August 31, 2006
Check Out the CSO Office Redesign!
If you are a second or third year student and have visited the CSO lately, you have no doubt noticed the major design changes the office space underwent over the summer! All of us here in the CSO wanted to make the CSO resources more easily accessible and to offer a more comfortable work space for students. So, you will now find all of the CSO resources and equipment available for you to use in your job search (including a computer, printer, fax, and copier) in one location rigth as you walk in the front door.
The CSO resources are constantly being updated and not only can you find a listing of all available resources on the CSO website, you can now also access all resources that are available in electronic format on the new CSO BlackBoard Course, which you are all automatically enrolled in! The course launched yesterday so be sure to check out all of the great resources that are now available to you online, including resume and cover letter tips, the Arizona Guide to Government Employment, the small/midsize firm lists for various cities, and much more!
If you have not been in the CSO since the redesign or are a first year student that has not had a chance to stop into the office please take a few minutes to check out the new CSO space! If you are a second or third year student, Brian would be happy to make an appointment with Sarah, Alyson, or Kelli for you to discuss your career plans. Although we cannot meet with first year students until after November 1st, please feel free to stop in, check out the office, and say hello!
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Posted by cxt70 at 10:13 AM
August 30, 2006
Consider Working for the Government
There are a lot of reasons to consider working for the government – personal satisfaction from serving the public, life/work balance, intellectual challenge, no need to engage in business development, the chance to learn by doing, and good salary and benefits. And there are many types of jobs to choose from. For the federal government you could work with the Department of Justice, including a U.S. Attorney’s Office; various federal agencies such as the IRS, SEC, or HUD; Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program; military JAG; federal clerkship; federal public defender; and more. At the state level consider clerkships, offices of attorneys general, public defenders, and a myriad of state agencies. And at the local level there are prosecutor offices, city law departments, school districts, public defenders, and other local agencies.
The good news is that many of these employers participate in our on-campus, off-campus, resume collect, and resume direct programs. Lots of these opportunities are posted on eAttorney. Application processes and timelines vary, and deadlines range from early fall to late spring. Some want the traditional application materials like resumes, cover letters, and transcripts, and others require that you apply online. Keep an eye on eAttorney, websites of agencies of interest to you, and come to the office to see some of our resources including the 2006-2007 Government Honors & Internship Handbook. It can take time to secure a position with the government – sometimes background checks are required.
Remember that government employers are looking for candidates with knowledge of and experience in relevant practice areas, a commitment to public service, strong research and writing skills, interpersonal skills, and an understanding of the particular agency’s mission. And while you are in law school, take a wide range of classes including substantive law courses; take classes in your areas of interest and that are relevant to government practice; gain solid research and writing skills; take advantage of opportunities to develop trial and advocacy skills; try to get into a clinic your third year; get government experience during the summer and school year; and network with government attorneys.
Another plus – some federal agencies provide loan repayment assistance!!! Go to http://www.opm.gov/oca/pay/StudentLoan/HTML/QandAs.asp.
Posted by smp20 at 08:48 AM
August 29, 2006
Judicial Clerkships: Why and How
One of the most interesting ways to start a legal career is to work with a judge on the federal or state level for a year or two after graduation as a judicial law clerk. Many former clerks look upon their clerkships as a highlight of their legal careers.
Now is the time for third year students to apply for clerkships on both the federal and state level. The date to mail federal applications is next week - September 5, 2006! Many state courts are also in the process of hiring next year's clerks.
The CSO has several excellent clerkship resources including Behind the Bench, a guide to the clerkship process, and The Vermont Guide to State Clerkships.
First and second year students have an opportunity to preview the judicial clerkship experience through Case's Federal Externship Program. This program, coordinated by Professor Leatherberry, places students as externs in the chambers of federal judges during their first summer or second or third year of law school.
Posted by asa13 at 10:56 AM
August 18, 2006
Welcome to the New CSO Blog!!!
Welcome back to school and to the new CSO Blog! In the past, you’ve known the “CSO News” which was published in paper format every week. We have now moved everything to this online format!
Instead of publishing only once per week, we will be giving you daily updates on the topics that are most important to your job search – interview advice, job searching tips, resume and cover letter do’s and don’t’s, and weekly job listings. We will also be offering up links to great articles, websites and other fabulous resources for your professional ambitions.
Stay tuned to the “CSO Blog” so you can pursue the most effective job search possible!
Posted by cxt70 at 12:49 PM
New CSO BlackBoard Course
In addition to the creation of this new blog, the CSO has also created a new BlackBoard course. (Yes, we have had a very busy summer!)
All three years of law students will be automatically enrolled in this BlackBoard course, which will launch on Tuesday, September 5. The BlackBoard course will house all CSO resources available in electronic format, including the small/medium firm lists, Vermont Judicial Clerkship Guide, resume/cover letter/interview tips, networking strategies, and Arizona Guide to Government Employment. You asked us to put our resources online, and we did!
Posted by cxt70 at 12:46 PM