Career Planning & Job Search

Career Planning & Options for All Students

Career planning is a lifelong, evolving process that is fluid rather than strictly chronological. You do not need to complete one stage before progressing to the next, and you may move back and forth between different stages depending on your circumstances and goals. Throughout this journey, it's important to evaluate your opportunities in light of your personal values, preferences, skills, abilities, and experiences.

Employment Statistics

According to the NALP (National Association for Law Placement) Employer Report and Salary Survey, most law graduates enter private practice, with the largest number beginning their careers at small firms (2–10 attorneys). Loyola’s most recent graduate employment outcomes and statistics are available on our website and are updated every spring.

Job Search Facts  

• Hiring Timelines Vary
  • Law firm hiring practices vary depending on the size of the firm. Big Law firms recruit students through direct applications and via our summer On-Campus Interview Program. Smaller firms, public interest organizations, and government agencies often hire for summer and permanent positions in the spring, rather than the summer/fall.
• Externships Open Doors:
  • Participating in an externship or field placement during the school year or summer can lead to future job offers, provided your performance meets the employer’s expectations. Externships are available year-round.
• Part-Time Work Matters:
  • Working part-time during the academic year can translate into summer or post-graduate employment. These positions also provide valuable legal experience and professional contacts.
• Take Advantage of Employer Info Sessions:
  • Many employers visit campus or host virtual sessions to introduce students to their organization and available opportunities. Attending these sessions is a great way to learn directly from employers and begin building relationships.
• Learn from Alumni and Panel Presentations:
  • Career panels allow students to gain insight into different legal practice areas, career paths, and job search strategies while providing an opportunity to expand your professional network.
• Opportunities in Public Interest and Government:
  • Various public interest and government employment opportunities are available throughout the year. Funding may be available. Review 12twenty and the CDO’s weekly newsletter for more information.

As the legal profession continues to grow and specialize, it becomes increasingly difficult to list every practice area available to attorneys. To support your career exploration, the CDO has developed a collection of online Practice Guides. These guides provide foundational information on specific practice areas, including recommendations on relevant courses, professors, concentrations, employers, and professional associations. 

Bankruptcy
Corporate
Criminal Justice
Civil Rights
Education
Entertainment
Environmental & Land Use
Family
Health Care
Immigration
Intellectual Property
Labor & Employment
Law & Technology
Real Estate
Tax
Trusts & Estates
Workers' Compensation 

View the Practice Guides here. 

External Practice Area Guides

• Guide to Legal Practice Areas by Mitchell Hamline School of Law
• Exploring Practice Areas and Practice Settings by George Washington Law 
• Practice Area Resource Center by Vault
• Areas of Practice by HG.org

Practice Area Insights: Learn from LLS Alumni

The CDO also hosts the Legal Pathways Expo: Practice Area and Bar Associations event each fall, and all students are encouraged to attend. This event brings LLS alumni from a wide range of practice areas back to campus to share insights about their careers and answer your questions. It’s a great opportunity to explore different legal paths, connect with practicing attorneys, and kick off your networking for the year.

Law students and graduates pursue careers in a wide range of professional settings. Understanding the nature of each environment, its demands, expectations, and culture, is key to identifying where you are most likely to thrive. The following is an overview of major employment sectors:

1. Private:

Most law school graduates begin their careers in private practice, a diverse sector that ranges from solo practitioners to firms with hundreds of attorneys. While practices may be specialized or general, private firms typically rely on client fees, billed hourly, which often results in longer work hours. The following describes the different types of employment opportunities offered within the private sector.

• Large Firms (100+ lawyers): Large, full-service firms often operate nationally or internationally and serve corporate clients, including many Fortune 500 companies. These firms offer formal training, a wide variety of practice areas, high salaries, and prestige. Benefits may include early exposure to complex legal issues, opportunities for pro bono work, and freedom from administrative duties. However, drawbacks include long hours, limited early responsibility, and pressure to develop a book of business.

• Mid/Large Firms (50 - 99 lawyers): These firms usually offer a wide range of services and are divided into departments based on these services. Their clients are typically corporations. While similar to large firms, mid/large firms are less likely to have offices nationwide or in foreign countries, although many do. Typically, the advantages and disadvantages of mid/large firms are similar to those of large firms. 

