Res Ipsa Spring 2013 - UMKC School of Law - University of Missouri ...

“ We are very proud of how well our
graduates are doing in what is still a
difficult, but improving, job market.
After passing the bar at a terrific rate,
85 percent of our 2011 grads had
jobs that were bar admission required
or J.D. preferred nine months after
graduation, and another 5 percent
had other professional positions. ”
Ellen Y. Suni
From the dean
When I’m out in the community, one of the first questions alumni
ask is “so how is the job situation these days” We focused this
issue of Res Ipsa on jobs, careers and the future of the legal
profession to help answer that question.
We are very proud of how well our graduates are doing in what
is still a difficult, but improving, job market. After passing the bar
at a terrific rate (more than 96 percent in Missouri and 95 percent
in Kansas), 85 percent of our 2011 grads had jobs that were bar
admission required or J.D. preferred nine months after graduation,
and another 5 percent had other professional positions. More
than half were in law firms, and of those, more than 70 percent
were in firms of two to 25 lawyers. More than 20 percent were in
government, public interest or judicial law clerk positions. Just
more than 90 percent remained in Missouri or Kansas.
As you will see, we are working to prepare students for the
rapid changes occurring in the profession and with it, the job
market. We focus on providing “value added” for our students,
with increased emphasis on integrating the skills lawyers will need
in practice today and into the future. We stress the importance of
networking and mentoring while in law school and after entering
the profession. We have added dynamic new professional staff to
our Career Services Office, and they have done a great job helping
students understand themselves, the profession and the legal
community and understanding where they fit in.
I think you will see on the pages of this magazine that
we are approaching the future with great people, ideas and
implementation. But, as always, we need your help. Please:
• Mentor a student or graduate
• Participate in on-campus programs that help our students
learn about different areas of practice
• Think of UMKC School of Law when you need to hire a
lawyer or law clerk
• Tell your friends and colleagues how good our graduates are
Finally, it’s not only about our students. We are happy to help
our alumni when you need a job or are thinking about a career
change. Keep in touch with our faculty, who often can be helpful in
identifying opportunities, and by all means, work with our Career
Services Office. They are there for you.
Best wishes for continuing success and happiness in your
chosen career.
Ellen Y. Suni
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