Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Law Clerks in State Government
Erica, a State Government District Law Clerk, suggests undergraduates explore entry-level roles such as "paralegals or investigators or even receptionists" in smaller law firms to gain familiarity with the field. Further, she highlights the value of government work at any level or assisting with legal research or pro bono work at a university law school, emphasizing that even seemingly basic tasks "might as well do it at a place that has something to do with the law".
Entry-Level Jobs, Legal Field, Government Work, Paralegal Work, Networking Opportunities
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Erica Roberts
Law Clerk
State Government District
University of California, Los Angeles. Graduated 2018
The University of Texas School of Law
Economics
Government & Public Sector, Law
Legal
Greek Life Member, LGBTQ
Video Highlights
1. Consider entry-level positions like paralegal, investigator, or receptionist at smaller law firms to gain familiarity with the field.
2. Seek government positions at local or federal levels to understand government legal work.
3. Explore opportunities within your undergraduate institution's law school, such as research assistance or pro bono office support, to gain legal experience.
Transcript
What entry-level positions in this field might an undergraduate college student consider?
There are many opportunities for smaller firms needing paralegals, investigators, or even receptionists. I wish I had explored that in undergrad to get a sense of what a law firm looks like and what this field entails.
It's a bit of a unique field because it's so pervasive. You could also consider working in government, either locally or federally. This would give you a good understanding of that aspect of the legal world.
Something I hadn't really considered but would be beneficial is working with the law school at your undergraduate institution. For example, if you attend UCLA, their law school is quite large and professors often need research assistants.
They also have a pro bono office offering free legal services. While your opportunities as an undergrad might be somewhat limited, you can still contribute in any capacity. If you're going to have a job where you're answering phones or handling correspondence, it might as well be at a place related to the law.