Professional Development

develop encourage empower you!

The Office of Professional Development will take you to new heights!

Professional development for a student at Ave Maria School of Law encompasses a comprehensive approach to not only advancing legal skills and knowledge but also fostering ethical integrity and social responsibility. Rooted in Catholic values, the curriculum emphasizes the importance of justice, compassion, and service to the community. This holistic development process involves rigorous academic coursework, practical training through clinics and internships, and engagement in community service projects. Students are encouraged to cultivate a strong ethical foundation, understanding that the practice of law is not only about technical proficiency but also about upholding moral and ethical standards that reflect a commitment to serving the common good.

Furthermore, professional development at Ave Law extends beyond the classroom and practical experience to include professional identity formation. The Office of Professional Development, Faculty and Alumni play a crucial role in guiding students through their professional journeys, offering insights into the practice of law and careers in law. These experiences help students to align their personal values with their professional goals, ensuring that they are prepared to enter the legal profession as principled advocates. This multifaceted approach equips students with the skills, knowledge, and moral compass necessary to make meaningful contributions to the legal field.

How We Help You!

Skill Enhancement:

Engaging in professional development activities such as internships, workshops, and seminars allows law students to develop and hone essential skills like legal research, writing, oral advocacy, and client interaction, which are vital for success in legal practice.

Networking Opportunities:

Professional development events provide platforms for law students to network with legal professionals, alumni, and peers. Building professional relationships early on can lead to mentorship opportunities, job prospects, and valuable connections within the legal community.

Career Exploration:

Ave Law offers numerous opportunities for students to explore different areas of law through clinics, externships, and internships. Engaging in professional development activities helps students gain exposure to various practice areas, allowing them to make informed decisions about their future career paths.

Resume Building:

Participating in professional development activities enhances a student’s resume and makes them more competitive in the job market. Employers value candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to professional growth and have gained practical experience during law school.

Personal Growth:

Professional development is not only about acquiring technical skills but also about personal growth and self-discovery. Ave Law students have the opportunity to develop leadership abilities, resilience, and professionalism, which are essential qualities for success in the legal profession.

Professional Identity:

Engaging in professional development activities helps Ave Law aw students clarify their professional goals, values, and interests, contributing to the formation of their professional identity. This self-awareness enables students to make informed decisions about their careers and pursue paths that align with their aspirations and values.

What Can You Do With a Law Degree?

A law degree opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities beyond traditional legal practice. Whether you choose to become a lawyer, apply your legal expertise in business, government, or consulting, or pursue non-traditional paths in entrepreneurship, advocacy, or academia, the skills and knowledge gained through legal education are highly transferable and valuable across various industries and professions. With a law degree, you can make a meaningful impact in your chosen field and contribute to positive change in society. Here’s how a J.D. can be valuable:

Legal Practice: Naturally, a J.D. opens the door to a career as a practicing attorney. Whether it’s in litigation, corporate law, intellectual property, or any other legal field, a J.D. provides the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to excel. Utilize your law degree to become a practicing attorney, representing clients in various legal matters such as litigation, corporate law, intellectual property, and more.
Business and Corporate Roles: Many companies actively seek out law school graduates for positions that require legal acumen, such as compliance officers, contract managers, and risk analysts. A J.D. can provide a unique perspective and understanding of complex legal matters within a business context. Apply your legal expertise in roles within the business sector, including compliance officers, contract managers, and risk analysts, where knowledge of the law is essential for navigating regulatory requirements and mitigating legal risks.
Policy and Government: A law degree can lead to opportunities in government, policymaking, and public service. Legal expertise is highly valued in roles such as legislative aides, policy analysts, and government advisors, where understanding the intricacies of the law is essential. Pursue opportunities in government, policymaking, and public service, working as legislative aides, policy analysts, government advisors, or in other roles where understanding of the law is crucial for shaping legislation and governance.
Consulting and Advisory Services: Law graduates are often sought after by consulting firms for their analytical skills and ability to navigate legal complexities. They may provide advisory services on a range of issues including regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and dispute resolution.
Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurs with a legal background have a distinct advantage when it comes to navigating the complexities of business law, intellectual property rights, and contract negotiations. A J.D. can provide the necessary skills to launch and manage a successful venture. Apply your legal knowledge to entrepreneurship by starting your own business or providing legal services to startups and small businesses, helping them navigate legal complexities and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
Advocacy and Non-Profit Work: Lawyers play a vital role in advocating for social justice, human rights, and environmental protection. Non-profit organizations often require legal expertise to navigate legal frameworks, draft policies, and represent their interests. Advocate for social justice, human rights, and environmental protection by working for non-profit organizations or engaging in advocacy efforts that leverage your legal expertise to effect positive change in society.
Academia and Education: Some law graduates choose to pursue careers in academia, becoming professors or researchers in law schools or universities. They contribute to legal scholarship, mentor future lawyers, and shape the next generation of legal professionals.

