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.
