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February 2005
Law Careers and the J.D.'s Value
Finally the sheepskin is clutched tightly in your hand. The
years of testing, classes at polar ends of your interest
spectrum and seemingly endless late nights of studying are
at an end. It's time for you to take your first steps as the
holder of a coveted J.D.
So... now what?
"Follow your passion and you can never go wrong," advised
Harvard
Law School Assistant Dean of Career Services Mark Weber.
The first five years of the 21st century have seen many changes in
law firm hiring practices and the job seeker needs to be aware of what they are
facing. They also must be sure they know what is going to be expected of them
once they join the firm.
"Firms are being run much more like a business," Weber explained. There isn't
as much time to adjust and learn the ropes. More and more, Weber said, firms
want new hires to be up to speed and to hit the ground running in order to
assure the highest possible customer service.
"(Clients) are paying top dollar. There's a huge expectation that goes along
with that," Weber said. "You're also going to see it harder to make partner."
With an unstable economy and ever increasing numbers of law graduates
entering the workforce, those conducting the hiring are looking much more
intently at applicants in order to ensure they are getting the cream of the
crop.
"Firms are looking more closely at credentials and work experience,"
explained Stanford School of Law
Assistant Dean of Career Services Susan Robinson.
Robinson suggested that while students are in school, they need to take
advantage of all the opportunities they have at their disposal. Internships and
work experience will not only look good on a resume during the application
process, but will help the individual with study and work habits.
Robinson also pointed out that many students don't keep on top of world
events and news, something that can be seen as a huge detriment once they begin
their job search in the legal field, a belief that Weber wholeheartedly
supports.
"Everything is becoming more complex," Weber said, explaining that international
borders have all but been torn down in the field. "Now you're seeing firms that
have a global presence."
This breaking down of borders and creation of a "global community" is helping
the growth of law practice in the fields of employment, labor and intellectual
property law, but not without a price to future graduates. Weber explained that
with the growth comes new skills and applicants will need to fill the gap.
"Lawyers have to be cognizant (of cultural considerations)," Weber said,
continuing to explain that lawyers who have traveled and understand other
cultures and countries are, and will continue to be, in high demand.
The consensus at law schools across the nation seems to be that in addition
to the "book smarts" learned in the classroom and late night study sessions,
those in the legal profession will need to bring other skills to the table such
as computer skills, research abilities and an understanding of technology – both
in theory and practice.
"It does seem to be becoming the norm," said
admissions consultant and former
Associate Director of Admissions at the
University of Pennsylvania Law School Renee Post.
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