Career growth forms an essential part of any law student’s journey, and Maryland Carey Law takes this responsibility seriously. A strong support system ensures that students are guided from their first year until they enter the professional world. A specialized Career Development Office (CDO) with dedicated professionals helps students explore opportunities, sharpen job search skills, and secure meaningful employment. A combination of career counseling, alumni mentorship, fellowships, clerkships, and job fairs ensures that each student receives personalized pathways to success.
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Career Development Office (CDO) Overview
The Career Development Office serves as the cornerstone of professional guidance for law students. From the very beginning of their academic program, students are assigned a CDO counselor who works closely with them to align courses, internships, and job opportunities with long-term career goals.
- Personalized guidance provided through one-on-one counseling.
- Group workshops are designed to enhance job search strategies.
- Recruiting programs offering access to employers from various legal fields.
- Practical tools such as the Symplicity Job Bank for internship and employment opportunities.
- Long-term planning for both public and private sector roles.
CDO Office Hours
The office maintains extended working hours to accommodate both day and evening students.
| Day | Office Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Summer and holiday schedules are announced separately to ensure students continue receiving guidance during breaks.
Career Counseling
Career counseling remains a foundation of Maryland Carey Law’s support structure. Students receive individualized sessions to define their professional goals and identify strategies for achieving them.
- Early counseling assignment: Students are connected with counselors right after orientation.
- Goal setting: Each session focuses on short- and long-term objectives.
- Skill development: Resume writing, interview practice, and networking tips are emphasized.
- Career transitions: Support is provided for students considering shifts between sectors.
- Confidence building: Guidance helps students handle the challenges of competitive hiring.
Alumni Mentorship
Alumni mentorship strengthens professional networking and provides real-world insights to law students.
- Direct connections with graduates who hold diverse positions in the legal industry.
- Mentor-mentee relationships fostered for practical advice on career growth.
- Networking opportunities are created through alumni events.
- Industry knowledge sharing that bridges the gap between academics and practice.
- Role models help students envision possible career trajectories.
Career Fairs and Job Boards
Exposure to employers and job opportunities is critical in the legal field. Career fairs and curated job boards give Maryland Carey Law students a competitive edge.
- Annual career fairs bring law firms, public agencies, and non-profit organizations together.
- Recruitment programs hosted on campus with direct employer engagement.
- Symplicity Job Bank offers access to internships and job postings.
- Employer networking through structured events.
- Practical exposure for students to understand employer expectations.
| Platform/Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Career Fairs | Meet potential employers face-to-face |
| Job Boards | Provide curated listings of openings |
| On-campus Recruitment | Direct employer interviews |
| Networking Events | Build professional connections |
Post-Graduate Options
Maryland Carey Law ensures that students are prepared for career opportunities immediately after graduation.
Fellowships
Fellowships provide structured training and meaningful entry-level opportunities.
- Public interest fellowships: Paid roles at non-profit or public service organizations.
- Summer fellowships: Financial support for students pursuing public interest work.
- Full-time fellowships: Typically one- to two-year positions, with potential for permanent roles.
- Skill development: Opportunities for practical application of legal training.
- Community impact: Students contribute to meaningful causes.
Judicial Clerkships
Judicial clerkships provide invaluable courtroom and research experience.
- One- to two-year terms at various court levels.
- Close collaboration with judges to learn judicial reasoning.
- Exposure to litigation processes and case management.
- Highly respected career path that strengthens future opportunities.
- Placement opportunities ranging from county trial courts to the Supreme Court.
| Option | Duration | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Public Interest Fellowships | 1-2 years | Paid roles, community service experience |
| Summer Fellowships | Few months | Funding for short-term legal work |
| Judicial Clerkships | 1-2 years | Close work with judges, courtroom exposure |
Job Search Support
Students benefit from structured support in navigating the legal job market.
- Symplicity Job Bank with continuously updated listings.
- Application assistance to polish resumes and cover letters.
- Mock interviews to simulate real employer interactions.
- Employer outreach coordinated by the CDO.
- Workshops and training sessions for developing professional readiness.
Faculty and Research Support
Faculty at Maryland Carey Law play a critical role in guiding students toward successful careers.
- Course selection advice tailored to align with career goals.
- Research opportunities that allow students to gain specialized knowledge.
- Faculty recommendations that strengthen job applications.
- Mentorship in academic publishing for students interested in legal scholarship.
- Collaboration with CDO to connect academics with professional aspirations.
Library Resources
The law library supports both academic excellence and career development.
- Comprehensive legal databases offering case law, journals, and statutes.
- Research training sessions to enhance students’ information-gathering skills.
- Study resources for bar exams and professional tests.
- Reference librarians provide specialized assistance.
- Career-specific materials such as employer directories and practice guides.
Career Development Office Reciprocity
Reciprocity arrangements extend career services beyond Maryland Carey Law. Students and alumni gain access to job postings and career resources at other participating institutions.
- Broadened job search reach through cross-institutional opportunities.
- Shared resources that expand employer access.
- Networking growth beyond the immediate law school environment.
- National scope through collaborations with law schools across the country.
- Practical benefit for graduates relocating to other regions.
Contact Information
Students, alumni, and employers can directly reach out to the CDO for services and collaboration.
- Email: careerdv@law.umaryland.edu
- Phone: (410) 706-2080
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday (with extended hours on Wednesday).
- Location: Career Development Office, Maryland Carey Law.
Key Features of Career Development
| Service/Support | Benefit to Students |
|---|---|
| Career Counseling | Personalized guidance and career planning |
| Alumni Mentorship | Access to professional networks |
| Career Fairs | Employer interaction and exposure |
| Fellowships | Structured entry-level opportunities |
| Judicial Clerkships | High-value legal training with judges |
| Job Bank | Easy access to opportunities |
| Reciprocity | Access to nationwide resources |
The Bottom Line
Career development at Maryland Carey Law is built on a foundation of personalized guidance, structured opportunities, and strong professional networks. A blend of counseling, mentorship, fellowships, clerkships, and research support ensures that students are fully prepared for the competitive legal job market. Comprehensive resources, alumni connections, and dedicated career professionals make Maryland Carey Law a strong platform for launching impactful careers in law.
