Who will you meet over the Winter Break? Did you know that most jobs are obtained by word of mouth, or who you know? Don’t worry if you don’t know any lawyers personally; they are all around you. While at holiday functions, let everyone know that you are in law school and are looking for a summer or permanent job. Getting a haircut or going to the dentist? Let them know too. Seek out the local bar association to see if there will be any luncheons or holiday receptions while you are in the area. Take control of your future -- go out there and NETWORK.Complete your bar application. Winter break is an ideal time to prepare your bar application for submission. While you are home, track down that missing information. We all know how daunting a task it is, and finding time to put this information together while keeping up with class work is close to impossible.
Volunteer. Whether you are at home or in Gainesville, tis’ the season to volunteer to help others and gain hours toward your Community Service or Pro Bono Certificate.
Conduct an informational interview. Meet with lawyers or professionals in your area to learn about their career path, how they prepared, and to seek their recommendations.
Prepare for next semester’s recruiting. Prepare your resume and cover letter. Application deadlines begin right after the first of the year for many opportunities including government positions, internships, fellowships and OCI. Sample resumes and cover letters are available on the CCS website, and you can email your drafts to a counselor for review.
Go to court. Observe proceedings and talk to the attorneys during breaks.
Read a book from the CCS:
• Kimm Walton’s Guerilla Tactics for Getting the Legal Job of your Dreams, What Law School Doesn’t Teach You...But You Really Need to Know, or America’s Greatest Places to Work with a Law Degree are good bets.
• Try Never Eat Alone or How to Work a Room: The Ultimate Guide to Savvy Socializing in Person and Online or Choosing Small - Choosing Smart: Job Search Strategies for Lawyers in the Small Firm Market.
• Close to Graduating? Pick up The Legal Career Guide: From Law Student to Lawyer.