In an article on Lawyerist, Randall Ryder argues that experience is just as important as grades for law students. Ryder acknowledges the value of grades, especially when applying for a clerkship, a big firm, or even working solo.
However, “as you move away from big firms and high profile clerkships, employers are increasingly looking for recent grads who can step in and help sooner rather than later.” This is where practical skills come into play. Experience can especially help you land a job as an internal candidate. Just make sure not to be exploited for cheap labor.
And although studying and good grades can get you so far, once you’re working, there will be many tasks required of you besides “writing legal analysis.” Mastering practical skills can potentially jumpstart your career, as your employers may turn to you over your colleagues if you convey the requisite competence.
Plus, Ryder argues that you can become more efficient with your time by adding more to your school schedule, whether through part-time work or volunteering. Having more commitments will cause you to concentrate and study more efficiently, and will ultimately make you more attractive when the job search is on.
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Read the full article: For Law Students, Experience Matters as Much as Grades
