Networking

Networking is a vital part of career development - not just for finding a job, but for building a community of colleagues that will be an invaluable resource for your legal career.  At least 70-80% of jobs are found through some form of networking.  The most successful job applicants are not those who have the highest grades but are those who have developed contacts & networked during their legal education.  

You can order business cards through the law school to help you as you form your network during your legal education.

Get Involved

In addition to great student organizations on campus, there are many bar specialty and affinity groups that law students can join for a chance to learn more about the practice of law and connect with the legal community in Oregon. Many of these groups have reduced or free membership for law students and new lawyers. Here are just some examples:

Multnomah Bar Association

Oregon Women Lawyers

OGALLA - Oregon’s LGBTQIA+ Bar Association

Oregon Asian Pacific American Bar Association

Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Oregon Arab Iranian Bar Association

Oregon Minority Lawyers Association

Oregon Muslim Bar Association

Oregon Hispanic Bar Association

Oregon Trial Lawyers Association

South Asian Bar Association of Oregon

Law students can also join Oregon State Bar sections to explore practice areas prior to becoming admitted to the bar. You can join many of these sections for free through the Oregon State Bar’s Law Student Associate Program.

Law students and new admittees (those in practice for six years or less, or age 36 years old or younger) are automatically a member of the Oregon New Lawyers Division. 

On Campus Networking Events

A variety of on campus networking events are held throughout year, hosted by Career Services as well as student organizations. Be sure to check out the daily Announcements email sent to all students, as well as the Events section of Career Connect.