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Law Clerk Discusses Case with Judge in Office

Your Legal Career Starts Here

J.D. Careers

The Start of Your Legal Career

St. Thomas Law is dedicated, through our Office of Career and Professional Development (CPD), to helping students and alumni navigate a personalized path to meaningful employment.

CPD staff maintain strong relationships with law firms, judges and other legal employers, both locally and nationally, which allows us to have a deep understanding of the legal jobs market and what employers need, in order to effectively advise students and graduates on their career journey.

CPD support for students and alumni:

  • Employment workshop series for first-year law students
  • The J.D. Compass program
  • Thorough review of application materials
  • Individual counseling sessions with a dedicated career counselor
  • Mock interview sessions
  • Networking training and events
  • On- and off-campus interview programs
  • Access to our resource library
  • Programming on numerous topics related to your professional path and job search

What can you do with a law degree?

  • Overview
  • Private Practice
  • Judicial Clerkship
  • Business & Industry
  • Government, Public Interest & Nonprofits

    • Overview

    The Office of Career and Professional Development educates students about the variety of settings in which lawyers work during one-on-one sessions and the employment workshop series.

    Private Practice

    Private practice attorneys work in law firms, which can range in size. Many St. Thomas Law graduates begin their careers working as associates for private law firms.

    Judicial Clerkship

    A judicial law clerk works closely with a judge or judges at the district/trial court or appellate levels. Clerks develop strong legal research, writing and advocacy skills, which are valued by legal employers.

    Business & Industry

    An in-house attorney or corporate counsel advises leaders, protects assets and identifies/minimizes risks. Legal professionals can also be found in ethics and compliance roles within for- and non-profit companies.

    Government, Public Interest & Nonprofits

    These attorneys often provide legal services to underserved populations, shape public policy, engage in legal reform and advocacy and defend human and civil rights.

    Overview

    The Office of Career and Professional Development educates students about the variety of settings in which lawyers work during one-on-one sessions and the employment workshop series.

    Private Practice

    Private practice attorneys work in law firms, which can range in size. Many St. Thomas Law graduates begin their careers working as associates for private law firms.

    Judicial Clerkship

    A judicial law clerk works closely with a judge or judges at the district/trial court or appellate levels. Clerks develop strong legal research, writing and advocacy skills, which are valued by legal employers.

    Business & Industry

    An in-house attorney or corporate counsel advises leaders, protects assets and identifies/minimizes risks. Legal professionals can also be found in ethics and compliance roles within for- and non-profit companies.

    Government, Public Interest & Nonprofits

    These attorneys often provide legal services to underserved populations, shape public policy, engage in legal reform and advocacy and defend human and civil rights.

    The Career Office is Here to Help

    Employment Outcomes

    With 3 years worth of ABA and NALP employment summary reports, we’ll give you an accurate and transparent picture of recent graduate employment.
    See employment summary reports

    Build Your Resume While in Law School

    Professional Experience

    Law Clerk for the Minnesota Court of Appeals

    Internships and Clerkships

    The CPD Office will work closely with you throughout your law school career to help you gain the experience necessary to further your professional goals. Students gain professional legal experience in a variety of ways and in a variety of settings. Often, students will work as law clerks for law firms, government agencies, public interest organizations or businesses.
    Student with Children's Hospital Volunteers

    Public Service Opportunities

    There are also countless opportunities for students to volunteer in the legal community where they will serve a vulnerable or underserved population while also developing valuable and transferable legal skills. Each of these experiences can help bolster a student's resume, expand their professional network and provide the necessary foundation for a meaningful and productive career search.
    Rachel Hampson Maine Tribal Commission Externship

    Hands-on Experience

    Legal Externship Program

    A semester-long legal externship will accelerate your professional development and substantive understanding of the law. Complete an externship in the judiciary, public interest, law and business, compliance or misdemeanor defense.

    A Network of Alumni

    When you earn a degree from St. Thomas Law, you become part of our community of nearly 3,000 alumni. You also join the network of more than 120,000 St. Thomas graduates working around the world in fields from business to engineering to the sciences.