Career Counseling
Individual career counseling appointments are available with Career Counselors to assist students and graduates with professional development and job search strategies. These counseling sessions, tailored to an individual's specific needs, may include reviewing a resume or cover letter, conducting and evaluating a videotaped mock interview, answering specific job search questions, or exploring long-term career goals. Whether you are interested in traditional law practice or an alternative legal career, you are encouraged to meet with a counselor for career planning assistance.
Public Service Counseling
Many USC graduates have pursued careers in the non-profit, public interest and government sectors. Students who are interested in public service careers--or who want to learn more about public service opportunities--are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a CSO Counselor.
Clinical Internship and Judicial Externship Counseling
Clinical programs provide an unparalleled opportunity for students to gain hands-on legal experience. Students interested in interning with a government agency or a non-profit organization or externing with a judge in the state or federal system during law school should schedule an appointment to meet with the Office of Public Service at 213-740-9930. For a listing of pre-approved placements and an overview of the program see the Clinical Internship and Judicial Externship Handbooks available on-line.
Judicial Clerkship Counseling
A judicial clerkship with either an individual judge or an entire court is an excellent first step in a legal career. This is an incomparable opportunity to learn from a skilled jurist and to observe the inner workings of the judicial system. A judge's clerk will have the opportunity to develop and refine her or his research and writing skills, learn the intricacies of trial or appellate procedure, and gain exposure to the bar that practices before that court.
In recent years, increasing numbers of USC graduates have been successful in securing highly competitive positions as judicial law clerks to federal and state judges. Many USC faculty members served as law clerks at the beginning of their careers and provide valuable counseling and insight to students interested in these highly sought-after positions. Career Services counselors and members of the faculty clerkship committee prepare students for the specialized application and interview processes. USC graduates have accepted clerkships with judges throughout the country, including a recent graduate who served as law clerk to the Chief Justice of the United States.
Click here for more information on Judicial Clerkships
Mock Interviews
Throughout the year, the CSO Counselors conduct and evaluate videotaped mock interviews to help students develop or refine their job interview skills. During the fall semester, the Career Services Office also offers an alumni/ae interview program. Through this program, participating students are interviewed and evaluated by volunteer, practicing USC Law graduates with an emphasis on government, public interest, corporate or private practice. The alumni/ae mock interviews are available on a first come, first served basis and are not videotaped.
Resume and Cover Letter Review
Students and graduates may submit resumes and cover letters for review by our counselors or may schedule an appointment to review comments in person. The CSO also encourages students and graduates to review the written materials and sample for resumes and cover letters, available on the web site and in the Information Center in Room 110.
