Archives for the Month of December 2006 on CSO Blog
Finding Small and Medium Sized Law Firms
If you are interested in working for a small or medium sized law firm, one of the first things you will want to do is to find a list of all such firms in your target market. The CSO creates small and medium firm lists for 13 different markets around the U.S., including:
- Atlanta
- Boston
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland/Akron
- Columbus
- Detroit
- Los Angeles
- New York City
- Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh
- Seattle
- Washington, DC
These lists are updated every six months and can be picked up in the CSO Resource Room. If we don't have a list for your target market, you can easily create a similar list for yourself by going to www.martindale.com and running a search for law firms of a particular size in a particular location.
Summer Housing in New York City
Every year New York University School of Law's Summer Living in New York program opens its residential buildings to summer interns in the law and business community and to faculty, students and other adults who are visiting New York during the summer. The program offers apartment-style living in a vareity of furnished apartments and suites from single-occupancy studios to three-bedroom units. Summer 2007 accomodations are available from May 20-August 11 for periods of four or more consecutive weeks. Brochures are available in the CSO. Applications will be available online in January 2007 -- go to www.law.nyu.edu/depts/housing.
Career Services Office - Winter Break Schedule Reminder
Just as a reminder, the Career Services Office will be open throughout your winter break, except on designated University Holidays. So, while the CSO will be closed December 25, 26, and 29 AND January 1, we will be here and open M-F, 8:30-5:00 the rest of winter break.
Please feel free to stop by the office and call or email with questions. We are here and happy to help you with your job search over winter break.
We hope that you are enjoying your winter break and wish you all happy holidays!
CSO Blackboard Course
Want to work on your job search over winter break but have headed home for the break or can't make into the CSO? If you haven't already done so, spend some time over break checking out all of the resources that are available to you online on the CSO Blackboard course.
You are all automatically enrolled in the CSO Blackboard course, which was launched in September. Simply log in to Blackboard and click on the link for the CSO Resources. Use the tabs on the left to find all of the information available to you.
The Blackboard course houses all of the CSO resources available in electronic format, including the small/medium firm lists, the Vermont Judicial Clerkship Guide, resume/cover letter/interview tips, networking strategies, and the Arizona Guide to Government Employment. You can also find guides to specific cities, information about different practice areas, links to government agencies and public interest organizations, internship guides, and much more.
Be sure to utilize the CSO resources on Blackboard and if you have any questions about any of the information just stop by the CSO to chat with a counselor!
More Public Interest Funding Opportunities
In addition to summer internship funding highlighted in the December 19, 2006 CSO blog entry, PSLawNet's "Summer Funding" section contains information on funding opportunities offered by 40 nonprofit organizations. Look for the link at www.pslawnet.org.
Also, Equal Justice Works/Americorps offers "Summer Corps" stipends to support law students working to deliver legal services. Summer Corps provides 315 law students with a $1,000 education award voucher for qualifying legal internships. For more information, go to www.equaljusticeworks.org.
Summer Funding Opportunities
Case Western Reserve University School of Law offers numerous summer fellowship opportunities for students interested in public interest, international, environmental, and health law. Through grants by several generous donors, as well as through funding from our academic centers, fellowships are available to current students who wish to pursue unpaid public interest, international, environmental, and/or health law opportunities during the summer. First- and second-year students are eligible for each of these fellowships.
For most of these fellowships it is up to the student to secure the opportunity and then apply for the fellowship funding. The fellowship deadlines range from February 2, 2007 through March or April (depending on the deadline set by SPILF). All applications, except for SPILF, are due to the CSO by the specified date and time. SPILF officers set deadlines and handle the SPILF application process. Please stop by the CSO for additional information.
Informational Interviewing
Informational interviewing can be a very effective networking tool, as well as a great way to help you explore what types of law spark your interest. Law school alumni are one of the best sources for informational interviews. The CSO has alumni lists and contact information available for students who are interested.
So you've made a phone call to a contact, now what should you say? Well for starters, you do not want to ask your contact for a job or tell them that you are looking for a job. Most people are flattered when asked to give advice, but it makes for an awkward situation if you ask your contact for a job - something that they probably can't just give you. What you do want to start off with is mentioning the source that provided the contact to you in the first place. This gives your contact a frame of reference and sets them at ease. Then give a brief description of who you are and state what you're looking for. By that, I mean, "I'm a first year at Case Western and (insert source of contact info. here) recommended that I contact you. I'd really like to learn more about international law and I was hoping I could take you out for a cup of coffee to hear more about what you do." If your contact is able to meet with you - great! If not, you simply want to thank them anyway, and of course, ask if they know of anyone else who might be able to speak with you.
The etiquette during an informational interview is very similar to regular interviewing, but remember, you are the one who will be asking the questions. Come to an informational interview prepared with questions about how your contact got to where they are now. What is a typical day like for them? What classes did they find most useful in law school? And finally be sure to thank them for their time and always ask if they know of anyone else they think you should talk to.
