Surviving the office holiday party

Here's an article that I've previously published, but it is good advice and bears repeating.

Surviving the Holiday Office Party
By Judith Earley

Yes, it’s that time of year again; ‘tis the season for the holiday office party. Holiday parties are typically held to thank employees for all their hard work and to try to motivate them to continue their efforts. Parties are also viewed as great opportunities for coworkers to mingle without the pressure and develop camaraderie. If you dislike your company and the people you work with so much that you don’t want to spend a few social hours with them, you are probably at the wrong job!

You can take advantage of the office party as an opportunity to have some fun and advance your career – or inadvertently crush any chance you had of making partner. Believe it or not, your firm’s holiday party is one of the most important social events you will attend. That’s because it is a rare occasion on which the people you work with will be able to see you as an actual person. And while you might not be one of them, there are people who look forward to hobnobbing with their coworkers on a social level.

The holiday office party is a great time to cut loose – just not too loose. Following certain fundamental rules of etiquette can make you a welcome guest at any office gathering.

To Go or Not To Go

Attendance is not optional. Don’t even think about skipping the event unless you are (or a loved one is) at death’s door. Whether you like it or not, showing up at the office party is an important part of your job. If you absolutely are not the party-animal type, try to approach the evening as you would a business meeting. Grin and bear it.

What Not to Wear

Keep in mind that this is not a night on the town or a party at your best friend’s house. While you will certainly want to look your best and wear an appropriately cheerful outfit, your choice of clothing for the party should be as tasteful as what you wear to work. Save the sexy, form-fitting ensemble for a different type of occasion.

Strangers in the Night

Chances are there will be quite a few people in attendance whom you have not met, such as your coworkers’ dates or spouses. Decide beforehand that you will be the one who makes them feel welcome. Be sure to smile, say hello, and make small talk with as many guests as you can outside of your regular set of work friends. If you do, you will make a better impression on everyone and have a better time in the process.




Why Don’t You Stay Just a Little Bit Longer?

Even if you are not thrilled to be there, stay at the party long enough to see and be seen by your immediate supervisors and the guest of honor, if there is one. If you stay for less than an hour, it will be obvious to everyone that you really didn’t want to come. If it turns out that you are having a great time after all, try to leave half an hour before the scheduled ending time; otherwise, as business etiquette expert Lydia Ramsey puts it, “You just might find yourself on the cleaning crew.”

Going Solo

Even if you really don’t want to go out alone, don’t take it upon yourself to invite a guest unless it specifically says on the invitation that guests are welcome. No matter how successful the firm is, there will be a budget to consider. Plus, you don’t want to put your guest in the uncomfortable position of being the only non-employee there. And always, always, always double-check to make sure that the party will be a family gathering before you bring your children.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

The fact that there is free food is not an invitation to fill up in lieu of eating dinner. Also, because alcohol plus business rarely equals success, bear in mind that less is more. Something that you say or do under the influence now could result in the loss of a raise or promotion down the road – or, even worse, the loss of your reputation. Think of your reputation as your most valuable asset, and do all you can to preserve it.

Flirting, touching, and gossiping are always inappropriate. The best way to avoid the embarrassment and regret of tomorrow is to keep your wits about you today. Saint Augustine once said, “Complete abstinence is easier than perfect moderation.” So if you think there is even a chance that you might overdo it, don’t do it at all.

Finally, don’t be fooled by the party’s less than formal social scene. A holiday office party is still a business function, and your behavior still needs to be moderate, controlled, and socially acceptable.

Summer job funding

Are you seeking a public interest opportunity, but also need to make money? PSLawNet has newly updated their list of summer funding sources. Check early and often as deadlines are tending to be a little bit earlier than in past years.

Job search advice for 1Ls who are scared to death - this applies to 2Ls too

With the tough economy, you may be like many 1Ls who are scared to death about their prospects. Don't despair - there is help. Here's a preview - don't neglect your grades; cast a wide net, but make sure it's landing on specific targets; and be patient and stay professional. Remember, the CSO is here to help. Come see us any time.

