate their pool of knowledge, skills, values and interests. Once they do that, they then start helping them secure a job in an industry that is better aligned with that group.
Typically, they can do this by helping their clients convey the best possible versions of themselves through their resumes, cover letters, and technical interviews.
Once they help you secure a job, these coaches can also help you perform at a high level to attract opportunities for further advancement.
Tip 3 – Network
Networking is a very important thing. But especially if you are struggling to get a job.
To increase your chances, try to put yourself out there by introducing yourself to volunteer programs and alumni associations. Both usually generate decent employment and internship opportunities.
Also, be sure to attend conferences, keynotes and other presentations – both online and in person – and connect with law firms like LegalVision UK or any other special committees in the area of law that interests you.
It's also a good idea to ask for recommendations from your professors and from previous law firms you may have had work experience or summer jobs with.
Tip 4 – Join someone else's network
While building your network can take a long time, you can speed up this process by tapping into other people's networks.
Sites like LinkedIn and social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are great for this as you can simply follow, the followers, of the people you follow!
If you're selective about who you connect with – focusing on quality rather than quantity – you can very quickly find yourself with a much larger network of potential employers than you had before.
Tip 5 – Look into non-traditional jobs
Graduate level legal positions don't just mean law firm roles, so it pays to be strategic and think laterally about where else you can apply.
Law graduates are actually presented with a variety of law-related fields that they can enter. These can include positions in anything from data privacy specialists, accounting firms and corporate communications to legal content writers and various other legal service providers.
These types of jobs typically require problem-solving, analytical thinking, writing, research, negotiation, client management, and relationship-building skills. All of this will give you solid experience to take on your next role.
Tip 6 – Keep up to date with all the latest legal trends and technologies
This is really incredible. The legal world is constantly changing, both in terms of laws and technology.
Where possible, it's important to keep up to date with these changing trends, as failure to do so could be the difference between being offered a particular role or not.
Make sure you stay up-to-date on new laws or changes in the law, particularly in your location, and that you understand what legal technology tools are currently being adopted.
Tip 7 – Subscribe to all the Big 5
There are five main law recruitment agencies in the UK. These include Austen Lloyd, eNL Legal, Law Support Group, QC Legal and Search Consultancy.
Between them, they hold hundreds of entry-level law enforcement jobs across the country.
Do yourself a huge favor and sign up for all five. Suddenly you will find many more job opportunities available to you.
Tip 8 – Be resilient, persistent and positive
As hard as rejections and rejections are, it's important to continue to be resilient, persistent and positive in your job search.
Try to get feedback from every interview you have, and especially what the interviewer(s) felt you might be lacking as a candidate.
Use this knowledge as fuel for your future applications. Be sure to address this in yours resume and cover letter and be sure to mention it, if relevant, for your next interview.
Tip 9 – Apply for jobs that also offer training opportunities
A graduate thesis, in any discipline, that has an element of training and supervision is worth its weight in gold. Quite simply because it can provide invaluable experience for future job opportunities.
So, wherever possible, apply for jobs that will give you solid foundations to move on to bigger and better things.
Tip 10 – Don't be afraid to move to another part of the country
It's surprising how many graduates are afraid to move in search of work.
But if you don't have a specific reason to stay in a geographic location, this is something you should seriously consider doing.
For example, if you live in London, competition for law degree jobs is likely to be fierce. So you might have better luck if you were open to a move to Exeter, Ipswich or Carlisle.
Sure, the pay may be less than in London. But also the cost of living. And you may even be able to advance your career more quickly by working for a law firm based in one of these places.