« October 2008 | Main | December 2008 »
November 26, 2008
DID YOU MISS THE EMPLOYER OUTREACH UPDATE?
The CSO invited students to come learn about our employer outreach efforts this semester. We discussed the cities we have visited, the alumni we have met with, and the advice that we have obtained.
This semester, the CSO has conducted outreach in the following locations:
• Akron
• Chicago
• Cleveland
• Columbus
• Florida
• Milwaukee
• New York City
• Pittsburgh
• Washington, D.C.
Highlighted advice that was provided at the employer outreach update:
Each city is unique! For instance in NYC it is very important to convey to employers that you have a substantial understanding of the market. Your resume and cover letter should be tailored to reflect the appropriate geographic location as well as show your understanding of the areas around Manhattan.
In Pittsburgh, Columbus and Milwaukee, employers want to see a geographic tie to the city in your cover letter. For example, if you have family, friends or even if you have only visited the city a few times but loved it, you should outline these reasons in your cover letter.
Chicago is a popular market and it is imperative that you utilize alumni and network! Case Western alumni working in Chicago suggest that one of the best ways to get into the Chicago market is to network, network, network!
In Cleveland, employers want to see that students intend to stay in the area. Even if you only came to Cleveland for school and decided to stay, make sure to focus on why you intend to remain in northeast Ohio. If you are interested in working in Akron but want to continue living in Cleveland keep in mind that it is only a 30-40 minute drive to work. Employers fear that residents of Cleveland think Akron is too far, when the truth is that many people travel I-77 every day!
Among other cities, next semester the CSO intends to visit employers in the following cities:
• Boston
• Chicago
• Cleveland
• Denver
• Los Angeles
• Philadelphia
• NYC
• San Diego
If you would like to learn more about employment opportunities at specific firms and organizations or in any of the geographic regions listed above, please contact CSO with your suggestions.
Posted by kcc17 at 04:04 PM
November 24, 2008
What NOT to Include in Your Resume
As the semester is coming to a close many of you will be turning your attention to your job search over winter break. Before you start sending your resume out to potential employers, you must make sure it is updated and ready to go (perfect). As a 2L or 3L, that means adding any recent work or volunteer experiences, any new activities or honors, and possibly any recent CLEs or lectures you've attended. As a 1L, that means drafting your first legal resume, which can look very different from the resume you are accustomed to. The CSO is here to help review your resumes and offer suggestions for improvement, but we thought it would be worthwhile to highlight the items that you SHOULD NOT include on your resume. According to Kimm Walton, author of Guerrilla Tactics for Getting the Legal Job of Your Dreams, employers do not want to see the following on your resume:
1. An Objective Line - Legal employers assume that your objective is to get a job with them - no need to state the obvious, as it just takes up precious room on your resume.
2. A "Personal" Section - Things such as date of birth, marital status, SSN, etc. Employers are not even allowed to ask you this information in an interview! Why would you voluntarily divulge it on your resume?
3. A "Summary of Qualifications" Section - Phrases like, "talented, independent thinker." These are subjective evaluations that people like to make themselves.
4. References, or "References Available Upon Request" - You need to have a separate document with your references information. All legal employers will assume you have references to offer upon request - again, no need to state the obvious.
5. Schools That Admitted You - What might have been is irrelevant.
6. LSAT Score - No matter how high you scored, it's just not something to include on your resume. Leave it out!
Posted by cld30 at 02:28 PM
November 22, 2008
Interested in Federal Honors and Intern Programs? APPLY EARLY!
The CSO is learning that many of the federal honors and internship programs are moving up their application deadlines and/or moving to making offers on a rolling basis instead of waiting for an application deadline to pass to extend offers. Just this week, we have learned of three federal agencies who have made such changes to their program deadlines.
If you are considering submitting applications to any federal honors or internship programs, be sure to keep a close eye on the agencies’ websites and on the Government Honors and Internship Handbook (available through the CSO’s Blackboard page). Or, even better, just get those applications done and submitted as soon as you possibly can.
Posted by kcc17 at 12:56 PM
November 20, 2008
Making the Most of Winter Break for your Job Search
As classes end and finals begin, Winter Break might be the furthest thing from your mind. But Winter Break is fast approaching and somewhere in your mind, after studying and after finals, you should be planning how to make the most of that time to continue your job search.