• Medium Firms (11 - 49 lawyers): The range of services offered by medium firms varies from specialized services to a full range of services. Their clients may include both businesses and individuals. The advantages at a medium firm are generally similar to those at a large firm, but you're likely to get more responsibility earlier than at a large firm and the salaries are usually not as high. In addition, the training varies depending on the management style of the firm. Often times one might have responsibility for other matters outside the law such as administration and collecting fees from clients. 

• Smaller Firms (2 - 10 lawyers): Most law students and graduates nationwide work in smaller law firms. Some smaller firms are general practice while others are specialized (“boutiques”). The advantages often include a more intimate working environment, greater responsibility, more control over cases, the ability to see a case from beginning to end, and the potential to form more personal relationships with clients and co-workers.   Usually, client contact and court experience come sooner at a small firm than at a large firm. 

• Solo Practice: Some students work for solo practitioners. The advantages are similar to those in other small firms. If you decide to open a law firm after graduating from law school, there are many resources that focus on how to start your own law practice. However, there are several issues to consider. For instance, when you start your own practice, you will not only practice law, you will also have to do all the marketing and most of the administrative work. In addition, you will probably need a client base and some experience. 

2. Government 

 Government positions for students and lawyers are available at all three levels of government: federal, state, and local. They hire lawyers to represent their and the public’s interest in a wide variety of settings. For example, the Department of Justice employs attorneys in Washington, D.C., and in various regional offices in major cities. Opportunities for specialization are also quite broad, including numerous areas within the law, such as tax, criminal, environmental, customs, and labor.

As with most employers, government agencies take grades and writing ability into consideration. However, other factors are also important. For example, in litigation departments, students and graduates who have a strong interest in litigation, or strong advocacy, research, and writing skills, are considered strong candidates.

Application procedures can be very bureaucratic for government employers. If your application is not thorough and complete, you may find yourself out of the running. NOTE: Some government agencies will not hire right out of law school and may require prior Bar examination passage.

• Federal: Most federal positions are located in Washington, D.C. However, many departments have offices in other states and countries, and most have offices in Southern California or the Bay Area. Some federal agencies have honors programs, which require strong academics. The Department of Justice is not only the largest federal employer of attorneys but also has the largest honors program. Several other agencies, such as the Treasury Department, Interior Department, Executive Office for Immigration Review, Executive Office for U.S. Trustees, Securities & Exchange Commission, and Federal Bureau of Prisons have honors programs as well. Federal honors programs are for both summer and graduate positions. Check  https://www.usajobs.gov/ for job opportunities. 

• State/Local Government: In addition to the federal level, there are also many opportunities at the state and local levels. The most popular positions are at the Public Defender's Office, District Attorney's Office and Attorney General's Office. Other positions at the state level generally parallel those at the federal level. In addition, school districts, colleges, universities and many large cities also hire students and attorneys. 

• Military: Practice of law in the military can provide an opportunity for immediate responsibility in a practice that ranges from criminal law to international law. Each of the armed forces has a department called the Judge Advocate General’s Corps or “JAG Corps.” Attorneys in the JAG Corps usually begin their careers in the general practice of law. Initial training in the military moves quickly and the opportunity to litigate comes early. They also have a summer honors program for 1D, 2D/2E and 3E law students. These programs offer students and attorneys the opportunity to work all over the country and many other parts of the world. 

3. In-House/Corporations 

Legal departments at businesses and corporations hire students. Entertainment companies offer student positions, too. Also, many accounting firms recruit students and recent graduates, some of whom participate in our On-Campus Interview Program.

4. Public Interest 

Many of Loyola’s students and graduates enjoy great success in public interest law careers. Employment with a public service organization is an excellent way for a student to obtain hands-on, practical, legal experience. Public interest employers handle a wide range of matters, including civil litigation, family law, immigration law, disability law, environmental law, constitutional law, and housing. The CDO provides interested students with support services and resources for pursuing employment in this area. In addition, Loyola co-sponsors the Southern California Public Interest/Public Sector Career Day in February. This event has a large interviewing component. It also provides students with an opportunity to gain information and learn about different public interest organizations. PSJD is a great place to find public interest job listings and resources.

Students sometimes dismiss the idea of public interest employment because these employers do not traditionally pay as well as private practice firms. However, there is some funding available for students. Loyola also has a Pro Bono Graduation Requirement. Each student MUST complete 40 hours of uncompensated public interest work prior to their last semester of law school.

