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LinkedIn Success in 3 Easy Steps: Job Hunters Edition
By Diana LaMorie • February 03, 2019 •Law School, Choosing a Career and Landing a Job
Happy New Year dear readers! I am happy to report that I am back on the blog. In fact, after such a rewarding experience blogging as a 2018 Writer in Residence for Ms. JD, I have accepted a position on its Board of Directors. I am really excited about getting more deeply involved and helping Ms. JD bring exciting programs and opportunities for young women everywhere. My latest blogging inspiration manifested itself during a recent alumni women's circle I joined. I heard from several women recognizing the value of having a LinkedIn presence, but saying they were intimidated by how…
Is Studying Cyberlaw Right for You?
By Dennis Hung • January 14, 2019 •Law School, Choosing a Career and Landing a Job
For many lawyers and legal professionals, the process of seeking out an area of law to practice in is often a rite of passage towards building a successful career. In a competitive legal market, finding a niche subject to focus on isn't always easy, but it can lead to big career rewards and an area of career specialization that one can feel passionate about developing. And as cyberlaw becomes an increasingly important legal practice area in a world that is still learning about the intersection between law and technology, legal professionals who pursue work in cyberlaw are finding that the…
Making A Choice: Is Law School Right for You?
By Dennis Hung • January 07, 2019 •Law School, Choosing a Career and Landing a Job
Going to law school is a popular decision among those looking for a prestigious career path. Motivated by what they've seen on television and the movies, many go to law school only to quickly find out that the reality of practicing law is much different than what they've seen in fiction. If you are considering law school, you'll want to ask yourself the questions below before you send in your application. Do You Want to Go to Law School? The most important question to ask yourself is if you really want to go to law school. Don't go because you…
A JD Preferred Career Cocktail Recipe & Toast
By Diana LaMorie • December 28, 2018 •Writers in Residence, Careers, Other Career Issues, Law School, Choosing a Career and Landing a Job
Sigh, this is my final post for Ms. JD as a 2018 Writer in Residence. I want to close with a dose of good cheer and optimism for your career, in 2019 and beyond, by offering up a career cocktail recipe and toast to send you off merrily into the New Year! First, allow me to give due credit to the source of my inspiration for this post. I have not met or spoken with Cheryl Rich Heisler, who runs Chicago-based Lawternatives (a career consultancy), but I watched her entertaining and insightful webinar from the ABA Alternative Career Advice Series entitled ‘Pouring Over…
When Is a JD NOT Preferred?
By Diana LaMorie • December 05, 2018 •Writers in Residence, Careers, Other Career Issues, Law School, Choosing a Career and Landing a Job
I've been extolling the virtues of alternative legal careers for the past 10 months, so it's about time I introduce a contrarian element. My goal with the 'JD Preferred' theme of this blog is not to gloss over the hardships for folks who are facing six-figure debts and limited job prospects. What I am advocating, in all cases, is a deliberate approach. So whether I am reaching you in anticipation of enrolling in law school or in the throes of a post-JD career transition, allow me to share some thoughts on when touting your JD will not get you what…
What To Do When Your School Can’t Help You Get a Policy Job
By Kate Miceli • December 04, 2018 •Careers, Politics and Government, Other Career Issues, Law School, Choosing a Career and Landing a Job
In law school, I had an amazing party trick. The first month of school everyone was asking the three standard questions. “What’s your name?” “Where are you from?” And finally, “what do you want to practice?” The first two elicited pretty typical responses. But, the third was my astounding trick. Instead of saying I wanted to be a prosecutor or a civil litigator, I said I wanted to work in policy. Brows furrowed. Jaws dropped. Panic flickered in their eyes. They could not understand why someone would suffer the three-year torture of law school to never see the inside of…
6 Great Jobs For Up And Coming Lawyers
By Dennis Hung • December 03, 2018 •Law School, Choosing a Career and Landing a Job
Any recent law graduate will readily attest to the time, effort, and commitment that was necessary to reach their goal. Many new members of the bar knew exactly what type of lawyer they would be upon entering law school. For others, the options for lawyers are so plentiful they may try different routes before finally settling on the one they like best. In any event, the up and coming lawyer has many job routes from which to choose. Immigration Lawyer Lawyers that deal with immigration issues guide individuals, families, and business owners through the complex maze of immigration law.…
An Interview with Small Business Owner and Real Estate Side Hustler, Marni Blank
By Diana LaMorie • October 28, 2018 •Writers in Residence, Law School, Choosing a Career and Landing a Job
I’ve devoted the past few months to various thought pieces on career planning for non-practicing JDs and even put together a quiz to figure out the best ‘JD Preferred’ path for you. Now it’s time to get back into the swing of things by interviewing real people with real jobs. When I first started this blog, I didn’t realize what The Ultimate JD Preferred Job would be (or if there is such a thing). But after conducting this month’s interview it dawned on me – and seems obvious even in hindsight – that being a small business owner is the ultimate JD Preferred…
Discovering What Kind of Law Practices You Are Passionate About
By Dennis Hung • October 11, 2018 •Careers, Law School, Choosing a Career and Landing a Job
When a new lawyer takes their first job after passing the bar exam, they're happy to be working in their profession. The reality is most lawyers don’t stay with their first firm or continue to practice in the same area of law. It could be a challenge to change an area of legal practice, but it can be done. When a lawyer finds an area of the law that makes them feel passion, it could be motivation to make this switch. Legal Culture It is possible for many attorneys to internalize what the legal culture has given them and never…