Graduating from law school is an incredible achievement, but once you walk across that stage, the big question becomes: “What’s next?” With your Juris Doctor (JD) in hand, there are a variety of paths you can take. The choices range from taking the bar exam to exploring alternative legal careers and even stepping into non-legal professions. To help guide you through this pivotal moment, here’s a breakdown of what to do after law school and how to position yourself for success.
1. Prepare for the Bar Exam
One of the most common steps after law school is preparing for and taking the bar exam. This is a crucial milestone for anyone who wants to practice law. The bar exam is notoriously challenging, and preparation typically begins shortly after graduation.
- Study Schedule: Most graduates dedicate several months to intense study for the bar exam, often using bar prep courses like BARBRI, Kaplan, or Themis.
- Know the Format: The exam varies by state, but generally includes multiple-choice questions, essays, and performance tests. Some states have adopted the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE), which allows for easier transfer of bar scores between states.
- Mental Preparation: Along with legal knowledge, the bar exam demands significant mental stamina. Staying focused, managing stress, and sticking to a disciplined study routine is essential to passing.
Once you pass the bar exam and are admitted to the bar, you are officially licensed to practice law in your chosen jurisdiction.
2. Apply for Legal Jobs
After law school and, ideally, after passing the bar, the next logical step is applying for legal jobs. Depending on your interests, you can pursue careers in various fields of law, including:
- Corporate Law: Advising businesses on legal matters such as contracts, mergers, and compliance.
- Criminal Law: Either prosecuting or defending individuals accused of crimes.
- Family Law: Handling cases involving divorce, child custody, and related issues.
- Public Interest Law: Representing marginalized communities, working for nonprofit organizations, or engaging in human rights law.
- Intellectual Property Law: Helping clients protect their creations, inventions, and brand identities.
Networking through law school alumni connections, internships, and clerkships can significantly improve your chances of landing your first legal job. Attend industry events, use LinkedIn to connect with professionals, and leverage career services offered by your law school to find job openings.
3. Clerk for a Judge
Judicial clerkships offer a unique post-law school opportunity to work closely with judges and gain valuable insight into the judicial process. A clerkship can provide you with unmatched experience in legal research, writing, and courtroom proceedings, making it a prestigious stepping stone for various legal careers.
- Federal vs. State Clerkships: Federal clerkships, especially with appellate courts or the Supreme Court, are highly competitive and sought after. State court clerkships, while also valuable, may be more accessible and offer a different set of experiences.
- Building Experience: Clerkships can enhance your resume, improve your legal writing and research skills, and provide you with direct insight into how judges make decisions. This experience is particularly beneficial if you’re interested in litigation or appellate work.
4. Consider Alternative Legal Careers
If traditional legal practice isn’t appealing to you after law school, there are plenty of alternative legal careers that still utilize your legal education and skills. Some of these career options include:
- Legal Consulting: Advising businesses on compliance, regulations, and risk management.
- Legal Technology: Working with legal tech startups or established companies that provide software and solutions for the legal industry.
- In-House Counsel: Many corporations hire in-house lawyers to manage their legal needs, which can offer more stable work hours than traditional law firms.
- Policy or Lobbying: Use your legal expertise to influence legislation and regulatory frameworks by working with governmental bodies, NGOs, or advocacy organizations.
- Academia: If you enjoy research and teaching, you can pursue a career in academia by obtaining an advanced degree such as an LLM or PhD and becoming a law professor.
These roles allow you to utilize your law degree while exploring industries outside of traditional practice.
5. Public Service and Government Work
Many law school graduates are drawn to public service roles, including working for the government at the federal, state, or local level. Here are some potential roles to consider:
- Public Defenders: Represent individuals who cannot afford private attorneys, particularly in criminal cases.
- Prosecutors: Work for the government to bring cases against individuals accused of crimes.
- Regulatory Agencies: Agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), or Federal Trade Commission (FTC) often employ lawyers to enforce laws and regulations.
- Policy Development: If you’re passionate about creating change, working in a government policy role allows you to craft legislation, regulations, and public policy initiatives.
These careers often offer the chance to make a meaningful impact on society while serving the public interest.
6. Start Your Own Practice
If you’re entrepreneurial-minded and want the freedom to build something from the ground up, consider starting your own law practice. While this path comes with more risks and challenges, it offers autonomy and the opportunity to shape your career trajectory.
- Niche Practice: Many solo attorneys find success by specializing in a specific area of law, such as immigration, family law, or small business law.
- Building a Client Base: Starting your own practice requires strong networking skills and the ability to market your services effectively. Leveraging social media, word-of-mouth referrals, and a solid online presence are essential.
- Financial Considerations: Starting a practice comes with the cost of renting office space, purchasing legal software, and handling administrative duties, but it can be a rewarding way to directly manage your career.
7. Pursue Further Education
After law school, some graduates opt to continue their education by pursuing an LLM (Master of Laws) or another advanced degree in a specialized area of law, such as international law, tax law, or intellectual property law. This can provide a competitive edge in the job market or open up opportunities for academia or specialized legal practice.
Alternatively, some law graduates opt to pursue joint degrees, such as an MBA (Master of Business Administration), to combine legal knowledge with business acumen.
8. Take Time Off to Reflect
After the grueling experience of law school and the bar exam, some graduates benefit from taking time off to reflect on their next steps. If you’re feeling unsure about your career direction, a short break can help you recharge and think clearly about your future goals.
- Travel: Taking time to travel can offer new perspectives and help you consider what you truly want from your legal career.
- Volunteer: Engaging in volunteer work, particularly in legal aid or public interest law, can help you gain experience while also giving back to the community.
- Personal Development: Use the time to develop skills outside of law that could benefit your career, such as improving your writing, communication, or business skills.
Conclusion: Charting Your Path After Law School
Graduating from law school is just the beginning of an exciting journey. Whether you choose to take the bar exam, start your own practice, or explore alternative legal careers, there are numerous opportunities to apply the skills and knowledge you’ve gained. Consider your personal goals, interests, and strengths as you decide what’s next. No matter which path you choose, the key is to stay flexible, stay connected, and continue growing as a professional in the legal field or beyond.
