* Take the Bar Exam: This is the most common next step. Passing the bar exam in a specific jurisdiction is required to practice law in that jurisdiction.
* Seek Employment: Graduates then typically seek employment in one of several areas:
* Large Law Firms: These firms offer high salaries and often specialize in specific areas of law, but can also have demanding hours and intense competition.
* Small Law Firms or Solo Practices: These offer a different work-life balance and a more personal client experience, but often with lower salaries and more responsibility for business management.
* Government Agencies: Many graduates work for local, state, or federal governments, often in public interest law.
* Corporations: Corporations hire lawyers for in-house legal counsel, dealing with a company's specific legal needs.
* Non-profit Organizations: Working for a non-profit allows graduates to pursue public interest work and contribute to a cause they believe in.
* Judicial Clerkships: This involves working for a judge, providing invaluable experience in legal research and writing. These are highly competitive positions.
* Further Education: Some graduates choose to pursue further education, such as an LL.M. (Master of Laws) degree in a specialized area of law, or a PhD in law.
* Start a Business: Some entrepreneurial graduates start their own law firms or legal-related businesses.
The path chosen depends on individual career goals, interests, and financial considerations. Many graduates go through a job search process involving networking, applications, and interviews.