Anaya Nolan
If you can't get a law job, there are several alternative paths you can consider. Firstly, excelling in law school and graduating with high grades increases your chances of employment. Networking is also crucial; reconnect with classmates, professors, and professionals in your field, as they may provide valuable connections and insights. Additionally, consider non-traditional legal careers, such as human resources, compliance, government, or business jobs. These fields offer competitive salaries and fulfilling opportunities. If you're still determined to work for a law firm, be aware that large firms often prioritize candidates with prior experience as summer associates or those who have clerked for federal courts. Alternatively, you could explore starting your own firm or pursuing a career in law-adjacent fields that don't require a law degree, such as title examination, contract administration, or compliance specialization.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for not getting a law job | Poor grades, lack of relevant experience, not networking effectively, not pursuing alternative careers in law |
| Alternative careers in law | Compliance specialist/officer, contract administrator/manager/analyst, title examiner/searcher/abstractor, human resources, business, government |
| Average salary for alternative careers | Compliance specialist: $71,631 per year |
| Contract administrator: $70,057 per year | |
| Title examiner: $54,193 per year | |
| Education requirements for alternative careers | Compliance specialist: Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline |
| Contract administrator: Bachelor's degree | |
| Title examiner: High school diploma (preferred: associate or bachelor's degree) |
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What You'll Learn
Consider non-legal jobs
If you are struggling to find a job in the legal sector, it might be worth considering non-legal jobs. Law graduates are qualified to take up jobs in human resources, compliance, government, and business. These jobs can be very fulfilling and offer competitive pay and fantastic hours.
You can also leverage your legal knowledge and skills in other sectors. For example, you could gain work experience within a charity's legal department or a smaller local legal firm. You could also apply for mentoring schemes, such as those run by The Law Society, Young Legal Aid Lawyers, and Legal Geek, to expand your network and gain valuable experience.
If you are open to starting your own firm, this is also an option to consider, although it is not an easy path. You can also consider non-legal jobs within the legal sector, such as becoming a records clerk or a paralegal, which can provide a stepping stone to becoming a full-blown solicitor.
Finally, do not underestimate the value of transferable skills gained from non-legal jobs. For example, working in a restaurant before law school can help you develop effective communication and prioritization skills relevant to a law firm job. So, be sure to highlight all your skills and experiences when applying for jobs, even if they are not directly related to the legal field.
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Aim for smaller firms
If you're struggling to get a job at a large law firm, consider applying to smaller firms. Smaller firms often have less competition for roles, and you may find that you can get your foot in the door more easily. While you might start lower on the ladder, there are still opportunities to work your way up.
Smaller firms can offer a more hands-on experience, and you may find that you get to do more varied work earlier on in your career. For example, you might be asked to negotiate or draft contracts, which is less likely to happen during an internship at a larger firm. You'll also be able to better understand the work that is happening around you, and be able to put in suggestions to your seniors.
If you're a litigator, you may find that smaller firms are a better option, as litigators often have limited options at larger firms without business. If you're in a specialised practice area, such as tax, ERISA, patent prosecution, bankruptcy, or real estate, you may also find that smaller firms are a better fit.
To find roles at smaller firms, consider looking at job boards and reaching out to your university's alumni network. You can also look for pro bono work opportunities, which can help you gain experience and build your CV.
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Develop your network
Networking is an important part of the legal profession and can lead to numerous career opportunities. Lawyers should consistently seek opportunities to build relationships with people both inside and outside their industry.
- Take advantage of networking resources offered by your law school, such as career fairs, alumni databases, and lunch presentations. These events provide valuable opportunities to meet people with similar interests and learn about legal jobs in your area of interest.
- Join student organizations, your undergrad alumni association, and the local bar association. Getting involved in these groups allows you to connect with a diverse range of individuals and stay informed about industry developments.
- Seek out volunteer opportunities in the area of law that interests you. Volunteering can help you build relationships with individuals who share your passions and values while also contributing to a worthy cause.
- Utilize social media platforms dedicated to networking, such as LinkedIn. These platforms enable you to connect with fellow alumni, peers, and professionals in the legal field. Craft personalized introductory messages, highlighting shared connections or expressing genuine interest in their work.
- Attend presentations, conferences, and symposia relevant to the legal field. These events offer excellent opportunities to expand your network and stay updated with industry trends.
- Don't be afraid to reach out to alumni or professors for informal conversations. Most people are willing to help and share their wisdom, so initiate these connections by expressing your interest in learning from their experiences.
