Overview of Services for Conducting a Job Search

The Career Development Office (CDO) is committed to assisting students and graduates of the University of Miami School of Law with their job search and professional development needs. The CDO offers comprehensive services and resources for students and alumni. Some things to keep in mind when doing a job search:

Take Advantage of Advisors

The Career Development Office is comprised of ten advisors, all of whom have law degrees and practical experience in different areas of law, and an excellent support staff dedicated to helping each student achieve his or her career goal.

Be Familiar With Job Search Timelines

1L Job Search Timeline
2L Job Search Timeline
3L Job Search Timeline

Do Research and Make Use of CDO Resources 

The CDO provides both written materials and online resources useful when conducting a job search in South Florida or for an out-of-town position. Use the CDO’s list of Useful Online Resources which contains links to a variety of online sites including job search databases, employer directories, job posting sites, practice-specific organizations, legal recruiter directories and more. There is also a listing of extensive Job Search Guides published by the CDO and information on doing a job search for those interested in the public interest sector.
See list of employers who recruit Miami Law students for summer positions.
See list of employers who recruit Miami Law students for post-graduate positions.

Obtain Student Business Cards 

Whether seeking a job upon graduation, looking for an internship or externship during the academic year, or simply wanting to develop a network of contacts, it is never too early to think about how to build professional contacts. The Career Development Office encourages students to have professional business cards to enhance their networking experiences. Please contact the CDO at cdo@law.miami.edu with any questions about ordering business cards.

Network and Do Informational Interviewing 

Networking with attorneys and conducting informational interviews are more ways to conduct research into the practice of law. To get started on developing a network and for tips on how to conduct informational interviews, please read the Networking Guide and the Importance of Networking Handout.
See International LL.M. Student Networking Guide and the Mentoring and Networking page.
See list of job fairs across the U.S. where Miami Law participates.

Apply Using Well-Prepared Materials 

Job applications may require a number of different documents beyond one’s résumé. The following resources will help students prepare materials:
Résumé Guide
Résumé Guide for International LL.M. Students
Cover Letter and Thank You Letter Guide
Cover Letter and Thank You Letter Guide for International LL.M. Students
Guide to Other Application Material: References, Writing Samples, Transcripts and Business Cards

Interview Like A Pro 

Interviewing Guide:  This guide contains advice on how to prepare for and succeed in interviews.
Callback Guide: This guide describes what a candidate can expect during a callback interview.
International LL.M. Student Interview Guide

Negotiate/Understand Job Offers 

Evaluating and Negotiating Job Offers: Tips on the negotiation process including salary negotiations. See also the "Negotiating with Small Firms" handout prepared by NALP available in the CDO. Salary information as reported by NALP is available at the CDO.
See Guide of Sample Letters Accepting and Rejecting Offers