Answers to 1L questions about summer associate programs

Annual Sympoisum for Clerkship & Career Development
Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP is hosting its Annual Symposium for Clerkship & Career Development on Friday, January 30 and Saturday, January 31, 2009 in Kansas City, Missouri. The two-day Symposium for first-year law students provides a unique, inside look at the recruiting process and summer associate programs, and also focuses on practical aspects of career development. The featured guest speaker this year will be attorney and author Marci Alboher.A sampling of other Symposium sessions includes:What Firms Really Look for and What Evaluation Forms are Used;Don't Let Your Last Name Become a Verb! How to Have a Successful Summer Clerkship;Why Don't Associates Know this Stuff? Classes Not to Miss in Law School and Other Beginner Pitfalls;The Real Power Players! Working with the Non-Lawyers in the Firm;May We Have the Room? An Associate Panel Answers Your Questions and Tells What It's Really Like;Rhetoric or Reality? Learn How to Evaluate Law Firm Diversity and Inclusiveness; andHow Law Firm Economics Really Work and How Hard You will Need to Work.First-year students may apply by completing the symposium application and submitting it along with a resume, transcript (if available) and cover letter by Friday, January 9, 2009. In your cover letter please indicate, to the extent you know, your geographic preference for law practice.Applications may be sent via mail, fax, or e-mail to:Jenny Kiely, Legal Recruiting ManagerHusch Blackwell Sanders LLP190 Carondelet Plaza, Suite 600St. Louis, MO 63105E-mail: mailto:symposium@huschblackwell.comFax: 314-480-1505Please understand that an invitation to attend the Symposium does not guarantee future consideration for employment, and the lack of an invitation does not signal a lack of future employment interest by the firm.

Thanks to our friends at the University of Miami School of Law CDO for the information.

The Student Debt Refief Podcast Series from EJW and American University's Washington College of Law

Equal Justice Works and American University's Washington College of Law have teamed up to launch an all-new podcast: The Student Debt Relief Series. The first episode, "How to Figure Out if You Benefit from the College Cost Reduction & Access Act - and How Much?" is available now. Listen to the episode, stream, download or subscribe to the series at http://www.wcl.american.edu/podcast/audio/20081204_WCL_EJW-1.mp3?rd=1. You can also download the corresponding Loan Forgiveness for Public Service Employment Checklist at http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/files/studentloan_checklist_6-19.pdf.
Best wishes from Equal Justice Works for a Happy Holiday season!

MBE Assistance

The National Board of Bar Examiners has an excellent tool for preparing for the bar exam. For $26, you get online access to 100 Multistate questions with answers annotated by actual bar exam drafters. "Purchasing this item gives you a subscription for online access to the exam, for unlimited trials, expiring one year after the date of purchase. You can take the exam in either timed or untimed sittings, and you will receive feedback on your answers, including annotations and a customized score report. As this product is only available online, you will not receive any materials by mail."

You know you're in law school if...

You know you're in law school if.....

You know all sorts of sneaky and creative ways to steal from clients thanks to your Professionalism and Ethics class.

You consider dropping out of law school approximately every hour, but after that first semester you realized you were already in too much debt to be anything other than a lawyer.

You aspire to one day own Blackacre.

The drama in your life now rivals that of high school.

You make adverse possession jokes.

You can name without hesitation at least three people who make you want to throw things when you see them raise their hands in class.

You think IRAC and CREAC are just code for saying the same thing over and over.

You are truly and deeply unnerved by the thought of some of your classmates becoming attorneys.

You wonder if that one professor who always seems angry and irritable and treats students’ minds as his personal playground is actually a sociopath or just didn’t get enough hugs as a child. (Of course, we don't have any of these.)

Sometimes during disagreements you are tempted to 12(b)(6) the offending friend or family member.

You know and understand the complicated epistemological and metaphysical differences between a conspirator and an accomplice.

You know and understand the complicated epistemological and metaphysical differences between coffee and red bull.

You can’t remember if you decided to come to law school because you wanted to help people and make a difference in the world or because you hate yourself.

You think whoever first introduced the Socratic method into the law school curriculum should have his face lit on fire and then beaten out with a rake.

You can’t think of any legitimate reason why a law student would need access to certain public records, but you can think of a whole lot of illegitimate ones.

After the first semester you realized that “briefing a case” need only consist of looking it up on Lexis or Westlaw.

You’ve given yourself carpal tunnel from all the spider solitaire you play in class.

When someone is expressing their frustration or anger about something that is in any way related to the law, you can’t be sympathetic because you’re too busy figuring out in your head if they have a cause of action.

You hear about the death of an elderly friend or relative and wonder if they died intestate.

You have considered changing career paths to hot dog vendor, stilt walker, or coffee barista.

You're pretty sure the reasonable prudent person is a friendless tool who still lives with his mother.

