Professional Development matters…. A LOT.
In today’s market, academic performance is only one piece of the puzzle. Legal employers are demanding that new attorneys demonstrate proficiency in soft skills, professionalism, and leadership in addition to having a solid legal education. A recent survey of 24,000 lawyers revealed that professional competencies are considered FAR MORE important in new lawyers than legal skills. What does this mean for you? As graduates of Washington University Law School, you will have obtained a brilliant legal education. You will further differentiate yourself in both your job search and your professional career by becoming well versed in the skills employers value most.
Selling your strengths under pressure, making authentic connections, creating lasting positive impressions, communicating clearly and confidently, and building relationships are a handful of the critical skills employers expect you will demonstrate. As the new Director of Professional Development in the law school, it is my mission to make sure you gain a distinct competitive advantage by having opportunities to master these skills early and often.
Participating in a wide variety of professional development programs will give you specific tools and strategies for expertly handling difficult situations. Questions you might not realize you even have will be answered. You will gain insight into how to navigate professional environments successfully. This knowledge, combined with practical tools and strategies, will set you apart.
In case you think you don’t really need professional skills training, studies reveal that nearly everyone can benefit.
- 95% of hiring partners believe recently graduated law students lack key practical skills at the time of hiring.
- 71% of third year law students believe they have sufficient skills needed to enter the practice of law, but only 23% of practitioners agree.You will exceed expectations when you show up able to rock the skills that matte
Each month, we will offer professional development programs that focus on different skill sets. Upcoming in October: 2 Things You MUST Know About Informational Interviews (Oct 25th, 12:15-1 pm) and The Nightmare Interview: Real Scenarios, Real Solutions (Oct. 31st, 12-1 pm)
Please stop by to chat, or schedule a time to meet with me on Symplicity. 
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Kim Bolourtchi, Director of Professional Development
kcofman@wustl.edu