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FUTURE SPARTAN

BUILD A FAR BETTER WORLD WITH UNCOMMON WILL, WE

CLASS OF 2025

The Career Services Office seeks to empower future Spartan lawyer leaders to succeed professionally.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

EMPLOYMENT BY SECTOR

By providing comprehensive career services and employment opportunities for all MSU Law students, together, we are realizing the goal of producing scholar-citizens whose specialized training will meet the legal needs of Michigan and beyond.

Each law student is assigned an adviser who guides their career development at the College of Law. Our Assistant Dean of the Career Services Office and advising team are all licensed attorneys with practice experience. We strive to provide elevated career exploration programming and support to address your needs.

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Earning a Juris Doctor degree empowers you to chart an individualized course to career success within and beyond the legal field. Career Services will facilitate your engagement with other community stakeholders as your partner during the law school journey while you explore various opportunities for using your degree. We will help you run your race!

Private Practice – 108/197: 55%

Government: 26/197 – 13%

Public Interest – 21/197: 11%

Business: 14/197 – 7%

89%SECURED FULL-TIME, LONG-TERM, BAR PASSAGE-REQUIRED, OR JD-ADVANTAGE POSITIONS – THE “GOLD STANDARD” FOR RECENT GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT.

Judicial Clerkships – 11/197: 6% education 3/197 2%

11 JUDICIAL CLERKSHIPS

(notable clerkships secured: U.S. Court of Federal Claims, U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Michigan Court of Appeals)

Our three largest states of employment are:

MICHIGAN

ILLINOIS

FLORIDA

Law is one of the most versatile degrees; it offers a multitude of pathways to delve into and leave your mark. From cutting-edge realms like data privacy and artificial intelligence (AI) or engaging in longstanding constitutional law or civil litigation practices, MSU law alumni thrive and excel across diverse legal landscapes and the career opportunities for you abound.

You are the future of the legal profession and we are here as a resource for you. There is no “one size fits all” approach to preparing you. We understand that students come from various backgrounds and we respect your individuality in helping you obtain employment and integrate your core values, skills, and personality with your professional identity.

Employer Type 1/198 – 0.3%

95% OF THE EMPLOYED GRADUATES ARE IN GOLD-STANDARD ROLES.

55% OF TOTAL GRADUATES (58% OF EMPLOYED GRADUATES) OBTAINED POSITIONS IN LAW FIRMS ACROSS THE SPECTRUM, FROM BOUTIQUE PRACTICES TO LARGE FIRMS WITH 500+ ATTORNEYS.

Whether you are a first generation student or come from a lineage of lawyers, Career Services’ customized advising will help you achieve your career goals. Within a few short years, you will exit law school with the knowledge, skills, and purpose to make an immediate impact. We look forward to supporting you on this enriching journey.

MSU Law School prepared me well for my career in the legislature, as a county prosecutor, and as governor. But most of all, it helped me find my voice. From my time on the law review to handling cold calls in corporations class to earning a Book Award, MSU law prepared me for more than just a career in the law—it helped me think critically and engage with the issues and ideas that matter. As a proud two-time Spartan for both my bachelor’s and JD degrees, I am so excited that you have chosen MSU for your next step. Enjoy your time on the banks of the Red Cedar. This is a special place.

GRETCHEN WHITMER, ’98 Governor of Michigan

An MSU Law degree has allowed me to practice law on behalf of the U.S. Air Force and advise our service members and their families in an array of areas of law. Without the training and opportunities I received at MSU Law, I don’t think I would have felt as prepared as I did to serve our men and women of the armed forces as a Judge Advocate.

MAURICE CHEEKS, ’18 Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, Special Operations Command Africa

Michigan State University College of Law’s curriculum and support propelled me to pursue a career in sports law. The faculty and curriculum gave me both the legal skills I needed and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with the leaders in the sports industry.

DANIEL KIM, ’15

VP & General Counsel

Radegen Sports Management

Arizona

MSU Law provided me with both a solid foundation for my career in civil litigation and an excellent professional network, which have been beneficial for years after graduation.

