Recommended Reading from the Career Development Office

While you need not spend the summer before law school pouring over law books, if you're anxious to learn more about practice areas, what you can do with a law degree, or where you might find public interest work, you are welcome to curl up in our lobby with a book from our top-10 list. Many of these books also can be found in your local bookstore or ordered via the internet.

Top Ten Resources at the Career Development Office

  1. Kimm Walton, Guerilla Tactics for Getting the Legal Job of Your Dreams — Everything you ever wanted to know about an effective career search, including resume and cover letter advice, interview tips and how to behave in a law office setting. It even includes a worksheet for figuring out what you really want from your job.
  2. Lisa Abrams, Official Guide to Legal Specialties — A concise overview of over 25 legal specialties including testimonial excerpts from practicing lawyers.
  3. Debra M. Strauss, Behind the Bench — The Guide to Judicial Clerkships — The premier authority on all aspects of judicial clerkships.
  4. Donna Gerson, Choosing Small, Choosing Smart — Interested in a small- to mid-sized law firm or a boutique-style firm? Donna Gerson's book gives an insider's perspective on finding a small firm that will be a perfect fit.
  5. Kimm Walton, America's Greatest Places to Work with a Law Degree — Brief descriptions from lawyers practicing for hundreds of different legal and non-legal employers, providing a window into what life is really like in given settings and agencies.
  6. Deborah Aaron, What You Can Do with a Law Degree — In case you were wondering, there are lots of alternatives to practicing law.
  7. Donna Gerson, Building Career Connections — Networking Tools for Law Students and New Lawyers — Step-by-step instructions on how to cultivate and maintain professional relationships.
  8. NALP Directory — Learn the demographics, locations, and pay scales for thousands of firms in a quick, easy-to-view format.
  9. Alumni Mentors — The friendliest lawyers you'll ever meet are waiting to assist you. Let us know your geographic and practice areas of interest and we will do our best to match you with a mentor or two.
  10. Career Development Handout Series — Everything from effective resume and cover letter writing to getting a job with the State of California; there are over fifteen handouts to help you through the job search process.

Questions?

Career Development Office
Email | 916.739.7011