In today's market, people are getting more and more creative in their job search strategies. However, don't forget to include online job postings in major newspapers.
If you are interested in working in a larger metropolian area, look at the newspaper postings for legal positions. If you are unfamiliar with the newspapers in a certain city, Google the name of the city you're interested in and the word "newspapers." Key words to search for: "legal intern," "attorney," "legal," etc.
Here's a few to get you started:
Arizona Republic News: http://www.azcentral.com/jobs/
Chicago Tribune: http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/jobs/
Chicago Sun Times: http://jobs.suntimes.com/monster/index.html
Dallas Morning News: http://www.dallasnews.com/jobs/
Denver Post: http://jobs.denverpost.com/
Houston Chronicle: http://www.chron.com/channel/jobs/
Los Angeles Times: http://www.latimes.com/classified/jobs/
L.A. Daily News: http://www.la-dev.com/Monster/Main/dailynews/index.html
Las Vegas Sun: http://www.recruitingnevada.com/
New York Times: http://jobmarket.nytimes.com/pages/jobs/
Seattle Times: http://www.nwjobs.com/?from=stn
Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wl/jobs/home
Wall Street Journal: http://online.wsj.com/public/page/news-career-jobs.html?mod=WSJ_topnav_careers_main
Washington Times: http://www.washingtontimes.com/jobs/
Friday, February 25, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Job Interview Follow Up
http://lawyerist.com/job-interview-follow-up/
You just had a job interview at the law firm of your dreams, or at least a place where you could picture yourself working for a couple years. Perhaps the job interview was merely informational (some friend called in a favor so you can pick the person’s brains for 15 minutes with no real possibility of securing a position at the firm), but what is your next move? Is there anything else that can be done with this person and this firm or are you done? I suggest that your first meeting is only the first of many follow-up steps.
Writing an eye-catching “thank you for meeting with me” letter is helpful, but persistent follow-up is key. And yes, take the extra time to send a real letter like professionals used to do in the old days.
Do not stop after the job interview, which is just the first round! Instead, think of strong reasons (but not fluff) that will allow you to stay on your target’s radar screen. He or she should hear from you regularly with substantive news — update on grades (particularly those relevant to the practice area), paper you have published, moot court victories, recent successes at work, etc. This step is skipped by many people. I am not sure why. It takes extra effort and time and, of course, is no guarantee but why not separate yourself from the crowd.
What if there is nothing significant happening that is worth noting in follow-up correspondence? One way to plan ahead is to consider that the purpose of the first interview (or meeting if it is not structured as a formal interview) is to secure the second meeting. With this purpose in mind, find out as much as you can about the interviewer, including his or her background, hobbies, types of clients, and current projects. Ask thoughtful questions and listen for the answer and for potential follow-up items. Also, listen for potential touch points — items that you have in common that can link you in multiple ways. These touch points work well as follow-up items (e.g., sports teams, cooking tricks or great places to dine out, similar interest in particular wines or fine scotches, similar age children, good books, etc.). Once you have this information, you now have a list of potental follow-up items (which can be inserted in your next communication along with the standard thank you for taking the time…). Some of these items will make for better follow-up than others, depending on your interests and the interests of your contact. It is probably best to include both items that relate to work and those that don’t (but it is important to achieve a good balance and you probably do not want to use up all your ideas in the first follow-up correspondence). Here are some possibilities:
1) Sports. Great game this weekend for our Redskins! The new running back has some talent! I think you said you were planning on taking your two boys to this game. Did that happen and if so, did they enjoy?
Probably need more than just the great game line.
2) Restaurants. Thank you for the suggestion to try Hook. I took my wife and she enjoyed the mahi mahi entree which you told me that your sister enjoyed on your last visit.
Try to incorporate (honestly) multiple commonalities (same place and same dish).
3) Clients. I came across this article on the valuation of water rights and thought you may be interested in reading because it may be relevant to the estate that you represent that is dealing with this issue now.
Be as specific as you can because it shows you were listening during the job interview, and because the article may in fact be helpful.
This part of the follow-up should be as sincere as possible under the circumstances. I think this level of sincerity is possible to accomplish even though your communication is dual purpose in that you wanted to reach out and you also would like to keep the dialogue going.
This guest post was written by Adam Gropper, former AmLaw 100 law firm partner and founder of LegalJob.com.
You just had a job interview at the law firm of your dreams, or at least a place where you could picture yourself working for a couple years. Perhaps the job interview was merely informational (some friend called in a favor so you can pick the person’s brains for 15 minutes with no real possibility of securing a position at the firm), but what is your next move? Is there anything else that can be done with this person and this firm or are you done? I suggest that your first meeting is only the first of many follow-up steps.
Writing an eye-catching “thank you for meeting with me” letter is helpful, but persistent follow-up is key. And yes, take the extra time to send a real letter like professionals used to do in the old days.
Do not stop after the job interview, which is just the first round! Instead, think of strong reasons (but not fluff) that will allow you to stay on your target’s radar screen. He or she should hear from you regularly with substantive news — update on grades (particularly those relevant to the practice area), paper you have published, moot court victories, recent successes at work, etc. This step is skipped by many people. I am not sure why. It takes extra effort and time and, of course, is no guarantee but why not separate yourself from the crowd.
What if there is nothing significant happening that is worth noting in follow-up correspondence? One way to plan ahead is to consider that the purpose of the first interview (or meeting if it is not structured as a formal interview) is to secure the second meeting. With this purpose in mind, find out as much as you can about the interviewer, including his or her background, hobbies, types of clients, and current projects. Ask thoughtful questions and listen for the answer and for potential follow-up items. Also, listen for potential touch points — items that you have in common that can link you in multiple ways. These touch points work well as follow-up items (e.g., sports teams, cooking tricks or great places to dine out, similar interest in particular wines or fine scotches, similar age children, good books, etc.). Once you have this information, you now have a list of potental follow-up items (which can be inserted in your next communication along with the standard thank you for taking the time…). Some of these items will make for better follow-up than others, depending on your interests and the interests of your contact. It is probably best to include both items that relate to work and those that don’t (but it is important to achieve a good balance and you probably do not want to use up all your ideas in the first follow-up correspondence). Here are some possibilities:
1) Sports. Great game this weekend for our Redskins! The new running back has some talent! I think you said you were planning on taking your two boys to this game. Did that happen and if so, did they enjoy?
