Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Lawyers at Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Josh, a Partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, suggests two entry-level paths for undergraduates interested in law: working as a receptionist or clerk in a law firm provides valuable insight into "how the sausage is made," allowing one to explore a legal career before committing to law school and potentially saving time and money. The experience benefits both the individual, by offering a realistic view of legal practice, and the firm, by providing "very smart, uh, young people who are very hungry."
Law Firm Operations, Clerical Work in Law, Pre-Law School Experience, Career Exploration in Law, Legal Field Entry
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Josh Rodine
Partner
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
University of California, Santa Barbara (1996)
University of Maryland, College Park (MA, Philosophy 1999); University of Illinois College of Law (JD, 2002)
Philosophy
Law
Legal
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. Gaining experience within a law firm, even in a role such as a receptionist, provides valuable insight into the inner workings of the legal field.
2. Working as a clerk at a law firm before committing to law school allows students to explore the profession and determine if it aligns with their career goals.
3. Many large law firms hire recent college graduates as clerks, providing them with hands-on experience and a chance to learn about legal practice before investing in law school
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
I would recommend doing one of two things. The first is something a close friend's then-girlfriend, now wife, did as an undergraduate.
She got a job as a receptionist in a law firm. Although she was far removed from the practice of law, it gave her a window into the inner workings of a law firm. She ultimately went to law school and practiced, and I think that experience was helpful.
So, if you're a student looking for a job, getting a position within a law firm in any capacity would be beneficial. You'll get to see how the sausage is made, so to speak.
Along those same lines, after graduating college but before committing to law school, I would encourage anyone thinking about law school to get a job working in a law firm as some type of clerk. Many large law firms have people in this role who aren't paralegals but do similar work.
My firm has hired people right after college who are considering law school to do this kind of work. It benefits us because we get smart, hungry young people who want to get their foot in the door.
It also benefits the individual. Before committing three years and significant money to law school, you can see if this is truly something you want to do.
Many people who practice law, like myself, come from families without attorneys. I didn't know what practicing law was like until I got here, and it's very different from what you see on television or in movies.
If you can get a job as a clerk at a firm before law school, it will benefit you in the long run. You might spend a year or two doing it, but it's valuable.
I've seen people come here thinking they would practice law, do the work for a couple of years, and then decide to pursue another graduate degree. This is beneficial because they haven't wasted time or money on law school.