I just graduated from college and want to gain experience before I go to law school, what should I do? 10 pts!?

Should I try to take positions as a runner or file clerk. Would I be hired as a legal secretary (I don't have a degree for being a legal secretary, but I've gone to college so I should be qualified for it)

All the firms want is someone with 2-3 years of litigation experience (which I don't have). So, which jobs should I apply for to get experience in the legal field?

Charis P

If you live in the United States, in the current economy the likelihood of your obtaining an entry level position in a law firm are fairly bleak. Every firm that I am aware of has implemented either a hiring freeze or has already done layoff rounds for legal support staff including legal secretaries, file clerks, managing clerks, and paralegals and while there may be firms that are hiring in this environment, the large number of layoffs means that the supply of experienced legal support staff is going to exceed the demand and recruiters will choose seasoned unemployed candidates over entry level ones.

That being said, it cannot hurt to interview with some law firm support staff placement agencies and provide them with your resume. It costs you nothing but your time but I would not hold out high hopes for any results as placement agencies are going to want to hold out their most qualified candidates first.

If money is not an issue you may want to consider volunteering to work with a public service law group such as a legal defense fund. While the dynamics are notably different from a law firm, it is still exposure to the legal field, and will often afford you the opportunity to get more substantial exposure to the actual practice of law than you would see in a law firm in a legal support staff position. Some of these organizations may be willing to accept you on a part time basis so even if you need a paying job you might want to consider volunteering part time.

not my president

You might want to try working in a non-law-related job for some outside experience that will come in handy when you are a lawyer.

amber27

work or even volunteer as a paralegal to make certain that you really want to go to law school.

Lauryn M

I think file clerk would be good, secretary; what type of law are you interested in? Also you can list your schooling as general experience on your resume usually. It may be as easy as getting on craigslist.com or career builder and just searching around. I got a job in a law office just by being in school for law. It was kind of a crummy job and I got laid off lol But I got experience and learned allot. Internships are also an option. Write or visit your local court house, see what they need.

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