Probably need more than just the great game line.
2) Restaurants. Thank you for the suggestion to try Hook. I took my wife and she enjoyed the mahi mahi entree which you told me that your sister enjoyed on your last visit.
Try to incorporate (honestly) multiple commonalities (same place and same dish).
3) Clients. I came across this article on the valuation of water rights and thought you may be interested in reading because it may be relevant to the estate that you represent that is dealing with this issue now.
Be as specific as you can because it shows you were listening during the job interview, and because the article may in fact be helpful.
This part of the follow-up should be as sincere as possible under the circumstances. I think this level of sincerity is possible to accomplish even though your communication is dual purpose in that you wanted to reach out and you also would like to keep the dialogue going.
This guest post was written by Adam Gropper, former AmLaw 100 law firm partner and founder of LegalJob.com.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Tips for Students Applying for Internships Abroad
from NYU Law Public Interest Law Center
http://pslawnet.org/uploads/NYU-PSLawNet_-_Seeking_International_Internships.pdf
Common objectives of summer internships include:
• Explore different kinds of work to help you figure out what you want to do later.
• Gain field experience and on-the-ground knowledge about human rights violations.
• Have an impact and contribute to protecting human rights in action.
• Make contacts and develop networks.
• Develop skills such as researching, interviewing, trial monitoring, brief-writing, etc.
• Strengthen language skills, and cross-cultural communication skills.
Identifying organizations
Some organizations – such as UN agencies, international tribunals, and a limited number of local non-governmental organizations – have formal internship programs with set deadlines. These programs may be very competitive, and the application process is relatively similar to that for domestic internships. You should definitely apply if these interest you, but there is no need to limit your search there.
Additional resources:
• PSLawNet and other internet databases such as ReliefWeb and PeaceBuildingPortal (see list of international links).
• Resources provided by your school, such as reports of where students have interned in past years.
• Network – attend symposia, conferences, etc. and talk to fellow students who have been abroad, professors, and practitioners.
• Web research on topics of interest to you.
• Be sure to think strategically about what you hope to get out of the summer and make sure to apply to places that will help you further your goals.
• Consider the cost of living in different areas, which can vary widely.
Applying for internships
Check organization’s website to see if they have a formal internship selection process. If not, and if you do not know how (or if) internships are usually handled in the country, use the following steps:
• Make initial contact early-ish in the spring semester. Contact them by email, and offer to follow up by phone. (Remember – through Skype and internet phone cards, you can call anywhere for free or very
cheap.)
• Do not write a standard American cover letter – if they are not accustomed to receiving internship applications, they may not know what to do with it. This cover letter will be your first chance to practice cross-cultural communication skills – which will prove essential in your internship and international career.
o Try to put yourself in their shoes and think about what questions they may have upon hearing from a foreign student out of the blue. You might include a little less boasting, and less detail about your skills and experience. Be sure to state whether you have funding, what you would like to do, and why you want to work with them.
o Be careful of American terms – e.g. note that our summer is winter in the Southern Hemisphere (so it is best to say which months you are available); and college refers to secondary school in many countries (so you should say ‘university’ instead).
• Some organizations might not respond at all (most likely because they are busy and May seems a long way off). If you really want to work there, follow up with another email then a phone call after a couple weeks. Or write to more organizations.
• Others might respond immediately by telling you that they will be happy to have you – offering you the job without even an interview. Be sure to investigate further before you accept!
Considerations before accepting an internship:
• Research the organization - read their website, google them, learn what they do and about their reputation.
• Contact former interns to ask about their experiences.
• Talk to the supervisor on the phone, and ask detailed questions. Try to get a feel for what kind of supervision you would get. Make sure they know what you want to get out of the summer and ask for specifics of what you would work on. Also be sure to ask about logistical issues like workspace and internet access, and whether they will help you find a place to live.
Logistical planning before you get on that plane:
• Visas: be sure to get visas or work permits before you go if necessary.
• Health & safety: read information on Centers for Disease Control and State Department websites. Consult a travel doctor 6-8 weeks before you leave to get necessary vaccinations and medications. Make sure
you have travel insurance.
• Housing: figure out where you will live (or how you will find a place, and where you will stay the first few days while you are looking.)
• Arrival: figure out how you will get from the airport. Will the employer pick you up? Are taxis readily available, and how much do they cost?
• Transportation: how you will get to work and around town?
• Money: is there access to ATM machines? Are there currency restrictions? etc.
• Shopping: if there are products you cannot live without (contact lens solution, your favorite brand of shampoo & conditioner, etc.), find out if they are readily available in the country and how expensive they are, and stock up before you travel if necessary.
• Communicate: Touch base with your employer a few days before you go, to remind them you are coming.
• Gifts: It is a nice idea to bring gifts for your co-workers, host family, or people who may help you when you are there. Something as simple as a T-shirt from your home town or a box of chocolates from duty free will be much appreciated.
Substantive planning before you get on that plane:
• Research: learn the basics of the country’s history and legal system.
• Resources: find out what kind of information resources are available, and bring any necessary materials with you (e.g. if internet access will be poor, download relevant articles and cases before you leave.)
• Work plan: develop a mutual understanding of what you will do with your employer.
• Side project: identify an independent research project you may want to work on.
• Back-up plan: think about other organizations you may want to work with or independent projects you could do, just in case.
