Welcome Law School Students!

Here, you’ll find valuable tools, insights, and advice to help you navigate the challenges of law school and stay on the right course toward achieving your goals

Judicial Clerkships

Clerkships can provide valuable opportunities for mentorship from judges, as well as experience in a variety of areas of the law.

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It always seems impossible until it's done.

~ Nelson Mandela

Career Guidance

Shape Your Legal Path with Confidence

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Networking

Ways to plug into the legal community.

Internships

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Internships and Externships info.

Career Paths

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List of different legal careers.

Negotiating Pay

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There’s an art to the discussion.

Interview Prep

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Great tips on interviewing.

Well Being

Wellness begins on day one. Learn how to keep a well-balanced life. And realize that self-care is not selfess and can be embedded to every day.

Mental Health Support

Achieving Success Without Sacrificing Yourself: Prioritizing Your Well-Being in Law School and Beyond.

  • Prioritize Self-Care & Routine – Establish a balanced routine that includes sufficient sleep, regular meals, hydration, and physical activity. A structured day helps maintain mental stability.
  • Manage Stress Proactively – Use effective stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, or journaling to process emotions and stay grounded.
  • Build a Strong Support System – Stay connected with friends, family, mentors, or a therapist. Having people to talk to and seek guidance from can reduce feelings of isolation and burnout.
  • Set Realistic Goals & Boundaries – Avoid overcommitting and recognize your limits. Break tasks into smaller steps, set achievable goals, and establish boundaries to protect your personal time and mental well-being.

Student Organizations

Achieving Success Without Sacrificing Yourself: Prioritizing Your Well-Being in Law School and Beyond.

  • Law School Mental Health & Wellness Groups – Many law schools have dedicated mental health and wellness organizations that offer peer support, stress management resources, and counseling connections.

  • Student Bar Association (SBA) – This serves as the law school’s student government and often organizes events, networking opportunities, and social activities to foster community and reduce stress.

  • Fitness & Recreational Clubs (Intramural Sports, Yoga, or Meditation Groups) – Physical activity is crucial for mental health. Joining a fitness club, yoga class, or recreational sports team provides a structured way to stay active and relieve stress.

  • Academic & Professional Support Groups (Phi Alpha Delta, Legal Aid Clinics, or Peer Tutoring Groups) – Engaging with a legal fraternity or academic support group provides mentorship, study strategies, and a sense of belonging, which can ease the pressure of law school.

Healthy Habits

Achieving Success Without Sacrificing Yourself: Prioritizing Your Well-Being in Law School and Beyond.

  • Consistent Sleep Schedule – Aim for at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to enhance memory retention, focus, and overall mental resilience.

  • Effective Time Management – Use planners, calendars, or task apps to break assignments into manageable steps, prevent procrastination, and maintain a balanced workload.

  • Regular Exercise & Movement – Engage in daily physical activity (e.g., walking, yoga, or gym workouts) to reduce stress, improve focus, and boost overall well-being.

  • Mindfulness & Stress Management – Practice meditation, deep breathing, or journaling to stay emotionally balanced, manage anxiety, and maintain clarity under pressure.

Bar ADMISSIONS

Study, Strategies and Support

Professor Breland made one of the highest grades in Texas on the Bar exam. In this video, she shares information about what to expect, how to study, and how to get through an intense marathon study for the Bar.

SPECIAL THANKS

This project was made possible thanks
to a generous grant from the
Texas Bar Foundation
TXBF.ORG

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JOB SEARCH TOOLS

NALP’s PSJD (PUBLIC SERVICE JOBS DIRECTORY) – This platform is ideal for law students seeking public interest, government, and pro bono opportunities. It provides job listings, fellowships, and internship postings tailored to law students and recent graduates interested in public service.

LINKEDIN & LINKEDIN JOBS – LinkedIn is essential for networking, finding job postings, and connecting with legal professionals. Many law firms and legal departments post job openings directly on LinkedIn, and the platform allows students to engage with industry leaders, showcase their skills, and leverage mutual connections.

