"Applying for law job starts in school"
Cleveland Jewish News
April 22, 2019
Excerpt from article:
According to Heather D. DiFranco, director of the office of career strategy and employment, and Lee Fisher, dean at Cleveland State University’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, and Christina Niro, partner in the labor and employment practice at Frantz Ward LLP, all in Cleveland, law students should start the job search as soon as possible.
Niro added, “It’s never too early to think about what you want to do with your law degree. It may seem unfathomable to think about positioning yourself in the postgraduate job market during your first semester of law school, but if you wait until graduation, you will have missed the boat.”
Niro said students can hone their search by participating in judicial internships and summer associate programs.
“But, there are many non-traditional paths to take as well – nonprofit legal services, teaching positions, legislative or political roles. The key is to remain flexible. Becoming a partner at a top-tier firm isn’t for everyone. Explore different opportunities, but if you don’t end up loving your experience, don’t feel like you have to force it.”
Niro added, “We want candidates to make the right decision for themselves and their families in addition to their career goals. So, my advice is to do your research. ... But above all, you want to be able to walk away feeling like you will be working with and learning from competent, ethical attorneys.”
No matter a student’s choice, Niro and DiFranco stressed finding a firm that matches one’s goals and personality.
“If you’re not happy in your job, it shows,” Niro said. “It shows in your work product, your health, the way you treat other people and the list goes on. So finding a firm where you feel personally and intellectually fulfilled is incredibly important.”