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How to Land Your First Job as an Attorney

published October 14, 2013

By CEO and Founder - BCG Attorney Search left

( 26 votes, average: 4.3 out of 5)

What do you think about this article? Rate it using the stars above and let us know what you think in the comments below.
Everyone wants to begin on the right foot, and it's no different for law graduates. Finding the right first job is like laying the foundation of a building. If the foundation is not strong then the strength of the building is always vulnerable. However, on the contrary, a strong foundation ensures a firm structure for many years. In current scenario, getting the first job through campus placement has become very tough. If you land a legal advisor job through campus hiring, you are very lucky indeed. Most law firms seek candidates with some years of experience rather than hiring a new face. Nevertheless, there has to be a place where law graduates like you can earn the desired experience.
 
How to Land Your First Job as an Attorney

Some people feel that recruiters will be able to help law graduates find their first job. However, it is a reality that most legal firms are not ready to pay a fee simply to hire fresh blood. So what are the options available to you as a new law school graduate? The best option to get the right first job is through people you have met. Cultivating relationships and networking will more likely than not help in getting the first job that is right for you. People who are already working in legal firms can prove to be a great asset.


Most graduates take student loans to pursue their higher studies, so after graduating college they cannot afford to stay away from their first pay check for too long. The important part is to get your first break at a firm and get some hands on experience. Once you get your foot in the door, you will meet new people and learn new things at the firm. Developing positive relationships with people in the firm can also take you places, as the same people will root for you when an attorney position is open. An internship is another way which can land you an attorney job later. Through internship work, you will be able to demonstrate your potential value to the firm.

A strong network will definitely help land you a good job in a law firm. If you have friends working in legal firms where you intend to work, ask them to keep you updated with future openings. They will also help you in ensuring that your resume reaches the right person in the firm. If you do not have many references in the area they are targeting, there is no better time than now to develop your network. You can use social media to develop professional relationships. Follow the attorneys you want to work with on Twitter. Reply to and re-tweet their tweets. Connect with them on LinkedIn and also join legal groups on LinkedIn. In the current age, social media is the best way to develop networks.

Alternative Summary

Harrison is the founder of BCG Attorney Search and several companies in the legal employment space that collectively gets thousands of attorneys jobs each year. Harrison’s writings about attorney careers and placement attract millions of reads each year. Harrison is widely considered the most successful recruiter in the United States and personally places multiple attorneys most weeks. His articles on legal search and placement are read by attorneys, law students and others millions of times per year.

More about Harrison

About LawCrossing

LawCrossing has received tens of thousands of attorneys jobs and has been the leading legal job board in the United States for almost two decades. LawCrossing helps attorneys dramatically improve their careers by locating every legal job opening in the market. Unlike other job sites, LawCrossing consolidates every job in the legal market and posts jobs regardless of whether or not an employer is paying. LawCrossing takes your legal career seriously and understands the legal profession. For more information, please visit www.LawCrossing.com.
( 26 votes, average: 4.3 out of 5)
What do you think about this article? Rate it using the stars above and let us know what you think in the comments below.