Thursday, October 18, 2007

Job Search Without a Law License...

I mentioned last time that I failed the Illinois bar. Well, it is not the agony of re-taking the bar exam that is the most frustrating part of it all. It is the question of what to do in the meantime? I will start my loan repayment soon and I cannot even find a law clerk position anywhere!

So I sent out resumes to firms who posted a wanted for law clerks on the school website, and received 1 interview. WooHoo! I was excited to even get one. But the interview (two days ago) lasted only 15 mins and the big question was, "You probably won't be around after February, will you?"....Well....I'm not sure whether they wanted to hire me full time, but I doubt it. Of course, I won't be a law-clerk if I pass the Feb bar! Or at least I hope it doesn't come down to that.

So my question to all of you is, What does someone with a JD and no license do? What should I do other than stay at home and study and hope for better luck next time?

3 comments:

Walker said...

Hang in there. I failed the Feb. 2007 IL Bar Exam, however, I was successful on the July 2007 IL Bar Exam. I blew the Feb. Exam by 26 points and I just knew that I was in serious trouble and did not know how I was going to make up so much ground. However, I did it. I could not believe that I saw my number on the pass list.

My point is that it is not the end of the world. I thought it was at the time, however, I knew I could not dwell on being unsuccessful.

As far as employment goes, I know what you are going through. I had a job offer from the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, but due to the budget cuts and because I had not passed the exam, my position was terminated. I was devastated. Because I had an employment offer, I did not feel the need to look elsewhere, and then when I did not pass and found out that my position was no longer available, I did not know what to do.

To make matter worse, I attended law school in Maryland and really did not know where to turn to look for a job while I was preparing for the July 2007 exam.

I did find a position once I passed the July 2007 exam, however, it was not contingent on me passing the exam. I prob won't be there that long as I am prob going back to the State's Attorney's Office, budget permitting which means my current law position will be available.

Email me at asa.walker@gmail.com if you are interested in learning about the position. It is law related, in downtown chicago, and is a paid position.

Good luck on hang in there, from someone who has been where you are.

Also, I have some pretty good one page "cheat sheets" so to speak on each subject I can email you. They basically cover the important Barbri topics in a pretty swift outline.

another frustrated examinee said...

Dear Modern Woman and Walker who commented, I am so inspired by how the blogger reached out and how the commentor shared a job opportunity. This is humanity and I can't believe it still lives. I hope Modern woman passes. ... I too sat for the july o7 exam and I also bubbled in wrong during the mbe and didn't finish by about 8 points in the morning session. I don't know if I passed because the pass list is released on November 1. I am so sad waiting. I took the Feb 07 and did not pass but I hadn't taken BAR BRI and this time I did. I have children and I am so sorry for how they have had to live through all of this with me. I t has been so hard on them I also can't seem to find work and I know how it is. I am thinking of you and you are strong. NIne points is hardly anything. YOU will pass this next time you are strong. thank you for sharing your experience. thank you to Walker also for sharing her experience. gook luck.

A Modern Woman said...

Walker, Many thanks to you for your very inspiring comment and lending out such a much-needed helping hand!

Annie, it looks like we were both very close. I mis-bubbled during the morning session as well. Oh well, a lesson learned. We can do it! Good luck to you in your preparation and I hope this blog can help us keep in touch and remain inspired.