SYMPLICITY (or YOUR LAW SCHOOL’S CAREER SERVICES PLATFORM) – Many law schools provide access to Symplicity, an exclusive job board where employers specifically target students from certain law schools. This platform often includes on-campus interview (OCI) opportunities, resume reviews, and direct application links to law firms, corporations, and government agencies.

NETWORKING

ENGAGE in BAR ASSOC. & LEGAL ORGANIZATIONS

Groups like the American Bar Association (ABA), Federal Bar Association, and specialty practice groups (e.g., criminal defense, corporate law) offer networking events, job boards, and mentorship programs.

Attend CLE (Continuing Legal Education) events, panels, and social mixers where law students can meet practicing attorneys.

LEVERAGE LINKEDIN & INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS

Create a polished LinkedIn profile and connect with attorneys, alumni, and professionals in desired practice areas.

Reach out to lawyers or law firm associates for informational interviews—a 15-20 minute Zoom or coffee chat to learn about their career paths and industry insights.

Join LinkedIn groups related to law students, bar prep, or specific legal sectors for additional networking opportunities.

on-campus interview (OCI) opportunities, resume reviews, and direct application links to law firms, corporations, and government agencies.

PARTICIPATE in LEGAL INSERTS, CLERKSHIPS & PRP BONO CLINICS

Getting hands-on experience at law firms, government agencies, and nonprofit legal clinics allows students to develop professional relationships.

Pro bono projects with organizations like Legal Aid, Innocence Projects, or law school clinics connect students with practicing attorneys and build credibility.

Always follow up with colleagues and supervisors—stay in touch and maintain relationships after the internship or clinic ends.

INTERN/EXTERNSHIPS

UTILIZE YOUR LAW SCHOOL’S CAREER SERVICES

Most law schools have a Career Services Office (CSO) that maintains internship listings and has direct connections with firms, government agencies, and nonprofits.

Attend career fairs, networking events, and on-campus interviews (OCI) to meet recruiters.

Schedule mock interviews and resume reviews to improve your application.

APPLY EARLY & STRATEGICALLY

Many top firms and organizations hire interns months in advance—apply at least 6-12 months early.

Target positions based on your legal interests (litigation, corporate, public policy, etc.).

If a job posting lists multiple locations, apply for less competitive locations for a better chance.

NETWORK WITH PROFESSIONALS & ALUMNI

Connect with law school alumni, professors, and practicing attorneys on LinkedIn or through networking events.

Join bar associations, law-related student organizations, and specialty groups (e.g., corporate law societies, trial advocacy groups).

Attend legal conferences, CLE events, and mentorship programs to meet potential employers.

LEVERAGE ONLINE JOB PLATFORMS & RESOURCES

Use LawClerk.Legal, Symplicity, USAJobs.gov, LinkedIn, and NALP to find open positions.

Check government and nonprofit websites directly for internships (e.g., DOJ, ACLU, state attorneys’ offices).

Create a polished LinkedIn profile and set job alerts for legal internships.

COLD EMAIL & CALL FIRMS OR AGENCIES

Reach out to small and midsize firms, solo practitioners, and local government offices that may not widely advertise internships.

Craft a professional and concise email stating your interest, qualifications, and willingness to work unpaid (if feasible).

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TOP INTERNSHIPS & EXTERNSHIPS FOR LAW STUDENTS

BIG LAW & CORPORATE INTERNSHIPS

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP – Summer Associate Program

Latham & Watkins LLP – 1L Diversity Scholars Program

Kirkland & Ellis LLP – Summer Associate Program

Goldman Sachs Legal Internship – Corporate law experience in finance

Google Legal Internship – In-house legal experience in tech law

GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY INTERNSHIPS

U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Honors Internship – Highly competitive legal internship

Federal Public Defender’s Office – Criminal defense experience

State Attorney General’s Office – Work on consumer protection, criminal law, or policy

The White House Internship Program – Legal and public policy experience

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Internship – Corporate and securities law focus