District of Colum bia

VICTORIA FERRIS, ’14 Partner Fletcher, Fealko, Shoudy & Francis, PC

I AM A S PART AN OF JUSTICE

CLASSES OF 2023, ’24, & ’25 PRACTICE IN:

WITH 544,093 LIVING MICHIGAN STATE ALUMNI, YOU’LL FIND THE GLOBAL SPARTAN NETWORK WHEREVER YOU GO.

OVER 12,500 MSU LAW PRACTICEGRADS ACROSSLAW 50 STATES AND 32 COUNTRIES.

ANNUAL RECRUITMENT FAIR = 68 EMPLOYERS WITH 153 STUDENTS ATTENDING OUR STUDENTS ARE BEING PLACED AT EVERY FIRM WITH SUMMER ASSOCIATES

My MSU law degree has allowed me the freedom to do what I’m passionate about whether it’s taking my journalism skills to the next level through scholarship or helping drive innovation with corporate partners.

DANIELLE EVANS, ’19 Director, Corporate Counsel Commercial Panera

My MSU law degree helped me to develop in-depth knowledge across multiple disciplines like intellectual property, R&D, and corporate law, which equipped me to play a leading role in managing my clients’ commercial and IP strategy.

JUSTIN EVANS, ’19

Manager, Business Development & Partnerships Alliance

My time at MSU Law prepared me well for both private practice at a large law firm and my current non-profit role. The top-notch classroom instruction, combined with opportunities like the Trial Practice Institute, has given me the confidence to navigate complex matters in a variety of settings. Just as important were the friendships and connections I made during my time as a Spartan, which continue to shape and enrich my career and life today.

KELSEY DAME, ’17

Legal Director

The Joseph Project

MSU Law equipped me well for a career in public service. It gave me the skills and confidence to advocate for, lead, and serve others. I had excellent doctrinal instruction from many dedicated professors. And I deeply enjoyed MSU Law’s extracurriculars—from moot court to law review to legal clinics to student organizations. But best of all were the people I met and relationships I formed, and I remain so grateful for the mentors and classmates who challenged and encouraged me along the way.

FRANKIE DAME, ’16

Assistant United States Attorney U.S. Department of Justice

MSU Law helped shape me into the kind of lawyer I set out to become: someone who leads with purpose, fights for justice, and stands alongside communities. The real-world advocacy, mentorship, and commitment to service I experienced here pushed me to think harder, work smarter, and stay true to the values that brought me to the law in the first place. I am proud to be part of a Spartan community that sees leadership as action, not just a title. I hope you use your time here to find your voice, build your path, and help create a better world.

JEREMY ORR, ’16

Director of Litigation & Advocacy Partnerships

Earthjustice

At MSU Law, the faculty ensured that I left with a strong understanding of the foundations of the law. That’s been critical to my career, as I left school confident that I could tackle complex cases involving novel areas of the law. Being able to appreciate the whole picture and its context enables me to advise clients with nuanced challenges. I’d put a learned MSU Law graduate who is committed to meaningfully preparing up against anyone.

ALLEN LANSTRA, ’01

Litigation Partner

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

MSU Law helped shape me into the kind of advocate and leader I set out to become, one grounded in service, advocacy, and a deep commitment to Tribal Nations. Through the Indigenous Law and Policy Center, handson clinical work, and national advocacy opportunities, I developed the skills to navigate complex legal and governmental systems while staying rooted in community. The relationships I built with faculty, mentors, and peers continue to influence my work today, and MSU Law gave me both the platform and purpose to advance tribal sovereignty and economic development in meaningful ways.

RORY WHEELER, ’25 Member, Indian Law Practice

Lippes Mathias LLP

Vice Chairman, Seneca Gaming Corporation

CAREER SERVICES OFFICE

VISION STATEMENT

The Career Services Office seeks to empower all MSU Law students and alumni to achieve professional success.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Career Services Office provides students and alumni with tools to achieve professional success through:

· programming and advising on career and professional development;

· facilitating connections with alumni and employers; and

· fostering a community and culture that advances diversity, equity, and inclusion.

1L EXPERIENCE

From 2023 to 2025 the percentage of our 1L students who report participating in class discussions “often” or “very often” grew by 36% 21 POINTS ABOVE OUR “PEER SCHOOLS”