Once you arrive:
• Keep an open mind! Pay attention to how co-workers relate to each other, and try to fit in with the office culture.
• Be aware of cultural, political, and social sensitivities, and try to anticipate difficult situations before they occur. Observe or ask about local customs and try to follow them; be respectful if you can’t.
• Clarify expectations: What do they want you to work on? Should communication be written, oral, or by email? Ask what resources you should consult, whether there is a sample you can use, and the time frame.
• Always take deadlines seriously, fulfill your commitments, and ask questions if you need help.
• Take initiative.
• Request feedback.
• The most common complaint of interns abroad is lack of substantive work to do. If you are in this situation, be proactive!
o If you do not have enough work, let others know you are available.
o Try to sit down with your supervisor, and explain why you are frustrated and what you would like to happen. If possible, make a concrete proposal of something you would like to work on (e.g. an independent research project that would further the organization’s work.)
o Express an interest in accompanying lawyers to court or meetings, or in helping with other projects.
o Develop relationships with lawyers at other organizations, and offer to help them with their work.
o Spend more time on your independent research, and turn to your back-up plan.
When the internship is over:
• Request written feedback, and possibly a letter of recommendation.
• Write an evaluation of your experience and give it to your career office.
• Maintain contact with the organization and your colleagues.
http://pslawnet.org/uploads/NYU-PSLawNet_-_Seeking_International_Internships.pdf
Common objectives of summer internships include:
• Explore different kinds of work to help you figure out what you want to do later.
• Gain field experience and on-the-ground knowledge about human rights violations.
• Have an impact and contribute to protecting human rights in action.
• Make contacts and develop networks.
• Develop skills such as researching, interviewing, trial monitoring, brief-writing, etc.
• Strengthen language skills, and cross-cultural communication skills.
Identifying organizations
Some organizations – such as UN agencies, international tribunals, and a limited number of local non-governmental organizations – have formal internship programs with set deadlines. These programs may be very competitive, and the application process is relatively similar to that for domestic internships. You should definitely apply if these interest you, but there is no need to limit your search there.
Additional resources:
• PSLawNet and other internet databases such as ReliefWeb and PeaceBuildingPortal (see list of international links).
• Resources provided by your school, such as reports of where students have interned in past years.
• Network – attend symposia, conferences, etc. and talk to fellow students who have been abroad, professors, and practitioners.
• Web research on topics of interest to you.
• Be sure to think strategically about what you hope to get out of the summer and make sure to apply to places that will help you further your goals.
• Consider the cost of living in different areas, which can vary widely.
Applying for internships
Check organization’s website to see if they have a formal internship selection process. If not, and if you do not know how (or if) internships are usually handled in the country, use the following steps:
• Make initial contact early-ish in the spring semester. Contact them by email, and offer to follow up by phone. (Remember – through Skype and internet phone cards, you can call anywhere for free or very
cheap.)
• Do not write a standard American cover letter – if they are not accustomed to receiving internship applications, they may not know what to do with it. This cover letter will be your first chance to practice cross-cultural communication skills – which will prove essential in your internship and international career.
o Try to put yourself in their shoes and think about what questions they may have upon hearing from a foreign student out of the blue. You might include a little less boasting, and less detail about your skills and experience. Be sure to state whether you have funding, what you would like to do, and why you want to work with them.
o Be careful of American terms – e.g. note that our summer is winter in the Southern Hemisphere (so it is best to say which months you are available); and college refers to secondary school in many countries (so you should say ‘university’ instead).
• Some organizations might not respond at all (most likely because they are busy and May seems a long way off). If you really want to work there, follow up with another email then a phone call after a couple weeks. Or write to more organizations.
• Others might respond immediately by telling you that they will be happy to have you – offering you the job without even an interview. Be sure to investigate further before you accept!
Considerations before accepting an internship:
• Research the organization - read their website, google them, learn what they do and about their reputation.
• Contact former interns to ask about their experiences.
• Talk to the supervisor on the phone, and ask detailed questions. Try to get a feel for what kind of supervision you would get. Make sure they know what you want to get out of the summer and ask for specifics of what you would work on. Also be sure to ask about logistical issues like workspace and internet access, and whether they will help you find a place to live.
Logistical planning before you get on that plane:
• Visas: be sure to get visas or work permits before you go if necessary.
• Health & safety: read information on Centers for Disease Control and State Department websites. Consult a travel doctor 6-8 weeks before you leave to get necessary vaccinations and medications. Make sure
you have travel insurance.
• Housing: figure out where you will live (or how you will find a place, and where you will stay the first few days while you are looking.)
• Arrival: figure out how you will get from the airport. Will the employer pick you up? Are taxis readily available, and how much do they cost?
• Transportation: how you will get to work and around town?
• Money: is there access to ATM machines? Are there currency restrictions? etc.
• Shopping: if there are products you cannot live without (contact lens solution, your favorite brand of shampoo & conditioner, etc.), find out if they are readily available in the country and how expensive they are, and stock up before you travel if necessary.
• Communicate: Touch base with your employer a few days before you go, to remind them you are coming.
• Gifts: It is a nice idea to bring gifts for your co-workers, host family, or people who may help you when you are there. Something as simple as a T-shirt from your home town or a box of chocolates from duty free will be much appreciated.
Substantive planning before you get on that plane:
• Research: learn the basics of the country’s history and legal system.
• Resources: find out what kind of information resources are available, and bring any necessary materials with you (e.g. if internet access will be poor, download relevant articles and cases before you leave.)
• Work plan: develop a mutual understanding of what you will do with your employer.
• Side project: identify an independent research project you may want to work on.
• Back-up plan: think about other organizations you may want to work with or independent projects you could do, just in case.
Once you arrive:
• Keep an open mind! Pay attention to how co-workers relate to each other, and try to fit in with the office culture.