JUDICIAL INTERNSHIPS & EXTERNSHIPS

U.S. Supreme Court Internship – Competitive program assisting justices and clerks

Federal Judicial Externship – Work with district or circuit court judges

State Supreme Court Internships – Research and draft memos for justices

Local District Court Internships – Observe trials and assist in legal research

PUBLIC INTEREST & NONPROFIT INTERNSHIPS

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – Civil rights and constitutional law focus

Equal Justice Works Summer Corps – Legal aid and public defense internship

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) – Social justice and advocacy work

Legal Aid Society – Pro bono legal assistance for low-income individuals

Innocence Project – Work on wrongful conviction cases

ENVIRONMENTAL & INTERNATIONAL LAW INTERNSHIPS

Earthjustice Legal Internship – Environmental law and litigation

United Nations Legal Affairs Internship – International law focus

World Bank Legal Internship – Development and international finance law

International Criminal Court (ICC) Internship – Work on war crimes and human rights cases

Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) – Climate justice and policy work

cAREER PATHS

TRADITIONAL LEGAL CAREERS

Attorney (Litigation or Transactional) – Practice in civil, criminal, corporate, or other legal fields.

Judge – Serve in state or federal courts, interpreting and applying the law.

Public Defender – Represent individuals who cannot afford legal representation.

Prosecutor – Work for the government, bringing criminal cases against defendants.

Corporate Counsel (In-House Lawyer) – Provide legal guidance to companies and organizations.

Law Firm Partner – Lead a law firm, manage cases, and build legal teams.

Law Clerk – Assist judges in researching and drafting legal opinions.

Mediator or Arbitrator – Resolve disputes outside of court through negotiation and mediation.

GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY CAREERS

Legislative Counsel – Draft and analyze laws for government officials.

Policy Advisor – Work on legislative, regulatory, and policy issues for governments or think tanks.

FBI or CIA Legal Counsel – Advise on national security, surveillance, and criminal matters.

Compliance Officer – Ensure companies and organizations follow federal and state laws.

Foreign Service Officer/Diplomat – Represent the U.S. government abroad in legal and policy matters.

BUSINESS & CORPORATE CAREERS

Entrepreneur – Start and run a business using legal expertise.

Human Resources Manager – Handle employment law, workplace policies, and labor relations.

Risk Management Specialist – Assess legal and financial risks in corporate decision-making.

Contracts Manager – Draft, review, and negotiate business contracts.

Investment Banking or Finance – Specialize in mergers, acquisitions, and regulatory compliance.

EDUCATION & ACADEMIA

Law Professor – Teach at law schools, conduct research, and publish scholarly articles.

Legal Writing Instructor – Teach legal research and writing skills to law students.

Dean or Law School Administrator – Manage academic programs and student affairs.

Nonprofit & Advocacy Careers

Civil Rights Attorney – Work on issues related to discrimination, social justice, and equality.

Environmental Lawyer – Focus on climate change, conservation, and regulatory compliance.

Immigration Lawyer – Assist individuals with visas, asylum, and citizenship applications.

Nonprofit Director – Lead organizations advocating for legal and social causes.

MEDIA, JOURNALISM & COMMUNICATION CAREERS

Legal Analyst or Commentator – Provide expert legal opinions on TV, radio, and news outlets.

Legal Journalist – Report on court cases, legal issues, and government policies.

Author or Legal Content Creator – Write books, blogs, or educational content on law and policy.

TECHNOLOGY & LEGAL INNOVATION CAREERS

Legal Tech Consultant – Develop and implement technology solutions for legal services.

Cybersecurity & Privacy Lawyer – Advise companies on data protection and cybersecurity laws.

E-Discovery Specialist – Manage digital evidence and legal technology in litigation.

ALTERNATIVE CAREERS

Real Estate Developer – Use legal knowledge to navigate property law and contracts.

Sports Agent – Represent athletes in contract negotiations and endorsements.

Talent Agent/Entertainment Lawyer – Work with artists, writers, and filmmakers on contracts and rights.

