Student Lawyer: What is Justice?
As Student Lawyer turns 50, we take a look at how law students can pursue justice in their careers. This includes career paths big and small, such as legislative work, public interest, and working in pro bono.
Category: Student Lawyer
Celebrating 50 Years of Student Lawyer
Imagine, as you open your latest copy of Student Lawyer magazine, you begin by reading a discussion of eliminating the LSAT for law school admissions or finally reforming the bar exam. You find concerns about the rising tally of debt faced by law students. Another writer wonders when
What happens when a legal career path isn’t right choice for you?
If you choose not to pursue a career in justice, remember that the law isn’t bad—and you’re not bad—it’s just that the fit is wrong. Figure out where you do fit, and then use the amazing skills you gained on the way to becoming a JD to pursue most any path you like.
Student loan policy: Where do we stand now?
A year ago, we updated you on changes that could be on the way. Here’s what actually changed—and what still could.
So you want to work in the public interest?
Here are seven things to consider if you’re mulling a career in which you’ll serve the public good.
Pro bono experiences these lawyers won’t forget
Pro bono work goes right to the heart of shaping justice, and these stories will educate you while inspiring you.
7 ways you can improve justice
Lawyers offer their tips on the steps you can begin taking today to change legal outcomes tomorrow.
The anatomy of our oath as attorneys
After you pass the bar, you’ll be sworn in and required to take an oath. Here’s what you’ll be swearing to do throughout your career.
How the legislative lawyer changes the world
Few people understand how lawyers who specialize in lawmaking can do groundbreaking and vital work. Here’s a primer on the role of the legislative lawyer in moving policies that can promote social justice.
Tommy Sangchompuphen: Seeking Help Shows Strength
I suffer from depression and have had instances of suicidal thoughts. I’ve had to live with those challenges since I was a young child. Fortunately, I’m alive today, doing well, and as happy as I’ve ever been. But the journey to where I am today hasn’t always been
How the ABA drives careers
A lawyer had no idea that throwing her hat into a position at the ABA would begin paving her route to a successful career.
Why it helps to craft a personal mission statement and declare your law school purpose
Having worked remotely during the pandemic, it’s with fresh eyes that I now walk through the law school, pausing to take in its sights and sounds. On the walls, works of art depict social justice and civil rights movements—many with powerful messages and compelling photographs—proof beyond a reasonable
Student Lawyer: A whole new world for legal careers
Today, there’s a greater opportunity than at any point in the last 100 years to reinvent the idea of work—namely, where, when, and how people choose to make a living. The legal profession is no exception. So be prepared to tailor your job applications to new standards, set
The post-COVID-19 world of job hunting
Today, there’s a greater opportunity than at any point in the last 100 years to reinvent the idea of work—namely, where, when, and how people choose to make a living. No longer bound to a desk or relegated to eight-hour days, the promise of more flexibility for workers
Job search stalled? Consider hiring yourself
Your plan has always been to go to law school, study and work hard, get great grades, and land a solid legal job—the natural result of the careful execution of a good plan. But too many law students are learning the painful lesson of what
Dos and Don’ts for today’s on-campus interviews
You’re probably tired of seeing the many emails from your school inviting you to the seemingly most-stressful event of your life: the on-campus interview. It’s daunting, especially if you haven’t attended one yet. For many, the OCI process is a grueling, anxiety-inducing experience. As anyone
Network like you mean it
No matter your path in law or other careers, the bigger your network, the easier it will be to find a job or clients and to build strong camaraderie with your colleagues.
Use your soft skills to stand out
There’s more to being a lawyer than reading case law and writing briefs. While you’ll certainly need these skills as a working attorney, many prospective lawyers overlook soft skills when applying for jobs in the legal field. But what are soft skills, why are they important, and how can you leverage them to stand out and get your dream job?
Bar planning dovetails with career planning
If you haven’t yet found your place in law, you’re not alone. The process of planning to pass the bar exam can help you get there.
Find your niche in a nontraditional legal career
One benefit of a law degree is its versatility. But because of that, if you don’t have your heart set on an area of practice, you get overwhelmed by the array of options before you. How do you find your niche? Here’s how to begin
Change begets change: Six post-COVID trends shaping the legal profession
Whoever remarked that “the only constant is change” was clearly onto something. Here are six post-pandemic trends to consider as you continue to plan your legal career.
What I Wish I'd Known: Judge Roy Ferguson
I wish coming out of law school I’d known how a lawyer’s professional life could be impacted by their personal behavior. When I was in law school, social media didn’t exist. Phones didn’t have cameras. Vehicles didn’t communicate with satellites. And people didn’t voluntarily carry
Student Lawyer: How to get good grades in law school
There's a lot to learn in law school. The September/October 2021 issue of Student Lawyer magazine is here to help you learn how to learn. Our first issue of the school year covers a balanced approach to studying, studying as a group effort, and how to ace legal
Let positive thoughts about the bar exam process and the future keep you on track
Bar exam preparation—successful bar exam preparation—requires months of full-time work after law school graduation. Law school success requires three years of hard work, four years for part-time students. Succeeding at your first law job requires intense focus and incredible effort. But in each of these
Tips for success for neurodiverse law students
How might the law school journey change for someone who’s neurodivergent? Are there additional obstacles and challenges for these students that neurotypical students wouldn’t usually encounter? Are there enough resources and is there enough support for neurodivergent students? What’s it like to experience law school as a neurodivergent student?