• Be aware of cultural, political, and social sensitivities, and try to anticipate difficult situations before they occur. Observe or ask about local customs and try to follow them; be respectful if you can’t.
• Clarify expectations: What do they want you to work on? Should communication be written, oral, or by email? Ask what resources you should consult, whether there is a sample you can use, and the time frame.
• Always take deadlines seriously, fulfill your commitments, and ask questions if you need help.
• Take initiative.
• Request feedback.
• The most common complaint of interns abroad is lack of substantive work to do. If you are in this situation, be proactive!
o If you do not have enough work, let others know you are available.
o Try to sit down with your supervisor, and explain why you are frustrated and what you would like to happen. If possible, make a concrete proposal of something you would like to work on (e.g. an independent research project that would further the organization’s work.)
o Express an interest in accompanying lawyers to court or meetings, or in helping with other projects.
o Develop relationships with lawyers at other organizations, and offer to help them with their work.
o Spend more time on your independent research, and turn to your back-up plan.
When the internship is over:
• Request written feedback, and possibly a letter of recommendation.
• Write an evaluation of your experience and give it to your career office.
• Maintain contact with the organization and your colleagues.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Bar Exam Guide
State-by-state guide to bar exam information, including dates, deadlines, and cost. http://www.nationaljurist.com/content/bar-exam
Interview Tips & Etiquette, OCIs and Others
1) Double check your interview dates, times, and room numbers in Symplicity
If you have scheduled interviews, they will be listed under the OCI/Job Fairs/Resume Collects tab, Spring 2011 OCIs session.
I have had several students think they knew when their interviews were--but were mistaken and missed their interview times.
2) Be 10 minutes early for your interviews
Allow yourself a few extra minutes to allow for traffic, finding a parking space, and other unforseen circumstances. You will want a couple of minutes to collect yourself prior to your interview.
3) Knock on the door when it is time for your interview to begin
Interviewers are expecting this. It lets them know you are there, and helps keep them on time.
4) If you are sick, have a flat tire, get into a car accident, etc., etc., call MariLee ASAP (801-422-1857)
If you are too sick to talk to me on the phone, have your spouse, roommate, ER nurse, etc. call me. Don't just blow off the interview.
5) If you need to switch interview times with another student or have accepted another offer, you must notify me no fewer than 24 hours before your interview so I can change the interview schedule.
Email or call MariLee ASAP (801-422-1857).
6) Wear your best interview SUIT
Men - Dark, conservative suit, white shirt, conservative tie, polish your shoes, check your fingernails.
Women - Skirt suit (no separates), conservative colors, hose is a must, polish your shoes, understated jewelry, makeup, nails, etc.
No perfume or cologne is highly recommended.
7) Bring copies of your documents with you and be prepared to talk about anything on them
Bring a copy of your resume, transcript and writing sample with you to the interview and be prepared to discuss them in detail.
8) Remember, the interview is a conversation, not an interrogation
The interview should be a give-and-take between you and the interviewers--not just you answering questions.
9) Do your research
Know some specifics about the firm--not just what's on their website. Read the bios for each of your interviewers--know something about them. You can find their names in Symplicity by clicking on the Review button next to the firm you're scheduled to interview with (OCI/Job Fairs/Resume Collects tab, Spring 2011 OCIs session).
10) Don't call the interviewers by their first names unless invited to do so
Mr. So-and-So and Ms. So-and-So. DO NOT use Mrs., even if you think they are married.
11) Have good questions prepared to ask the interviewers
This is critical and can make or break an interview. For samples of some questions you can ask, see http://byulawcso.blogspot.com/, November 2010, "Ideas for Good Questions to Ask in Interviews."
12) Send thank you notes within 24 hours of your interview
Handwritten notes are best, but in a pinch, a nicely worded, personal thank you email will suffice.
For more detailed information, you can check the blog archives for helpful articles (http://byulawcso.blogspot.com/). There are many articles posted about these topics that will help you navigate the interview process.
If you have scheduled interviews, they will be listed under the OCI/Job Fairs/Resume Collects tab, Spring 2011 OCIs session.
I have had several students think they knew when their interviews were--but were mistaken and missed their interview times.
2) Be 10 minutes early for your interviews
Allow yourself a few extra minutes to allow for traffic, finding a parking space, and other unforseen circumstances. You will want a couple of minutes to collect yourself prior to your interview.
3) Knock on the door when it is time for your interview to begin
Interviewers are expecting this. It lets them know you are there, and helps keep them on time.
4) If you are sick, have a flat tire, get into a car accident, etc., etc., call MariLee ASAP (801-422-1857)
If you are too sick to talk to me on the phone, have your spouse, roommate, ER nurse, etc. call me. Don't just blow off the interview.
5) If you need to switch interview times with another student or have accepted another offer, you must notify me no fewer than 24 hours before your interview so I can change the interview schedule.
Email or call MariLee ASAP (801-422-1857).
6) Wear your best interview SUIT
Men - Dark, conservative suit, white shirt, conservative tie, polish your shoes, check your fingernails.
Women - Skirt suit (no separates), conservative colors, hose is a must, polish your shoes, understated jewelry, makeup, nails, etc.
No perfume or cologne is highly recommended.
7) Bring copies of your documents with you and be prepared to talk about anything on them
Bring a copy of your resume, transcript and writing sample with you to the interview and be prepared to discuss them in detail.
8) Remember, the interview is a conversation, not an interrogation
The interview should be a give-and-take between you and the interviewers--not just you answering questions.
9) Do your research
Know some specifics about the firm--not just what's on their website. Read the bios for each of your interviewers--know something about them. You can find their names in Symplicity by clicking on the Review button next to the firm you're scheduled to interview with (OCI/Job Fairs/Resume Collects tab, Spring 2011 OCIs session).
10) Don't call the interviewers by their first names unless invited to do so
Mr. So-and-So and Ms. So-and-So. DO NOT use Mrs., even if you think they are married.
