Month/Year of Graduation

5-2026

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Criminology and Criminal Justice

First Advisor

Lucy Morrison

Abstract

This study examines how legal professionals describe their preparation for legal and law-adjacent careers, with the goal of identifying practical guidance for college students entering the field. Existing literature on legal career preparation often emphasizes measurable qualifications, while offering broad or generalized advice. At the same time, research on career development highlights the importance of experiential learning and mentorship, suggesting a gap between formal guidance and lived experience. To explore this gap, this study conducted interviews with ten legal professionals across a range of roles and experience levels. Participants were asked about their backgrounds, career paths, skill development, and other factors in their career preparation. Interview responses were coded and analyzed using a thematic approach, with findings compared to common career preparation literature. Results indicate that while participants valued key skills emphasized in existing guidance, they placed greater importance on experiential learning. Internships, mentorship, and on-the-job learning were consistently identified as the most influential factors in career preparation. Participants also described gaps between formal education and practical work, as well as varied career paths into the legal field. Expanding access to experiential learning opportunities may better support students in developing the skills, clarity, and confidence needed to pursue legal careers.

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