From the moment they are admitted, University of Miami School of Law students are strategically prepared to compete and succeed in the highly competitive large law firm hiring market. Through early engagement, individualized advising, and targeted programming, the Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD) equips students with the skills, confidence, and insight needed to navigate the accelerated timelines and high expectations of Big Law recruiting.
This intentional approach has delivered results. The University of Miami School of Law is the only law school in South Florida recognized in Law.com’s “Go-To Law Schools: Big Law" 2026 report. Based on the National Law Journal's annual survey, this prestigious report ranks the top 50 law schools that have sent the highest percentage of 2025 J.D.s into associate positions at the nation's largest 200 law firms. The ranking places Miami Law at #30 nationally, up from #33 the year prior, reflecting continued momentum.
In addition, according to newly released data—measured 10 months after graduation—96% of Miami Law's 2025 graduating class is employed or enrolled in graduate studies. These outcomes reflect sustained strength across private practice, public sector, and other legal careers.
Engaging Students – A Strategic Approach from Day One
Large law firms often begin recruiting earlier than other employers, and to put students ahead of the curve, the OCPD begins preparation before classes even start. Through summer programming for admitted students, referred to as “0Ls,” the OCPD introduces foundational concepts such as networking, practice area exploration, and development of a standout legal resume.
The early momentum continues into the first weeks of school and fall orientation when students are introduced to their career advisors and begin receiving structured guidance on resume development and career resources. Through a coordinated approach to advising and professional development, students access and learn the tools necessary to participate effectively in the Big Law recruiting cycle.
“Connecting students to meaningful job opportunities, whether through engaging with alumni, practice interview programs with attorneys, or networking at signature events such as the annual Large Law Firm Career Fair, is at the core of our work,” says Amy Perez, associate dean for the Office of Career and Professional Development.
Building Skills through Academics, Experience and Guidance
Miami Law provides academics that give students a solid foundation in legal analysis, critical thinking, and practical lawyering skills. For recent graduate John Rincon, who will join Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in New York City, the value of this preparation was clear through his time at Miami Law.
Rincon credits Miami Law's experiential learning opportunities for helping him stand out in the recruiting process. “Because I'm planning to litigate, the Litigation Skills Program was invaluable, and it's one I'd recommend to any student regardless of practice area. I also participated in the Investor Rights Clinic, which gave me hands-on legal work and real collaborative experience early on.”
He also values the professional guidance he received, “The folks at the career office—and my advisor in particular—were a constant source of guidance throughout my time in law school,” says Rincon. “They supported me from the initial job and internship search to thinking through longer-term career goals, even after I had an offer in hand.”
Strategic Workshops Augment Career Search Skills
Throughout the year, the OCPD delivers a series of workshops designed to give students a deeper understanding of the large law firm hiring landscape and the tools to compete effectively.
Workshops such as “Insider Tips from Law Firm Recruiters” and “Navigating Big Law Applications” offer students direct access to law firm recruiters, providing insight into hiring timelines, application strategies, and what distinguishes successful candidates. These sessions help students refine their resumes and cover letters, strengthen interviewing skills, and make informed decisions about practice areas and legal markets.
Rincon emphasizes the impact of these offerings: “The OCPD programming was excellent as well. I particularly benefited from their mock interview sessions, which I'd recommend to any student looking to sharpen their interviewing skills”
Career Fairs with 30+ Firms and Connecting with Big Law
In addition to workshops and advising, the OCPD facilitates engagement with employers.
A cornerstone of these efforts is the annual Large Law Firm Career Fair where more than thirty leading firms come to campus to connect with students. This event provides invaluable opportunities for students to build relationships, learn about firm cultures, and explore pathways to summer associate positions and more.
In addition, the OCPD also connects students with industry leading platforms such as Summer Associate Hub, Firm Prospects, FloRecruit, and other tools that help them connect with practicing attorneys, learn about practice areas, view networking events, and apply to jobs.
The employment numbers and Law.com ranking underscore Miami Law’s strength in career outcomes and national competitiveness in today’s legal market. While faculty prepare students with the legal knowledge and skills to succeed in practice, the Office of Career and Professional Development help them to navigate the rigors of a large law firm job search.
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