11) Have good questions prepared to ask the interviewers
This is critical and can make or break an interview. For samples of some questions you can ask, see http://byulawcso.blogspot.com/, November 2010, "Ideas for Good Questions to Ask in Interviews."
12) Send thank you notes within 24 hours of your interview
Handwritten notes are best, but in a pinch, a nicely worded, personal thank you email will suffice.
For more detailed information, you can check the blog archives for helpful articles (http://byulawcso.blogspot.com/). There are many articles posted about these topics that will help you navigate the interview process.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Five Keys to Great Interview Preparation
by Kimm Alayne Walton, Guerilla Tactics for Getting the Legal Job of Your Dreams
1. Before you go on even one interview, develop your infomercial; the answer to, "Tell me about yourself." The answer should address the real issue, "Give me the reasons I should hire you."
A. Include qualities and skills you genuinely have that are important to the employer.
B. Accomplishments that support your skills.
C. A hobby or interest.
D. Keep it brief.
2. Develop answers to difficult questions you know you're going to get.
A. The answers should reflect the real you.
B. Avoid "yes" or "no" answers. Use examples, stories from school, activities, or work to illustrate your points.
C. Remember to make your answers meaty and real.
3. Research.
A. Proof of your enthusiasm
B. You'll come up with questions to ask.
C. You'll avoid making bonehead comments.
D. You'll learn more about why you want (or don't want) to work for this employer.
E. You'll be more relaxed and confident during your interview.
4. Develop questions to ask (and avoiding asking the wrong ones).
A. You'll gather key information about the firm.
B. You'll turn the interview into a conversation.
C. You'll show off your research into the firm and the interviewer.
Examples:
What do you like about your job?
How did you choose the firm/agency/copany?
What do you wish you'd known before you got here?
What do you find most challenging about being a lawyer?
When you go back to the office, what will you be working on?
What's the most interesting case/project you've worked on?
How is your job different than what you expected it to be?
What would a typical day look like for me?
What kinds of cases would I work on?
What practice areas are growing most rapidly?
How has the practice changed over the last five years?
5. Practice, Practice, Practice.
A. Mock interviews with the Career Services Office (contact Beth Hansen).
B. Participate in the Mock Interview Fair in October.
C. Set up informational interviews.
1. Before you go on even one interview, develop your infomercial; the answer to, "Tell me about yourself." The answer should address the real issue, "Give me the reasons I should hire you."
A. Include qualities and skills you genuinely have that are important to the employer.
B. Accomplishments that support your skills.
C. A hobby or interest.
D. Keep it brief.
2. Develop answers to difficult questions you know you're going to get.
A. The answers should reflect the real you.
B. Avoid "yes" or "no" answers. Use examples, stories from school, activities, or work to illustrate your points.
C. Remember to make your answers meaty and real.
D. Memorize your resume and be very familiar with your writing sample.
E. Google yourself.
F. The killer strategy for handling questions about anything in your background that you don't like--it's the way you talk about it. For any difficult question, look at the issue behind the question and address that, succinctly. Put a positive spin on the answer such as what you learned from the situation.
G. These include such questions as, "How are you?" "Why aren't your grades better?" "Why do you want to work in this city?" "What's your greatest flaw (or weakness)?" (ex. highlight a past negative you've corrected or overcome), "Why should we hire you?" "What will you be doing five years from now?" "Why do you want to work for us?"
3. Research.
A. Proof of your enthusiasm
B. You'll come up with questions to ask.
C. You'll avoid making bonehead comments.
D. You'll learn more about why you want (or don't want) to work for this employer.
E. You'll be more relaxed and confident during your interview.
4. Develop questions to ask (and avoiding asking the wrong ones).
A. You'll gather key information about the firm.
B. You'll turn the interview into a conversation.
C. You'll show off your research into the firm and the interviewer.
Examples:
What do you like about your job?
How did you choose the firm/agency/copany?
What do you wish you'd known before you got here?
What do you find most challenging about being a lawyer?
When you go back to the office, what will you be working on?
What's the most interesting case/project you've worked on?
How is your job different than what you expected it to be?
What would a typical day look like for me?
What kinds of cases would I work on?
What practice areas are growing most rapidly?
How has the practice changed over the last five years?
5. Practice, Practice, Practice.
A. Mock interviews with the Career Services Office (contact Beth Hansen).
B. Participate in the Mock Interview Fair in October.
C. Set up informational interviews.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Frequently Asked Questions from the Registrar's Office
Mandatory 1L Meetings
March 17, 2011 from 11:00 -1:00 in room 303
April 22, 2011 from 8:30 - 12:00 Noon room 303
How do I get a “Dean’s Letter of Good Standing”?
Nancy Hamberlin, Law School Registrar, (240 JRCB) does these kinds of letters. They are needed when a student is going to another school on visiting or transfer status for either this summer or next school year.
I need a Financial Aid Consortium Letter.
See Nancy Hamberlin. These letters are for students who are wanting financial aid while visiting another law school for the summer or during the fall/winter semesters.
When can I register for fall semester?
Registration material will be available on the Law School Website sometime the end of June. A notice will be sent to the students by Nancy Hamberlin. She will provide them with the {date and time} registration opens for fall semester. Students registering for fall semester 2011 will need to have their registration completed by July 22, 2011. A student will be able to continue to make changes after this date until September 9, 2011.
Summer mailing addresses
Students need to leave their summer mailing addresses with Nancy Hamberlin. Email her.
Starting Dates for Fall Semester 2011
Incoming first year students (1Ls) will start on August 17, 2011
Second (2L) and third year (3L) students will start on August 22, 2011
Fall Tuition Deadline
August 22, 2011
Grades from Winter Semester 2011
Grades and class rankings will be available June 3, 2011
Summer Externships for 2011
We will have about 210 externship placements this summer.
