What are some strategies for a current 3L looking for a job to overcome many jobs asking for several years of experience? Should I even apply? I have some experience from internships, but is it enough

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Apply. I graduated last May, middle tier school, middle of the pack. I think I had the most job offers from those I knew because I just applied. If they’re interested they’ll reach back out, and the worst they’ll say is no.

Tailor your resume AND cover letter for the application. 3-5 yrs experience is typically preferred, but If you’re eager, and do the right things (thank you and follow up emails), then any firm will be happy to at least interview you.

For reference, I had multiple job offers in a major metro city despite my school being nowhere nearby. And I was competing against grads from top tier schools. Despite my offers being low for the area (IMO, but apparently they were “market rate”), I still got offers. Now I’m happily employed at a job with a better offer than all of the city jobs I “wasn’t qualified” for

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I second this. It’s a numbers game. You have to apply to enough places to get interviews. Tailor resume and cover letter and don’t be scared to apply for positions asking for 0-3 years (5 if you have any applicable experience). You never know whose on the receiving end.

I’m not sure if internships are enough, so I can’t answer that, but if you are worried about experience maybe look at doing a clerkship. I’m currently in a clerkship (I graduated 2019) and it has opened a lot of doors for me. I just accepted an offer at a firm and they usually hire associates from clerkships. I’ve also seen some firms posting on LinkedIn that are hiring recent graduates as “law clerks” with the possibility of a full time position.

I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful, but I wish you luck on your job hunt!!!

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I think when it’s posted like that, the firm is looking for someone with 3-5 years experience as a practicing attorney.

When I was searching, I used indeed/LinkedIn, and put in “entry level” or “1-2 years” in my search and would get weekly emails with job postings that were more geared for a junior associate and entry level positions.

Does your law school have a career services office? See if they know of any firms that are hiring. Also ask professors if they know any one who is looking. Even reach out to where you did your internships!

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