Top schools to recruit interns and recent grads for legal jobs

When you’re recruiting students for internships or recent grads for paralegal, lawyer, and other early career legal jobs, which are your favorite schools to recruit from and why? Here is what nine thought leaders have to say.

• Recruit Tech-Savvy Law Graduates
• FSU Law’s Diverse, Experienced Talent
• UF Law’s Practical Skills and Adaptability
• Innovative Tech Law Programs at Stanford and MIT
• Minnesota and Washington’s Ethical, Tech-Ready Graduates
• Diversity Focus: HBCUs, TCUs, and Specialized Schools
• Catholic University’s Ethical, Practical Law Education
• Harvard, UChicago, NYU’s Rigorous Legal Training
• Industry-Specific Talent from Food Science Programs

Recruit Tech-Savvy Law Graduates

When recruiting for internships or early legal career positions, I am particularly drawn to graduates from UCLA Law and Michigan Law, as these institutions stand out due to their innovative approach to blending technology and law. The emergence of technology has permeated every aspect of legal practice, from intellectual property law to privacy and compliance concerns, making a robust understanding of technology essential for today’s legal professionals.

For instance, UCLA Law houses the Institute for Technology, Law & Policy, which prepares students for the tech-centric legal challenges of today and tomorrow. Their curriculum and practical learning opportunities ensure that graduates are not only legally astute but are also tech-savvy, which is vital in handling complex cases that involve technological elements. Students from here bring a forward-thinking approach to legal solutions, which is incredibly beneficial in a law firm setting that increasingly relies on innovative legal tech tools.

Michigan Law is equally commendable with offerings like the Law and Mobility Program and the Zell Entrepreneurship Clinic, which allow students to engage directly with real-world tech-law scenarios, from cybersecurity to data privacy. These experiential learning environments foster a breed of lawyers who are prepared to navigate an evolving legal landscape, filled with new digital complexities. This practical experience is invaluable and often leads to Michigan Law graduates hitting the ground running when they join our team, as they are already familiar with the dynamic intersection of law and technology.

These graduates come equipped not only with traditional legal skills but with a proactive grasp on how technology affects legal frameworks and client needs. This combination of tech-awareness and legal expertise directly aligns with our firm’s commitment to delivering informed and technologically adept legal services. Their readiness to adapt and tackle modern legal challenges makes them stand out as top candidates for positions within our firm.

M. Denzell Moton, Esq, Owner, Moton Legal Group

FSU Law’s Diverse, Experienced Talent

Florida State University College of Law is our favorite when it comes to recruiting interns. FSU is known for its strong alumni. The law students at FSU have strong legal knowledge and skills to excel in this field. 

Since they actively participate in externships, clinics, and other practical learning opportunities during their time in law school, they come with real-life experience and are familiar with the workings. 

Recruiting from here has always given us diverse candidates’ perspectives and experiences, which has aided in a better environment and fresh insights. This way, we get the best talent that is already experienced in the field. The students from here are motivated, well-trained, and have a passion for the legal profession, which we look for in our future employees.

David Weisselberger, Founding Partner, Erase The Case

UF Law’s Practical Skills and Adaptability

As a marketer at Farah & Farah Law Firm, I collaborate closely with our HR and legal teams to identify top talent for internships and early-career positions. While we consider candidates from a wide range of schools, a few institutions consistently stand out for their exceptional legal programs and student caliber.

One of our favorite schools to recruit from is the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Known for its strong emphasis on practical skills training and its talented faculty, UF produces graduates who are well-prepared to tackle real-world legal challenges. We’ve found that UF alumni bring a combination of legal acumen and adaptability to their roles at our firm.

Another top choice is Florida State University College of Law. FSU’s legal program is highly regarded for its diverse course offerings and commitment to public service. We’ve had great success recruiting FSU graduates who not only possess a solid legal foundation but also share our firm’s dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of our clients and community.

Another one is the Florida Coastal School of Law, which offers a unique curriculum focused on experiential learning. Florida Coastal students often have extensive practical experience through clinics, externships, and mock trial competitions, making them well-equipped to hit the ground running in a fast-paced law firm environment.

At the end of the day, our goal is to find candidates who not only have the necessary legal skills but also embody our firm’s values of compassion, integrity, and tireless advocacy. By focusing our recruitment efforts on schools known for producing high-caliber, well-rounded graduates, we can build a team that delivers exceptional results for our clients and upholds the strong reputation of Farah & Farah Law Firm.

David Sides, PR Marketing, Farah & Farah

Innovative Tech Law Programs at Stanford and MIT

In my experience as an intellectual property attorney and founder of KickSaaS Legal, I place significant value on recruiting from institutions that not only provide a solid legal foundation but are also at the forefront of integrating technology into their curricula. Schools like Stanford Law School and MIT’s integrated programs in law and technology are prime examples due to their commitment to fostering innovation among their students.

Stanford Law School stands out because of its Law, Science & Technology (LST) program. This program provides students with a robust legal grounding alongside deep dives into the technological aspects that drive today’s business and legal landscapes, from cybersecurity to intellectual property management. Their graduates tend to have a practical and innovative mindset that is crucial for a tech-forward legal firm like ours, where we frequently address complex patent issues in technology.

Moreover, MIT’s cross-disciplinary approach in law and technology through collaborations like its Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and courses focused on technology policy provides a unique perspective that our field desperately needs. These students are trained to think critically about how technology impacts law and vice versa, which is invaluable in our area of work, particularly when managing IP in software and hardware innovations.

These educational experiences translate directly into the workplace—for instance, a recent MIT graduate interned with us, and their ability to assist in patenting a novel software tool was impressive. Their educational background in both the technical and legal landscape facilitated a deeper understanding of patent nuances, providing substantial value to our clients. Such capabilities underscore the importance of recruiting from programs that nurture both legal and technological acumen.