Influence of student organizations

This morning I read an article in the Washington Post about the potential influence the American Constitution Society may have on the new administration. This is just one more example of the networking possibilities student organizations give students. If you find you have some extra time (yeah, right), you may consider joining at least one student organization. If you have a certain passion, then match that passion with an organization. If you are looking for a broader experience, look for an organization that has a national presence that will give you networking and fellowship opportunities well beyond the school or the local community. You may also consider taking on a leadership role in an organization in which you are already a member. In the end, if you decide to join a student organization, choose one in which you will have fun and get the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way.

Managing Job Search Stress

"Manage Stress During a Job Search"
(Adopted from an article by Mary Jeanne Vincent by Victor C. Massaglia, M.A., Career Advisor, Career & Professional Development Center - University of Minnesota Law School)

“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.” – Etty Hillesum

Reducing and managing stress is one of the keys to a successful search.
Too much stress and you appear desperate. Not enough and people question your motivation. Only you can decide how much stress is the right amount! Here are seven steps you can take to significantly lower stress, improve your effectiveness, and ultimately shorten your job hunt.

1. Have a realistic understanding of how long a job search takes. Many job seekers have an unrealistic time frame for finding their next job.
It always takes longer than you think. When you don’t have a realistic expectation for how long it can take it is easy to feel stressed out.

2. Develop a job search action plan. Map out where you want to go and how you are going to get there. Set specific daily and weekly goals; then develop a contingency plan for when Plan A doesn’t work. Once your plan is in place and you are emotionally prepared – take action!

3. Reduce unnecessary expenses immediately. Minimizing financial responsibilities and maximizing financial resources will significantly reduce stress. This is not the time to go stress shopping. The greater your financial resources the more flexibility you have to accept the right job offer rather than grabbing the first one that comes along.

4. Think of your job search as a job. Consider putting specific job search activities on your calendar and treat them like a job.

5. Spend time on the right activities. Do spend time developing high quality marketing materials – like a résumé, cover letter, and reference list; networking with friends and colleagues who can connect you to the right people or opportunities; and following up with potential employers. Don’t spend hours on the internet searching job boards for the ‘right’ job. Instead use the internet to research organizations, gain information about specific industries, and network with people who can assist with your search.

6. Evaluate your progress on a weekly basis. Stay on top of your search so that you can tell immediately if your search starts to stall and take steps to get it back on track. Assess what is working – do more of it.
Determine what isn’t working and revise your approach. If you are still stuck consider working with a career coach.

7. Take time to refresh your mind, body, and soul. Looking for a job, especially when you don’t have one, is something you carry around 24/7.
Remind yourself to set regular office hours and knock off at a reasonable hour. That includes taking time off on the weekends. Take a walk, go to the gym, escape with a good book, or have coffee with a friend.

Public Interest opportunity

Are you a 3L interested in public interest work? Do you have a project you’d like to get off the ground next year? If so, apply for funding from the Initiative for Public Interest at Yale!

The Initiative is a non-profit organization that provides start-up money for projects that protect the legal rights or interests of inadequately represented groups. It funds cutting-edge projects whose successful execution might be a model for other organizations seeking new and better ways to represent clients.

For information about how to apply, visit The Initiative's web site at http://www.law.yale.edu/stuorgs/initiative.htm.

The deadline to submit applications for one-year grants of up to $30,000 to be awarded in the summer of 2009 is February 2, 2009.

Questions about the Initiative in general or about the grant application and selection process should be directed to intiativeforpublicinterest@gmail.com.

Excellent volunteer opportunity

The new National Disaster Legal Aid (http://www.disasterlegalaid.org) website serves as a national clearinghouse for legal information and resources to persons affected by disasters, legal aid lawyers providing representation, and volunteer attorneys wishing to assist others.

The goals of this new permanent disaster website are to:

1) Serve as a centralized national resource for legal aid and pro bono attorneys across the country on legal issues related to all types of disasters;

2) Recruit and help mobilize pro bono attorneys in the aftermath of a disaster; and

3) Provide accurate and timely information on legal issues, related to disasters, to the low income public affected by disasters.

The National Disaster Legal Aid website currently consists of three main sections:

For People Who Need Help

State by state links and information on how to receive assistance with a number of legal and non-legal problems, including finding a legal aid or pro bono lawyer, locating emergency and temporary housing, filing insurance claims, and understanding their legal rights and what they can do to protect them.

