Expanding your law school experience; tips on how to get involved!
Posted: 05 Sep 2018 09:00 PM PDT
Class is back in session, and for some students, law school is just beginning. As you take a look at your academic calendar for the upcoming semester, it is also important to consider what your law school has to offer outside of the classroom.
Getting involved in activities outside of the classroom can help you gain valuable experiences with your peers, professors and other professionals. Expanding your extracurricular horizon is a crucial element in cultivating your leadership skills and personal brand and growth.
Listed below are some helpful tips on getting involved during your time at law school.
Network.
It is not just about what you know; it is also about who you know. Connecting with your fellow classmates and professors can be a useful resource in your legal education. The relationships and connections that you make now could be the same ones that you find yourself reaching out to a few years down the road for a new job, new client, introduction or recommendation.
Join student organizations that your law school has to offer.
Becoming a member of different student organizations allows you to expand your network and gain experience that can help you stand out in an interview. Law firms are always interested in seeing that a student’s efforts extend beyond academics.
Participate in student clinics.
Enrolling in clinical programs provides hands-on experience in the legal profession. These programs will help you explore the day-to-day work of legal practitioners and will provide beneficial client contact.
Have some fun!
Most law schools sponsor weekly events. It is important to make time to meet your classmates, whether it is through a hosted event night or an intramural softball game. These events provide students with the opportunity to get to know classmates in a different setting.