The students must have their summer externship completed by August 5, 2011
Summer Externship Tuition Payment Day
August 19, 2011
THIS IS THE ONLY DAY. If a student cannot be here to see Nancy Hamberlin they must notify her in writing with the name of the person who will be paying in their place.
Bar Exam Certifications
All state bar exam certifications are due for students and alumni by June 13, 2011 for the July bar exam. Any forms or questions people have please direct to Nancy Hamberlin.
March 17, 2011 from 11:00 -1:00 in room 303
April 22, 2011 from 8:30 - 12:00 Noon room 303
How do I get a “Dean’s Letter of Good Standing”?
Nancy Hamberlin, Law School Registrar, (240 JRCB) does these kinds of letters. They are needed when a student is going to another school on visiting or transfer status for either this summer or next school year.
I need a Financial Aid Consortium Letter.
See Nancy Hamberlin. These letters are for students who are wanting financial aid while visiting another law school for the summer or during the fall/winter semesters.
When can I register for fall semester?
Registration material will be available on the Law School Website sometime the end of June. A notice will be sent to the students by Nancy Hamberlin. She will provide them with the {date and time} registration opens for fall semester. Students registering for fall semester 2011 will need to have their registration completed by July 22, 2011. A student will be able to continue to make changes after this date until September 9, 2011.
Summer mailing addresses
Students need to leave their summer mailing addresses with Nancy Hamberlin. Email her.
Starting Dates for Fall Semester 2011
Incoming first year students (1Ls) will start on August 17, 2011
Second (2L) and third year (3L) students will start on August 22, 2011
Fall Tuition Deadline
August 22, 2011
Grades from Winter Semester 2011
Grades and class rankings will be available June 3, 2011
Summer Externships for 2011
We will have about 210 externship placements this summer.
The students must have their summer externship completed by August 5, 2011
Summer Externship Tuition Payment Day
August 19, 2011
THIS IS THE ONLY DAY. If a student cannot be here to see Nancy Hamberlin they must notify her in writing with the name of the person who will be paying in their place.
Bar Exam Certifications
All state bar exam certifications are due for students and alumni by June 13, 2011 for the July bar exam. Any forms or questions people have please direct to Nancy Hamberlin.
Monday, February 7, 2011
How to Charm and Do Business Over Dinner
Navigating a business dinner can be complicated, but a successful evening out will solidify any business relationship. Nina Zagat, who co-founded Zagat Survey restaurant guides, has dined out several times a week at New York's best restaurants for more than 30 years, and she is a skilled guide to the unwritten rules of such meals.
The main goal for Ms. Zagat is for the person with whom she is dining—whether it's a colleague or a potential business partner—to leave the meal knowing more about who she is as a person. "The feeling that [all] people should come away with at the end of the business dinner is one that they've had a really nice conversation, met interesting people and had a good time," says the 68-year-old, who owns the restaurant-guide business with her husband, Tim. "That's sort of the home run."
Before choosing a restaurant, Ms. Zagat finds out about her fellow diners' food and location preferences. "Think about who your guests are going to be," says Ms. Zagat, who often visits restaurants like Jean Georges near her Midtown office.
Since restaurant dining rooms can be loud, she suggests seeking out places where diners don't need to strain to carry on a conversation. Look for restaurants with tables placed far apart or with several smaller dining rooms, instead of one large space.
For larger groups, Ms. Zagat likes round tables, which feel "inclusive," and prefers not to sit at the head of a very long table. When being seated, the host or hostess should ask the guest of honor or business partner to sit on his or her right side, she says. And when dining à deux, she says, just ask your dining partner which seat he or she would like.
When ordering, Ms. Zagat has one key rule: "At a business dinner, you're not trying to draw a lot of attention to yourself and what you're eating," she says. A pet peeve she cites is when others are not discreet about their food allergies or other dietary restrictions when eating or ordering.
Since food shouldn't become the focus of the evening, she avoids dishes that are complicated to eat such as lobster and spaghetti, and she says it's all right, if you're not hungry, to request half-portions or to offer to share appetizers or dessert.
In a similar vein, if she is the first person to finish her entrée, she won't let a waiter take the plate until her dining companions are finished. If the other diners aren't ordering tea or dessert, she'll skip the last course. And if she leaves the room momentarily, Ms. Zagat discreetly leaves her napkin on the chair, rather than displaying it—and its possible food spots—on the table.
Ordering the most expensive bottles of wine could also draw unwanted attention, coming off as showy, Ms. Zagat says. Asking the sommelier to recommend a low to midrange bottle is your best bet. "Even at dinner last night, we said 'Can you recommend a wine that's not more than X' and gave some other qualifications," she says.
She draws no rigid boundaries when it comes to conversation. She even talks about politics, as long as the conversation doesn't get heated. One kind of communication, however, is discouraged. While she believes taking out a mobile device to read notes or refer to an email is acceptable, she never leaves her phone on the table or lets it ring.
Ms. Zagat likes to chitchat until she's well into a meal, rather than turning to business-related topics right away. Start off "with a nice conversation, find out what people are interested in," she suggests. Be careful of coming across as pushy. "If there are points you want to discuss, don't throw them on the table right at the beginning," she says.
At the same time, Ms. Zagat never waits until dessert to bring up serious business matters. She wants the night to end on a casual note: "The most important thing is to have a relaxed time," she says.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704698004576104341376469316.html?mod=dist_smartbrief#printMode
The main goal for Ms. Zagat is for the person with whom she is dining—whether it's a colleague or a potential business partner—to leave the meal knowing more about who she is as a person. "The feeling that [all] people should come away with at the end of the business dinner is one that they've had a really nice conversation, met interesting people and had a good time," says the 68-year-old, who owns the restaurant-guide business with her husband, Tim. "That's sort of the home run."
