Anaya Nolan
Joining a bar association as a law student can have numerous benefits, from expanding one's professional network to boosting one's resume. While it may seem like something exclusively for qualified lawyers, many bar associations, including the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA), offer membership to law students. LACBA is a coalition of legal associations and organizations that provides services such as an award-winning monthly e-magazine, daily summaries of appellate court decisions, and free networking events for its members.
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What You'll Learn
Boost your resume
Joining a bar association like the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA) as a law student can be a great way to boost your resume and make connections in the legal field. Here are some tips to enhance your resume:
Leadership Roles and Extracurricular Activities:
Seek leadership positions in student groups, moot court, mock trial programs, and other extracurricular activities. These roles demonstrate your ability to lead, organize, and manage projects effectively. They also showcase your practical courtroom experience and enhance your resume.
Pro Bono Work:
Law schools often have pro bono requirements. Choosing opportunities that align with your career path can make a significant impact. For instance, if you're interested in elder law, consider volunteering at a senior center. This demonstrates your commitment to serving the community and can set your resume apart.
Academic Achievements and Awards:
Emphasize your academic achievements, including degrees, courses, and awards. List your degrees in reverse chronological order, along with the educational institution, location, degree type, and date. If you have received awards or honors, dedicate a section to showcase them.
Legal Affiliations and Memberships:
Include your affiliations and memberships in professional and academic organizations, such as bar associations or student groups. This demonstrates your engagement within the legal community and can open doors to networking opportunities.
Work Experience:
Include all relevant work experiences, both paid and unpaid. If you have limited legal work experience, don't be afraid to list other jobs that showcase your work ethic and initiative. Rewrite past job descriptions to highlight transferable skills and eliminate industry-specific jargon.
Research and Writing Experience:
Being part of a law review or journal demonstrates your willingness to go beyond doctrinal courses and gain research and writing experience. If you have published any legal articles or papers, be sure to list them separately to showcase your expertise.
Remember to seek career counselling services offered by your law school to get personalized advice on how to further enhance your resume and present yourself in the best light.
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Expand your professional network
As a law student, it's important to start building your professional network early on. Joining the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA) as a student member can be a great way to do this. LACBA offers various resources and opportunities to help law students expand their professional networks.
One of the key benefits of LACBA membership is access to their Continuing Legal Education events, which are attended by thousands of attorneys. Law students can register for these events at discounted rates, providing a valuable opportunity to connect with experienced professionals in the legal field. These events often feature roundtable discussions where you can engage in conversations with judges, court clerks, and other court staff, allowing you to gain insights into the court system and build relationships with key stakeholders.
In addition to in-person events, LACBA also offers virtual networking opportunities through section listserves. By joining these online communities, you can connect with attorneys and other legal professionals in your specific practice area, such as family law, real property, or criminal law. This is a great way to stay informed about the latest developments in your field and build relationships with colleagues across Los Angeles County.
Another way to expand your network through LACBA is by volunteering in their public service initiatives. LACBA is actively involved in providing pro bono legal services to domestic violence victims, immigrants, and veterans. By contributing your time and skills to these causes, you can connect with other like-minded individuals who are passionate about giving back to the community.
Don't underestimate the power of your alumni network as well. Reach out to UCLA Law or Yale Law School alumni working in your desired field or location through platforms like LinkedIn or The Courtyard, an online alumni community. Alumni often enjoy helping current students and recent graduates, so don't be afraid to seek mentorship or guidance as you navigate your career path.
Lastly, don't forget the value of your peers. Your fellow law students will become your colleagues in the future, so cultivate meaningful relationships with them. Stay connected, support each other, and share experiences and resources. You never know when a classmate might become a valuable connection in your professional network.
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Gain access to mentors
The Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA) offers a range of benefits to its members, including law students. One of the key advantages of joining the LACBA is the opportunity to gain access to mentors and networking opportunities.
LACBA organises various events, including virtual events and in-person mixers, which are excellent platforms for connecting with experienced legal professionals who can act as mentors. These events are organised by members for members and are a great way to expand your network and gain valuable insights from mentors in the legal field.
Additionally, LACBA's award-winning Los Angeles Lawyer magazine provides substantive coverage of law issues and can be a valuable resource for mentorship and guidance. The organisation also offers a High School Mentoring Program, although the specifics of this program are not detailed.