For more information on this effective networking tool, stop by the CSO and talk to a counselor!
Work for a Non-Profit!
While I know that most of you are still in middle of your final exams (good luck by the way), there is something that you should be aware of, particularly if you are a 1L and you are not exactly sure what kind of law you want to practice: you may want to consider working for a non-profit agency. First of all, you will be utilizing your legal skills and education in a place which is benefiting society. Also, non-profit agencies do not have a massive budget and their law clerks are viewed as an invaluable resource. Clerks are given real interesting work, that will always look good on a resume. Also, if you are interested in getting your foot in the door in a particular geographic area, it may be easier for you to secure a volunteer position at a non-profit in a city where you don’t have a tie as a 1L than a position at a firm. Finally, in meeting with the recruitment coordinator for a large firm in Los Angeles this week, I was told that having some non-profit experience looks great on a resume. “We like to see some non-profit or charity work on a resume. It shows us that a candidate has a soul; that they think of something more than themselves.”
If you have any questions regarding working for a non-profit, please see a career counselor at the CSO.
What Not to Wear: Dressing for Holiday Receptions and Networking Events
So, you have set up an informational interview over winter break or have gotten an invite to a holiday reception or other networking event. Great! But now you are wondering "what should I wear to a holiday reception or for a networking meeting?"
If you are meeting an alumni or another contact in his or her office, wear a suit. Remember this is a business meeting. If you are invited to a holiday reception and the invitation doesn't specify dress, remember this is a business reception, not a holiday cocktail party so wear a suit. No cocktail dresses or tuxedos! Just wear your best suit, hose if you are a woman, a tie if you are a man, shine your shoes, and impress the employers with your personality!
Ok, you get it - wear a suit. But what if the person you are meeting or the event details say "feel free to wear business casual?" Keep in mind that "business casual" can vary from employer to employer and sometimes even person to person. Wearing khakis, a button down, and a sport coat may be "business casual" for one employer while cords and a sweater may be "business casual" for another. As such, trying to dress "business casual" can be difficult for potential candidates and visitors to the employer. Your best bet - you guessed it - wear a suit!
Just because someone says you can dress "business casual" doesn't mean you have to. You are better off wearing a suit the first time you meet with an employer or contact or attend a networking event and being able to gauge what might be appropriate "business causal" for next time. No employer, contact, or alumni is going to look poorly upon you for feeling that they were important enough to wear a suit for!
If you have questions regarding what is appropriate dress for different events in the legal community please feel free to stop by the CSO to chat with our counselors!
Careers in Environmental Law
There are a number of different practice settings available to students interested in environmental law careers. When someone says they want to be an environmental lawyer, one may first think of working for a public interest or advocacy organization. But environmental lawyers work for firms representing corporations and industries that must follow environmental regulations. They also work for government agencies to develop and enforce regulations. And they also work with corporations to help them comply with environmental laws.
If you are contemplating a career in environmental law, these are the skills cited as most important, according to The Official Guide to Legal Specialties by Lisa L. Abrams, which is available in the CSO: creative problem-solving skills, writing skills, interest in and understanding of science, willingness to learn new things, negotiation and advocacy skills, and interpersonal skills.
Also, here are things for you to try to do in law school if you have an interest in environmental law: take courses in environmental and administrative law, participate in moot court, try to secure a judicial clerkship, participate in the judicial externship program, volunteer for environmental organizations, join relevant sections of various bar associations
Small & Medium Firm Lists Available in CSO
If you are targeting small- and mid-size firms in your job search, keep in mind that the Career Services Office has compiled a number of lists of small and medium firms to help you get started! These are available in hard copy in the CSO, and also through blackboard.case.edu.
We have lists for the following cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland & Akron, Columbus, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Washington, DC.
'Tis the Season for Networking!
This winter, be sure to take advantage of all of the networking opportunities that holiday parties and gatherings inevitably provide. Remember, you should be prepared to network in every professional or social situation. Make an effort to introduce yourself to new people at these events, keeping in mind that although not everyone you meet will be a lawyer, chances are they know a lawyer. You want to find a way to casually work into the conversation the fact that you are a law student at Case Western and you’re actively researching the legal market. Don’t forget that, according to author Kimm Walton in her book “Guerrilla Tactics for Getting the Legal Job of Your Dreams,” statistics show that 90% of legal jobs (both first and lateral jobs) are the result of effective networking. There are countless success stories of students who found their dream jobs through networking with casual contacts at parties and picnics. So enjoy the holiday season and be sure to use the festivities to your advantage. Happy networking!
Career Services Office -- Winter Break Schedule
Dear students:
We just wanted you to know that the Career Services Office will be open throughout your winter break, except on designated University Holidays. So, except for December 25, 26, and 29 AND January 1, we will be here and open M-F, 8:30-5:00. We are available for appointments, by phone, or via email.
Best of luck as you finish your exams, and enjoy your winter break!
