Career Services: - Thomas M. Cooley Law School

Thomas M. Cooley Law School - Practical Legal Scholarship Since 1972

THIRD YEAR STUDENTS
(61 to 90 Credits)

Your last year of law school! This is the culmination of years of goal setting, studying, and achievement. Now would be an excellent time to become acquainted with the many job listings in the Career Services Office. These include The Cooley Classifieds, as well as monthly job bulletins from law schools across the country. If you haven't been to the Career Services Office yet, schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor to discuss job search strategies and options. Pay particular attention to bar application requirements, deadlines, and fees for the state in which you intend to sit for the bar, and make sure to take the MPRE. If you are considering an L.L.M., make sure to watch application deadlines and apply accordingly. Although law school will soon be over, avoid the temptation to let academic performance slide.

Third year students should pay particular attention to the following items:

SCHOOL:

Continue to aim for outstanding academic performance.
Participate in student organizations. Join State Bar and American Bar Association.
Meet with a Career Advisor to discuss how your clinical or externship program fits into your career goals. Participate in the clinical or externship program of your choice.

CAREER EXPLORATION:

Schedule an appointment with a Career Services Advisor to discuss your job search.

Use resources in the Career Resource Room to help you with your job search.

Use resources in the Small/Solo Practice Resource Room to explore career options.

Attend on-campus career programs.

JOB SEARCH:

Develop and implement a year long strategy to obtain the job you want. Research full-time legal positions for after graduation.
Continue updating your resume and cover letters.
Update and add to your recruiting and interviewing wardrobe.
Participate in the on-campus (FOCIS) interview season.
Check The Cooley Classifieds and Job Bulletin cabinet located in the Career Resource Center for current openings. Obtain part-time legal employment.
Contact the Career Services Office to arrange reciprocity with another law school if leaving the Lansing area after graduation.
Graduate and secure the professional position you have worked so hard to achieve!
Contact the Career Services Office when you find a job.

NETWORKING:

Contact the Alumni Director to discuss networking and mentoring opportunities.
Attend Continuing Legal Education Courses to keep up with recent developments.
Continue to network with contacts who can act as mentors or help with your job search.
Conduct informational interviews with individuals in legal areas that interest you.
Become a student member of the State Bar of your choice and attend meetings whenever feasible.

BAR PREPARATION:

Research bar review courses such as BarBri and PMBR. Sign up early for possible discounts.
Review qualifications, application procedures, and deadlines for the bar examination.
Take the MPRE 6 to 12 months before you plan to sit for the bar examination.
Contact the Social Security Administration for detailed earnings information.