If You Just Took the Bar, It's Time to Up Your Game

GAME ON

With the bar exam behind you, let the games begin! In many ways, a job search is like a strategy game. You won’t always be in the mood to look for jobs, so it’s important to build engines that will keep you moving, even when you’re not feeling particularly motivated.

Every bit of planning you do moves you closer to the finish line.

Step 1: Create a map.

Have a concrete plan for when, how, and where you’ll look for jobs. Write job search tasks into an official schedule. Include time for looking for posted positions on a variety of sites (Symplicity, WSBA, KCBA, Tacoma-Pierce County Bar, WA Careers, Indeed, LinkedIn, etc.), writing and updating cover letters, meeting attorney contacts for coffee or Zoom chats, attending panels and events, and volunteering. Keep track of your steps.

Step 2: Follow the rules.

It can be hard to listen to yourself, but you are the authority on your job search — no one else will make you do this work. Make sure you’re taking your own advice and directives seriously. An accountability partner can be helpful, so stay in touch with classmates, mentors, CPD advisors, and others who will encourage you in your efforts. What you say goes, so if you write an activity in your calendar, that’s a real “to do” item…DO IT.

Step 3: Continually reevaluate your strategy.

What works for some may not work for you. Feel free to adjust your plan. By keeping track of your tasks, you’ll be able to look back and see what’s gotten traction and what needs revamping. Try fresh ideas. As long as you keep moving, you’re doing something right.

Step 4: Encourage others (and ask for encouragement).

Brainstorming is a lot more fun with a friend. Surround yourself with positive people who will support you, give you constructive ideas, and help build you back up when you’ve had a hard week.

Step 5: WIN.

In CPD we say it again and again: it’s not if you’ll get a job, but when. Remember that as long as you’re actively taking steps to find employment, you’re moving closer to the day when you win big and get that offer call. In this game, trying leads to winning — every time.

Remember to Apply for the WA AGO's Honors Program by Monday

Apply to the Washington State Attorney General's Office 2025 Honors Program Attorney General’s 2025 Honors Program Deadline to Apply: Monday, August 11, 2025 The Washington State Attorney General’s Office (AGO) is pleased to invite eligible candidates to apply to its 2025 Honors Program. The Honors Program is a yearly opportunity for qualified third-year law students (those graduating in the Spring of 2026) to apply for permanent, entry-level Assistant Attorney General (AAG) positions. Historically, the Honors Program culminates in offers of an AAG position to approximately 5 applicants. Those who receive offers will be placed into AAG positions starting in August/September of 2026. Offers are contingent upon passing the July 2026 Washington State Bar examination. Visit the AGO’s Honors Program website to learn more. To be considered for the program, apply on the Washington State Careers website. In addition to fully completing a profile on the careers website and responding to all supplemental questions, applicants must upload all required documents, preferably as PDFs. Additional information, such as writing samples and additional letters of recommendation, will be accepted but are not required. Required documents are: A letter of interest Resume Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable) and Letter of recommendation Note: This is the ONLY document that can be provided separately; however, it must be received by the deadline date of August 11, 2025. The letter should be sent via email to HREmployment@atg.wa.gov If an applicant has ever served as an AGO Law Clerk, it is required that you provide a letter of recommendation from your AGO supervisor

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