What are law firm positions?
A law firm position is a job or role that an individual fulfills to help a law firm successfully complete its duties. There are many positions that an individual can obtain at a law firm, including some that don’t involve practicing law. For instance, you can seek a job as a clerk if you want a role that supports the attorneys you work for, or you can become an accountant if you desire a job that handles the firm’s business aspects.
How to start a career in law
Here are a few steps you can follow to start your career in law:
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
Depending on which law career you’re interested in pursuing, the type of degree you receive can vary. To become a paralegal, for instance, you can major in nearly any discipline. However, if you choose not to get a degree in paralegal studies, it can be helpful for you to earn a paralegal certificate after graduation, which can train you for the position and show potential employers your dedication to the job.
If you’re interested in furthering your education with law school and becoming a lawyer, some of the best degrees to pursue might be philosophy, political science, English or business. It can also be beneficial to pursue relevant extracurricular experiences, such as a mock trial or debate team, which can show law schools that you’re invested in the profession and have experience that will aid your career.
2. Take the LSAT
The LSAT tests your critical thinking, reading comprehension and information management abilities. The score you receive from the test shows law schools how well you can use those abilities and your potential skills for future legal work.
The LSAT can be challenging, so consider devoting extensive time to studying the material and to understanding the principals that the test evaluates. Helpful ways to accomplish this include purchasing test-prep books, taking practice exams and studying with a tutor.
3. Attend law school
There are many law schools in the country to apply for, and some specialize in a certain practice of law, such as constitutional law or criminal law. Consider talking with different schools and professors to better understand the specialties in law they teach and what jobs their graduates tend to receive after getting their degree. Doing so can help you make a better decision about which law school to apply to after graduating.
It can also be helpful during your time at law school to search for internships and other opportunities that can provide you with relevant work experience for future job applications.
4. Pass the bar exam
The bar exam is a test that you’ll take through the bar association of the state or jurisdiction you intend to practice in. For example, if you want to be a lawyer in the state of New York, you will have to pass the New York Bar Exam. This also means that if you move to a new state, you might have to retake the bar exam for that specific jurisdiction.
5. Decide on a specialty and gain experience
Whether you want to practice entertainment law, criminal defense or corporate law, it’s important to gain the relevant experience necessary to start those specific careers. For example, if you’re hoping to start a career as an entertainment lawyer, consider pursuing entry-level positions in that field. Internships, whether paid or unpaid, can also give you valuable experience that you can add to your resume.
6. Apply for law firm positions
After law school, the first entry-level job to obtain is often an associate attorney position. After gaining some experience, consider looking for jobs at law firms that practice your chosen specialty of law. This can help you continue to advance in your law career, whether at the same law firm or other law firms you can apply to after gaining more experience in the field.