“If you are unemployed, this work shows that you have been productive.” states J. Challanger, CEO of Challanger, Gray, & Christmas, a Chicago outplacement firm. Continuing, Mr. Challanger further noted “and if you are already employed, your volunteer work supplements the experiences you gained on the job.”

Substantive work like managing a pro bono project,  writing the first draft of a motion, performing intake are attractive to organizations because these skills are transferable to various sectors of the legal industry. To maximize your opportunities, try to devote your volunteering time to a cause that closely aligns with your choice of area of practice.

Of course, volunteering is also one of the best ways to start your networking.  You will likely meet many influential people who may be in a position to help you. You also will have a visible platform to showcase the skills you’ve gained.  Remember to collect business cards AND follow up with people you meet, making specific plans to reconnect with them in the future.

As your volunteer work is important, be sure to list it appropriately on your resume.   You can create a “volunteering” sub-section or, depending on the nature of the work, you may want to list your volunteer work under the work experience section of your resume. Wherever you list it, make sure to highlight the transferable skills (negotiating, writing, analyzing, researching, etc.) you used and the other new skills you have gained.

One caution: be very careful about listing volunteer work that is overtly political or religious organizations unless you are CERTAIN that your affiliation with these groups will viewed in a positive light.

The benefits of being a freelancer include the ability to make your own schedules and control your own workflow.  Because they are not employees, freelancers are free to work for various employers and can pick and choose the projects on which they work.  This may sound like the perfect work-life balance, but there are disadvantages as well.  Freelancers may feel isolated from others and the unpredictable income, particularly as the business is being built, may not be an option for some people.  Freelancers also do not receive employment benefits and the cost of any overhead (office supplies, workspace, etc.) is borne by the freelancer.  These concerns make hiring a freelancer a great value to the employer, but are certainly reasons why a person should take some time and think through the process before starting a freelance business.

More information on legal freelancing work, including how to start a freelance business, can be found by contacting the National Association of Freelance Legal Professionals (NAFLP).  NAFLP was created to assist freelancers in optimizing the financial and personal success of their businesses, as well as to raise the profile of freelancing as a career choice.  Browsing NAFLP’s website is a good place to start.  http://naflp7.camp7.org/

“If you are unemployed, this work shows that you have been productive.” states J. Challanger, CEO of Challanger, Gray, & Christmas, a Chicago outplacement firm. Continuing, Mr. Challanger further noted “and if you are already employed, your volunteer work supplements the experiences you gained on the job.”

Substantive work like managing a pro bono project,  writing the first draft of a motion, performing intake are attractive to organizations because these skills are transferable to various sectors of the legal industry. To maximize your opportunities, try to devote your volunteering time to a cause that closely aligns with your choice of area of practice.

Of course, volunteering is also one of the best ways to start your networking.  You will likely meet many influential people who may be in a position to help you. You also will have a visible platform to showcase the skills you’ve gained.  Remember to collect business cards AND follow up with people you meet, making specific plans to reconnect with them in the future.

As your volunteer work is important, be sure to list it appropriately on your resume.   You can create a “volunteering” sub-section or, depending on the nature of the work, you may want to list your volunteer work under the work experience section of your resume. Wherever you list it, make sure to highlight the transferable skills (negotiating, writing, analyzing, researching, etc.) you used and the other new skills you have gained.

One caution: be very careful about listing volunteer work that is overtly political or religious organizations unless you are CERTAIN that your affiliation with these groups will viewed in a positive light.

Why is this valuable?  Externships provide students with an opportunity to obtain practical, hands on experience in the legal world.  In addition to this exposure, students also begin building a resume and their networking skills.

You might select an externship to explore a possible career path.  You might discover that a path that seemed suitable is not right for you.  You might find a new interest.  An externship expands your opportunities. An externship also allows you to learn professional skills and values.  You can improve your personal skills and develop self confidence.

Further, externships improve your prospects for employment in that they provide experience that employers immediately recognize.  The employer will be able to judge you on your acquired skills as opposed to just your grades and you may even have the opportunity to produce a writing sample.  As an added bonus, you will sharpen your problem solving skills and ability to pay attention to detail.

Lastly, externships allow you to build relationships with those in your office and beyond.  These contacts may very well develop into references and/or future business colleagues.

The benefits of an externship are obvious in your quest to reach your career goals.  To achieve these benefits will take careful planning, thought and hard work but will be worth it.  Consider an externship today!

For more information go to:  http://law.widener.edu/Academics/ClinicalProgramsandProfessionalTraining.aspx