I've decided not to worry too much about trying to find a job while I'm still in law school. While the lack of an anticipated source income is a concern, my larger concern is that my education - which I've devoted three years and tens of thousands of dollars to pursuing - has been repeatedly undermined by the recurrent distraction of needing to find a job. To that I say, "Enough." And unlike my first two years, when I had a very specific need to have a job right after school let out for the summer, I currently have more breathing room. What with the bar, I have no plans to work before September anyway. So this year I intend to ride out my remaining semester 100% dedicated to the work, and opportunity, I have before me.*
Still, every so often I hear about something too good to pass up. Last night I applied to one of those positions. I feel a little stupid since I applied at the very end of the application period (I meant to apply as soon as I heard about it, but best laid plans and all that…), but I still met the deadline. It's a job I'd absolutely love to have, a complete fruition of my aspirations in coming to law school. I suspect I'll have to beat other great and idealistic candidates off with a stick to get it, but if I can at least get an interview I'll be very happy. Thus I'm worried about not having applied sooner, but on paper I've got great credentials so we'll see what happens.
Today I realized though that it was a significant moment in my Great Change when I sent it off: it was the first grown-up REAL LAWYER job I've ever applied to. Even though applying to jobs is a detestable, stressful activity (I hate writing cover letters…) I almost found myself feeling empowered with this one in a way that I'd not felt with any of the summer jobs I'd applied to any other year. With them, I always felt so humble. "You guys are the lawyers… Is there anything I can do to help?" But now, *I'LL* be the lawyer. *I'LL* get to do real work.
I find that prospect incredibly exciting. I think that means I'm ready.
* I also didn't even bother trying to do a job search from Germany due to it being completely impractical and seeing how being in Germany was all about being in Germany.
Comments (4)
Seems to me that it's better to look now than to try to be looking while you are awaiting bar results. I think if you wait until after the bar to look, you wind a good chance of not being able to even interview until after you have passed the bar (ie after November)... Just my observation-- your milage may vary. But I do know many folks who got their initial carreer job from searches during the Spring Semester of 3L, and all of the folks I knew who didn't have a job lined up by the time they took the bar were stree cases all of the Fall of the Bar year.
Posted by Mark | January 31, 2006 2:36 PM
Posted on January 31, 2006 14:36
I have just 3.5 more months to be a law student. I have the rest of my life to look for a job. Hence my priorities.
Posted by Cathy | February 1, 2006 5:42 AM
Posted on February 1, 2006 05:42
I suppose... Though having a job is kind of nice, on account of the need to buy (and consume) food, housing, etc...
Posted by Mark | February 1, 2006 11:29 AM
Posted on February 1, 2006 11:29
Yes, that point isn't in dispute.
Posted by Cathy | February 1, 2006 2:00 PM
Posted on February 1, 2006 14:00