Year Off Forum

[JustSomebody]

I'm graduating from my UG in May a year early and I'm going to start applying this fall for admission to law school in 2012. In other words, I'm taking a year off.

But I still haven't found something suitable to do during this time. I've worked hard in UG to graduate a year early with a double major and I kind of want to relax at least somewhat because by the time law school rolls around there's virtually no free time.

I'm not by any means planning on doing NOTHING. Originally I wanted to find some kind of job at a law firm, but I'm realizing that in this economy being hired as a new graduate at a law firm is extremely hard to come by.

I also need a lot of time this summer to focus on my LSAT prep.

Would it be okay to just get a shit job somewhere (waitressing, Target, idk) just to make some sort of money and do that for the whole year?

I'm also planning on maybe doing a little volunteering as well.

Everybody I know who took time off between UG and LS had some awesome work experience at an actual law firm or something of the sort, so I feel kind of like a slacker getting a job that most 16-year-olds can get.

[CanadianWolf]

There are some great paralegal positions for recent college graduates. Are you willing to share which college or university you attend ?

P.S. Some require a two year committment while others offer a substantial bonus if you stay longer than two years & others seek only a one year committment.

[JustSomebody]

I have been researching paralegal positions, but pretty much all of them seem to require 3 or so years prior experience in paralegal work, which I don't have. It seems like ALL jobs (aside from crap ones that high school kids can get) require prior experience that I don't have. I'm not even sure how people manage to get jobs in the first place.

I don't really wanna say where I attend school because I don't like giving away personal details on the internet (Idk, I'm weird) but I will say that I need to find work in the Chicago metro area because I will be living at home next year and can't afford living expenses elsewhere.

[Sandro]

You grad in May. Your apps will go in in September, meaning when they review your app you could have only been working for a few months - it really doesnt matter what you do. Balance time vs money vs fun however you see fit because the effects it will have on your application is small.

[Ginj]

I have been researching paralegal positions, but pretty much all of them seem to require 3 or so years prior experience in paralegal work, which I don't have. It seems like ALL jobs (aside from crap ones that high school kids can get) require prior experience that I don't have. I'm not even sure how people manage to get jobs in the first place.

Oooooh I remember being you.

Look for legal administrative positions. Enjoy a year of paper jams and playing with Word doc margins.

[CanadianWolf]

Many of the best paralegal positions recruit directly from colleges such as the Ivies, Chicago, Stanford & Northwestern. Typical starting pay for an inexperienced recent college grad is $38,000- $42,000 not including overtime or bonuses. Most are in NYC or Wash DC but there are also West Coast boutique firms as well.

[alexanderhamilton]

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[brangara]

I graduated a year early and took a year off. Basically, I spent my year on LSAT prep, plus volunteer interning at the DA's office and another side job in this teaching program. It's been a great year to just relax and try new things (like I learned the guitar this year), so I'd say that there's nothing wrong with taking an easier job and taking it lighter. Of course, I'm getting a head start on 1L prep, so it's not been a completely free year.