Summary: With very few minorities finding jobs after law school with major law firms, making the best of their time in law school is crucial for their success in finding the best jobs.
The reports and studies are not new. Even though the legal market is improving, finding jobs can still be challenging. This rings especially true for minorities. The National Association for Law Placement reported in November that the number of African-American associates at major law firms has declined every year since 2009.
- See Most Diverse Law Firms for more information.
African Americans now make up only 3.95 percent of the number of associates at major U.S. law firms. Minority women are especially rare, making up only 2.6 percent of associates in 2015. Hispanic associates have increased slightly to comprise 4.3 percent and Asians make up 11 percent.
With numbers as small as these, minorities considering law school need to make sure they are selecting a school that gives them the best chances of success after law school. Minority students should look for a law school with an infrastructure that supports students such as with mentoring. Law schools that offer more practical courses in the areas of compliance, intellectual property, transactional, and litigation have the students’ best interests at heart.
- See Law School Diversity Increases, But Mostly at Less Prestigious Schools for more information.
Investigate the career services provided by law schools before deciding on a school. Minority students should aspire to work in whatever area of law that they wish – in-house, the government, or with a traditional law firm.
A law school won’t necessarily determine a graduate’s success, but it can help lay the building blocks. Establishing a network on top of a valuable skill set will help minorities. Organizations such as the MCCA and NAPABA as well as National Bar Associations for different specific minorities will also provide tips and guidance for them.
- See Asian-Americans Set Goal to Improve Their Ranks in the Legal Field for more information.
Law school is the best time for students to take advantage of career resources for the future, so finding a school that fits a student’s needs and goals is essential.
Photo: usnews.com