University of Miami | School of Law

Legal Career Paths Course

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Legal Career Paths is a comprehensive career and professional development course offered by the Career Development Office at the University of Miami School of Law. The course is designed to equip first-year law students with the information, self-awareness, and professional skills necessary to conduct successful summer, school-year, and post-graduate job searches. The 13-week course will begin in November and meet for three sessions in the Fall and ten sessions in the Spring. The course will feature distinguished guest lecturers with experience and expertise in the course topics.

The course will help students develop the professional skills they need to be successful. The course will cover topics such as how to approach the job search, how to prepare for interviews, and how to demonstrate professionalism at work. The program is intended to benefit students who are interested in traditional legal careers but also those who seek non-traditional paths. By the time students complete the program, they will have a complete set of professional documents to begin their job search, including a resume and cover letter. Students will receive a pass/fail notation on their transcript and, upon successful completion, a Certificate in Professional Development.

Course Objectives

Identify pathways to career success and fulfillment
Draft professional documents including Resume and Cover Letter
Conduct successful summer, school-year, and post-graduate job searches
Learn the 26 effectiveness factors identified as key predictors of lawyer success
Gain an understanding of professional skills and career objectives
Understand legal job sectors and recruiting timelines
Master e-Professionalism and social media
Excel in various interview settings
Expand professional network