Christopher Lyle, Owner, KickSaaS Legal

Minnesota and Washington’s Ethical, Tech-Ready Graduates

When recruiting students for internships or recent graduates for early-career legal positions, I’ve discovered that going beyond the conventional top-tier law schools can yield some exceptional talent. For example, I’ve had positive experiences with applicants from the University of Minnesota Law School.

Their rigorous practical training and strong emphasis on ethics and public service frequently result in graduates who are both highly skilled and sincerely devoted to their careers.

Another school that I like is the University of Washington School of Law. Their students usually have a tech-savvy background, which is increasingly crucial in today’s digital legal environment. I recall employing a new Washington graduate who rapidly became our go-to person for tech-related legal concerns, such as data protection and cybersecurity, giving us a competitive advantage.

Volen Vulkov, Co-Founder, Enhancv

Diversity Focus: HBCUs, TCUs, and Specialized Schools

As a diversity consultant, I prioritize schools that serve diverse and often underserved populations when recruiting students for internships or recent grads for early-career opportunities across various fields. This approach ensures the fostering of inclusivity and leveraging unique perspectives essential for innovation and community engagement in any industry.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are always at the top of the list. While well-known HBCUs like Howard University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College often get a lot of attention, many other HBCUs offer exceptional education and deserve recognition. For example, Alcorn State University (Mississippi) is known for its vital agriculture, business, and nursing programs. Alcorn State is the oldest public historically Black land-grant institution in the United States and provides a supportive environment that promotes leadership and innovation. These HBCUs also cultivate leadership and a deep understanding of cultural and social dynamics, which is crucial in any professional setting.

Schools for the deaf and blind, such as Gallaudet University and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) at Rochester Institute of Technology, also play a critical role. Students from these institutions bring valuable communication and accessibility skills, fostering more inclusive environments wherever they go. Their unique experiences can drive innovation in communication strategies, technology integration, and community services, which are valuable across all sectors.

Tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) provide another rich recruiting ground, like Navajo Technical University. These schools are pivotal in nurturing the talents of Native American students, embedding traditional knowledge and perspectives that can enhance environmental, social, and community-oriented projects.

Recruiting from these institutions not only supports our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) but also ensures that teams are enriched with fresh, out-of-the-box ideas that reflect a wide array of human experiences. This strategy improves operational effectiveness and aligns with broader goals of social responsibility and community impact.

Lekeshia Hicks, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Strategist, Lekeshia Angelique Consulting

Catholic University’s Ethical, Practical Law Education

Graduates of The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law have something unique to offer: internal wisdom that distinguishes them from the crowd. And it’s not because of a solid academic foundation alone, but because practical exposure plays a significant role here. Clinical programs, for-credit placements, externships, moot court competitions, and summer abroad programs equip students with hands-on experience to transition into full-time employment smoothly.

Ethical values are another pillar. The school promotes a strong sense of moral and social responsibility, which is visible in the behavior of graduates who value positively impacting society.

A diverse and inclusive environment also influences students’ education, offering cultural competence and fostering empathy, emotional intelligence, and social awareness. These experiences teach the different perspectives that grads bring to the legal profession.

Nina Paczka, Community Manager, MyPerfectResume

Harvard, UChicago, NYU’s Rigorous Legal Training

Harvard Law School is considered one of the best schools of law for various reasons. The institution has an unbeatable reputation, along with a rigorous curriculum that assures the students who leave the campus are knowledgeable in the sphere of legal theory and, most importantly, are equipped with the prowess to think critically and problem-solve through high-stakes legal work. There is a larger emphasis on practical experience through clinics and externships, meaning that students at Harvard are also armed with practical skills immediately applicable in real professional work.

Another favorite is the University of Chicago Law School, with great and outstanding strength in law and economics. Central to the educational program at Chicago is the kind of rigorous analytical training its students undergo—an experience through which they are able to gain an uncommon perspective on legal issues, especially on corporate law and litigation. With that kind of core analytical training, it is only logical that UChicago Law School graduates take their places in any complex legal landscape to offer the best innovative solutions to tough problems.

Last but not least, New York University School of Law is also well-known for its strong public interest law program, and the location of its law school offers an ideal setting to allow a student exposure to a rich array of legal opportunities in the very heart of New York City. Graduates from NYU will have strong interests in social justice and a dedication to working for the public good, therefore being able to provide great help to firms and organizations—of great or small significance—that are interested in changing the world.

These institutions, in a nutshell, do not only offer the best legal education but also produce graduates who are well-prepared to excel in the fast-paced and demanding legal practice. It has been proved time and again that recruiting from such schools is the best method for hiring top-class legal talent.

Kwame McGill, Founder and Owner, Chimney And Stone Masonry LLC.

Industry-Specific Talent from Food Science Programs

Our strategy is less about targeting specific schools and more about finding the right fit for our niche industry needs. We prioritize candidates interested in food and beverage, regardless of their alma mater. That said, we find that certain schools with strong food science or agribusiness programs often produce graduates who are well-prepared and enthusiastic about entering our industry.

We’ve had outstanding experiences with graduates from Cornell University, UC Davis, and Michigan State University, known for their exceptional food science programs. These institutions provide a rigorous academic background and offer practical, industry-specific experiences that prepare students for the challenges they’ll face in the food and beverage sector.

Our approach is to engage with these educational institutions, participate in career fairs, and offer guest lectures to get to know the students and their capabilities firsthand, ensuring a mutual fit.

Laurie Hyllberg, Vice President, Kinsa Group