I wrote this email especially for students returning to school this month, but even grads can benefit from it because there's a lot they don't teach you in law school. These three tips are good whether you're in orientation for 1L or have already started your career:
1. Think about your long-term goals and live without regrets. Unless you go into BigLaw, grades don't mean everything, but this JDCOT guest says he wishes he worked harder in law school.
2. Make the most out of your education by doing career research, another JDCOT guest advises. Did the Career Services Office staff introduce themselves at orientation? Make sure you check in with them before 3L and stay in touch after you graduate, too.
You're not going to learn how to be a lawyer in lectures, so take advantage of career services, your alumni network, and resources like JDCOT to find out what different types of lawyers do and what you might want to do. Ask your career service office to subscribe to JDCOT if they don't already.
3. Enjoy yourself!
Law school was actually a lot of fun; it beats the heck out of working.
P.S. Please forward this email to your law school friends so they can benefit from the advice, too. Bonus tip for 1Ls:
Your classmates will be your colleagues for 3 years and your network for life. Make friends now!
Videos on JDCOT
Government Jobs - How Lawyers Can Serve Their City
City Government Agency Leader Rich Rodriguez
Why Watch: Rich has led some of Chicago's most important agencies, like the Chicago Transit Authority. Plus, he explains what legal skills come in use for alternative legal careers.
