Law Student Resources

    The ABA Section of Litigation is the premier Section for law students interested in litigation and trial practice. You can turn to us for opportunities to network, get published, or for tips on the path to developing your law career. Join the Section of litigation for FREE.

    Law Student Webinars

    The Section of Litigation co-sponsors a monthly webinar for law students with the ABA Young Lawyers Division, Law Student Division, and Career Center. Check out recent programs below:

    For more info on upcoming programs, visit https://abaforlawstudents.com/events/event-calendar/.

    Tips for Law Students and Young Lawyers

    The Fight-or-Flight Plight: Staying Calm during Bar Exam Prep
    Joshua Jones and Matt McCusker
    Learn how to suppress your fight-or-flight response in times of extreme stress – like the bar exam. Matt McCusker, an expert in witness preparation with a background in industrial-organizational psychology, offers essential test-taking and stress-management strategies for bar takers. (12:46 min.)

    A Resume Investment
    Ronald L. Marmer 
    Take a look at how you can develop your resume in four years’ time. Take advantage of publishing and subcommittee leadership opportunities through associations. (02:21 min.)

    Market Yourself

    Build Your Brand: Distinguish Yourself from the Crowd
    With law firms doing limited recruiting, and even less hiring, it’s important to build your own personal brand and your “unique selling proposition.”

    The Interview: Tips & Tricks

    Tips for On-Campus Interviews: How to Stand Out from the Crowd
    You want to stand out from the crowd, and providing specific examples of qualities you want to emphasize makes you memorable and believable.

    Top Five Tips for a First-Year Law Student Interview
    Your first interviews during and after the 1L year can be a daunting and overwhelming experience, but following these tips will help keep stress low while presenting yourself as a competent, well-researched candidate.
     
    Interview Tips for Second-Year Law Students
    The more of these aspects of the process you can master, the greater your chances of securing an offer will be.

    Becoming a Superstar Associate

    Stardate 1L: Evolution of a Superstar Associate
    Use your 1L year to begin to develop the habits of the outstanding associate.

    Rising to Super Associate Stardom by Maximizing Mentoring Relationships
    Demonstrate skills like the ability to generate business, leadership skills, and anticipation of issues before they arise.

    Nine Tips for Becoming a Superstar Associate
    Your path to superstar status.  

    Pro Bono/Giving Back

    Tips for 1Ls to Give Back to the Legal Community
    A critical component of the legal profession is giving back to one’s community through pro bono service.

    Giving Back Through Pro Bono Advocacy Is a Win-Win for All Law Students
    When you’re a 2L, the world opens up with choices about classes, clinics, externships, and exploring the type of lawyer you wish to become. This exciting year is also pivotal for developing lawyering skills while making a difference in the lives of others through pro bono advocacy.  

    Choosing Your Practice Area

    Reputation and Relationships: Advice for First-year Law Students
    Laying the foundation for a career path of success.

    Follow Your Heart and Mind in Choosing Your Litigation Practice Area
    Three ways to make the right choice.

    Choosing Your Litigation Practice Area for 3Ls
    Embark on your job hunt with some foundation for selecting your practice area.

    Get Involved in The Section

    Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP)    
    The Judicial Intern Opportunity Program is a full-time (32 hours per week), six-week minimum, summer internship program open to all first- or second-year diverse law students. JIOP provides opportunities to students who are members of racial and ethnic groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the profession and also provides opportunities to students with disabilities, students who are economically disadvantaged, and students who identify themselves as LGBT.

    Young Advocates Committee  
    The Young Advocates Committee (YAC) serves as a resource for young litigators in their respective practices and within the Section of Litigation. Find opportunities to write, network, or lead.