Resources for Students

It’s not just what you know, it’s how you show up. From the beginning, the Center for Professional Development at UC Law will help you develop your professional brand. We will work with you to identify your strengths, sharpen your message, and equip you to present yourself with confidence and clarity in the legal market

 CPD programs also expose students to the variety of professional settings in which graduates work and equips students with the tools necessary to manage their careers.

UC Law’s CPD helps each student create a Professional Development Plan (PDP) during their first year — a reflective tool that encourages students to consider their interests, values, and goals across different practice areas and professional opportunities. While the PDP isn’t a step-by-step guide, it helps students think intentionally about their legal career path. That early reflection becomes especially important when it’s time to communicate your story on paper — starting with your resume. A resume is valuable real estate – think of the space like a well-designed storefront, where every inch is used wisely to highlight what truly advances your career goals, without clutter that distracts or detracts. At UC Law, we help you build that story with purpose and clarity.

Remember, just as your resume grows and evolves through various experiences, so can your perspective. The PDP is a powerful tool to support your development. Think of it as a compass— one that can be calibrated and adjusted along the way to reflect your growth and evolving goals.

Your Professional Development Plan is the end result of a multi-step process required throughout your career. The CPD will lead you through the process of discovering what you do best, building skills and developing a compass that points to your career destination.