Before choosing a restaurant, Ms. Zagat finds out about her fellow diners' food and location preferences. "Think about who your guests are going to be," says Ms. Zagat, who often visits restaurants like Jean Georges near her Midtown office.
Since restaurant dining rooms can be loud, she suggests seeking out places where diners don't need to strain to carry on a conversation. Look for restaurants with tables placed far apart or with several smaller dining rooms, instead of one large space.
For larger groups, Ms. Zagat likes round tables, which feel "inclusive," and prefers not to sit at the head of a very long table. When being seated, the host or hostess should ask the guest of honor or business partner to sit on his or her right side, she says. And when dining à deux, she says, just ask your dining partner which seat he or she would like.
When ordering, Ms. Zagat has one key rule: "At a business dinner, you're not trying to draw a lot of attention to yourself and what you're eating," she says. A pet peeve she cites is when others are not discreet about their food allergies or other dietary restrictions when eating or ordering.
Since food shouldn't become the focus of the evening, she avoids dishes that are complicated to eat such as lobster and spaghetti, and she says it's all right, if you're not hungry, to request half-portions or to offer to share appetizers or dessert.
In a similar vein, if she is the first person to finish her entrée, she won't let a waiter take the plate until her dining companions are finished. If the other diners aren't ordering tea or dessert, she'll skip the last course. And if she leaves the room momentarily, Ms. Zagat discreetly leaves her napkin on the chair, rather than displaying it—and its possible food spots—on the table.
Ordering the most expensive bottles of wine could also draw unwanted attention, coming off as showy, Ms. Zagat says. Asking the sommelier to recommend a low to midrange bottle is your best bet. "Even at dinner last night, we said 'Can you recommend a wine that's not more than X' and gave some other qualifications," she says.
She draws no rigid boundaries when it comes to conversation. She even talks about politics, as long as the conversation doesn't get heated. One kind of communication, however, is discouraged. While she believes taking out a mobile device to read notes or refer to an email is acceptable, she never leaves her phone on the table or lets it ring.
Ms. Zagat likes to chitchat until she's well into a meal, rather than turning to business-related topics right away. Start off "with a nice conversation, find out what people are interested in," she suggests. Be careful of coming across as pushy. "If there are points you want to discuss, don't throw them on the table right at the beginning," she says.
At the same time, Ms. Zagat never waits until dessert to bring up serious business matters. She wants the night to end on a casual note: "The most important thing is to have a relaxed time," she says.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704698004576104341376469316.html?mod=dist_smartbrief#printMode
Friday, February 4, 2011
How to Follow Up After an Interview
by Randall Ryder
http://lawyerist.com/how-to-follow-up-after-an-interview/
Interviewing for available positions can be tough in this legal market. If you land an interview, make sure that you make time to properly prepare for the interview and dress for success.
Once the interview is over, however, there is still work to be done.
Send a follow up
My opinion is that sending a letter or personal note is the best follow up. For the most part, calling is rife with potential pitfalls—wondering if you should leave a message, leaving an awkward message, or even getting into a conversation that undermines your successful interview. I think a handwritten note is the best way to go.
Your note should be brief and to the point—expressing that you are very interested in the position and you think you are a good fit. This note should have a much different feel from your opening cover letter that you sent.
Talk about how your enjoyed meeting with them and talking about _____. Talk about why after meeting them, you think you would fit in well at their firm. If you can remember a specific thing you talked about that adds a personal touch, put it in there. For example, if you are a comic book nerd and your interviewer loves comics, say something like “it is always great to meet another lover of all things Marvel.”
At the end of your note, indicate that if they need any additional materials to please contact you. Avoid the urge to ask them to respond and let you know when they will be making a decision.
Touch base with your references
If your interview went well, get in touch with your references and let them know to expect a call from the firm. They should already be on notice, but it is a helpful reminder.
If you noticed your interviewer keying in on certain topics, you can also ask your references to try and talk about those things. In addition, if you are really excited about the position, it does not hurt to tell that to your references.
Be patient
If you were not given a timeline for when the firm will make a decision, be patient. Calling the next week to check in is probably overkill. On the other hand, waiting two months to follow up is not good either.
If you were given a timeline, stick to it, and give it some leeway. If the deadline comes and goes and you have not heard anything for a week, go ahead and check in—indicating you are still very interested in the position.
http://lawyerist.com/how-to-follow-up-after-an-interview/
Interviewing for available positions can be tough in this legal market. If you land an interview, make sure that you make time to properly prepare for the interview and dress for success.
Once the interview is over, however, there is still work to be done.
Send a follow up
My opinion is that sending a letter or personal note is the best follow up. For the most part, calling is rife with potential pitfalls—wondering if you should leave a message, leaving an awkward message, or even getting into a conversation that undermines your successful interview. I think a handwritten note is the best way to go.
Your note should be brief and to the point—expressing that you are very interested in the position and you think you are a good fit. This note should have a much different feel from your opening cover letter that you sent.
Talk about how your enjoyed meeting with them and talking about _____. Talk about why after meeting them, you think you would fit in well at their firm. If you can remember a specific thing you talked about that adds a personal touch, put it in there. For example, if you are a comic book nerd and your interviewer loves comics, say something like “it is always great to meet another lover of all things Marvel.”
At the end of your note, indicate that if they need any additional materials to please contact you. Avoid the urge to ask them to respond and let you know when they will be making a decision.
Touch base with your references
If your interview went well, get in touch with your references and let them know to expect a call from the firm. They should already be on notice, but it is a helpful reminder.
If you noticed your interviewer keying in on certain topics, you can also ask your references to try and talk about those things. In addition, if you are really excited about the position, it does not hurt to tell that to your references.
Be patient
If you were not given a timeline for when the firm will make a decision, be patient. Calling the next week to check in is probably overkill. On the other hand, waiting two months to follow up is not good either.