In summary, a J.D. degree offers a versatile skill set that can be applied across various industries and professions. Whether it’s in law, business, government, or advocacy, the critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities developed through legal education are highly transferable and in-demand in today’s competitive job market.

Have you heard these terms used? Alternative legal jobs Emerging legal jobs JD advantage jobs JD preferred jobs Law degree preferred jobs Nontraditional legal jobs

JD Advantage roles encompass positions where possessing a law degree provides a significant advantage in fulfilling job responsibilities, although passage of the bar exam is not required. These roles capitalize on the skills and knowledge acquired through legal education, making them highly attractive to employers across different industries. Here’s a breakdown of JD Advantage opportunities and the skills they typically require:

Analytical and Critical Thinking: JD Advantage roles often involve complex problem-solving and decision-making. Legal education hones these skills, enabling professionals to analyze information, evaluate options, and make sound judgments.
Relationship Building: Building and maintaining relationships is crucial in many professions. Lawyers are adept at fostering connections with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders, making them valuable assets in roles that require strong interpersonal skills.
Client Management: Legal training equips individuals with the ability to understand and address clients’ needs effectively. JD Advantage roles may involve managing client relationships, providing guidance, and delivering solutions tailored to their requirements.
Negotiation: Negotiation skills are essential in various industries, from business transactions to conflict resolution. Lawyers are trained to negotiate effectively, seeking favorable outcomes while maintaining professional relationships and ethical standards.
Problem-Solving: JD Advantage professionals excel in identifying challenges, analyzing root causes, and developing innovative solutions. Legal education instills a systematic approach to problem-solving, which can be applied across diverse contexts.
Professionalism: Upholding professional standards of conduct and ethics is a hallmark of legal practice. JD Advantage roles value professionals who demonstrate integrity, reliability, and accountability in their work.
Research and Writing: Legal education emphasizes rigorous research and clear, concise writing. JD Advantage professionals are skilled at conducting thorough research, synthesizing complex information, and articulating their findings persuasively.

For law students and alumni exploring alternative career paths outside traditional legal roles, JD Advantage positions offer a compelling option. These roles leverage legal expertise while providing opportunities for professional growth and advancement across industries.

As for Ave Maria Law alumni, they have made significant contributions in a wide range of JD Advantage roles globally. From federal clerks and judges to leaders in law firms and public service, Ave Maria Law graduates excel in various sectors. Additionally, many alumni hold JD Advantage positions in hospitals, corporations, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations, leveraging their legal skills to effect positive change in their communities.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enk4Rp8t2bM

Ave Maria School of Law Mother-Daughter duo

Nicole Santini and Angelica Jones talk about their law school experience in a blog post.

Read Here

Symplicity

Symplicity is an online tool that offers a great deal of resources. Symplicity supports student and graduate interaction with the Office of Professional Development. The online system will allow students to conduct the following:

• Learn about the Office of Professional Development and external events and conferences.
• Make counseling appointments via the calendar.
• Participate in On-Campus Recruitment & Resume Collect.
• Search job postings, internships, fellowships, and other employment opportunities.
• Schedule a mock job interview.
• RSVP to Law School Professional Development events.

Career Report

Ave Maria School of Law graduates accept employment with an array of employers in all regions of the country. Private practice in small firms is the most typical career path for graduates; however, many graduates choose to begin their careers with businesses, public-interest employers, the Military, and government agencies at all levels.

