US Government Will Need to Go on Hiring Binge, Legal Jobs Included

According to an article in the September 2009 edition of the ABA Law Journal, the federal government needs to launch a hiring binge to replace anticipated attrition from its ranks. Read more here...
http://www.abajournal.com/news/study_us_government_will_need_to_go_on_hiring_binge_legal_jobs_included/

Free Employer Mail Merge Available from NALP

by Kathy Mathiowetz

The UALR Bowen School of Law is a member of the National Association of Legal Professionals (NALP). As a member school, there are many benefits. One is the NALP Directory of Legal Employers Mail Merge System function. This function allows current students and recent alumni to setup a mail merge with selected employers in other states who are also members of NALP. You are restricted from downloading more than 50 at any one time. However, you may perform multiple downloads if your search results include more than 50 employers. Simply go to http://www.nalpdirectory.com/. Do a “Quick Search” of employers and follow the instructions for your mail merge. NALP will only recognize your school email address.

Alternative Careers: JD Out-of-the-Box

At this writing, news reports indicate possibilities that the recession is over according to 80% of the economists sharing an opinion. That is good news, but it doesn't means jobs will abound anytime soon. In fact, it could be some time before we experience significant hiring in the labor market. While the legal job market in Arkansas didn't "tank" as it seemingly has done in several of the national markets, some local firms have evidenced a sense of tentativeness as partners proceed with caution with regards to hiring. The offer of employment to members of the class of 2010 is down. And, applications to government honors and internship programs nationwide has been so great that several application periods have been closed prematurely by OPM. On the other hand, several smaller local firms have also been able to add great new legal talent from the class of 2009. That is good news for everyone.

In light of the economic challenges we face, Delta Theta Phi Legal Fraternity hosted a discussion recently which encourages Bowen students and graduates alike to think more expansively about the law degree. The fact of the matter is the JD is one of the most versatile degrees available. Nationally, a significant percentage of law graduates choose the nonlegal career option.

"JD Out-of-the-Box" presented six Arkansas professionals who have JD's but have experienced excellent career opportunities outside the legal arena. In addition to being personally challenging and fulfilling, many report a level of satisfaction with nonlegal employment that includes the variety of opportunities, the value the work itself places on the skill sets provided by law degree and a more manageable work/life balance. Panelists positions included a corporate international human resources director, a state government commission director, vice president of a hospital foundation, former FBE agent, former insurance supervisor, and a corporate manager. div>

Putting Your Best Foot Forward in the On-campus Interview (OCIs)

Below are some general tips that every student should keep in mind as you prepare for and go through the interviewing process. These tips were shared by an alumnus who conducts campus interviews for their firm.

1) You (or a friend) can never proofread your resume too often. Any typographical errors on a resume indicates to a potential employer that you do not have an eye for detail and that you are not serious about employment.

2) A resume should never be more than one page long unless it includes some extraordinary experience that warrants it (i.e., clerking for a Justice on the United States Supreme Court.)

3) A resume should never include any information that is even remotely misleading. Not only does it indicate to a potential employer that you are untrustworthy and that you believe your own accomplishments to be insufficient, it is also unethical.

4) A potential employer should be able to understand all of your relevant history by looking at your resume for 5 seconds. A poorly-formatted resume will prevent this from happening; so will neglecting to include all of your employment history (potential employers want to know about all employment history, whether or not it is exciting or glamorous.)

5) A potential employee should always be relaxed, but professional, in an interview. This does not include using curse words, chewing gum, or making any inappropriate comments. It also does not include inappropriate attire, and any concerned person should err on the side of dressing conservatively.

6) While cancelling an interview in advance is acceptable, not attending a scheduled interview is not. Aside from permanently ruining your chances of being hired by that law firm, you risk being associated with unprofessional and impolite behavior in a profession that is founded on being personable. Further, it is simply rude.