Becoming An Employment Law Adviser: Steps To Success

Employment law is a rapidly evolving area of law, with the U.S. Supreme Court routinely issuing groundbreaking rulings. Employment lawyers provide vital counsel for employers and employees navigating legalities in the workplace. To become an employment lawyer, you'll need to earn an undergraduate degree, take the LSAT, apply to law school, build your network and resume, graduate from law school, pass the bar exam, and find an opportunity to practice employment law. You can also become a legal advisor, which is a similar role to a lawyer, but legal advisors typically work as advocates for large corporations and government agencies. To become a legal advisor, you'll need to earn your tenth and twelfth qualifications, gain a degree, receive professional training, become licensed, score well on law entrance tests, earn a master's degree, and gain experience.

Earn an undergraduate degree

Earning an undergraduate degree is the first step towards becoming an employment lawyer. A bachelor's degree is a basic requirement when applying to law school. While there is no mandatory major for undergraduates aspiring to attend law school, choosing a major that helps you build knowledge in the legal field can be beneficial. Majors that involve extensive reading, writing, and factual analysis can be particularly useful in preparing for law school. Additionally, seeking extracurricular opportunities such as internships or fellowships in legal settings can enhance your application and provide valuable legal experience.

During your undergraduate studies, it is important to maintain a strong academic record. Factors such as your grade point average, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities will be considered when applying to law school. In your final year of college, you will need to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which is a key indicator of your competency for admissions committees. It is recommended to study diligently and set score-related goals, as your LSAT score will play a significant role in the admissions process.

While there is no mandatory undergraduate course of study for aspiring employment lawyers, certain subjects can provide a solid foundation for a career in law. These include courses that develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills. Additionally, taking electives or minors in law-related areas can be advantageous. For example, courses in employment law, labour law, employment discrimination, and employment relations can provide valuable insights into the field.

It is also beneficial to gain practical experience during your undergraduate studies. Consider seeking internships or fellowships at law firms, legal clinics, or government offices. These opportunities can give you an advantage when applying to law school and provide you with valuable hands-on experience in the legal field. Overall, earning an undergraduate degree is a crucial step in building a strong foundation for a career as an employment lawyer.

Take the LSAT

To become an employment law adviser, you will need to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) in your final year of college before applying to law school. The LSAT is offered four times a year: June, September, December, and February. It is important to register and prepare for the LSAT in advance, as your score will be a key indicator of your competency when admissions committees review your application. Many schools are explicit about the minimum score they require from candidates. Therefore, setting score-related goals before taking the test will ensure you have a chance of attending your school of choice.

To prepare for the LSAT, many law school applicants take LSAT-specific test preparation courses or form study groups with peers. There are also many test preparation materials and procedures available to help law school applicants achieve a high score. If you don't meet your goal score on your first try, you can retake the LSAT to aim for a higher score.

In addition to the LSAT, other important components of your law school application include your grade point average, letters of recommendation, and any relevant extracurricular opportunities such as internships or fellowships that can give you an advantage in the admissions process.

Apply to law school

After you've earned your undergraduate degree and taken the LSAT, it's time to start applying to law schools. This process can be competitive, so it's important to put your best foot forward and showcase your strengths and qualifications effectively. Here are some steps to guide you through the process:

Research law schools:

• Begin by researching accredited law schools that offer strong programmes in employment law. Consider factors such as curriculum, faculty expertise, bar exam pass rates, and employment outcomes for graduates.
• Look for schools that align with your career goals and interests. Review the courses they offer, their hands-on training opportunities, internships, and other extracurricular activities that can enhance your legal education.
• Don't forget to consider the location and cost of the schools as well. Think about where you want to live and practice law after graduation.

Prepare your application:

• Gather all the required application materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume or CV, and English proficiency exam results (for international students).
• Craft a compelling personal statement that highlights your interest in employment law, your academic achievements, and any relevant work or extracurricular experiences.
• Some law schools may also require interviews as part of the admissions process, so be prepared for that possibility.

Register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS):

CAS is used by most law schools for their application procedures. Upload your application materials to CAS and select the schools you want to apply to.