Read about Post Graduate Employment Data

Legal Internships & Externships

Beginning the summer after their 1L year, Ave Maria School of Law students are using their talents in a variety of employment settings in all regions of the country. This summer students are completing legal internships and externships throughout Florida, as well as in Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Washington state, and Rome, Italy. These placements include private firms, federal judicial internships, state appellate court internships, federal and state agencies, corporations, and public interest organizations.

Ex judicata provides services for lawyers who are transitioning from the practice of law to JD preferred and business positions.

ex judicata is the only employment platform built specifically to help attorneys find nonlegal positions. We believe that a JD degree should be a door opener and a foundation for myriad careers, not just the practice of law. We provide resources to set you up for success, connect you with companies that want your skillset and a community of people who know what you are going through.
You are not alone.

Contact OPD for Access

Log In

“Working with the department has been wonderful. The staff has always been available to meet with me and has taken the time to get to know me and understand my career goals. Therefore, when an employer contacted them with an opportunity that fit my goals perfectly, they thought of me and immediately put me in contact with the employer. They have been invaluable to me in my job search. The department is an excellent resource for the entire student body.”

“”
Colleen LeahyClass of 2020

Meet Our Office of Professional Development Team

Jill Backer

Associate Dean for Professional Development

Jill Backer has over 20 years of experience working in law school career services. Before joining Ave Maria School of Law, she was the Assistant Dean for Professional Development at Pace University School of Law and the Employer Relations person at Brooklyn Law School. She has a proven track record of building and executing a successful employer outreach program for law schools.

Dean Backer joined Ave Maria School of Law in July 2021 jumping right in to promote AMLS and its students. Dean Backer practiced in criminal law in Chicago before moving into legal sales for several litigation companies. She has been the National Chair for the Employer Outreach section of the National Association of Legal Placement (NALP), on the NYC Bar Associations CAMS committee and an inaugural member of the NYC Law School Anti-Racism Consortium. She is currently the president of the Florida Association of Legal Recruiters and on the Board of Contributor’s for Law.com’s Daily Business Review. She is also widely published in the National Law Journal, the New York Law Journal, Thomson Reuters and other publications. Dean Backer is a graduate of Marquette University with a BA in Psychology and a BA in Criminology and a JD from Quinnipiac University.

Celestine Oglesby

Director for the Office of Professional Development

coglesby@avemarialaw.edu
Phone: (239) 687-5352

Celestine Oglesby assists in all department services, including counseling, programming, placement, recruitment, marketing, and event planning. She conducts outreach to local, state, and national employers, works with students who wish to obtain judicial clerkships, and compiles data on alumni employment. Her diverse background spans more than ten years with experience in education, healthcare, project management, public relations, marketing, communications, and event planning. Ms. Oglesby obtained a Juris Doctor from the University Of South Dakota School Of Law, a Master of Business Administration in International Business from Temple University, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing/Management from Northwood University.

Deanna Dodge

Recruitment Specialist

ddodge@avemarialaw.edu
Phone: (239) 687-5350

Deanna Dodge has 20 years of experience in the legal field. Prior to joining Ave Maria School of Law, she managed several law firms in New York. As Recruitment Coordinator, her role consists of counseling students and placing them in Externships. She thoroughly enjoys interacting with the students and helping them to achieve academic excellence, as well as success in their present and future careers. Deanna graduated from the Catholic University of America with a BA in Psychology and is a member of the Association for Legal Administrators as well a Florida Notary.

OPD Audio Programming

Brandon Cooper, JD, 2016 AMSL Alumni, JD Advantage Career, Compliance & Audit

JD Advantage Career, Compliance & Audit

Connie Brenton, JD Advantage Career, Legal Operations

Connie Brenton, JD Advantage Career, Legal Operations

Wellness | Jarrett Green

Wellness | Jarrett Green

Roger Kiska, JD, 2003 AMSL Alumni. Christian Legal Centre

Roger Kiska | AMSL 2003 Alumni | Christian Legal Centre

News from OPD

Announcements, Alumni Profiles & Spotlights

Filter

Alumni Profiles Professional Development