Happy holidays -- The CSO Staff
References: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
1) Who should I ask to be a reference? Your references should be people who know you and know your work. Many legal employers like to hear from professors so take advantage of opportunities to participate in class and talk with your professors outside of class.
2) Can I list a past employer? Absolutely – as long as this person knows you and knows your work. A supervisor who regularly reviewed your work trumps the head of your department that barely remembers you.
3) My reference asked for a form – is there a form he/she can fill out? The short answer is no. Legal employers who ask for letters of recommendation want to hear from someone who knows you and your work and understands the type of position you are applying for. The more specific and descriptive the letter is regarding you and your work the better.
4) Do I have to ask my reference for a letter of recommendation? Not unless the position you are applying for specifically requests one. Otherwise, written letters of recommendation are rarely required. Most employers will ask you for references. When an employer requests that you supply them with references they are simply asking for a list of names with the contact information for the individuals that you list. Always be sure to include your name and contact information on the top of your reference list (like on your resume) in case your reference list is ever separated from your resume in an employer’s office. For a sample reference list, see the Resume Section of the CSO Guide on Blackboard.
5) How do I ask someone to be a reference or for a letter of recommendation? Can I send him/her an email? If the person is on campus or is someone with whom you currently work, drop by their office with an updated copy of your resume to make your request. For those references that you can't just drop in on, consider contacting them by phone and email. If it is someone you haven't been in touch with since you started law school, they will be interested in catching up via phone. You can then follow-up via email with a copy of your resume and a thank you note. Keep in mind that if your prior experience with a potential reference is vastly different from the tasks you will be performing in the legal field, it is important to spend some time talking about the job(s) you are applying for and the types of assignments you will be working on.
Have additional questions about references and letters of recommendation? Stop by the CSO to chat with a counselor!
What to do if you want to practice in-house one day --
Most legal departments do not hire entry-level attorneys; most lawyers practicing in-house have practice experience, whether from a firm or government agency. Some company legal departments will hire entry-level candidates, but often only for a specific niche for which the candidate brings particular experience; most in-house hiring is lateral.
However, to build your resume for a future lateral move or to try to secure the occasional entry-level position, there are a number of things you can do to position yourself. Some ideas:
1. During law school, work during the summer and/or school year in an in-house legal department. Some very large legal departments may extend permanent offers to some summer clerks. At the very least -- and this is alot -- you will get some valuable experience, references, and the opportunity to build a more impressive resume.
2. Take courses that would appeal to many corporate legal departments, including Business Associations, Tax, Commercial Law, Secured Transactions, Finance, Bankruptcy, Administrative, Labor & Employment, Securities, International Business Transactions, Real Estate, clinic, and more.
3. As a practicing attorney, develop an expertise in relevant areas of law (seek out work in general corporate and commercial matters), develop a solid reputation among clients and colleagues, and get to know in-house attorneys.
4. Network, network, network!
What is a Law Firm Holiday Reception Anyway?
This is the time of year when law firms hold holiday receptions, primarily for first year law students. Law firms hold these events over winter break and invite local law students to attend. Some firms issue an open invitation for all law students. Others select students to invite based on the resumes they receive. For some firms the event is intended to introduce students to the firm so they will keep it in mind for their second summer. Other firms use the holiday reception as a screening interview for candidates for first summer positions. If you attend one of these receptions you can expect to mingle with attorneys from the firm and your fellow law students, often in a cocktail party setting. You will want to make a point of speaking with as many attorneys as you can during the reception. Research the firm ahead of time and and ask questions about the firm in general, the summer program, and the attorneys' areas of practice.
CSO Welcomes New Assistant Director!
Please join the CSO in welcoming our new Assistant Director for Career Services! Candice Derflinger is a graduate of Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and earned her B.S. in Criminal Justice at Bowling Green State University. She has experience working with several small firms in the Cleveland area, and has practiced in the areas of estate planning, business planning, probate, and real estate law. We are sure you will enjoy getting to know and work with her.
Interested in Immigration Law? Here is an opportunity you can’t pass up
Think you want to practice Immigration Law? Do you want to get a leg up on most attorneys in the city by working directly with 2 of the newest judges in Cleveland? A new court has been founded in Cleveland that deals with some of the most complex immigration cases in the region, including asylum, adjustment of status and cancellation of removal. Run in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice Executive Office for Immigration Review, the Cleveland Immigration Court is housed on the 13th floor of the Federal Court House in Downtown Cleveland. This summer, the court will have openings for two legal interns to work directly with the judges and aid them with their caseload. Interns will be attending hearings, drafting bench memoranda and decisions, conducting in-depth research and analysis of legal issues and pre-hearing preparation work.
The interns work in direct supervision of an attorney advisor and the two immigration judges at the court. While this internship is an unpaid/volunteer position, it will provide you with excellent experience and you can get a leg up with regards to immigration positions around the country. A formal job posting will come in January, however if any of you are interested in the position or in the court itself, you may contact Sara Smith, Attorney Advisor, through her email: sarah.smith@usdoj.gov.