Ethics & Compliance Officer – Ensure ethical business practices and regulatory compliance.

NEGOTIATING PAY

RESEARCH SALARY BENCHMARKS

Use sources like NALP (National Association for Law Placement), Glassdoor, LawCrossing, and LinkedIn Salary Insights to understand typical pay ranges for entry-level legal positions.

Consider geographic location, firm size, and practice area—big law firms in major cities pay significantly more than smaller firms or government roles.

KNOW YOUR VALUE

Highlight your law school ranking, internships, clerkships, law journal experience, and any specialized legal skills (e.g., litigation, contracts, regulatory compliance).

If you have bar admission, emphasize this as a competitive edge, especially if the employer typically hires candidates who still need to pass.

DELAY DISCUSSING SALARY FIRST

If asked early in the interview process about salary expectations, respond with a range based on research or ask about their budget for the role.

Example response:

“I’m open to discussing compensation, but I’d love to first understand more about the role’s expectations and the firm’s salary structure.”

CONSIDER THE ENTIRE COMPENSATION PACKAGE

Look beyond base salary—bonuses, billable hour requirements, benefits (401k, healthcare, bar dues, student loan assistance), and work-life balance can impact overall value.

Some firms offer performance-based bonuses, signing bonuses, or relocation assistance—negotiate for these if salary flexibility is limited.

USE COMPETING OFFERS AS LEVERAGE

If you have multiple job offers, mention them strategically to create leverage but do so professionally.

Example response:

“I’m very interested in this opportunity. I have another offer at $XX, but this position aligns more with my goals. Would you be open to discussing compensation adjustments to reflect market value?”

NEGOTIATE WITH CONFIDENCE BUT BE PROFESSIONAL

Be polite but firm—law firms expect some negotiation, but avoid being overly aggressive.

Frame your ask in terms of market standards and your value to the firm rather than personal financial needs.

GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING

Once you agree on salary and benefits, ensure you receive a written offer letter that outlines the complete compensation package before accepting.

INTERVIEW PREP

RESEARCH THE FIRM OR ORGANIZATION

Study the firm’s website, recent cases, notable clients, and practice areas.

Review recent news, major settlements, or landmark cases to reference in conversation.

Check LinkedIn and NALP reports for insights on firm culture, salary expectations, and trends.

KNOW YOUR RESUME INSIDE AND OUT

Be prepared to discuss every experience listed—internships, law journal work, moot court, and pro bono work.

Expect behavioral questions like:

“Tell me about a time you handled a difficult legal issue.”

“Describe a challenge you faced in law school and how you overcame it.”

PREPARE ANSWERS TO COMMON LEGAL QUESTIONS

“Why do you want to work at this firm?” → Tie your answer to their practice areas and values.

“What practice area interests you and why?” → Show a clear direction but remain open to learning.

SHOWCASE YOUR LEGAL THINKING & PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS

Many firms ask hypothetical legal questions to test reasoning.

Example:

“A client confesses guilt in a case, but you find exculpatory evidence—what do you do?”

Think logically and apply ethical considerations and legal reasoning in your response.

HAVE SMART QUESTIONS READY FOR THE INTERVIEWER

Avoid generic questions like “What is the culture like?” (You can find this online.)

Instead, ask:

“What qualities make associates successful here?”

“How does the firm support professional development for junior attorneys?”

“What is the biggest challenge your team faces, and how can a new hire help solve it?”

DRESS PROFESSIONALLY & PRACTICE BODY LANGUAGE

Wear a conservative suit in navy, gray, or black.

Maintain good posture, eye contact, and a confident handshake.

MOCK INTERVIEWS & PRACTICE RESPONSES

Practice with career services, a professor, or a mentor to refine your responses.

Record yourself answering key questions to analyze your tone, clarity, and confidence.

FOLLOW UP WITH A THANK YOU EMAIL

Send a personalized thank-you email within 24 hours.

Reference a specific part of the conversation to reinforce your interest.