Winter Break is a key time to do a “people-oriented” job search. Make a list of alumni in your target geographic market and reach out to them now to see if they have time to talk with you during Winter Break. Travel to your target geographic market and schedule informational meetings with attorneys who are practicing in areas and at employers that are interesting to you. Ask those attorneys for advice – about practicing in their area of expertise, about the job market in the geographic region, and about ways to uncover job opportunities in the area. Don’t be afraid to ask for additional contacts who you might consider reaching out to. And remember that, even if an informational meeting does not immediately turn into a job opportunity, it can still put you on the path to finding a position that is right for you.
The CSO hosted a workshop yesterday with tips on how to make the most of your winter break. If you missed this workshop, be sure to stop by the CSO to pick up the handouts and to talk with a counselor about your Winter Break job search strategy.
Posted by kcc17 at 06:17 PM
November 19, 2008
Networking: It’s not a scary thing!
Around Halloween every year thoughts turn to scary movies and scary costumes. The CSO knows that, for many of you, networking is about as scary as the scariest movie you’ve seen. But it shouldn’t be, and it doesn’t have to be.
And here’s why it shouldn’t be scary: You’ve been doing it your entire life without once stopping to think about it.
You read that right. Every person you know is part of your network, and I will bet that network is larger than you think. It is built of all your family, friends, neighbors, teachers, hairdressers, classmates, organization/sports team colleagues, and so many more. When you refer your barber to a friend, you’re networking. When you ask a classmate for ideas on what student organizations to become involved with, you’re networking. The natural ease with which you engage in this sort of networking can just as easily be applied to networking in your job search.
When it comes to networking for a job, and you don’t know where to start, start with these people. Why? Because each of them has a network at least equally as large as yours, and they might know of someone that you should talk to about your career goals and that someone might know of a job opportunity. That’s why networking is an absolutely critical part of any complete job search.
To learn more about how to get started in networking, check out Chapter 10 of Guerrilla Tactics for Getting the Legal Job of Your Dreams, 2d ed., available in the CSO Resource, and make an appointment to talk to your CSO counselor.
Posted by kcc17 at 05:12 PM
November 17, 2008
CMBA Minority Programs
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18th: Minority Clerkship Info Session for First-Year Students. Representatives from the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association will hold an information session for the Minority Clerkship Program. Representatives will describe the program and answer any questions you might have. This program provides first year minority law school students at the two local law schools with the opportunity to work as a summer associate in a local law firm, corporate legal department or public sector position. The program is also open to law students who are Cleveland area residents but attend law school out of the area. The program not only affords selected students with a valuable work experience but also serves as a substantial resume builder. The application process, timelines, interviews and placement will be discussed. Please make every effort to attend this meeting if you are an eligible first year student. Room A57 12PM – 1PM.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19th: Minority Judicial Externship Info Session for 2Ls. Representatives from the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association will hold an information session for the Minority Judicial Externship Program. Representatives will describe the program and answer any questions you might have. The application process, timeline, interviews and placement will be discussed. Please make every effort to attend this meeting if you are an eligible second year student. Room A57 12PM – 1PM.
Posted by cld30 at 12:01 PM
November 14, 2008
Interested in Human Rights and Humanitarian Law?
The CSO recently received some informational brochures about the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law program from the Washington College of Law at American University. It is a specialized program that will take place May 25-June 13 in Washington, DC.
The 2009 Program will offer 17 courses, 10 in English and seven in Spanish, which are each tailored to the interests of scholars and activists in the field of human rights and humanitarian law. One of the most unique characteristics of the program is the high profile and recognition of the faculty. This is one of the only programs in the world that gathers together 33 of the most recognized actors in the human rights field to teach participants from around the world.
Concurrent with the Specialized Human Rights Program, the Academy sponsors Human Rights Month which offers additional academic opportunities through conferences, panels and films as well as events restricted to participants including site visits to international organizations and workshops. In addition to courses and Human Rights Month events, the Academy hosts social gatherings for participants such as welcome and closing receptions, an evening tour of the national monuments and a dinner cruise along the Potomac River.
There are information brochures about this program available in the CSO Resource Room. For additional information, please visit www.wcl.american.edu/go/hracademy2.
Posted by kcc17 at 11:09 AM
November 12, 2008
Why not volunteer locally to get experience?
Are you looking for legal experience to included on your resume or do you just want to see if an area of law is right for you? Why not volunteer your time at a local organization that desperately needs assistance from law students like you. Our Director of Employer Outreach, Francie Fields, is continuously focusing on Ohio employment opportunities. During her outreach, she has encountered many legal volunteer opportunities that CWRU students would enjoy. For instance, she met with the International Services Center where a student can get hands on experience by assisting the immigrant population with applications to the government for immigration and public benefits. Keep an eye on Symplicity for positions. Remember, if you volunteer during the summer you may be eligible for summer stipends that would help you cover your costs if working in an unpaid position. Volunteering your time is a great way to get hands-on experience and interact with clients as a law student. In addition, volunteering is not only great experience but can open your eyes to a different part of law and/or advocacy.
