Just The Beginning – A Pipeline Organization’s Post

📣 Attention aspiring law students! LEAP has an important date for you to mark on your calendars. We will be hosting an Informational Webinar for the Cohort 6 fellowship program on July 31st at 6:00 p.m. (PT)! Dreaming of a career in law but unsure where to start? Here are some questions to ask yourself to see if this informational webinar is right for you: Are you a diverse college student or recent graduate❓  At LEAP, we celebrate diversity and inclusivity in the legal field. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that diverse individuals bring to the table. Interested in applying to law school in the fall of 2025❓  Let us be your guide as you navigate the complex journey of law school applications. We'll provide the information and support you need to make well-informed decisions about your future. Located in California❓  This fellowship requires accepted participants to attend in-person workshops in either Southern or Northern California. Whether you're in So Cal or Nor Cal, we've got you covered. Make sure you follow LEAP for updates and stay tuned for information on how to register for the webinar 📝 #LEAPfellows #LawSchoolPrep #LawSchoolJourney #FutureLawyer #LegalEducation #PreLaw #LSATPrep #LegalCareer #LawStudentCommunity #LawSchoolBound #FutureLawyers

To law students that are scared about their post-graduation employment prospects: Become an active member of your local bar association, and go to the monthly luncheons or happy hours for the practice sections you are interested in. Apart from local bar association, there are myriad of bar organizations based on identity and/or practice area. Find ones that interest you and join them. And when you go, don't be shy. Introduce yourself, and don't be afraid to tell them that you are a student and are there because you are interested in the particular area of law. You will meet a community of welcoming individuals that love that there are future lawyers wanting to join their ranks. If you are nice, enthusiastic, and genuinely interested in their organization and its mission, they will welcome you with open arms. I only joined such organizations after I graduated and passed the bar. As someone that struck out at OCI and struggled to get an offer so I could have a job coming out of law school, I wish I had taken the advice I just gave. I have been a member, and sometimes a leader, within multiple organizations related to my practice area. Since I began to join these organizations starting almost 9 years ago, I have seen so many law students join, make real connections, and develop professional relationships. And then, as if it were magic, those law students get hired by (or recommended by) the attorneys in those organizations. Grades are important. Extracurriculars can be important. But getting to know the attorneys that practice in the area you're interested in can be more valuable than both.

Dear Upcoming Law Students, Tis the season that you’re going to start receiving law school admission letters. (And don’t sweat it, the admission letters WILL come). If you’re choosing between a full ride at a lower ranked school and a smaller (or NO) scholarship for a higher ranked school . . . let me clue you in on a secret: School ranking matters very little (or nothing at all). Once you’re a licensed attorney (in only a few short years from now), no one will care how your school was ranked. Unless you are on a very specific career trajectory, what law school you went to matters very little in the grand scheme of things. Know what will stick around with you after law school, though? Your debt. Don’t get me wrong, I love William & Mary. And I’m still glad I went there. My classmates and professors are some of the brightest and best that the profession has to offer. I made a lot of friends, learned a lot, and challenged myself to improve. It was the right environment for me. But if I had to do it all again, I would take another look at the schools that offered me a better scholarship opportunity than W&M did. #finances #lawyer #younglawyers #lawschool

Foreign-educated lawyers and law students are generally evaluating four types of law degrees as they consider U.S. law schools: General LL.M., Specialized LL.M., A.J.D. (2-Year), and J.D. (3-Year). Here's a July 2022 article I wrote going into a little more detail on the routes, some general advice, and things to consider. As always, speak with people in your own networks, trusted advisors, current and former LL.M. students, and U.S. law schools to find the best fit for you!

LAST CHANCE to join CLEO and our law school educators ONLINE for this two day workshop!  Did you know that your first year of law school is critical to your employment success? Employers hire second-year law students primarily on their first-year GPA! Our 2-day, 1L Prep online workshop will prepare you for a successful start to your academic achievement. We'll cover everything you need to know, including: -- Case briefings -- Legal research and writing -- Time management -- Finances -- Exam preparation We'll also give you a head start on learning the most critical skills that you'll need in law school, such as: -- Critical thinking -- Writing concisely and persuasively -- Researching legal issues -- Analyzing case law -- Preparing for oral arguments Our 1L Prep workshop is the perfect way to get ahead in law school. Sign up today and start your journey to a successful 1L year, and legal career! Just two dates left to choose from: CLEOINC.ORG/AIE #1Lprep #lawschoolbound #futurelawyer #1Lstudent #lawschoollife #cleoscholars

Law Students - There will be many forks in your path to a successful legal career. Friday was my last day as a law clerk at the Public Defender's office. One of many last days which will lead to many first days. They are always going to be bittersweet. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Public Defender's office and I have a huge passion for serving those who are disenfranchised. I know that my path will involve serving my community in the future. It is in my nature and I would be extremely unhappy if I cannot use my skills to help those who need it most. All of that being said, I accepted an incredible opportunity to learn new areas of the law this summer at a midsized firm. The culture there from what I have experienced so far is amazing. I am very excited to expand my legal knowledge this summer. These moments have happened so often in Law School. There isn't a straight path while in law school. We are always presented with choices that we have to make. Whether it is to join a journal, to serve on an E-Board, to join a trial team, to serve as a student mentor or to take one job over another. My experience prior to law school taught me that these choices are present throughout life. Many things may feel out of your control during law school, but these choices are yours alone to make. Sometimes these choices are hard! Do what feels right to you, do not follow what everyone else thinks you should do. Share your experiences below with difficult choices if you feel comfortable. #1Ls #LawStudents #LawSchool