For Legal Aid Attorneys

Links and information on legal services disaster materials, including Morrison and Forrester Helping Handbooks, American Bar Association's Bar Leader Toolkit, Florida Legal Assistance Disaster Manual, and Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law: Disaster Relief Manual, among others. Updates from FEMA and directives to LSC-funded programs are included as well.

For Pro Bono Volunteers

Information for lawyers and other legal professionals who want to offer pro bono assistance to persons affected by disasters.

In addition, the site hosts general relevant news to the public interest legal community on disaster legal services as well as RSS feeds from relevant government agencies as available.

Built on the successful partnership and experience of the Katrina Legal Aid Resource Center, the National Disaster Legal Aid website has been launched and maintained by the American Bar Association, Legal Services Corporation, National Legal Aid & Defender Association and Pro Bono Net.


All four partner organizations are adding new content frequently to the website. The site also has an online form where the community can submit and share helpful content with peers. =20

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For more information, please contact John C. Eidleman at LSC 202-295-1640, eidlemaj@lsc.gov <mailto:eidlemaj@lsc.gov> .

Recession-proof your job search

It seems like there is bad news almost daily and unemployment is at an all-time high. However, since the legal profession is a service industry, there are always jobs out there. The key is to implement some key job search techniques regardless of your target employer. CareerBuilder has some excellent tips that will help you jumpstart your job search whether you're looking at law firms or some other industry employer. As always, Career Services is here to help guide you through your search.

How to create and cultivate a network

Many sources, not the least of which is your CSO, have said on numerous occasions that networking is the most cited job source for new graduates and lateral hires. You perhaps have the idea that networking is all about making connections. However, you may not know how to go about making those connections, and once made, how to keep those connections current and alive. One career counselor advises to "get out and be yourself." Once you make a contact, keep in regular touch by updating them on your progress. You may not see immediate results, but this is an excellent way to keep yourself fresh in their minds. The bottom line is to treat your contacts like a garden. If you keep feeding it, it will grow and prosper and bring you good things.

The Art of the Recruiting Meal

So, you've aced the screening interview, and your callback interview is going well. Now comes the obligatory employer lunch or dinner. This should be a breeze, right? You know how to eat, and you may be lucky enough to be eating with only an associate who may have even gone to your law school. Not so fast, my friend. Every encounter with a member of the firm is part of the interview, including the meal. Keep reading to find tips on how to master the recruiting meal and dine with finesse. More. . .

Are there stupid questions?

We are now in the full swing of fall recruiting. For those involved in interviewing, there may be nothing more daunting than when the interviewer turns to you and says, "Do you have any questions?" Here are a few tips to help you prepare for that moment.

• ALWAYS HAVE QUESTIONS READY
• Ask 3-5 well thought out and insightful questions
• Areas such as their pro bono committment, associate training and mentoring, requirements for making partner, what is a typical day for the interviewer, and how much client contact will I have are always appropriate.

Are there questions you shouldn't ask? The answer is a resounding yes!! The big one - anything about compensation and the firm's long-term financial picture. While you may be especially concerned right now about hitching yourself to their future, you won't find the answers in an interview and you won't score any points with the interviewers. Not only is the interviewer probably not privy to that information, they wouldn't share it with you if they were and potentially scare you off. If you have questions, do your research and ask any personal contacts you may have. Keep "candid" questions out of the interiew.

Social networking, blogging and your on-line pesence

Social networking, blogging and other on-line outlets are a great way to stay in touch, find kindred souls and discuss news of the day. You are continuously cautioned (by myself and others) to be careful about your digital footprint. However, there are an equal number of stories about the benefits of social networks and blogging. So, what's a prospective employee to do? Social networking and blogging can be the key to a bright and successful future if used wisely. The number one tip or caution - whatever you put out there, it is there to stay. Don't post something you wouldn't want an employer to see. Here's some other tips from Chris Pirillo had to say to Southwestern College students that is certainly applicable to law students as well.

More interviewing tips

Now that fall recruiting is in full swing, the savvy law student is seeking as many interviewing tips as she can find. The Legal Times sought out advice from law school career counselors and law firm recruiting personnel to find out what not to do this interviewing season. Besides the obvious like no typos in your resume, you can make a great impression by wearing a well-tailored suit and being open but not disclosing too much information. Check out the article for other useful tips.

Interviewing Tips

Looking for interviewing tips to help you successfully navigate the interviewing season? The key is to be prepared with both your answers and with what your non-verbal cues say about you. Practice will help you perfect your inteviewing skills and boost your confidence. Check out these other helpful tips for preparing for and conquering the interview.

Free subscription required to view list.