Posted by kcc17 at 06:26 PM
November 10, 2008
Resume and Cover Letter Workshops
Please remember that the Professional Development Series: Resume and Cover Letter Workshops for 1Ls are happening this week! There are six different workshop times to choose from – all first-year students are required to attend ONE of these sessions. You must RSVP through Symplicity to attend. You will need to choose a session and click on the RSVP button. The session times are as follows:
Monday, November 10th
12PM – 1PM – A59
1PM – 2PM – A59
Tuesday, November 11th
11AM – 12PM – A58
12PM – 1PM – A58
Wednesday, November 12th
12PM – 1PM – A59
Thursday, November 13th
12PM – 1PM - 157
Posted by cld30 at 02:49 PM
November 07, 2008
Finding the Right Firm… For YOU
For those of you concentrating your search on law firms, you might be finding yourself wondering the best ways to differentiate one firm from another. Perhaps you’ve looked at each firm’s size, practice areas, and rankings and now find yourself with a lengthy list of firms that look all very similar to each other. How do you determine where you should focus your job search efforts?
All law firms, like all law students, have unique personalities and characteristics. In sorting through your options, determine the things that are most important to you in your work experience. Then do some research to find which firms best match what’s important to you. Here are some tips to help you get started:
• Talk with your classmates who previously have worked at the firm to get their opinions (check out the Inside Scoop on Blackboard for where your classmates have worked over the summers).
• Find out what you can about the firm’s summer program. Do they rotate students through each practice group, or do they assign each student to one group for the whole summer? Does the student have any input in their assignment?
• Who are the firm’s clients? If you were to work there, would you be representing individuals, business entities, or municipalities? Does the firm mostly represent the pharmaceutical industry, banks, or technology firms? You can find this information through the firm’s website and by searching for the firm’s name (or a particular attorney in the firm) in the caselaw databases on Lexis and Westlaw.
• Does the firm have a particular niche practice area that appeals to you?
• What opportunities does the firm offer for professional development? For third-year students, what are the firm’s expectations for their new associate development?
• What type of work would you be engaged in as a summer associate or a law clerk? How is work distributed and how much responsibility are summer associates and law clerks able to assume? For third-year students, how aggressive must associates be about pursuing their own work?
When you visit the firm, either for networking purposes or for an interview, keep your eyes and ears open. You can gather a lot of information just from sitting in the reception area or while being led around the firm during your interview. What is the “feel” or “vibe” in the office? Are doors opened or closed? Is it silent as a library or is there lively conversation? Do the attorneys and staff seem relaxed and generally content, or is there a feeling of tension in the air? Watch the way people interact with each other. Try to speak with as many attorneys in the firm as possible to help you gain a well-rounded perspective.
These are just a few suggestions to help you find your best fit for law firm employment. You must determine for yourself what is important to you, weighing the plusses and minuses of each firm. Remember that the end goal is to find a place where you will be happy both professionally and personally.
Posted by kcc17 at 10:38 PM
November 06, 2008
Professional Development Series: Resumes and Cover Letters for 1Ls
If you are first-year student, do not forget to RSVP for the first of the CSO’s Professional Development Series: Resumes and Cover Letters for 1Ls! This workshop is designed to assist you in creating a legal resume and in drafting your letters. The workshop will include tips on writing descriptions of prior non-legal employment and drafting cover letters for legal employers. Using feedback from employers, the CSO will also highlight some common mistakes you should avoid.
There are six sessions scheduled for the week of November 10th and all first-year students are required to attend one of these sessions. You must RSVP through Symplicity (in the Events section) for the session that best fits your schedule.
Posted by kcc17 at 05:37 PM
November 05, 2008
How Do You Want To Be Perceived?
It is important to distinguish ourselves and to be seen as professional, personable and able to work well with others. It is hard for not only law students but the general public to determine how they want others to see them. It is important to really think about this…how you want the world to perceive you. As lawyers by nature we tend to be adversarial. Law school teaches us to advocate for our clients but sometimes we forget the importance of getting along with our peers, clients and employers. Numerous employers discuss the importance of an associate’s ability to get along with the employees and make clients feel at ease.
