The five-year checklist

First year

• Develop a comprehensive study plan. Employers will consider your performance in first year subjects when you apply for internships, summer clerkships or graduate programs later on.
• Start seeking out career advice so you can understand all the options available to you.
• Visit a courthouse or organise to shadow a lawyer for a day.
• Consider forming a study group.
• Start reading newspapers and learning about the business world if you’re interested in commercial law.
• Participate in extracurricular activities. This could be anything from sport, music and drama, to personal development and community service programs.

Second year

• Look into study abroad opportunities.
• Talk to members of your target profession or legal practice area.
• Start to develop your soft skills and network at industry events.
• Explore opportunities to intern at a law firm or complete volunteer or pro bono work.
• Start to explore ways to demonstrate your legal skills outside of class. Consider mooting or participating in other law school mock competitions.

Third year

• Register with the Young Lawyers division at your state Law Society to stay abreast of networking and job opportunities.
• Research which electives you might wish to take during your final two years.
• Attend law fairs and open days. Prepare questions that are tailored to the law firm/organisations you intend to visit.
• If you haven’t been able to complete any legal work experience, consider opportunities outside of the legal sector that will help you develop transferable skills.

Fourth year

• Attend additional law fairs and open days.
• Apply for clerkships, internships or placements.
• Research the types of firms or organisations that interest you and prepare your CV accordingly.

Fifth year

• Apply for a place in a practical legal training course.
• Explore possibilities for your legal training.
• Apply for graduate placement work.