Apply to multiple schools:

Increase your chances of admission by applying to several law schools that match your criteria. Applying to a range of schools, including some that may be slightly more competitive, can give you options and improve your prospects.

Meet deadlines:

Keep track of application deadlines, as they can vary between schools. Plan when to take the LSAT and submit your applications accordingly to ensure you don't miss any important dates. Some schools offer early application deadlines, which can improve your chances of acceptance.

Remember, gaining admission to law school is a competitive process, so focus on presenting yourself in the best light and demonstrating your passion for pursuing a career in employment law.

Gain professional experience

Gaining professional experience is a crucial step in becoming an employment law adviser. Here are some ways to achieve that:

Internships and Externships

Seek out internships or externships during your time as a law student. These opportunities allow you to gain first-hand experience in the legal field, working alongside practising lawyers or judges. Many law firms, legal clinics, and government offices offer internships, providing valuable experience and helping you decide if employment law is the right path for you.

Clinical Programs and Extracurricular Activities

When choosing a law school, consider those that offer hands-on training, such as clinical programs, internships, or other extracurricular activities related to employment law. These experiences will enhance your resume, expand your network, and refine your skills.

Student Clubs and Professional Associations

Join student clubs, professional associations, and law journals focused on employment law. These groups provide a great platform to network with like-minded individuals and gain practical experience in the field.

Courses and Electives

Take elective courses that focus on employment law and related areas, such as "Labor Law," "Employment Discrimination," and "Employment Relations." Additionally, consider courses on negotiation, trial advocacy, administrative law, and civil litigation to develop a well-rounded skill set.

Networking

Build a strong network of legal colleagues, professors, and peers who can provide insights, mentorship, and potential employment opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional organisations, and utilise your alumni network to stay informed about the latest developments in employment law.

Alternative Career Paths

Consider alternative career paths that can lead to employment law. For example, working for nonprofit companies, public interest organisations, or government agencies that handle employment issues can provide invaluable experience. These roles can give you a different perspective on employment law and help you develop essential skills.

Remember, gaining professional experience in employment law is a continuous process, and there is no one-size-fits-all path. Be intentional, seek out learning opportunities, and build your knowledge and expertise in this field.

Develop soft skills

Soft skills are essential for employment law advisers, as they help them stand out and enhance their overall effectiveness. Here are some ways to develop these skills:

Communication Skills

Communication is a fundamental soft skill for employment law advisers. It involves translating complex legal jargon into simple terms for clients to understand. Effective communication is about making sure that your message is not only conveyed but also understood by the other party. It includes active listening, clear and concise writing, and persuasive language. Strong communication skills enable advisers to build trust and rapport with their clients, which is crucial in the legal profession.

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills, or people skills, are essential for dealing with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders. Empathy, patience, and tact are important aspects of interpersonal skills. They help employment law advisers understand their clients' emotions and concerns, fostering a calm and understanding approach. Additionally, interpersonal skills facilitate effective collaboration and teamwork, which are common in the legal field.

Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills

Employment law advisers need strong problem-solving abilities to identify core issues, evaluate potential solutions, and choose the best course of action for their clients. They must also possess analytical skills to identify relevant facts, challenge assumptions, and evaluate arguments. This involves sifting through vast amounts of information and making informed decisions based on logic and evidence.

Time Management

The legal profession often involves tight deadlines and multiple responsibilities. Effective time management is crucial for employment law advisers to prioritize tasks, delegate when necessary, and ensure that no obligation is overlooked. It's important to manage priorities and focus on the most important tasks first to make the most of the available time.

Adaptability

The legal landscape is ever-evolving, with changing laws, precedents, and business environments. Employment law advisers must be adaptable to pivot their strategies and embrace new challenges. They should stay updated with changing regulations and be open to learning new technologies to maintain their competitiveness in the field.

Negotiation Skills

Negotiation is a critical skill for employment law advisers, as it involves reaching mutual agreements through discussion. It requires understanding the other party's perspective, employing persuasion techniques, and finding common ground. Effective negotiators can resolve disputes amicably and secure favorable terms for their clients.

Frequently asked questions