Early Career Support

Health law is a demanding field to enter. The regulatory environment is complex, the practice areas are broad, and building a professional reputation takes sustained effort. AHLA's Early Career Support resources are designed to help health law professionals in their first years of practice develop expertise, find mentors, connect with peers, and build the foundation for a lasting career in health law.

The resources and communities on this page are available to AHLA members and student subscribers.

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Early Career Professionals Network

The Early Career Professionals Network is an AHLA community dedicated to the questions and challenges unique to those entering and establishing themselves in health law. Members discuss substantive legal issues, share practical career guidance, and connect around professional development opportunities within and beyond AHLA.

Topics addressed in the community include how to develop expertise in a new practice area, strategies for building professional visibility, navigating early associate life, and identifying leadership and volunteer opportunities within AHLA.

What the Community Covers

Substantive health law topics relevant to early practice, including regulatory updates and emerging issues
Practical career guidance on building expertise, visibility, and a professional reputation
Networking events and social programming scheduled around AHLA's in-person programs
Volunteer and leadership opportunities within AHLA for early career members
Peer connection with other health law professionals at a similar career stage

Join the Early Career Professionals Network

Mentoring Program

AHLA's Mentoring Program pairs early career professionals with experienced health law practitioners for structured, relationship-based career development. Whether you are seeking guidance on a specific practice area, navigating a career transition, or looking to build long-term connections within the health law community, the Mentoring Program provides a structured path to do so.

Early career members are encouraged to enroll as Mentees. Those who have moved beyond their first few years of practice and are ready to give back may also consider enrolling as a Mentor.

Learn About the Mentoring Program

Education Designed for Early Career Professionals

AHLA's educational programming spans all experience levels, and several offerings are particularly well-suited to professionals building foundational knowledge in health law. The resources below provide accessible, substantive entry points across AHLA's core practice areas.

AHLA 101 Courses

AHLA 101 courses offer structured introductions to core health law topics, written and presented by practitioners with deep subject matter expertise. These on-demand courses are an efficient way to build working knowledge in an unfamiliar practice area.

Browse AHLA 101 Courses

Webinars and On-Demand Programming

AHLA's live and on-demand webinars address current regulatory developments, enforcement trends, and emerging issues across health law. Webinars are available at member discount rates, and Comprehensive members receive free access to all live webinars.

View Upcoming Webinars

Speaking of Health Law Podcasts

AHLA's podcast series offers accessible, practitioner-led discussions on timely health law topics. The Health Law Daily Podcast is available to Comprehensive members. Additional podcast content is available to all members.

Explore the Podcast Library

Practice Groups

Practice Groups are the primary vehicle for staying current in a specific area of health law. Each group produces publications, hosts educational programming, and maintains an active community of practitioners with focused expertise. Early career professionals are encouraged to identify the Practice Group or Groups most relevant to their work and engage actively.

Practice Group Access by Membership Level

Basic membership: Access to one Practice Group of your choice
Comprehensive membership: Access to all 17 Practice Groups

Explore All Practice Groups Compare Membership Levels

Additional Resources for Early Career Members

The following resources offer additional support for health law professionals building their careers and their engagement with AHLA.

Career Center

AHLA's Career Center lists current opportunities across health law practice settings nationwide and is available to both job seekers and employers.

Visit the Career Center

Volunteer and Leadership Opportunities

AHLA's volunteer pathways — including writing for Practice Group publications, speaking at programs, and serving on planning committees — offer early career professionals a structured way to build visibility and contribute to the health law community. Opportunities are listed in the AHLA Communities platform.

View Volunteer Opportunities

Customize Your Content Preferences

AHLA members can tailor the publications and email updates they receive based on practice area and topic. Updating your content preferences ensures that the most relevant regulatory developments and educational opportunities reach you directly.

Update Content Preferences

Questions About Early Career Resources?

AHLA Member Services can help you identify the right resources, communities, and membership level for where you are in your career.

Foundational Growth: A Career Shaped by AHLA

"My journey with AHLA began in the early stages of my career, offering a valuable learning platform and a forum to showcase my expertise. This experience has been pivotal in my growth as a health care attorney."

- Joel Michaels, Adjunct Professor of Law
Arizona State University - Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law