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March 30, 2009
Alternative Career Guest Blogger
Periodically throughout the year the CSO posts blog entries from guest bloggers about various topics. Please note that the views expressed by our guest bloggers are the personal opinion of each blogger and are not necessarily the views and opinions of the CSO. The CSO guest blogger entires are intended as an opportunity for attorneys currently practicing in the legal field to share their insight and advice with law students.
Our guest blogger for the month of March is Alan Yanowitz, JD, (class of 1985). Mr. Yanowitz is a Partner at Cedar Brook Financial Partners, LLC. You can find his biography and more information about Cedar Brook Financial Partners here. In his blog, Mr. Yanowitz shares his non-traditional career path experience.
"Law school is a journey. Like all great journeys in life, it’s begun with a destination in mind. However, as you travel on this journey, you may find that there are multiple destinations which appear. Some of these destinations are ones which you never could have imagined at the beginning of the journey. In law school my focus was in the areas of taxation, corporate, and real estate law. Upon graduation my goal was to work at a small law firm which focused on these areas and I “fished my wish.” I worked at a boutique law firm where my practice focused on all areas of taxation, transactional law and estate planning. It appeared I reached my destination.
However, after a few years I realized I was not enjoying the practice of law. In addition, I didn’t want my income tied to a formula based on billable hours. I embarked on finding a new career. I set new parameters for my search which was designed to take me to the new destination. At the time I didn’t know where it would lead. I did know I wanted to use my legal skills and education, as well as the attributes of being a lawyer that I enjoyed. I enjoyed working with clients and helping them solve problems.
I considered a number of non-legal careers, but ultimately focused on two areas. One was real estate. The second was financial planning. Ultimately I chose financial planning. I am self employed, yet am in a firm with over 40 other planners. Financial planning lets me interact with clients on a daily basis. My practice helps them focus on reaching their personal and financial goals. I draw on my legal education to help them with estate planning and charitable planning issues. I use my research skills to help develop successful strategies. I am also a resource to others in my firm in estate planning as well as the occasion tax or other legal question. My compensation is no longer tied to a billable hour formula. It’s based on fees charge for my services as well as commissions and money management fees. My clients truly appreciate the work I do for them.
My law school journey led me to becoming a practicing lawyer for less than 4 years. I have now been a financial planner for more than 18 years. As a law student I never would have expected the journey to lead me here. Any yet, now I can’t think of a better destination."
Posted by cld30 at 09:21 AM
March 27, 2009
Have You Considered Bankruptcy Law?
Bankruptcy law has always been a fairly busy and lucrative area of practice, but that especially true in a down economy. Increases in the rates of home foreclosures and job layoffs results in a corollary increase in the number of bankruptcy filings.
In response to this increase in bankruptcy filings, the Federal Courts have created an eight-part web course designed to teach attorneys and lay people the basics of bankruptcy law and procedure.
While not a formal CLE program, this program is worth a watch and adding to your resume if experience in bankruptcy law is something you’re considering pursuing.
You can access the program here.
Posted by kcc17 at 11:56 AM
March 26, 2009
Idealist.org Non-Profit Career Fair - April 8
Idealist.org's Nonprofit Career Fair will take place at the Thwing Student Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 8. Don't miss this opportunity to meet local non-profit employers and explore opprtunties in the nonprofit sector!
Idealist.org is known as the leading resource for people seeking non-profit employment. The career fair provides a forum for job seekers, organizations and career service professionals to meet face-to-face. Job seekers can also attend workshops on understanding the culture of nonprofits, tips to finding their first job in the sector and opportunities to serve abroad as well as distribute resumes.
For more information, including a a list of attending programs and to pre-register for the career fair, click here.
Posted by kcc17 at 05:45 PM
March 25, 2009
Please complete the quick survey below to help us better serve you!
The CSO office strives to assist you with your job search and always loves to hear how your employment search is going and if you are already employed, how you obtained your position.
Please take the time to complete the following survey with ONLY 4 questions! ">Click here to take the survey.
Your participation will further the CSO’s goal of assisting students with employment related issues!
Moreover, the CSO has worked hard to set up programming just for you. Earlier today we had a noon time session dedicated to Alternative Careers. An interesting discussion ensued and great ideas for students interested in utilizing their JD’s in a non-traditional setting were discussed.
On Thursday, March 26th at noon a panel of three Judicial Clerks will be here to discuss their experiences and to answer questions you may have about judicial clerkships!
Please take note of the amazing employment related sessions at the noon hour. Remember that ultimately you are all at law school to obtain employment after graduation! Come learn about the many opportunities available to you. If you have any questions, stop by the CSO or contact your counselor.
Posted by kcc17 at 03:10 PM
March 20, 2009
If You Have Not Met with Your Career Counselor Recently - It is Time to Make an Appointment!
