Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Career and Professional Development

Resources for Students

Whatever career path you choose, we can provide you with resources you need and leverage our strong relationships with key employers to contribute to your success. Our graduates have a long history of hitting the ground running in law firms, public interest agencies, government, and corporate positions.

Whether you are just beginning your career as a professional, are looking to advance within your current position, or are seeking to make a transition, we are committed to providing you with the guidance and resources you need to pursue a career path that will be meaningful to you and fulfill your professional goals.

Through one-on-one counseling, our staff can help you focus your career interests, identify your strengths, and develop a job search strategy. In addition to connecting you with practicing attorneys and other professionals, we can provide guidance on how to effectively build relationships with them. We can teach you to draft effective and professional resumes, cover letters, and other application materials, and coach you in advance of interviews, networking, and other professional opportunities, so that you are confident and prepared when it matters most.

Regardless of the stage of your career, we look forward to working with you to help you meet your individual professional development goals.

Early in Law School: Build a Foundation & Explore Your Interests

You will work with the Office of Career & Professional Development to identify your professional goals, create a strategic plan to pursue them, and take actionable steps to explore and refine your interests. This will include opportunities to:

Throughout Law School: Refine your Plan, Engage, Look Ahead

You are encouraged to work closely with your JD Career Counselor throughout your law school career, including to:

  • Refine and update your resume and other application materials as you progress through law school and identify particular career goals and positions of interest
  • Fine-tune your personal career plan, adjusting it as necessary to ensure you are making the connections and obtaining the experiences you need prior to graduation in order to meet your career and professional development goals
  • Prepare for interviews, whether on or off campus
  • Discuss opportunities to engage in the areas of the profession that interest you and connect with potential employers, mentors, and colleagues

Your Final Year: Prepare for Practice & Capitalize on Your Final Year in School

In your final year of law school, we recommend that you meet with your Career Counselor for a one-on-one transition meeting to make sure you are optimally prepared for graduation and equipped to pursue your professional goals after law school. This is a great opportunity to discuss your job search strategy, how to best capitalize on existing opportunities as a law student, and how to prepare to transition from law school to using your legal education to thrive in the real-world.

Resources for Students

Career Exploration

Job Search Strategies & Useful Links

Find Legal Experience

Professional Branding Resources

Federal Loan Repayment

While loan repayment can seem complicated and worrisome, we are here to help you understand your options and manage successful loan repayment. Remember that choices you make now can affect your later options. Understanding your loan details, available repayment options, and forgiveness program requirements will help you combine these resources to maximize your benefits. Read more about Federal Loan Repayment.