« Judicial Clerkships -- Helpful Websites | Main | Intellectual Property Career Fair/ Networking Reception - Sept. 20 »
September 13, 2007
Advice from Los Angeles Employers: Clearly Express your Commitment to Los Angeles
While in Los Angeles for the Southern California Interview Program last month, the CSO took time to also meet with employers in Los Angeles that do not participate in the Southern California Interview Program. These meetings included meetings with three law firms willing to consider Case Western Reserve students who apply for summer associate positions by sending in a cover letter and resume. Two things these law firms had in common were: 1) a desire to see cover letters and resumes that express a well-articulated reason for wanting to be in Los Angeles; and 2) a willingness to consider interviewing students who take the initiative to make a self-planned trip to Los Angeles.
Although the extent of the required tie to Los Angeles varied depending on the law firm, all three firms that the CSO met with said they like to read a cover letter that clearly expresses why someone wants to be in Los Angeles. Not all of the firms require a permanent tie to the area, but they do want to know why you are considering Los Angeles and they want you to express a desire to establish a career in Los Angeles. It seems that some Los Angeles firms may fear that a student who is not originally from California will choose to spend a summer in Los Angeles enjoying the weather and lifestyle, but ultimately will seek permanent employment in the student’s home state. Thus the firms want you to explain to them why you want to stay in Los Angeles.
As for students willing to make their own trips to Los Angeles, all three firms that the CSO met with indicated that this is something they like to see. One recruiting coordinator specifically said that a student from a school where the firm does not interview on-campus has the best chance of being considered if he or she sends a cover letter that says exactly when the student will be in Los Angeles for an interview. The firm is open to interviewing interested and qualified students who foot their own bill for the trip to Los Angeles because the firm believes this shows a true commitment to being in Los Angeles.
The staff in the CSO is available to share additional advice with any student interested in employers in Los Angeles, and throughout California. Stop by to schedule a meeting with one of the counselors.
Posted by kcc17 at September 13, 2007 10:43 AM