5. Judicial Externships & Post-Graduate Judicial Clerkships 

Judicial externships are available to law students; judicial clerkships are held by law school graduates.

Judicial Externships (or a “field placement”) is a semester-long, unpaid placement off-campus with a judge. It offers valuable experience, skill-building, and network development. It provides exposure to varied legal issues and an opportunity to hone research and writing skills. It may also be a gratifying personal and professional experience to work with a bench officer in a mentor capacity. Judicial field placements are available to 2D, 3E, 3D, and 4E students.

Judicial Clerkships are postgraduate roles. Clerks assist their judges in all aspects of the decision-making process: they conduct legal research, write memoranda, draft opinions, observe trial proceedings, and sit in on conferences. These are prestigious roles, especially federal clerkships, that are highly competitive and highly regarded by law firms. If you are interested in a post-graduate judicial clerkship, generally, you should start the process during the summer after your second year of law school if you are a Day student or after your third year of law school if you are an Evening student. Clerkships generally last one or two years and are based largely on academic credentials. Loyola has a Faculty Clerkship Committee to assist LLS students and alumni interested in clerking.

6. Research Assistant

Many faculty members hire students as Research Assistants (RAs) during the academic year or summer. These positions offer advanced legal research and writing experience and exposure to substantive areas of law. Interested students can contact professors directly or check postings on 12twenty.

7. JD Advantage & Non-Legal Positions

JD Advantage jobs are becoming increasingly popular among students and recent grads. JD Advantage careers leverage your legal training without requiring bar passage. These roles span industries like compliance, consulting, business, higher education, and technology.

For non-legal paths, networking is key. Joining professional associations related to your target industry can provide access to events, mentorship, and job leads. The CDO offers tailored support and resources for exploring these alternative pathways. For further guidance, consult the NALP JD Advantage Career Guide available online.

Few people find their "dream job" right out of law school. Be realistic in your search. Be persistent and do not get discouraged. Rejection is a part of the search process; however, with perseverance and follow-up, you can be successful. After all, it only takes one positive response. To plan your search strategy, you must focus your efforts in a way that contributes to your career goals. You should consider the many options available to you. Keep in mind that you must determine what is best for you, not your best friend, study partner, or a family member. Below are some tips that will be helpful.

• Be flexible

Broaden your scope by applying to a variety of geographic locations, practice areas, and types of employers. Keeping an open mind can uncover opportunities you may not have originally considered.

• Promote your prior experience and transferable skills

Your resume, cover letters, and interviews should reflect how your skills and experiences relate to the roles you’re targeting. Make it easy for employers to see the value you bring.

• Craft a standout resume

Your resume can make or break an interview opportunity for you. Take the time to make sure that it is not only an accurate reflection of your education and experience, but that it is an effective marketing tool.

• Build and expand your network

The more personal connections you make and include in your job search, the more potential opportunities you’ll uncover. Networking can often lead to positions that aren’t publicly posted.

• Check your LLS email and 12twenty regularly

Many job postings, announcements, and resources will come through these channels. Staying informed helps you act quickly on opportunities.

• Talk to your professors

They can offer invaluable guidance, mentorship, and may even help connect you with professional contacts.

• Stay connected with your career counselor

Regular check-ins with your assigned counselor can help keep your job search on track. Share updates, discuss any shifts in your interests or goals, and collaborate on a personalized job search plan. Your counselor is here to support and guide you every step of the way.

Professionalism: Your Reputation Starts Now

Your reputation as a lawyer doesn’t begin the day you're sworn in to the Bar; it starts right now, today. Almost nothing is more important during law school and throughout your future legal career than building and maintaining a stellar reputation among your peers, professors, administrators, and the broader legal community.

Look around you. The person sitting next to you in class may one day be your boss, your client, your opposing counsel, or someone who refers business to you. How you conduct yourself today could directly influence their impression of you in the future. Relationships formed in law school can shape your career and greatly impact your professional success.

Professionalism is not just about knowing the law; it’s about how you show up in every setting. That includes your behavior with classmates, your communication with faculty and staff, and how you interact with employers and clients. The legal profession is built on trust, service, and integrity.

Core Values of Professionalism

• Kindness

Be kind to everyone. Not only is it the right thing to do, but you never know who someone is or will become in your professional world.