If you were given a timeline, stick to it, and give it some leeway. If the deadline comes and goes and you have not heard anything for a week, go ahead and check in—indicating you are still very interested in the position.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Five Tips for Summer Public Interest (& Private Sector) Job Interviews
1.Do mock interviews. There is simply no downside to this, and no reason not to practice interviewing in a consequence-free environment before you have to do the real thing. Mock interviews are the surest way to a) identify questions that could trip you up, and b) get useful feedback from someone who has experience on the other side of the interviewing table. You will likely be able to arrange mock interviews through your career services office. If not, use your classmates, friends, and contacts in the legal community to set them up.
2.Enthusiasm and confidence are palpable. These characteristics are perceived immediately by an interviewer, and they set the stage for more fluid conversation during the interview. It’s hard sometimes not to appear nervous, overly serious, or both during an interview. Remember to make eye contact and to smile (at least occasionally) while answering questions. (Smiling while talking also is enormously helpful on phone interviews because, believe it or not, smiling will change the tone of your voice so that you’ll seem more engaging and confident to the interviewer on the other end of the phone. You’ll probably look like a weirdo, but no one will be around to see you anyway.)
3.Be prepared for “Why do you want to work here?” or “Why are you choosing this kind of work?” questions. Everyone knows these questions are coming – often at the beginning of an interview. A lot of law students will begin answering with “I’ve always wanted to do this work; it’s why I came to law school.” If that’s the truth for you, then fine, you should say it. But let’s tease this out a little further. We think that employers are really asking two questions: 1) Why do you want to be a lawyer?, and 2) Why are you interested in being this kind of lawyer? You should be prepared to answer both and to connect those answers. For example, if you just say that you think your abilities and skills make you well suited to be a lawyer, you still need to explain why public interest is a draw for you. On the other side of the coin, if you say you are interested in working with victims of domestic violence, a good interviewer may come back with, “Well, there are a lot ways to do that, so why do you want to help DV victims as a lawyer?” Think ahead about what experiences and influences directed you to law school, and why you are interested in exploring public interest law. This “why are you here?” question is one that almost all law students can hit a double on, so you should think about how to hit a home run.
4.Ask some questions of your own. For example:
◦What does your interviewer find to be the most enjoyable and challenging aspects of their job?
◦What are the main characteristics they wish to see in summer interns? (This is a tricky way to sell yourself even further by explaining how you possess those qualities after the employer names them.)
◦How many practice groups or other departments within the organization will you be exposed to during an internship?
◦How did your interviewer’s career path lead them to their current job?
5.Send a thank-you note or email within 48 hours of the interview. Strike while the iron is hot, i.e. while the interviewer will still remember you. And while the thank-you note should be brief, it could include a line that will remind the interviewer about a highlight of your meeting.
Harvard Law School’s Office of Public Interest Advising has some terrific, detailed guidance on interviewing, which we recommend you review. (Link here)
http://pslawnet.wordpress.com/2011/01/27/five-tips-for-summer-public-interest-job-interviews/
2.Enthusiasm and confidence are palpable. These characteristics are perceived immediately by an interviewer, and they set the stage for more fluid conversation during the interview. It’s hard sometimes not to appear nervous, overly serious, or both during an interview. Remember to make eye contact and to smile (at least occasionally) while answering questions. (Smiling while talking also is enormously helpful on phone interviews because, believe it or not, smiling will change the tone of your voice so that you’ll seem more engaging and confident to the interviewer on the other end of the phone. You’ll probably look like a weirdo, but no one will be around to see you anyway.)
3.Be prepared for “Why do you want to work here?” or “Why are you choosing this kind of work?” questions. Everyone knows these questions are coming – often at the beginning of an interview. A lot of law students will begin answering with “I’ve always wanted to do this work; it’s why I came to law school.” If that’s the truth for you, then fine, you should say it. But let’s tease this out a little further. We think that employers are really asking two questions: 1) Why do you want to be a lawyer?, and 2) Why are you interested in being this kind of lawyer? You should be prepared to answer both and to connect those answers. For example, if you just say that you think your abilities and skills make you well suited to be a lawyer, you still need to explain why public interest is a draw for you. On the other side of the coin, if you say you are interested in working with victims of domestic violence, a good interviewer may come back with, “Well, there are a lot ways to do that, so why do you want to help DV victims as a lawyer?” Think ahead about what experiences and influences directed you to law school, and why you are interested in exploring public interest law. This “why are you here?” question is one that almost all law students can hit a double on, so you should think about how to hit a home run.
4.Ask some questions of your own. For example:
◦What does your interviewer find to be the most enjoyable and challenging aspects of their job?
◦What are the main characteristics they wish to see in summer interns? (This is a tricky way to sell yourself even further by explaining how you possess those qualities after the employer names them.)
◦How many practice groups or other departments within the organization will you be exposed to during an internship?
◦How did your interviewer’s career path lead them to their current job?
5.Send a thank-you note or email within 48 hours of the interview. Strike while the iron is hot, i.e. while the interviewer will still remember you. And while the thank-you note should be brief, it could include a line that will remind the interviewer about a highlight of your meeting.
Harvard Law School’s Office of Public Interest Advising has some terrific, detailed guidance on interviewing, which we recommend you review. (Link here)
http://pslawnet.wordpress.com/2011/01/27/five-tips-for-summer-public-interest-job-interviews/
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
BYU Law Friends - sign up!
Got Big Plans This Summer?
Law Friends is a great place to share summer plans, and find friends near you! After logging in you can post where you are going, and whether you are looking for carpools, roommates, fun and more. Then you can search for others going to your destination and see their preferences as well.
http://www.law2.byu.edu/lawfriends/
Law Friends is a great place to share summer plans, and find friends near you! After logging in you can post where you are going, and whether you are looking for carpools, roommates, fun and more. Then you can search for others going to your destination and see their preferences as well.
http://www.law2.byu.edu/lawfriends/
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