Your law classes are teaching you to think analytically and how to best advocate for your client. Part of that is to debate and to make a strong argument that fits your client’s facts. What if you chose to do this for yourself? Remember to place just as much emphasis on your professional persona as you will do for your clients.
It is hard for an employer to deal with a young associate who “knows everything”. Employers do not want to see that you are right - they want that you possess the skills of proper advocacy and the ability to negotiate with your competitors. If you know everything and come off as arrogant not only will your clients suffer, your colleagues will not want to deal with you. Being a good lawyer is knowing how to deal with everyone in an amicable way.
You never know who you will encounter in the future so always behave professionally and cordial. Your professional reputation may depend on it!
The ABA’s article entitled, “Office Etiquette Essentials,” By Deborah Schneider highlights some important issues when thinking about interviewing or how you want to be perceived. Below are key tips for how to behave in the professional world. The full article can be found at: http://www.abanet.org/media/youraba/200704/article12.html
Do mind your manners
One of the most commonly reported offenses of young lawyers is treating support staff disrespectfully. Treating staff with the utmost respect is not only the right thing to do, but it also can make your work life a lot easier.
"You need the staff's support for everything from finding office supplies to filing court documents," notes Lisa Dickinson, director of career planning at the University of San Francisco School of Law. "If you treat them well, they will look out for you and offer extra help and insider information."
Conversely, if you develop a reputation as someone who is difficult to work with, your work might end up at the bottom of the pile.
One lawyer at a Washington-based government agency points out that support staff may be called on to help evaluate your job performance.
"As part of my evaluation, the firm I worked for as a summer associate asked my assistant what she thought of me," he says. "I hadn't expected that and was doubly thankful I had always treated my assistant with respect and collegiality."
Of course, it's not just support staff you should treat respectfully. It's everyone.
"Use basic politeness," Abrahams says. "Say ‘please' and ‘thank you.' Hold doors for people. Try it and see what a big difference it makes in how people relate to you. You'll get more with honey than with vinegar."
Another important way to show respect for your colleagues is respecting their time.
"Don't be late," notes White, "either to a meeting or with a promised item. Lack of punctuality is a sign of rudeness that tells others that you think your time is more important than theirs. If you know you will be late, give as much advance notice as possible. And if you are late despite your best efforts, don't interrupt the meeting when you enter. Apologize to the meeting organizer and don't do it again."
Do watch what you say
Despite the saying "actions speak louder than words," your words can speak volumes about you. That's why it's so important to be mindful of what you say and how you say it, when you're looking for a job and when you're on the job.
When it comes to the manner in which you express yourself, a common misstep is using language that's, like, too casual.
"The most common workplace etiquette faux pas I've observed among law student interns is using the word ‘like' and other slang words too often," says Karen Doran, an associate at Maduff, Medina & Maduff in Chicago. "When law clerks sound more like high school students than burgeoning attorneys, it is difficult for me to take them, and their work, seriously."
How to improve your language? Doran suggests reading classic books, newspapers like The New York Times, and magazines such as The New Yorker and The Economist.
As for what you say, make sure you think before you speak.
"Even if your office atmosphere is congenial and informal, do not ever make jokes or comments that could be perceived as offensive or inappropriate," says Ellen Fred, an associate at Coblentz, Patch, Duffy & Bass in San Francisco. "You're still in a professional setting and should conform your behavior accordingly. Inappropriate comments tend to stick in people's memories."
That's certainly the case with Glover. "In one instance," she recalls, "I was in a cab with three summer associates who began discussing in explicit detail the sex one of them had with a pick-up date the night before."
Do recover gracefully
According to Morris, Abrahams, and Dickinson, overcoming an etiquette slip-up is a four-step process:
Address the issue directly and don't ignore it or try to cover it up.
Apologize to the appropriate individual(s) and acknowledge that you made a mistake.
Make any necessary amends or take any action needed to remedy the situation.
Learn from your mistake and don't repeat it again.
So, for example, if you are disrespectful to your assistant, apologize and do something nice for him or her (like bringing flowers or sweets) and don't behave rudely ever again.
Don't beat yourself up too much, either.
"If you're not sure how to handle a particular situation, seek advice from a trusted colleague," Morris advises. "Most importantly, keep your head up, own up to your behavior, and act like a professional. The best lawyers and law students can deal with the hardest aspects of communication."
Doran agrees. "A law clerk who recognizes the problem and takes responsibility to actively remedy it goes a long way in my mind to becoming a clerk I can trust."
Posted by kcc17 at 04:48 PM