NYLS’s Office of Academic Planning and Career Development provides law students with tailored guidance to fit their career path from the first semester of law school to well beyond graduation. We spoke with a few recent grads to hear their best career advice for current law students.
John Christopher Lopez ’23, Associate at Tutunjian & Bitetto, P.C.
Be open to criticisms and have the right attitude. Study and understand the comments and suggestions of your mentors on your work product. Remember that your mentors are trying to help you and not roast you!
Paulina Marino ’23, Assistant Deputy Public Defender 1, New Jersey Office of the Public Defender (NJ OPD) in Newark
I would tell them to cast a wide net when applying. Be open to new opportunities by applying to a variety of different careers in different places. I was applying through public defenders’ offices websites and not hearing much. I never really considered a fellowship, but it was with the help of the Office of Academic Planning and Career Development and the wonderful faculty that I was able to secure a career in a field I am passionate about.
Joe Rochman ’22, Attorney, Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP
Get out of your comfort zone and try new things. When considering opportunities, think about what skills you will build that will help your future career, but keep an open mind. Also, think about how much you will enjoy your day-to-day as much as the subject area in which you are hoping to work. Embrace your life outside of law school and your future legal career; you will be surprised how much leading a well-rounded life helps you both personally and professionally. Volunteer and engage in your community.
Ilana Valins ’22, Legal Counsel, Consumer Products Licensing at BBC Studios
My biggest piece of advice for law students is to remember that everyone is on their own path. You can’t compare your grades, career, or achievements with anyone else’s. Also, don’t put yourself in a box! I did internships in multiple discipline areas while in law school and it gave me a broad perspective on my abilities.
The Office of Academic Planning and Career Development
Whether your interest lies in the public or private sector, the NYLS Office of Academic Planning and Career Development offers students incredible support along their career path. Students can schedule one-on-one meetings with an advisor for tailored guidance on how to pursue a law career that best fits their values and interests. The Office offers a wide-range of resources including résumé and cover letter writing help, practice interviews with NYLS professors and alumni, networking events, general and special interest career fairs, and more. Students can check out their weekly newsletter—The Inside Track—emailed to their NYLS address each Friday, year-round!