When you're recruiting students for internships or recent grads for early career legal jobs, which are your favorite schools to recruit from and why?

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 HMCUs 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 pupils 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.

I favor legal grads from Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley. Stanford stands out due to its rigorous academic environment and high median LSAT scores, which ensure candidates are well-prepared and highly qualified. The smaller student-faculty ratio also indicates personalized attention and mentorship, which translates to well-rounded graduates. Similarly, UC Berkeley is a top choice because of its comprehensive curriculum and emphasis on public service and social justice, aligning with our values at Tech Advisors. Both schools consistently produce graduates who are not only academically adept but also possess practical skills and a strong sense of ethics, making them ideal candidates for our legal team. For example, a recent Stanford graduate we hired quickly adapted to our fast-paced environment, demonstrating excellent analytical skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

When recruiting for internships or early career positions in the legal field, I particularly favor graduates from schools like Harvard Law School, Yale Law School, and Stanford Law School. These institutions are renowned for their rigorous academic programs, which not only emphasize a deep understanding of the law but also foster critical thinking and analytical skills. Graduates from these law schools often have extensive legal training through moot court competitions, law reviews, and internships with prestigious law firms and judicial courts. This prepares them exceptionally well for the complexities of legal practice. Moreover, these schools' strong emphasis on ethics and professional responsibility aligns with our firm's commitment to high standards of legal service. Their comprehensive training and ethical grounding make them standout candidates for positions within our legal team.

When it comes to hiring early career legal professionals, my experience leans heavily towards the T14 law schools. These schools are consistently ranked highest by the U.S. News & World Report. While certain schools are regulars on this list, others might switch places occasionally with other notable institutions like UCLA, UT Austin, and Georgetown. Recently, this list has included Stanford University Law School, Yale University Law School, University of Chicago Law School, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, Duke University School of Law, Harvard University, NYU School of Law, Columbia University, University of Virginia, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, University of California, Berkeley, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Cornell University School of Law, and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law. These top 14 law schools have maintained their positions largely unchanged over the years, which has helped cement their elite status. This is also why many law firms, including ours, often recruit from these schools. In our experience, the benefits of hiring from these institutions extend beyond academic achievements; they tend to produce graduates who are ready to practice and have access to prestigious clerkships.

When scouting talent for internships or entry-level legal roles, I prioritize schools with active alum networks and solid legal affiliations. Graduates from these institutions often benefit from robust networking opportunities and mentorship, which are vital for early career progression. Drawing from experience, candidates with such connections tend to navigate the legal landscape more adeptly and excel in their professional journey. Aspiring legal professionals should prioritize institutions offering these resources, enhancing their career prospects significantly. By leveraging alum networks and legal affiliations, individuals can gain invaluable insights and support, laying a solid foundation for a successful legal career.

At Katie L. Lewis, P.C. Family Law, our recruitment focuses particularly on institutions that not only demonstrate rigor in their legal training but also show a strong commitment to practical, real-world application of legal principles, especially in the realm of family law. We've had particular success recruiting from institutions like Texas A&M School of Law and Baylor Law School. Texas A&M stands out due to its comprehensive law program which is deeply rooted in practical experiences and community service. This aligns well with our firm's culture of tackling real-life legal challenges while maintaining an empathetic approach towards clients. The school's emphasis on real-world training ensures that students are not just theoretically sound but are also ready to handle the complexities of family law cases right from the start. For instanve, interns from Texas A&M have contributed significantly to our case preparations and client interactions, demonstrating a readiness that is deeply valued in our practice. Baylor Law School's practice-oriented approach is evident in their rigorous moot court and mock trial training sessions. Baylor graduates bring a level of courtroom confidence and litigation skills that are exceptional. These skills have proven invaluable in our family law cases where courtroom proceedings and negotiations can be unpredictable and emotionally charged. The ability of these graduates to navigate these complexities with poise and professionalism has led to successful outcomes in numerous challenging cases. By focusing on these institutions, our firm has been able to consistently integrate attorneys who are not only skilled but are also a cultural fit, ready to approach family law with the sensitivity and diligence it requires. Their education has equipped them with both the hard skills of law practice and the soft skills needed to handle the delicate nature of family law, making them indispensable members of our team.

When recruiting students for internships or early career legal positions, my top choices are the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales. These institutions are renowned for their rigorous legal programs, which produce graduates with strong analytical and research skills. Additionally, their emphasis on practical experience through moot courts and legal clinics ensures that students are not only theoretically proficient but also ready to handle real-world legal challenges. Choosing candidates from these schools has consistently resulted in high-performing interns and new hires who adapt quickly and contribute meaningfully to our legal team. The blend of academic excellence and practical training makes graduates from these universities exceptionally well-prepared for the demands of the legal profession.