Graduating from law school is a thrilling time for most: Though they will be encumbered with high student loan bills for years to come, their new lifestyle affords them better meals than old pizza and late-night fast food runs. Robert Harrax Miller explains in his book, "Law School Confidential," that law school is not a glamorous experience, but three incredibly trying years: Graduation is a huge accomplishment. Welcoming first-year attorneys into the legal world can be achieved with a number of different gift ideas.
Business Suit
Most new lawyers have only worn a suit for their job interviews and mock trial events. And yet, impressing new clients requires a professional appearance, typically marked by a high-quality suit. Go to a well-known suit store, like Brooks Brothers or Ralph Lauren, and help him pick out a suit.
If this gift is far outside your price range, then contributing accessories that could include a nice button-down shirt, a tie, cuff links or a wallet works toward the same goal.
Legal Accessories
A briefcase, legal pad portfolio and business card holder are all things a new attorney will need post-graduation. A "lucky" fancy pen engraved with her initials is another gift that could bring her good fortune in the courtroom. Additionally, office decorations are good gift ideas. Skip the cliché hanging scale "Justice" statue, though, and opt for a nice orchid plant or a small memento from her alma mater, like a paperweight.
Attorney Magazine Subscription
You can find some type of legal magazine in every state informing local attorneys of legal disputes in the state, who's who in the community, upcoming social and charity events and job openings. Acquaint her with the legal community by getting her a subscription to the state attorney magazine. This gift will help her present herself professionally in front of her peers when they ask her what she thinks of a judge's decision in a controversial court case.
Massage Gift Certificate
Though law school might have been grueling, first-year lawyers are expected to pull long hours, work on weekends and bear the stress of unruly bosses. They must also prepare for the bar before being able to practice law, which means more hours of extensive studying. Help him alleviate this stress by providing some relief in the form of a long massage. Pick a venue close to his house or near the law school. Or, introduce him to the high life as a lawyer by booking a massage at an exclusive resort.
GPS Navigation System
Running to and from client meetings, courthouses and job interviews mandates punctuality. To stay on the good sides of judges and their employer, novice litigants must appear early. A GPS system can tell her how far the destination is, how much time it will take to get there and where the nearest coffeehouse is if she needs caffeine before the arraignment. If the attorney is moving to a new city upon graduation, this gift will be especially useful while she gets her bearings and becomes acquainted with her new surroundings.
Tags: gift ideas, gift will, that could
