I’m a 3L and I don’t know what I want to do or if I even want to be a lawyer. Help!

Take A Breath

First, take a deep breath. Good. Now take another one and listen to me, really hear me: what you are feeling is perfectly normal.  It may seem as if all of your classmates know exactly what they want to do after graduation and are lining up second and third round interviews and/or making decisions about which prosecutor’s office offer to accept but that is simply not reality. Yes, there are people who know what they want to do after graduation and have been pursuing that goal since entering law school; and yes there are others fielding offers.  Your classmates, however, are making career choices based on myriad reasons that do not relate in any way with your decision making process. Some may simply be doing what they think they supposed to do, many are making decisions in order to pay back loans, and others are trying to satisfy family members. All of those reasons, and others, are fine–for them. But what is right for you? That’s the questions, that’s what matters, and that’s where I come in. I will work with you to figure that out.

Law School Is Hard

I truly enjoy helping lawyers find and fulfil their professional passion whether it involves active use of their law degree or not. But I have a special place in my heart for law students. That’s because I know how hard law school is, how hard it is to get into law school, to pay for law school, to get good grades in law school, and to remain sane (dare I say happy?) during all of it. I can’t study for you or argue with your professor about a grade but I can, in very clear and concrete ways, help you chart a career path. I can also make you feel ok if, after all that law school education, stress, hard work and potential debt, you think you might not want to practice law (I can even call your parents and break the news to them).

So Many Options

Having a law degree opens up many employment options. There are the ones we all know about– the ones the career offices in your law school promote and encourage. However even within those well recognized paths there are still important decisions to make. You may know you would like to work with a firm but aren’t quite sure which type–big or small, plaintiff or defense, etc. But what about non profits or legal aid type organizations? Or jobs in the media? Or other government agencies besides those that focus solely on the law yet in which there are legal needs. Law school career offices are not set up to push alternatives or creative options.

You may have read my bio or perhaps you follow me on social media or in the news so you know my professional experience in the law has been varied, vast and, successful. None of my career decisions were made haphazardly, however, and each position played an important role in my professional development. It is because of that experience that I am able to counsel and guide others. Bottom line: I’ve walked in your shoes.

For those who may not know my legal path, stated briefly, here it is: I started out as a prosecutor and moved to criminal defense work, I then worked as a correspondent on a major network law related television show. From there, I co-founded a trial law firm that has come to be recognized as one of the finest boutique litigation firms in Washington, DC. I also served as general counsel to a company that was recognized by INC. magazine as one of the fastest growing companies in the United States. I am an adjunct law professor, a legal commentator, and the founder of a leading celebrity legal news website, and I get to work with people like you!

How I Work

The key to my coaching and counseling success is that I take the time to get to know you and understand your goals. And, if you don’t know your goals, I help you figure them out. Once that is accomplished (with interviews, questionnaires, and testing) then we get down to nuts and bolts. I will identify the right firms, agencies, companies, non-profits, and/or organizations, for you to apply to so you are not wasting time or energy.  A rejection from an employer you didn’t want to work for still stings and saps confidence. I will get your resume and cover letters in top shape. This ensures you are showing potential employers what is unmatched about you. We will engage in mock interviews so you will shine in each and every real-life interview opportunity, no matter how tough the interviewer.

You Are Not Alone

I will use my experience, skills, knowledge, background, and clear understanding of you  to maximize your chances of success. Under my careful and supportive guidance you will make smart, well informed decisions that will set you on a path to a rewarding, challenging, and happy profesional life.  And, I will be there every step of the way from that first draft of your resume to your signature at the bottom of your job offer letter.

If you feel confused about your place in the legal profession or would like help figuring out your post law school life, I’d love to provide you with that.

Please contact me directly at jill@proofwithjillstanley.com for rates and a free 15 minute consultation. All communication is confidential.

Topic: Career Counseling for Law Students