Our J.D. student ambassadors are campus leaders who enrich our law school community and serve as invaluable resources for prospective students! We recently sat down with Claire Hyatt, a 2L and UCLA Law student ambassador, to learn more about her experience. Dive into her mini Q&A below. ⬇️ Q: Why did you want to be a student ambassador? A: When I was applying to law school, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of my path. The process was daunting, and I remember feeling lost as I tried to figure out which school was right for me. That’s why I wanted to become a student ambassador—to be a guiding light for prospective students who might feel the same way. I want to help them navigate this journey with confidence and find their place, just like I did. My experience at UCLA Law has been incredibly rewarding, thanks to the supportive community and opportunities for growth. As an ambassador, I hope to share my journey, offer support, and showcase the environment that makes UCLA Law such a special place. I want to help others find their place here and feel confident in their decision to join our community. Q: What are you looking forward to most this academic year? 📚 A: Now that I have a clearer sense of my interests within the legal field, I can't wait to take more specialized and tailored classes that align with my passions. Plus, I’m excited to be back at school because I've missed my friends! Seeing them every day and hanging out has been such a fun part of my law school experience and I don't think I could do it without them. Q: Do you have any advice for 1Ls? A: My advice for 1Ls is to embrace the journey and enjoy every moment. You will never learn as much in such a short period of time, so soak it all in! Remember, it's normal to feel overwhelmed—everyone around you is feeling the same way. This is everyone's first time in law school, and nobody expects you to be perfect. You worked incredibly hard to get here, and you belong here. Believe in yourself, stay resilient, and keep pushing forward. You’ve got this! 👏 #LawStudent #LawSchool #Law

🔥Hot Take: CLEs Over Classrooms!🔥 As a law student, I've found that attending CLEs in my field offers more real-world insights than most law school courses, which mostly teach what it takes to pass the Bar. Even though I'm not required to take CLEs yet, I love going to as many as my schedule allows. The real-world knowledge I gain is incredibly valuable. Here’s why CLEs are great for law students: - Real-World Insights: Get practical knowledge directly from practicing attorneys. - Stay Updated: Learn about the latest developments and trends in your area of interest. - Explore New Fields: Discover and gain exposure to different areas of law. - Career Boost: Meet attoneys in the field who may being looking for their next great hire. To my fellow law students: don’t wait until you are an attorney! Seek out and attend as many CLEs as you can, even in fields you’re just curious about. I really believe it’s a game-changer for your education and career! 💼💡 #LawSchool #CLE #Networking #CareerGrowth

📚 Should You Go to Law School? 📚 Although I only graduated from law school two years ago, I’ve already had multiple occasions to field the question: Should I go to law school? In my limited experience, this is a highly personal question, and no one can answer the question for you but you. However, I can point to a few things to think about as you contemplate this question: Pros of Attending Law School: - Employment Flexibility: A law degree opens doors beyond the courtroom. While it is the baseline you need to become a licensed lawyer, it also equips you with skills applicable across various industries—think banking, finance, government, politics, and entertainment. The job market is evolving, and flexibility is key. - Credibility Boost: Law school hones your research, speaking, writing, and analytical reasoning skills. Employers often view a law degree favorably, assuming that you’ve mastered these vital skillsets. - Intellectual Enrichment: The Socratic method used in law school—those intense cold calls and rigorous discussions—provides a deeper understanding of the law. It’s not just a degree; it’s an educational opportunity to refine public speaking, advocacy, and writing skills. Cons of Going to Law School: - Debt Burden: On average, law school graduates accumulate a hefty $145,500 in debt. Student loans can weigh heavily, affecting your financial freedom post-graduation. - Changing Legal Landscape: The legal market is rapidly evolving. Traditional legal roles are shifting, and new opportunities emerge. It’s essential to stay informed about industry trends and adapt accordingly. Considerations: - Passion for Law: If you’re set on becoming a lawyer, law school is your path. But ensure it aligns with your long-term goals. - Alternative Paths: If practicing law isn’t your sole ambition, explore other avenues. Consider specialized legal education or related fields that resonate with your aspirations. In weighing these factors, I would suggest that the intense personal, familial, and monetary investment required for law school is probably only worthwhile if your goal is to become a licensed attorney. Other, less burdensome options may be preferable if you are looking to augment another career path with a splash of legal education. However, law school is a personal decision. Weigh the pros, cons, and your unique circumstances. Whether you’re advocating for justice in court or shaping policy behind the scenes, choose wisely. 🌟 #LegalEducation #CareerPath #LawSchoolJourney

Embarking on a journey through law school is an exhilarating experience, but what lies beyond those lecture halls and case studies? Our Class of 2022 has set an impressive example, with 84.96% employed in full-time, long-term positions requiring bar passage or those jobs where a law degree might not be required but gives the candidate a real edge (“JD advantage”) and a myriad of career paths. In our latest blog post, we'll take a closer look at the diverse opportunities awaiting law graduates and how concentrations and experiential learning at the School of Law play a pivotal role in shaping these professional trajectories. Read the article: https://lnkd.in/g4n9afWp #UBuffalo #UBuffaloLaw