Problem-solving and goal-oriented is the new multi-tasking

Multitasking has now become a dirty word to employers seeking to hire Millenials. While it can be good in small doses, multitasking makes it harder to learn and retain important information. I know you think knowing how to find information is more important than retaining it, but hiring partners do not. So, in order to make yourself more marketable, here's a list of the competencies employers are looking for instead.

• problem solver
• adatable
• independent
• self-confident (not to be confused with arrogant or omnipotent)
• client-oriented
• continuous learner
• goal-oriented
• hard working
• able to stay on task and complete it in a timely manner
• iniatitive
• self-motivated but able to take directions and criticism

Keep these things in mind when answering questions from employers about specific instances or accomplishments. Work experience or other practical experiences are also going to be very important and set you apart from other candidates. Highlight how you handled real world client experiences and remember firms want to know whether you will stay for a while and not just use them as a stepping stone to the next employer, so be specific about why you're interested in working there.

Email mistakes to avoid

Email is now an acceptable form of communication just about everywhere, including the legal field. It's quick and easy, and some prefer email communication to picking up the phone. However, before hitting send, you should make sure your email doesn't leave you looking unprofessional. Check out the top 10 email mistakes, and make a good impression today.

Most students looking for their first position after law school aren't necessarily thinking long term. Why should they? The average person will change jobs seven to twelve times over the course of their career. This is true even for lawyers. There are many factors to consider when deciding which employer is right for you. One factor most people don't think of right away is their potential new boss. What type of person will allow you to be the most successful? Finding your dream boss may be more achievable than you think, and worth the time to consider before saying yes to an offer.

In a down economy, the basics are more important than ever!

With the recent downturn in the ecomony, many law students are nervous about their prospects for summer employment and after graduation. The most helpful advice to allay these fears may be the most simple -- go back the basics: networking, being proactive in your summer employment and in your job search, understanding what an employer is looking for and how he/she runs his business. If you are currently in a position with a legal employer, make sure you are making the most of that opportunity. Take on as many substantive projects as you can and do a good job. Meet as many attorneys as you can. Ingratiate yourself with the support staff. Attend all the social events and interact with your peers and your superiors.

With a projected smaller number of offers being made by firms, candidates are going to have to be at the top of their game when interviewing. Regardless of the market, the most important factor in successful interviewing is to know yourself - your skills, values, and interests - and be able to cogently define your professional goals and what you can do for the employer. So what specifically can you do to prepare. Here are a few tips:

• Know what you can control about the interview process - don't listen to rumors, have more than one interview suit (keep it conservative), and don't feel pressured to have even one drink at an employer function.
• Do practice interviewing every chance you get. Use friends, alumni and especially the CSO to your advantage.
• Do your research. Go beyond their website. You need to know as much about this employer as you can before you sit down with them.
• Be enthusiastic. Show the employer you want to be there and have a concrete reason (other than I need a job) for applying to them.
• Think beyond your GPA. Whether it's great or not so much, employers are also looking for great experience (not necessarily all legal), good writers, and most importantly someone with good people skills. If you have strong interpersonal skills, you can interview above your GPA. All it takes is practice.

In a down economy, it's often hard not to focus on market forcasts, which you can't control, and focus on presenting yourself in the best light to employers, which you can control. To accomplish this, trust your judgment, ignore the hype, and rely on your career advisor to help you make wise decisions.

Clerkship confusion

Are you thinking about a federal judicial clerkship, but are unsure whether it's the right move for you? The New York Lawyer has an excellent article that might help you cut through the confusion. A registration is required to read the article, but it is free.

Key to networking - live an interesting life

More and more firms expect their young associates to take on a variety of tasks unheard of ten years ago. One of those tasks in rainmaking at an early stage in your career. Business development may seem like a daunting task, but learning early how to generate business is a valuable asset to new associates. The lawjobs.com Career Center has an interesting article that gives you some advice on how to develop the necessary skills early in your career. The key is networking. And the key to networking, according to the author, is to live an interesting life.

Top 100 Blawgs

Law blogs or blawgs have become more mainstream and are a continuing source of up-to-the-minute information and opinions. The Criminal Justice Degrees Guides has put together a pretty good list of blawgs of interest to law students and lawyers. If you're not familiar with them, check them out.

It's not too early to get ready for OCI

Yes, it's only the end of June and you've just settled into your summer routine, but now is the perfect time to get ready for OCI. The resume drop deadline for fall is August 25, 2008. That is one week after classes start. So, before you're too busy to update your resume or even think about a cover letter, make a plan. Think about the type of employer you want for your 2L summer, get your resume together, and make any needed appointments with CSO. Fall recruiting will be here before you know it. Don't be unprepared.