Remember, networking is about building long-term relationships and creating authentic connections. It's not solely about obtaining a job but about exchanging ideas, seeking advice, and exploring collaborative possibilities. By adopting this mindset, you'll find that your network can become a valuable resource throughout your legal career.
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Improve your resume
If you're struggling to get a law job, it might be time to take a closer look at your resume and make some improvements. Here are some instructive tips to help you enhance your resume and increase your chances of securing that desired law position:
Personalise Your Applications:
Ensure that your CV and cover letter are tailored to the specific role you're applying for. Generic applications often fail to stand out. Review the job description and highlight the skills, experiences, and qualifications they seek. Then, adapt your resume to showcase how you meet those requirements.
Fill in Any Gaps:
Address any gaps in your CV by providing explanations, even for periods as short as a gap year. Employers value a comprehensive understanding of your background. If you have little legal experience, consider pro bono work or legal work experience in charities or smaller firms to gain more exposure.
Emphasise Academic Achievements:
If you're applying to law school or a law firm, ensure your resume emphasises your academic achievements. Detail relevant coursework, highlighting areas of expertise and skills gained. Mention awards, honours, and distinctions, such as being on the Dean's List or winning an essay contest.
Focus on Relevant Skills:
When describing your professional and educational experiences, emphasise skills relevant to legal employers, such as research, writing, analysis, and organisational abilities. Include any sophisticated technical skills, such as experience with eDiscovery software, that can set you apart. Also, mention any languages you speak, along with your proficiency level.
Actionable Bullet Points:
Use bullet points to describe your experiences, and focus on accomplishments and skills learned. Include action verbs and quantify your achievements with numbers and percentages. For example, instead of saying, "Assisted with legal research," say, "Conducted legal research for three professors, resulting in a 20% increase in their publication output."
Proofread and Format:
Ensure your resume is free of grammatical and spelling errors. Even a single mistake can negatively impact your chances. Print a copy to proofread, as errors are often easier to spot on paper. Use a simple, professional format with black serif type (e.g., Times New Roman) on a neutral background. Include headings, bold words, and bullet points to enhance readability.
Remember, your resume is a living document. Continuously update it and customise it for each job application, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific legal field or position you're targeting.
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Consider further study
If you're struggling to get a job in law, it might be worth considering further study. This could be a way to gain more experience, build your network, and improve your CV, all of which can help you stand out in a competitive job market.
One option is to take on pro bono work. Many bar associations offer pro bono opportunities that come with a mentor, which can be a great way to gain legal experience and build your network. You could also consider volunteering at a pro bono firm, which could eventually lead to a job offer. Organisations such as The Innocence Project or The Free Representation Unit offer pro-bono legal work. It may also be possible to get involved with any pro-bono work run by your university.
Another option is to take on an internship or part-time work. A legal internship can be a great stepping stone to getting a job at a law firm, and it can also help you build your network. Part-time work in another sector can also be valuable, as it can often yield more transferable skills than you might think.
If you're interested in becoming an attorney, you'll need to complete a law school program and earn your J.D. There are various law programs across the country, with some offering specializations in topics like entertainment, corporate, or civil law. Most law school programs last around three years and can be very time-intensive, so make sure you're prepared for the commitment.
Finally, don't underestimate the power of networking. Get involved in clubs or bar associations, and meet new people. Be enthusiastic about meeting others and becoming a part of the legal community. You never know who might be able to connect you to a legal job, so don't be shy about letting people know that you're looking.
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Frequently asked questions
You can consider alternative careers in law, such as compliance jobs, government jobs, or working in business. These jobs often require knowledge of the law and legal procedures but don't necessarily need a law degree.
Some jobs that work closely with lawyers and law firms but don't require a law degree include:
- Title Examiner
- Compliance Specialist
- Contract Administrator
Large law firms tend to hire candidates with impressive academic credentials, such as high grades and graduation rankings. They also often expect attorneys to have prior experience working at a major law firm or with a federal judge.
Aside from academic credentials, law firms value work experience, such as summer associate positions or internships. Networking is also important; rekindle connections with classmates, professors, and other professionals in the field, and don't be shy about letting them know you're looking for a job.
Aside from applying for jobs through job boards and LinkedIn, you can try cold-emailing legal employers or reaching out to your network to see if they know of any openings. You can also consider starting your own firm.
