Current Students
The Career Development Office (CDO) counsels students and alumni. We evaluate your goals and help navigate your job searches by offering one-on-one counseling, resources and programs on career paths, and access to employers and alumni through our on-campus recruiting events and alumni network.
To assist in our counseling, we utilize an online scheduling system called Idaho Law Careers. Additionally, students will use this system to apply for job postings, externships, logging pro bono hours, and more.
Individual Counseling and Assistance
Counseling can cover many employment topics, including how to network, how to interview, salary negotiation, and resume and cover letter reviews. We also offer career guidance on topics such as “what type of law should I practice” and “how do I look for a job in my area of interest?"
All students can schedule an appointment for individualized counseling on Idaho Law Careers.
Articles and Advice
For quick reference, Idaho Law Careers also contains a document library with numerous articles, including those with advice for job seekers.
Experienced Professionals
Our counselors have substantial practical experience that we use to assist students in being prepared as they determine the path they will take toward their careers.
What We Provide
- Mock Interviews - Practice your interviewing skills with career counselors and professionals. Mock interviews provide students with valuable interviewing experience while offering attorneys an opportunity to meet our students in a one-on-one setting, virtual or in person
- On Campus Interviews - On-Campus Interviewing (OCI) is the process in which law firms and legal employers visit our school during the fall and spring semesters to interview potential candidates for summer and post-graduate employment. Students who perform well in summer positions may be extended an offer of permanent employment after they graduate law school
- Career Programming - The Career Development Office puts on programming throughout the year on topics such as resumes and cover letters, interviewing skills, and networking, as well as various presentations and events on specific practice areas.
- Individual Counseling and Career Planning
- Mentoring Program for 2L Students - The mentoring program provides an opportunity for 2L students to connect with practitioners in their area of interest, and be mentored by them. Mentoring activities take place during the second semester of a student’s 2L year.
- Career Fairs - The Career Development Office puts on a Career Fair annually in both locations. This is an opportunity to meet and network with employers, participate in mock interviews, as well as interview for some available positions.
- Clothing Closet - A clothing closet is available for students needing assistance in obtaining clothes for interviews, mock trials and arguments, and court appearances. All law students are welcome to visit and pick out new or gently worn and cleaned interview wear and professional clothing throughout the year. All items are available for law students to keep at no charge thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends of the College of Law.
Preparing for Employment
We encourage each student to meet at least once a semester with a counselor to ensure they are well prepared for using their J.D. post graduation. Below is a timeline suggestion for how students can handle their career search activities during the first year of law school.
As students enter their second and third years, timelines become more customized to the student. You will work with your counselors on yours during your first year.
Summer Before Law School
- Meet with lawyers who are friends or family members and seek their advice: find out about what kind of law they practice, what they enjoy (and don’t enjoy) about their work, and why they chose to pursue a career in the law.
- Read general information on legal careers.
- Pursue an interesting summer job or project. You need not spend the summer working at a job related to the law, or even work this summer. However, it would be great to do something interesting and enjoyable: travel, community service, or an internship.
- RELAX – The first semester of the 1L year is very challenging. You should try to go into the fall well-rested.
Timeline for Professional Development
Using the Timeline for Professional Development below, you will develop your professional identity, assess your strongest competencies and identify the employment options that interest you most. Each semester should provide opportunities to gain experience that tests your employment options and creates evidence supporting your professional development.
Use this Timeline as a checklist to help you navigate your way through law school and to create evidence of your commitment to professional development. At each transition, revisit your top options and skills, as well as your progress on achieving your goals.
Funding for Summer Opportunities
The Idaho Heritage Project – Rural Services Scholarship Fund provides scholarship support for students serving summer internships, externships, or pro bono service in rural communities throughout the state of Idaho.