APPLICATION TIMELINE

📅 18-24 MONTHS BEFORE LAW SCHOOL

• Research law schools and programs

• Accrue letters of recommendation

•Plan LSAT preparation strategy 

📅 12-18 MONTHS BEFORE LAW SCHOOL

•Take the LSAT (or plan for a retake if needed)

•Begin drafting your personal statement and other essays

•Request transcripts and letters of recommendation

📅 9-12 MONTHS BEFORE LAW SCHOOL

•Finalize your law school list

•Complete and review applications through LSAC

•Submit applications early (many schools have rolling admissions)

📅 3-6 MONTHS BEFORE LAW SCHOOL

•Compare financial aid offers and negotiate scholarships

•Visit schools and attend admitted student events

•Secure housing and finalize enrollment details

📅 1-3 MONTHS BEFORE LAW SCHOOL

•Prepare for 1L year: books, study strategies, networking

•Attend orientation and connect with future classmates

cAREER PATHS

TRADITIONAL LEGAL CAREERS

Attorney (Litigation or Transactional) – Practice in civil, criminal, corporate, or other legal fields.

Judge – Serve in state or federal courts, interpreting and applying the law.

Public Defender – Represent individuals who cannot afford legal representation.

Prosecutor – Work for the government, bringing criminal cases against defendants.

Corporate Counsel (In-House Lawyer) – Provide legal guidance to companies and organizations.

Law Firm Partner – Lead a law firm, manage cases, and build legal teams.

Law Clerk – Assist judges in researching and drafting legal opinions.

Mediator or Arbitrator – Resolve disputes outside of court through negotiation and mediation.

GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY CAREERS

Legislative Counsel – Draft and analyze laws for government officials.

Policy Advisor – Work on legislative, regulatory, and policy issues for governments or think tanks.

FBI or CIA Legal Counsel – Advise on national security, surveillance, and criminal matters.

Compliance Officer – Ensure companies and organizations follow federal and state laws.

Foreign Service Officer/Diplomat – Represent the U.S. government abroad in legal and policy matters.

BUSINESS & CORPORATE CAREERS

Entrepreneur – Start and run a business using legal expertise.

Human Resources Manager – Handle employment law, workplace policies, and labor relations.

Risk Management Specialist – Assess legal and financial risks in corporate decision-making.

Contracts Manager – Draft, review, and negotiate business contracts.

Investment Banking or Finance – Specialize in mergers, acquisitions, and regulatory compliance.

EDUCATION & ACADEMIA

Law Professor – Teach at law schools, conduct research, and publish scholarly articles.

Legal Writing Instructor – Teach legal research and writing skills to law students.

Dean or Law School Administrator – Manage academic programs and student affairs.

Nonprofit & Advocacy Careers

Civil Rights Attorney – Work on issues related to discrimination, social justice, and equality.

Environmental Lawyer – Focus on climate change, conservation, and regulatory compliance.

Immigration Lawyer – Assist individuals with visas, asylum, and citizenship applications.

Nonprofit Director – Lead organizations advocating for legal and social causes.

MEDIA, JOURNALISM & COMMUNICATION CAREERS

Legal Analyst or Commentator – Provide expert legal opinions on TV, radio, and news outlets.

Legal Journalist – Report on court cases, legal issues, and government policies.

Author or Legal Content Creator – Write books, blogs, or educational content on law and policy.

TECHNOLOGY & LEGAL INNOVATION CAREERS

Legal Tech Consultant – Develop and implement technology solutions for legal services.

Cybersecurity & Privacy Lawyer – Advise companies on data protection and cybersecurity laws.

E-Discovery Specialist – Manage digital evidence and legal technology in litigation.

ALTERNATIVE CAREERS

Real Estate Developer – Use legal knowledge to navigate property law and contracts.

Sports Agent – Represent athletes in contract negotiations and endorsements.

Talent Agent/Entertainment Lawyer – Work with artists, writers, and filmmakers on contracts and rights.

Ethics & Compliance Officer – Ensure ethical business practices and regulatory compliance.