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/
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
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.
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.
"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>
Sunday, October 4, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Managing a Legal Career Transition in Tough Times: A Video from NALP & ALI/ABA
NALP, the National Association for Legal Career Professionals, and ALI/ABA have produced and made available an excellent webcast entitled, "Managing a Legal Career Transition in Tough Times." This free webcast is full of helpful information on the legal job search. The video which specifically targets law students, recent graduates and seasoned attorneys is found on NALP's homepage.
Thanks to Cinnamon Baker of Barry University in Orlando, Florida, this excellent video has been excerpted and portions have been highlighted below for your convenience. Clearly, the full video should be viewed by all. The tips and information provided within are invaluable.
Excerpted portions:
Introduction: (0:00-0:53)
Informational Interviewing: (21:33-24:22)
Job Search Strategies (35:38-46:17)
Last thoughts (1:12:08-1:15:24/end)
Thanks to Cinnamon Baker of Barry University in Orlando, Florida, this excellent video has been excerpted and portions have been highlighted below for your convenience. Clearly, the full video should be viewed by all. The tips and information provided within are invaluable.
Excerpted portions:
Introduction: (0:00-0:53)
Informational Interviewing: (21:33-24:22)
Job Search Strategies (35:38-46:17)
Last thoughts (1:12:08-1:15:24/end)
Symplicity Makes the Difference
Postings job openings, reviewing resumes, customizing job searches, blogging, developing and presenting educational workshops, organizing on-campus interviews and interest sessions...life in a career services office can be fun and ever-changing!
Symplicity, the online career management system, has been life-saver for the two-person staff at Bowen School of Law! Launched initially with only the on-campus interview program in Sepember 2008, the CSO team now funnels 90% of the career activities for students and employers through this medium. Job postings (law clerk, attorney jobs and legal-related positions) along with registration for and management of the on-campus interview program are handled primarily through Symplicity.
Registration on Symplicity is mandatory for students who participate in Bowen's on-campus interview program in September and February annually. For both on-campus interviews and job postings, students and alumni may upload the resume, cover letters, grade sheet and writing sample, then with a couple of clicks, credentials are made available to employers!
Employers may register, then submit job postings directly to students through Symplicity.
As a rule, the CSO staff will work closely with employers and students who are using Symplicity and need assistance navigating the several modules. However, most users have developed a comfort level and better understanding after a short period of use.
Symplicity, the online career management system, has been life-saver for the two-person staff at Bowen School of Law! Launched initially with only the on-campus interview program in Sepember 2008, the CSO team now funnels 90% of the career activities for students and employers through this medium. Job postings (law clerk, attorney jobs and legal-related positions) along with registration for and management of the on-campus interview program are handled primarily through Symplicity.
Registration on Symplicity is mandatory for students who participate in Bowen's on-campus interview program in September and February annually. For both on-campus interviews and job postings, students and alumni may upload the resume, cover letters, grade sheet and writing sample, then with a couple of clicks, credentials are made available to employers!
Employers may register, then submit job postings directly to students through Symplicity.
As a rule, the CSO staff will work closely with employers and students who are using Symplicity and need assistance navigating the several modules. However, most users have developed a comfort level and better understanding after a short period of use.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Department of Justice Attorney General's Honors Program Application
APPLICATION DEADLINE: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2009
The Honors Program is the only way that the Department of Justice hires entry-level attorneys. Selection for employment is based on many elements of a candidate's background including academic achievement, law review or moot court experience, legal aid and clinical experience, and summer or part-time legal employment. For more information, log on to: "http://www.usdoj.gov/oarm/arm/hp/hp.htm."
Question:
Are there any opportunities for law students, or do they only hire attorneys?
Answer:
The Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) is the Department's competitive recruitment program for compensated summer internships.
The Honors Program is the only way that the Department of Justice hires entry-level attorneys. Selection for employment is based on many elements of a candidate's background including academic achievement, law review or moot court experience, legal aid and clinical experience, and summer or part-time legal employment. For more information, log on to: "http://www.usdoj.gov/oarm/arm/hp/hp.htm."
Question:
Are there any opportunities for law students, or do they only hire attorneys?
Answer:
The Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) is the Department's competitive recruitment program for compensated summer internships.
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