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Center for Career and Leadership Development

TheCenter for Career and Leadership Development Welcomes the Class of 2014

Professional studentsYour legal career is a priority to you and to our office. The Center for Career and Leadership Development, unlike career placement offices that work solely for employers, works for the benefit of students and provides recruiting support for employers. The Center for Career and Leadership Development is a member school of the National Association for Legal Placement (NALP) along with the majority of law schools. We, like other law school career offices, serve a set of functions intended to promote employment. Career Planning staff are here to educate you about opportunities in the law, to help you figure out the type of legal career that appeals to you, and to coach you in strategies to find it. Start learning about our services and programs, visit the Career Planning website.

Prepare today for your life as a lawyer. We’ve compiled a career-planning timeline – broken down by quarter – with actions we recommend you take as a 1L, 2L and 3L. View the Center for Career and Leadership Development Timeline.

The School of Law subscribes to several online tools (Symplicity, Vault Law Guides and PSLawNet) to help you find job opportunities and research employers. We will let you know when they’re available for you to use. In addition to online resources, come to Room 346, and view reading materials on career paths, legal employers, and salaries. We are excited about partnering with you as you plan your career. We do emphasize two things:

  1. The search for employment is ultimately your responsibility, although we will assist you in the process and provide opportunities for you to meet people and learn about careers at employment fairs and events. Though the majority of UW law students and graduates find employment, given our current economy, you will need to work on your career strategy and be active each year of law school.
  2. The longer you postpone developing a career plan, the more time and effort it will take. So, meet with your Career Coach in November (the earliest you’re allowed to do so as a 1L). You will receive an assigned career coach fall quarter. In the meantime, look at the Center for Career and Leadership Development website and read the UW Law Center for Career and Leadership Development Blog.

Best regards,
The UW Law Center for Career and Leadership Development Team

Resources for New Students

1L Recruiting

National Association for Law Placement

The University of Washington School of Law is a member of the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) and abides by its policies and standards. The NALP website is an excellent resource for information on legal career education and recruiting. It provides a directory of legal employers and information about them. We recommend that students become familiar with NALP and their standards for legal recruiting, especially as it will affect their applications to employers and timelines for contact and professional conduct.

Equal Justice Works Conference and Award Dinner

The Center for Career and Leadership Development offers up to 10 law students each year an opportunity to attend the Equal Justice Works career fair and an awards dinner. The School funds part of the travel costs associated to attend. Applications from students are gathered during the first weeks of the quarter.

Legal Professionals Videos

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Last updated 2/14/2012