WHAT IF I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE WITH THE LAW?
What if I don’t have any legal experience? You must be prepared to apply for a law job, although without any legal expertise. So what are your options?
If you want to get a job as a lawyer, future employers will want to see evidence that you have done your homework and are serious about the profession. On the other hand, where do you begin?
WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE ANY LEGAL EXPERIENCE
Even if you can just devote a few hours a week to volunteer work, it will give your resume that additional oomph and help you build the skills necessary to succeed in the legal profession. Depending on where you live, you may be able to get some insight into local job opportunities via your university or law school's career services office. And legal clinics and Citizens Advice often accept applications from law students for voluntary positions. You may even get a paid position if you're lucky, although this is less often.
The courts in your region may also be looking for ushers or other support employees. Several courts can let you have the experience of shadowing a judge, which may be a wonderful talking point during the interview.
Be a part of a student legal society. If you are interested in becoming a trainee lawyer or barrister, it's a good idea to take on a position of responsibility in your law school, such as treasurer. Many bar associations and universities provide career counsellors who may assist you in securing work experience or mentorship opportunities and applying for paid vacation plans.
For those who have no legal job experience, examine what other professions may indicate your eligibility for a career in the legal field. It is necessary for young lawyers who want to practice law in a fast-paced setting to have a good grasp of interpersonal skills and work well with others. Also think about doing some unpaid work.
The sort of law you want to specialise in is one last item to think about. Focusing your job experience on a certain field of law may be a good idea if you have already decided on your career path. As an extreme example, many shipping lawyers have nautical credentials or expertise on the water. It is a good idea to have some job experience in publishing if you want to work in media law in the future.
PRO BONO WORK EXPERIENCE
Pro bono thus covers a broad range of volunteer efforts with a legal emphasis. This kind of volunteering is concentrated on a particular project, as opposed to general community service, which is open to all students and does not need legal knowledge. Your university's career centre and skills development, which provides a range of courses and services, may provide you with more opportunities to accomplish this. This might be going to nearby schools or giving back to the neighbourhood law center. Read how.