Through LACBA's networking events and publications, members can connect with potential mentors who can offer guidance, share their expertise, and provide valuable industry insights. This can be especially beneficial for law students seeking mentorship opportunities to supplement their academic studies and gain a practical understanding of the legal profession.
By leveraging the networking opportunities and resources provided by LACBA, law students can proactively seek out mentors who can offer advice on career development, academic pursuits, and navigating the legal landscape. This can ultimately enhance their professional growth and development, making the most of their membership with the Los Angeles County Bar Association.
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Learn about emerging legal issues
The Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA) provides a variety of resources for legal professionals to stay up-to-date on emerging legal issues. One notable resource is the Los Angeles Lawyer magazine, a monthly e-magazine that covers substantive law issues and provides daily summaries of appellate court decisions. In addition to the magazine, LACBA offers daily eBriefs, which include summaries of court decisions and updates on legal matters. LACBA also hosts networking events, mixers, and programs that facilitate discussions and knowledge sharing among legal professionals. These events provide opportunities for members to connect, collaborate, and stay informed about emerging trends and developments in the legal field.
Additionally, LACBA's website offers a comprehensive Library of Legal Resources and Emergency Services. This online library provides a wealth of information and references for legal professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of specific legal topics or stay abreast of the latest changes in the law. The library includes resources such as the Corporate Counsel's Guide, which is made available online for free, and the Monthly Member Newsletter, which keeps members informed about upcoming events, news, and developments within the association.
Furthermore, LACBA's Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs offer a range of formats and topics to help legal professionals expand their knowledge and earn CLE credits. The calendar of events allows members to choose the most convenient and relevant programs for their needs. CLE topics cover a broad range of subjects, including arbitration, mediation, attorney fee disputes, and ethical considerations in the legal profession. By participating in these programs, legal professionals can enhance their expertise and stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in their areas of practice.
LACBA also showcases the achievements of distinguished legal professionals through its various honoree programs. For example, the 2025 AAPI Honorees include Judge Elwood Lui, Judge Audra Mori, MyKhanh Shelton, and Judge Bryant Y. Yang, whose bios are featured on social media. Similarly, the Jewish American Honorees for the year are Stuart Chelin, Judge Kevin Rosenberg, Alana Rotter, and Judge Norman Tarle. By recognizing and celebrating the contributions of these individuals, LACBA not only honors their achievements but also provides role models and sources of inspiration for emerging legal professionals.
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Get a head start on your career
Joining a bar association as a law student can be a great way to get a head start on your career. While it may sound like something you do after graduating, joining a bar association as a student can offer numerous benefits.
The Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA) is part of a coalition of legal associations and organisations that support various causes. For example, LACBA members participated in the National Law Day of Action, and the association also publishes an award-winning monthly e-magazine, Los Angeles Lawyer, covering substantive law issues. LACBA also offers free networking events, connecting you with legal peers.
Joining a bar association can be a great addition to your coursework and extracurricular activities. It can boost your resume and expand your professional network. You can connect with potential mentors and learn from practising attorneys in your field of interest. Many organisations also offer specialised programming and events for law students, providing a firsthand look into various sectors of the law.
Involvement in a bar association can offer access to opportunities to stay sharp through Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs, webinars, and other events. These programs often cover topics in the news or emerging issues, helping you understand how your legal education fits into the world.
Additionally, building professional relationships early on can benefit you when looking for your first job. You can gain access to a wider network of connections, which can be valuable for references and learning about job opportunities. Getting involved with local bar associations can keep your career moving forward, as you invest in your success and make key contacts.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, law students can join the Los Angeles County Bar Association.
Joining LACBA as a law student can help you expand your professional network, boost your resume, and connect with potential mentors.
Yes, law students can attend LACBA events, such as virtual events and in-person mixers.
Yes, law students can get involved in LACBA's mentorship programs, such as the Asian American Bar Association of New York's (AABANY) mentorship program, which matches mentors and mentees based on both personal and professional compatibility.
Yes, law students can access LACBA's online resources, such as the monthly Los Angeles Lawyer e-magazine, daily summaries of appellate court decisions in eBriefs, and the yearly Corporate Counsel's Guide.