• Humility

Accept feedback graciously. Understand that growth is part of the process and no one expects you to know everything on day one. Employers admire those who are teachable and open.

• Appreciation

Express gratitude to those who support you. Employers, professors, and staff remember those who are respectful and appreciative.

• Follow through

Meet deadlines. Honor commitments. Keep your word. If you say you’ll do something, do it. Following through demonstrates reliability, one of the most valued qualities in any legal setting.

• Responsiveness

Respond to emails and messages promptly, even if it’s just to acknowledge receipt while you gather more information. Lack of responsiveness is often seen as a red flag by employers.

• Be prepared

Preparation is key in law school and your legal career. Come to meetings with questions, bring necessary materials, and consider sending documents in advance to maximize your time.

• Pay attention to detail

In legal work, details matter. Typos in emails, errors in resumes, and sloppy writing reflect poorly on your professionalism. Everything you submit is a reflection of your competence.

• Service

Law is a service profession. Your practice will never be solely about you. It is about being a vehicle and voice for others. That same spirit of service should carry through in your interactions with our office, your professors, and fellow students.

Remember: Every email you send, every interaction you have, and every impression you leave contributes to your professional brand. The importance of professionalism, humility, responsiveness, and appreciation cannot be overstated. These qualities often carry more weight with employers than even your academic performance. A sense of entitlement, rudeness, or lack of follow-through can leave a lasting negative impression, one that may cost you future opportunities. Begin building your reputation for excellence, integrity, and service today. How you conduct yourself now will shape the way others perceive you for years to come.

Professionalism in the Job Search

In partnership with LawFirmElearning, NALP's Developing the Professional Work Group is developing a series of "tips" videos for students as they start their job searches and prepare to enter the work force. These interactive e-learning modules are a simple, engaging way to help students focus on some of the core elements of professionalism. 

Topics include: 

• Email and voicemail etiquette 

• Managing job offers 

• Best practices for communicating with employers during the application process 

• Ace the interview 

• The business of law 

• Maintaining well-being during the job search process 

• Government and public service interviewing 

• Cultural competence 

Watch the Videos here. 

On-Campus Interview Program (OCI) 

The On-Campus Interview (OCI) Program is one of the Career Development Office’s signature recruiting initiatives. Through OCI, law firms, government agencies, and public interest organizations interview students for summer and post-graduate positions. The CDO hosts OCI three times each year, in Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Law Firm Reception (LFR)

Law Firm Reception is an opportunity to network with local attorneys and continue your search for a summer or post-graduate position.  The event is structured like a classic job fair, where you’ll approach the attorneys you’re interested in talking to and introduce yourself 

Public Interest Career Day (PICD)  

The Annual Southern California Public Interest/Public Sector Career Day (“Career Day”) is one of the largest career fairs of its kind in the country. Each year, more than 100 nonprofit organizations, private public interest firms, and government agencies participate to recruit law students enrolled in the member schools of the Southern California Law School Consortium

Law in Technology Diversity Collaborative (LiTDC) 

The Collaborative is a consortium of law firms and tech companies partnering to provide summer associate positions for 1Ls/2Es.  Students split their summer between a firm and its partner tech company to gain valuable in-house experience. 

The Career Development Office (CDO) receives new listings every day for full-time and part-time employment opportunities. These positions are posted on 12Twenty, our online career platform. Students can log in with their LMU Loyola Law School credentials to access:

• 12Twenty 

• Firm Prospects 

In addition, we’ve compiled a list of external job boards that may be useful in your search. These sites feature opportunities for attorneys, law clerks, legal interns, and other professional roles.

➡️ View Job Search Links

At Loyola, we want you to feel confident connecting with legal professionals early in your law school journey, which is why we emphasize networking from the very start of your 1L year.

Networking is a powerful tool that not only helps you explore career paths but also opens doors to job opportunities. That’s why we encourage students to begin developing this skill right away, with support and guidance from the Career Development Office.

You’ll have access to one of the most engaged and supportive alumni networks in the country, along with a wide variety of networking opportunities throughout the year. These include on- and off-campus events, bar association programs, and informational interviews with attorneys in your areas of interest.

The relationships you begin building now can become the foundation of a strong professional network for years to come.

View our Networking resources, here.