Since we don't get as much hands on experience in law school as I would like, what are some ways to dabble in different parts of legal work before leaving law school? How do we figure out what exactly we want to pursue if we are not really working "in the field at all?"

While the Law School career counselors are fine, I can't help but feel you either get a "corporate counselor" or a "public interest" one, both looking down on the other one. How can we find mentors outside of the law school who have done work that we are interested in?

If we do know what we want to do, but the path seems daunting or unclear, who can we talk to that will help us pave a reasonable career plan to achieve those goals? Where can we find counselors who are not just worried about the employment rate at graduation?

-- JenniferBurke - 01 May 2008

I am sure my dreams and priorities will change throughout my life. So, I want to have the tools necessary to get jobs in government, public interest, firms, and internationally. In other words, is it still possible to be a Renaissance woman (w/ a legal degree)? What do I need to do now to start stocking the necessary tool box?

-- JenniferClark - 29 Apr 2008

Can an autonomous practitioner hang a shingle directly after law school without taking over a family practice?

-- DanielHarris - 28 Apr 2008

How difficult is it to practice law abroad after law school? Does it always mean getting a new degree or certification in the foreign country? Or are there certain jobs/places where a US degree and bar certification carries over?

-- ChristopherWlach - 25 Apr 2008

How can I balance passions that seem to lead in very different directions? I think this relates to Dan's question about trying to avoid getting pigeonholed? How can I balance my interests that lead me to "non-legal" advocacy with those that lead me into litigation. Should I try to merge them? Should I try to leave all doors open? But life isn't simply about leaving all my doors open forever. At some point, do I have to just choose a goal and a means, pursue it, and (for the most part) not look back?

How do I balance doing simply what fulfills me (professionally) at the moment with what I hope to achieve in the future? I like to think of things happening organically, but I also want to make sure I'm prepared and well qualified for the future.

-- ChristopherBuerger - 25 Apr 2008