One of the first lessons we learn as a child in elementary school is that we are all different. Some people are stronger in certain areas than others. This is illustrated in your classes, your hobbies, and your goals. Some students understand legal concepts immediately while others need to put more time into it to get the same results. So, the same applies to career counseling!
Each student has a different experience with the CSO office based on their specific, personal needs. We meet one-on-one with students to review resumes, cover letters, thanks you letters and any other relevant information related to employment. The CSO staff will assist you in completing a comprehensive plan for your short and long term employment plans. The CSO also has an extensive resource room with books related to job searches, networking and files on all employers we have met with as well as organizations students have requested we learn more about.
Even if you have already received summer or permanent employment, it is important to touch base with the CSO counselors. We may be able to give you insight into the position you have accepted or what to expect with certain types of employers. The CSO is trained in providing excellent advice related to the practice of law.
Every career counselor in the CSO is an attorney. We have all been through the law school experience and we have a wide variety of legal experience. The CSO staff works hard to provide the student body excellent programming, interview programs, student counseling and job postings. We are here to assist you - make an appointment and meet with a counselor! We are confident you will find the meeting to be productive and insightful, and that you will leave with a solid plan and steps to take to put into action.
Please take advantage of the first hand knowledge of your career counselors!
Posted by kcc17 at 04:42 PM
March 19, 2009
Alternative Careers Panel
Are you interested in learning for about opportunities for JDs outside the traditional practice of law? Join the CSO and four guest speakers on Wednesday, March 25, at noon to talk about other career paths.
Frank Ford, Sr. Vice President for Research and Development at Neighborhood Progress, Inc.
Alan Gross, Vice President at the Jewish Community Federation and Director of Endowment Development
Shana Marbury, General Counsel & Manager, Inclusion Initiatives at Greater Cleveland Partnership
Andrew Plumb-Larrick, Assoc. Director for Public Services at the CWRU Law Library
The panel will take place in room 157.
Posted by kcc17 at 02:33 PM
March 17, 2009
Equal Justice Works 2009 Summer Corps Application Opens Tomorrow
In 2008, 333 Summer Corps members performed over 120,434 service hours at 234 nonprofit public interest organizations across the country. The 2008 Summer Corps members assisted 42,237 individuals and families in need of legal assistance directly and though clinics, presentations and outreach.
The Equal Justice Works Summer Corps program engages law students around the country who are expanding the delivery of legal services to those who need it most. Summer Corps is an AmeriCorps-funded program that in 2009 will provide 355 law students with the opportunity to earn a $1,000 education award voucher for dedicating their summer to a qualifying legal project at a nonprofit public interest organization. Summer Corps members provide critically needed legal assistance in low-income and underserved communities in the United States on a broad range of issue areas.
The 2009 Summer Corps application will be available on the Equal Justice Works website on Wednesday, March 18. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, April 1 at 5:00 pm.
Visit www.equaljusticeworks.org/programs/summercorps/general for additional information and the application.
Posted by kcc17 at 06:44 PM
March 16, 2009
Judicial Clerkship Panel
Want to know more about being a Judicial Law Clerk?
Plan to attend the Judicial Clerkship Alumni Panel on Thursday, March 26th at noon in Room A57.
Panelists will talk about the clerkship application process, and what a typical day is like for a judicial clerk. This year's panelists will include:
Mary Alexander '08, law clerk to Magistrate Judge Kenneth McHargh, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
Conor McLaughlin '07, former law clerk to Judge Alice Batchelder, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
John Whittlesey '08, law clerk to Judge Peter Economus, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
Posted by cld30 at 01:40 PM
March 15, 2009
Kimm Walton Seminar – March 18
Are you wondering about job searching in a tough economy? Frustrated with the status of your job search? Looking for tips on how to land your first legal job or a permanent position? Ms. Kimm Walton, a Case Western Reserve School of Law graduate and the author of “Guerrilla Tactics for Getting the Legal Job of Your Dreams” will be on campus on March 18 to conduct a seminar based on the newly released Second Edition of her book. The seminar will be tailored to include advice specific to the current state of the market.
Don’t miss this chance to hear from a recognized expert on job search tactics, strategies, and skills! The CSO strongly suggests that everyone make an effort to attend this crucial seminar. Join us in A59 (Moot Courtroom) from 4PM until 6PM on March 18 to hear from Ms. Walton. And be sure to bring your questions because she will take student Q&A.
Posted by kcc17 at 12:48 PM
March 09, 2009
Spring Break - Use the Break to Your Advantage
Spring Break is here and it’s hard to believe that so much of the semester has already flown by. Take some time over the break to unwind and rejuvenate yourself, but remember that the break can also be a great time to make some big strides in your job search. As a follow-up to our ealier post on spring break strategies, here are a few additional things you can do this week to keep your job search going strong!
• Continue checking Symplicity every few days; take the time to finally apply to those jobs you’ve had marked as favorites for these past few weeks.
