SULC | Career Counselor - JD Advantage and Alternative Legal Careers

SULC | Career Counselor – JD Advantage and Alternative Legal Careers | Position Type: Full-Time Unclassified | Salary: $70,000 - $80,000 Application Deadline: November 27, 2026

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Office of Career Services is dedicated to supporting students and alumni in their career exploration, professional development, and employment opportunities during law school and beyond. Reporting to the Director of Career Services and working closely with the Associate Director of Career Services, the Career Counselor provides individualized career counseling and professional development support to law students and alumni, with an emphasis on JD Advantage, alternative legal, and non-traditional career opportunities. The Career Counselor assists students and alumni in identifying career pathways that utilize their legal education, skills, and professional experience outside the traditional practice of law. Responsibilities include providing career guidance, developing professional development programs, conducting labor market research, connecting students with employment opportunities, and establishing relationships with employers in business, government, higher education, and other industries seeking legally trained professionals. The position also supports the collection and reporting of graduate employment data and assists with maintaining compliance with applicable National Association for Law Placement (NALP), American Bar Association (ABA), and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) requirements.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Career Counseling for Law Students and Alumni Provide individualized career counseling and professional development support to law students and alumni, with an emphasis on JD Advantage, alternative legal, and non-traditional career pathways. Assist students in identifying transferable legal skills and exploring career opportunities in compliance, policy, government affairs, risk management, human resources, consulting, legal operations, contract administration, higher education, entrepreneurship, and related fields. Provide guidance on resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, job search strategies, and professional networking. Maintain accurate records of counseling sessions and track employment outcomes to support the evaluation and improvement of career services. Professional Development and Career Planning Assist students and alumni in developing long-term career plans, identifying professional goals, and establishing strategies to achieve those goals. Educate students and alumni on career opportunities available to law graduates, including alternative legal careers and non-traditional employment pathways. Career Development Research and Employment Data Analysis Research legal employment trends and assess the evolving career development needs of students and alumni. Assist with collecting, organizing, analyzing, and reporting graduate employment data in accordance with NALP, ABA, and SACSCOC requirements. Utilize research findings and employment data to evaluate and improve career services, programs, and resources. Professional Development Workshops and Events Develop, coordinate, and facilitate professional development workshops, career programs, and events based on student needs, industry trends, and participant feedback. Develop and implement marketing and outreach strategies through email, social media, campus advertising, and other communication channels to increase student participation and engagement. Monitor program participation, analyze engagement data, and collect participant feedback to evaluate effectiveness and improve future programming. Professional Engagement and Employer Relations Participate in panel discussions, conferences, and professional forums related to legal career development and employment trends. Establish and maintain relationships with legal professionals, alumni, employers, and industry representatives to identify employment opportunities and expand professional networking resources for students. Career Services Management and Resource Development Regularly review and update career counseling services, professional development resources, and employment databases to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with current industry trends. Collaborate with the Director, Associate Director, and Career Services staff to enhance programs, resources, and services provided to students and alumni. Collaboration with Law School Departments Work collaboratively with faculty, administrative staff, and external partners to align career development initiatives with academic programs and institutional goals. Represent the Office of Career Services on university committees and participate in meetings related to student professional development, career readiness, and graduate employment outcomes. Additional Responsibilities Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's degree from an accredited college or university. Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in higher education career services programs or legal recruitment. Experience providing career counseling, professional development, employer engagement, or recruitment services. Strong written and verbal communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively with students, alumni, faculty, employers, and other stakeholders.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university, specifically a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and/or Juris Doctor (J.D.). Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in higher education career services programs or legal recruitment. Experience providing career counseling, professional development, and employment placement services to law students or graduates. Knowledge of JD Advantage, alternative legal careers, and non-traditional career pathways for law school graduates. Familiarity with NALP, ABA, and SACSCOC employment reporting requirements. Point of Contact: Dr. Melanie P. Rey | SULC Director, Office of Career Services View email address on click.appcast.io A criminal background check and reference verification are required. EEO/ADA Statement: The Southern University System complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal, state, and local laws. Southern University and A&M College forbids discriminating or harassing conduct that is based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in uniformed services, and all other categories protected by applicable federal and state laws. This commitment applies to but is not limited to decisions concerning hiring and promotion, the administration of educational programs and policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other college-administered programs. Discriminatory acts of any kind are strictly forbidden. #J-18808-Ljbffr Southern University System