A Word From Akin Gump: Know Your Resources

Posted: 24 Oct 2019 09:00 PM PDT

Last week, we noted that law school and the legal profession both can result in elevated rates of anxiety and substance abuse, and shared some information about mental health initiatives. But beyond self-care and mental health, what other resources can you turn to for insight into the legal industry?

Your school’s law library. As a student, you have some of the best resources right at your fingertips, and that begins with your law school’s library. Do hesitate to ask for help – there’s always more to learn!
Your professors. Your professors are another amazing resource. If they have open office hours, drop by – it will help them learn your name, too. If you have to make an appointment, do that. Having a personal relationship with your professors can only help you in the long run.
American Lawyer Magazine. This monthly magazine, also available online, features articles and analysis of the legal profession.
Law.com. Legal news, publications and surveys are available, along with other information relating to the legal profession.
Vault.com. The site provides law firm rankings, basic information on firms, and career advice. Its “Day in the Life” articles provide a look into the daily lives of attorneys in a few different fields.
Wall Street Journal Law Blog. The Journal publishes an online law blog that covers trends and cases in the legal industry.
Chambers Associate. Chambers provides individual profiles on major law firms and surveys and reports on the legal industry.
Martindale.com. Attorney directory, searchable by geographic area, practice areas, and law school. Browse through Martindale to get a sense of what types of law firms and legal jobs there are in different areas of the country.
National Association of Law Placement (NALP). NALP is most often visited by law students for its Directory of Legal Employers. You can also find a variety of statistical information on the site.
Bloomberg Law. Publishes articles on major developments in the legal industry, including news on major cases and transactions.
American Bar Association. Check the ABA website for articles about the legal profession. You can also create a student account, participate in the Law Student Division, explore their practice area sections, and learn more about legal fields. The ABA also publishes the Student Lawyer magazine.
Law School Toolbox. The site was designed to help pre-law and law students navigate their way through law school successfully; check out the Law School 101 page, the blog or weekly podcast for advice on topics such as etiquette, outlining, mental health, careers and interviewing.
Ms. JD. Ms. JD is a great resource for women contemplating law school or law practice, but also features general informational articles applicable to all law students. Stop by Ms. JD for information on law schools, job advice, professional attire guidelines, networking advice, and more.
Above the Law. Visit Above the Law for the latest legal gossip. Also be sure to check ATL’s Law Firm Directory, which provides informative snapshots of the nation’s top firms.