I
did not realize that "straight out of undergrad" was even a classification until I attended my law school's orientation. Sitting at a
round table and sharing our stories, I realized that I was in a minority of law students who had just graduated months before with a bachelor's degree.1 Many articles are written2deterring undergrads from jumping straight into a pile of debt.3 I am glad that I did not read these articles before making my decision to attend law school. The decision to attend law school is not easy. For some, it is the right decision because the pros of jumping in, outweigh the cons of gaining experience prior to starting law school.4
The experiences and skills we acquire in our undergraduate studies do not dissipate upon acceptance to a law school. The knowledge gained during the undergraduate years can be honed in and maximized to contribute to success in law school. This is especially the case in finding your first legal job. It is how we market ourselves that can make a difference. The inherent characteristics of a “straight out of undergrad” law student can be appealing to employers who are looking for driven individuals who they can groom and ultimately, incorporate into their work force.
As a straight out of undergrad student, it is natural and even recommended to ask questions, gather tips and get advice from as many experienced people as you can. The following tips and interviews with professionals who regularly interact with such students is not an exhaustive account but a window into how and why straight out of undergrad students can succeed.
TIP #1: Each experience contributes to one becoming an adept attorney, your undergraduate activities should be marketed accordingly.
STRAIGHT OUT OF UNDERGRADUATE
LAW STUDENTS
for your new home
by: Reema Sultan, Hofstra University School of Law,
Rebecca Prybell, Loyola University Chicago School of Law
ss
A Hiring Attorney's Perspective
Claudia Hinrichsen5 has over two decades of experience in representing healthcare providers and suppliers. She is currently a
partner at the Greenberg, Dresevic, Hinrichsen, Iwrey, Kalmowitz, Lebow & Pendleton Law Group and was previously a partner at Nixon Peabody, LLP. She is actively involved in “Women in Healthcare” events, providing a networking forum for women from all aspects of the healthcare industry.
Moreover, has been instrumental in the
hiring of “straight-out-of-undergrad” law students for post-graduate associate positions. We asked Claudia to share her experience of working with “straight-out-of-undergrad” law students, and insight about what makes such students appealing to employers.
Claudia's Perspective:
What are some of the desirable qualities of working with a law student who is “straight-out-of-undergrad?
“Depends on enthusiasm.” In comparing students who attended law school “straight-out-of-undergrad” to those who did not, “one is not better than the other.” Claudia emphasized that it is a student’s enthusiasm that will not only help her in achieving success, but will make her a more desirable candidate to employers. “Sometimes, it can be challenging to “undo” what a student with experience already knows.”
Were there any disadvantages you noticed about working with “straight-out-of-undergrad” law students without outside work experience?
“It takes times for such students to learn the industry. Also, it takes time for employers to impart knowledge about the industry in
order to begin to build a foundation.”
Have you noticed any trends in the legal marketplace that make “straight-out-of-undergrad” law students more, or less attractive to employers?
“As the market is still recovering, salary requirements are more in line with what law firms can afford to pay. It may be challenging with someone with experience to accept getting paid less than perhaps what they were paid in a previous position or career.”
What types of experiences should such students strive to gain which can, to some extent, replace outside work/firm experience?
“Pursue internships, especially if you have a
desire to work in a particular industry. Working in governmental agencies can be very valuable even if you are not compensated traditionally.”
Once a “straight-out-of-undergrad” student is in law school, what can they do to make themselves more appealing to employers?
“Demonstrate a commitment to learning. Demonstrate enthusiasm, a willingness to go to committee meetings, write articles, and do presentations. The first five years of working as an attorney consist of gaining a fundamental wealth of knowledge.” A “straight-out-of-undergrad” student who possesses the passion to learn can do incredibly well in this field.
TIP #2: Consider your classification as a "straight out of undergrad" law student as an advantage. The momentum that comes from a continuity in education can be advantageous in your legal studies.
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