• Attend a local bar association meeting or CLE to meet practicing attorneys and build your network.
• Make follow-up calls to employers you’ve applied to but haven’t heard from.
• Reach out to area attorneys for informational interviews and/or shadowing opportunities.
• Use the Employers tab in Symplicity, Martindale.com, or other online legal directories to develop a target list of employers to contact regarding possible employment opportunities.
• Update your resume and brush up your cover letter.
Remember that the CSO will be open Monday through Thursday of Spring Break, so don’t hesitate to call, email, or stop by with any questions or concerns you may have.
Posted by kcc17 at 10:17 AM
March 06, 2009
Jump Start Your Job Search
On April 2nd from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m., four local networking and “connecting” experts will share their job search secrets at a workshop with strategies, tools and tactics to help any job searcher find their next position.
Today’s reality is that most jobs are found through networking and connecting (70% according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) . . . not online. The other reality is that job seekers are facing growing competition . . . northeast Ohio employers have too many resumes and have the luxury of looking for the “perfect fit” to help their business grow. This workshop will provide you with practical and easy to implement ideas to improve your job search efforts and your results.
Attendees will:
-Learn how to build relationships that will drive introductions and job opportunities
-Discover tactics to improve the quantity and quality of your referrals and job opportunities
-Get access to strategies to help you sell yourself as a “high value return on investment” for local employers
-Learn job networking tactics that will increase your referrals and opportunities by 400-500% or more
-Be better prepared for the job opportunities you pursue
Your Experts – David Akers, Kristopher McCrone, Katherine Miracle and Jeff Nischwitz:
-Local entrepreneurs
-Professional and experienced networkers
-Job search and interviewing experts
-Marketing and personal branding experts
-Proven northeast Ohio connectors that regularly invest their time connecting people and job opportunities
ุ David Akers – President of The Collaborent Group, “master facilitator” and recognized connector
ุ Kristopher McCrone – Owner of Alternative Energy Consultants, "relationship builder" and a leader in the talent management industry
ุ Katherine Miracle – Owner and Founder of Miracle Resources and marketing and personal branding expert
ุ Jeff Nischwitz – Founder and Chief Question Officer of Think Again Coaching, “master connector” and the “human Linkedin” (www.thinkagaincoaching.com)
Event Details
Date and Time – Thursday, April 2, 2009, from 8:00 – 11:30 a.m. (registration begins at 7:30 a.m.)
Location – Lockkeepers Restaurant, 800 Rockside Road, Independence, Ohio (216-524-9404) (complimentary valet parking and continental breakfast included)
Workshop Investment - $64.95 per person ($49.95 if you register on or before March 25th)
Northeast Ohio employers are hiring, but they’re looking for the right people and being the “right” person means being the best at networking, connecting, differentiating, and interviewing. This workshop will provide attendees with the tools they need to be the best . . . and ultimately the right . . . person for northeast Ohio employers!
To register, please click here.
Posted by cld30 at 08:57 AM
March 05, 2009
Leadership and Professionalism: Establishing Your Professional Reputation Now
You may have heard it said before that your reputation is the best asset you have. Whether you are a 1L, 2L, or 3L, whether you’ve worked a minute of time for a legal employer or not, whether you even realize it or not, your career in the law began the day that you made the decision to enroll in law school. So did your professional reputation.
Now that you are in law school, you are beginning to build a professional reputation that can and will follow you wherever you go. The students you attend class with on a daily basis, the professors and staff that you interact with at the law school, the employers to which you submit cover letters and resumes, and the people with whom you interview all form part of the legal community that you have decided to join. And, although you’re still a student, you must begin now to think about what kind of reputation you want as you begin your legal career. In a tough economy, your professional reputation is more important than ever.
The best way to prepare to be an attorney who is a leader and a professional is to start acting like a leader and a professional now.
• Become involved in your law school and in the local community and don’t be afraid to take on leadership positions in the organizations that are most interesting to you.
• Remember that the students you attend class with on a daily basis, the professors and staff that you interact with at the law school, the employers to which you submit cover letters and resumes, and the people with whom you interview all form part of the legal community that you have decided to join. Focus on making your interactions with these people professional and responsible – they will remember you when you’ve graduated and moved on and the connections you make now, if they are positive, can last throughout your legal career.
• Be vigilant about your online profile. You need to be certain that the Internet profile you are maintaining is the right profile for employers – now and in the future. Search your name on the internet to find out what is out there. Search for information about yourself in every way possible (Google, Yahoo!, MSN, AOL, Facebook, MySpace, and some of the other online communities that you may participate in). Take a look at what is posted and ask yourself, "Would I want an employer to see this?" Remember - every nugget of information that you post or that someone posts about you on the internet can last for many years to come and employers are checking up on you online.
Remember, the CSO is here to help with questions related to professionalism and etiquette – so stop by to talk with us if you have any concerns.
Posted by kcc17 at 10:20 AM