How to Kickstart Your Legal Career as a First-Year Law Student

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Sep 15, 2023

Written By Elizabeth Beesley

Entering the legal profession can be a challenging and exciting experience, especially as a first-year law student. The pressure to excel academically is high, and students often feel uncertain about how to start building their legal careers. But how can you kickstart your legal career as a first-year law student? Alongside careful planning and a proactive approach, here are some steps that first-year law students can take to help them in their career journeys.

Develop a clear understanding of your goals and interests

Before embarking on any career path, it’s important to understand what you want to achieve and what interests you. Law is a diverse field, and there are many areas of law to explore, including corporate law, criminal law, family law, and intellectual property law, to name a few. It is therefore important to take the time to reflect on your interests and goals.

Once you gain a clear understanding of your goals and interests, you can start researching law firms and legal organisations that align with your aspirations. Look for firms that specialise in the areas of law that interest you and research their culture, values, and approach to legal practice. This will help you identify potential employers and guide your career choices.

Build your legal knowledge and skills

Developing your legal skills is essential for success in the legal profession. University is a great opportunity to develop a strong foundation of legal knowledge and skills. First-year law students should focus on mastering the fundamentals of legal research, writing, and analysis. This includes developing strong legal writing skills, understanding legal terminology and concepts, and honing your research skills. Apply for opportunities such as legal writing courses, law review or journal competitions, and writing for a legal blog or publication.

Attending talks in areas of law that interest you can be equally beneficial, as this can also help you develop a deeper understanding of your chosen area of law and provide you with opportunities to network with legal professionals in that field. Furthermore, developing a specialisation in a particular area of law can make you a more competitive candidate for legal internships and job opportunities.

Get involved in extracurricular activities

University is much more than just attending classes and studying. Most universities will offer an array of legal extracurricular activities, so it’s recommended to try them out, and make a commitment to the one you’re most interested in. You could join a law club or organisation that aligns with your interests, such as a student bar association, moot court competition, or legal clinic. There are also volunteering opportunities with legal organisations or charities.

Participating in one or more of these activities can give you the opportunity to work on real legal cases, hone your legal writing and research skills, and build relationships with other law students and legal professionals. They can also make you a more competitive candidate for legal internships and job opportunities. Employers are often impressed by candidates who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the legal profession and have taken the initiative to gain practical experience outside of the classroom.

Build your network

Networking is a critical component of building any successful legal career and will be commonplace both before and after securing a position in the field. So, the sooner you become familiar and comfortable with it, the better. As a first-year law student, you have access to many opportunities to network with legal professionals. It’s a good idea to start building your professional network by attending conferences, seminars, and other networking events. These events provide opportunities to meet practising lawyers, judges, and legal recruiters, gain insight into the legal industry, and learn about potential job opportunities.

In addition to attending events, you can also build your network by reaching out to lawyers or alumni through social media or email. Be professional, courteous, and express your interest in learning about their experience in the legal field. Your network can be a valuable resource for job opportunities, mentorship, and advice.

It's important to approach networking with a clear purpose and a willingness to learn from others. You should also be prepared to ask thoughtful questions and engage in meaningful conversations with legal professionals. Finally, make sure to follow up with any contacts you make and maintain those relationships over time.

Seek out legal internships

Practical legal experience is an essential component of building a successful legal career and is another excellent way for law students to gain practical experience in the legal profession. Internships allow you to work alongside practising lawyers and gain insight into the day-to-day operations of a law firm or legal department. You may also have the opportunity to work on real legal cases, conduct legal research, and draft legal documents.

First-year law students can gain practical experience by:

- Securing summer internships at law firms, corporations, or government agencies, which can help gain exposure to different areas of law and improve your legal skills

- Volunteering for legal organisations or charities, which can provide opportunities to work on legal cases and gain practical experience

To find legal internships, start by reaching out to your university’s career services office. They may have information about internships available in your areas or at the very least be able to connect you with alumni who can offer internship opportunities. You can also search for legal internships on job boards or reach out to law firms directly.

Not only will gaining legal experience boost your CV by demonstrating your commitment to the legal profession and developing the skills you need to succeed as lawyers, but it will also help you decipher which area of law you are more or less interested in, and ultimately help you decide on which law you may wish to later specialise in.

Seek out mentorship

Mentorship is another essential aspect of building a successful legal career. A mentor can provide you with guidance, advice, and support as you navigate the legal profession. They can also offer you valuable insight into the legal industry and help you build your network.

To find a mentor, start by reaching out to professors, alumni, or legal professionals you have met through networking. Be clear about your goals and your interest in finding a mentor, and be open to their feedback and advice. A mentor can be a valuable resource throughout your legal career, but it is a resource that will only give out as much effort as you put in, so it’s essential to invest time into finding the right mentor for you.

Starting a legal career as a first-year law student can be challenging, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to begin building your network, gaining practical experience, and developing your legal skills. By following these essential tips, you can kickstart your legal career and set yourself up for success in the legal profession.

Remember to take advantage of opportunities to network, get involved in extracurricular activities, seek out legal internships, develop your legal skills, and seek out mentorship. With hard work, dedication, consistency, and a commitment to your legal education, you can build a successful legal career as a first-year law student.

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