Job Search Resources

The Office of Career Services encourages alumni to utilize the following resources and tips when engaging in a job search or contemplating a career change.

Online Resources

  • Peruna Pro Job Bank: If you don’t have access to your account or need one created for you, please email lawcareer@smu.edu with your name, email address and graduation year.
  • Attorney Jobs in the USA – send your email address with the subject line “Subscribe” to alexander@attorneyjobsinusa.com.
  • State Bar of Texas Career Center
  • Dallas Bar Association Career Center
  • BYU Intercollegiate Job Bank: This job bank allows you to view job listings in newsletters from over 140 law schools around the country. The site is password protected. Contact the Office of Career Services atlawcareer@smu.edu for the password.
  • RSS Job Aggregators, such as indeed.com or ziprecruiter.com. Job search aggregators include employment listings from the major job boards (Monster.com, Careerbuilder.com, Yahoo Hot Jobs), as well as Linkedin, association, search firm and company websites. The search engines for the aggregators are available free of charge.
  • Association of Corporate Counsel: This site contains a job bank listing in-house attorney jobs across the United States.
  • Maintain a professional LinkedIn profile and work your contacts!

Reciprocity

When searching for employment outside of Dallas, reciprocity with other law schools may be particularly useful. Our office will request reciprocity on your behalf from other ABA-accredited law schools. For more information on making a reciprocity request, see this page.

Networking

Networking is still the best way to get a job. Reach out to former classmates. Make sure your friends know you are looking. They are often the ones who will know when positions are coming available. Network! It’s not about who you know, but who your contacts know.

A large network of SMU Law graduates may be obtained by researching the “Find a Lawyer” feature of the State Bar of Texas website and martindale.com website, where you are able to filter by school and practice area. Network in legal settings, such as a local or national bar association, particularly in a practice area section of interest.

Volunteer! Volunteer with legal public interest agencies, serve on a committee with your local bar or work a legal event – it is a great way to meet practicing attorneys while giving back to the community and profession. People like to help those who are engaged in a common cause with them.

Network in non-legal settings, as well. Spark conversation that could lead to doors opening to opportunities. Volunteer with local charities. Take part in enjoyable and fun outside activities to meet different groups of people – running club, recreational team, whatever is of interest to you.

Resume Review/Revision

For help with resume review resources, contact lawcareer@smu.edu.