For Students
At New York Law School, academic planning and career development are seamlessly integrated, and your professional life begins on Day One of Law School. The Office of Academic Planning and Career Development provides advising, resources, and networking opportunities to guide all students through the transition from law student to lawyer.
The 1L Year: Learning About the Profession
NYLS’s innovative first year Legal Practice course includes a comprehensive Professional Development Curriculum. First-year students also meet with a counselor to discuss their initial career ideas, review their résumés and cover letters, and prepare job search strategies for summer employment. In conjunction with the faculty who teach our first-year Legal Practice course, and writing specialists should a student need more help, the Office of Academic Planning and Career Development assists students in selecting and preparing a writing sample for submission to employers.
The 2L Year: Building Your Professional Portfolio
Counselors continue to work with students one-on-one to advance more sophisticated career goals and develop a greater depth of skills and experiences. At the same time, the counselors also serve as academic advisors to guide students in selecting elective courses and selecting internships, externships, clinics, and job opportunities. Our goal is for each student to graduate with a coherent set of courses and experiences.
The 3L Year: Transitioning From Law Student to Lawyer
During the beginning of their third year, students meet with career counselors for a one-on-one “exit interview” to plan a post-graduate job search strategy. Counselors focus on helping law students prepare for the final steps of transitioning from law student to lawyer.
Evening Students: Getting and Staying on Track
The Office of Academic Planning and Career Development has developed a separate Professional Development Curriculum with evening students’ needs and schedules in mind, including all the skills-based training available to daytime students. In addition, the Office provides special office hours to accommodate an evening student’s busy schedule.
Coordinated Recruitment Programs
Beginning in the summer, and continuing through much of the fall semester, many legal employers recruit students for their summer programs and for post-graduate positions. NYLS invites law firms, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies to review applications from students, and in many instances, interview them on campus.
Mentoring and Networking Programs
NYLS works with students to actively develop their professional networks and speak with lawyers working in their areas of interest.
Office of Academic Planning and Career Development
Academic Planning • T 212.431.2310 • E academicaffairs@nyls.edu
Career Development • T 212.431.2345 • E career@nyls.edu