Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Legal Professionals
Liku emphasizes that internships are invaluable for undergraduates and graduates seeking entry-level positions in the legal field because being in that environment is very eye-opening, while they also suggest networking and being around other attorneys who run their own practices, as it fosters a sense of community and provides insights into the business aspects of owning a law firm. Liku's experience interning at a solo practitioner's office, initially for money and class credit, later proved crucial when deciding to run their own practice, demonstrating the lasting impact of early exposure and networking.
Internships, Law Firm Environment, Networking, Business Ownership, Community
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Liku Amadi, Esq.
Founder and Business Attorney
Anasa Law Firm PC
CSUS
Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Doctor of Jurisprudence
Communications
Law
Legal
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Internships are invaluable for gaining experience and exposure in the legal field, even as a legal secretary or calendar manager.
2. Networking at happy hours and panels provides opportunities to connect with professionals and experience the community aspect of the industry.
3. Gaining experience in solo practitioner offices or connecting with other business owners can provide valuable insights into running a business, including mindset, marketing, and growth strategies.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate or graduate student might consider?
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate or graduate student might consider? Internships are a great way to make some extra money or get class credit, but also to get a taste of the legal career field.
Even if you're just a legal secretary managing someone's calendar, being in the environment is very eye-opening. It shows you what it could be like. Even as an undergrad, you don't have to be in law school yet.
Go to a law firm and say, "Hey, are you looking for an intern? I'll give you this amount of hours for class credit." Or, "I see you posted something on your website." Pitch yourself. There are many opportunities that can be created. I would say internships, internships, internships.
Also, consider networking. Being in those environments is key. There are many happy hours and panels where you can be professionally and socially around people in that profession. The industry is a community.
As for being a business owner or owning a practice in general, it's similar. Try to understand what it's like to run your own business or law firm. I interned at a solo practitioner's office. At the time, I was trying to get money and class credit, but later on, when I decided to run my own practice, that experience was invaluable.
I had that to look back on, and I learned a lot from him that applied later in life. Being around other attorneys who run their own practices is also helpful. Some of my best friends from law school have their own practices, so it's nice to have that community.
Being around other business owners in general is beneficial. While they may not own law firms, there are similarities in mindset, marketing tactics, sales, and growth. Finding that community of people is important.