Big Sis Briefing: How to Land Your First Law Job (Without Losing Your Mind)
There’s a moment after law school graduation where the high of finishing quickly fades and the pressure of what’s next kicks in. You’ve done the study. You’ve ticked the boxes. But the graduate role still hasn’t landed. Now you’re watching everyone else’s LinkedIn announcements and wondering what’s wrong with you.
Here’s the truth: there’s nothing wrong with you.
You’re just in the middle of the part no one talks about.
The messy, awkward, persistent part. The part where you show up and try things that feel bold, a little scary and wildly uncertain. The part where you build courage before you build confidence.
If you’re reading this thinking: “I’ve applied to so many jobs, I don’t know what else to do”, then we need to change the script.
The most underrated asset you have right now: Time
It’s not your GPA. It’s not your fancy extracurriculars. It’s the fact that you can afford to be a little more bold and a little more creative with how you approach this season of your career.
Here’s the plan I’ve shared before on LinkedIn (and used myself when I was a grad with zero contacts):
Search every single law firm in your area… yes, every single one.
Search every firm in your preferred practice area.
Ask ChatGPT to help you build that into a spreadsheet.
Print your CV and walk it in.
Follow up with a call a week later.
Keep going until the list is done.
Pivot to another area of law and do it all again.
It’s not about luck. It’s about consistency. The sets and reps.
In 2010, I dropped my CV off at 180 firms. I got a job off the back of one phone call. It wasn’t glamorous, but it worked.
I asked my @theinhouselawyer Instagram community what worked for them. Here’s what they said:
💡 Cold DMs on Instagram or LinkedIn. Bold? Yes. But it gets seen.
💡 Cold posts: one person said posting on LinkedIn landed them interviews every time.
💡 One person called and asked to come in for the day to help with photocopying and proofreading.
💡 Another offered a week of unpaid work to prove their worth.
💡 One person emailed hiring managers a question about start date flexibility just to get their name out there and seen.
💡 One grad kept a souvenir visitor pass from a tour of a firm’s London office — and years later showed it at a job interview in the Australian branch. He got the job.
💡 and someone else said, “Not creative, but get experience in something other than law. Just live your life.”
There’s no single right way. But the common thread is people who got creative, showed initiative and made themselves seen.
Now, let’s talk LinkedIn. Because you’re probably not using it right (yet)
You don’t need a grad job to start posting. You don’t need to go viral. You just need to start being visible to the people you might want to work with one day. LinkedIn is a digital advantage that I didn’t have and that most grads still don’t use.
✨ The post you write today could be the one a recruiter sees tomorrow.
✨ The comment you leave on someone else’s post could spark a real connection.
✨ The courage you build to start showing up will stay with you your whole career.
I know it feels cringe. I know it feels like who am I to share anything? But the earlier you start, even imperfectly, the better.
If you’re stuck, start here:
💖 “Why I chose to study law”
💖 “A moment I doubted myself but kept going anyway”
💖 “The best study hack I’ve learned so far”
💖 “What I wish I knew before starting law school”
LinkedIn is a free digital CV, networking tool and personal brand builder all in one. Don’t waste it. Try some of these strategies that I often recommend and know work:
The "LinkedIn Investigator" Strategy
Research lawyers you want to work for. Find their recent posts, comments or articles. Engage meaningfully (not just "Great post!"). Then, reach out with a thoughtful message referencing something specific they shared. "I loved your insights on [specific topic] – it reminded me of [relevant experience/perspective]."
The "Problem-Solver's Portfolio" Approach
Create a simple website showcasing your ability to solve legal problems. Include:
Analysis of current legal issues
Simplified explanations of complex laws
Mock client letters or legal documents
Your unique perspective on industry trends
The "Reverse Interview" Method
Instead of waiting for them to interview you, interview them. Reach out with genuine curiosity: "I'm researching career paths in [specific area]. Could I ask you three questions about your experience?" People love talking about themselves and you'll stand out as someone who's genuinely interested in the work.
More Uncommon Strategies To Help You Stand Out
The "Adjacent Industries" Pivot
Don't just look at law firms. Consider:
✨ Legal Teams within Companies (“in house”)
✨ Legal tech companies
✨ Consulting firms with legal divisions
✨ Government agencies beyond the obvious ones
✨ Non-profits that need legal expertise
✨ Media companies covering legal issues
The “Adjacent Roles” Expansion
Sometimes the title "lawyer" isn’t the first one that opens the door. If you're looking for your first step into the industry, expand your search beyond the obvious. Roles like law clerk, legal team assistant, legal coordinator or paralegal can give you invaluable exposure. So can adjacent positions like policy advisor, policy analyst, compliance officer, privacy and compliance analyst or regulatory roles. These titles might not say “lawyer” yet but they can be powerful stepping stones that help you get experience, build your network and prove your value from inside the system.
The "Skills Arbitrage" Play
Identify where your non-legal skills create unique value:
✨ Speak multiple languages? Target firms with international clients
✨ Tech background? Look for firms modernising their processes
✨ Creative writing or social media skills? Firms that need better client communication or to spruce up their online presence
✨ Event planning experience? Perfect for smaller firms hosting client events and need a ‘jack of all trades’
The "Geographic Arbitrage" Strategy
Consider smaller cities or regional areas where there's less competition but genuine need. You might find better opportunities, lower cost of living and faster career progression.
The Plot Twist: Rejection is Redirection
Every "no" is market research. Track the feedback:
✨ What skills are they asking for that you don't have?
✨ What objections come up repeatedly?
✨ Which firms seem more open to new graduates?
Use this data to refine your approach, not to give up.
The Ending You Get To Write
Your law career story doesn't start when you get hired. It starts the moment you decide to stop waiting for permission and start creating opportunities.
Your story is still being written. Make it interesting.
You don’t have to navigate all of this alone. Sometimes you just need someone in your corner who's walked this path before. That's what I'm here for. Book some time with me!
Mel 💖✨