In anticipation of the season, NALP has revised it's Open Letter to Law Students. It provides excellent insights and tips regarding OCI. Make sure you check out this excellent reference.

Success as a summer intern

You've landed the summer intern position. Now your goal is to get the permanent offer of employment. What are the keys to a successful summer? The New York Lawyer has a wonderful article on what summer associates need to know to get that offer. A registration is required, but it's free.

Networking resources

Summer is a great time to network. There are always barbeques, concerts, and ball games where folks get together to have a good time and get to know new people. Of course, you are using these and other opportunities to network with classmates, alumni, family, friends, colleagues, local bar associations, and civic groups. However, if these are not enough, check out JDWired's Networking Resources for other great networking outlets.

Tips for finding the "perfect fit"

As you toil away at your summer internship, you are being evaluated by your employer as to your potential as a first-year associate or entry-level attorney. At the same time, you should be doing some evaluating of your own as to their potential as a future employer. Once you get past the basics - firm size, practice areas, salary, and location - you need to access what combination of variables would make you happy both professionally and personally. An excellent article from the lawjobs Career Center may give you some ideas about what factors you should consider if finding the perfect employer fit. And, as the article states, once you figure out what you're looking for, ask anyone you can for information - career services, recruiters, mentors, alumni, young associates, and even more senior-level associates. You certainly don't want to put all that effort into considering your options only to find surprises down the road.

Ms. JD 2008 Summer Scholarship

Ms. JD is awarding two $500 scholarships to female law students entering their second or third year at an accredited U.S. law school and working the summer of 2008 at least 35 hours per week for a minimum of 8 weeks at a government agency or nonprofit organization. Unpaid judicial externs also qualify. Applications are due no later than June 1. Recipients will be notified no later than June 15. Go here to complete the online application.

Advice on writing and advocacy from Justice Scalia

May's issue of the ABA Journal features an interview with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia about his new book, Making Your Case: The Art of Persuading Judges, with co-author legal writing expert Bryan A. Garner. The article features advice on effective writing and oral advocacy from one of the nation's top judges. It is an excellent insight into the minds of appellate judges and what it takes to be an effective legal writer. Brevity and clarity, according to Justice Scalia, is key. For the complete article, click here.

Networking most effective way to find a job

A study by legal staffing firm Robert Half Legal shows networking is the most effective way to find a legal job. Nearly half of the 300 attorneys surveyed report networking is the most effective way to find a position in the legal field. These attorneys, with at least three years experience after law school, represent some of the largest law firms and corporations in the United States and Canada. Click here to read the other interesting results of the survey and tips for effective networking.

Law Firm Diversity Database

The Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA) and Vault have teamed up to bring you a comprehensive means to compare law firm diversity performance. The Law Firm Diversity Database was developed to provide corporate counsel with statistics and other crucial information on diversity at over 200 firms nationwide. This online database contains both quantitative and qualitative data regarding diversity programs at firms, the leadership of these initiatives, and the firms' action plans to increase the hiring and retention of a diverse staff. You can use it to determine which firms do the best job of recruiting and retaining diverse members. The database will allow you to pull up a list of firms and make side-by-side comparisons using a number of diversity factors. This will be a powerful tool in making decisions about where to apply and where to accept offers. To view the database, click here.

Alternate Careers Seminar

The Alternate Careers Seminar is Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at noon in Room 155. Our focus will be elected office. Guest speakers include State Representative Benjamin Lewis, District Attorney Nick Abbett and Judge Kelli Wise. Lunch is provided. Sign up sheets on TWEN.

Working In The Public Interest Law Conference

The third annual WIPI Law Conference will be held at the Univeristy of Georgia School of Law on April 4th and 5th. Nearly 40 practitioners, judges, and professors from throughout the Southeast and across the country will join our panels and roundtable discussions on issues of social justice and the law. We are honored to have Yale Law's Steven Wizner and prominent Atlanta attorney and 2007 Newsmaker of the Year B.J. Bernstein as our keynote speakers.

This year's panels include:

Criminal Law Series
- Race and the Criminal Justice System
- Decriminalizing Mental Illness: The Rise of Mental Health Courts
- Funding the Public Defender System: Who Should Foot the Bill?

Independent Panels
- The Media: How it Shapes Our View of the Law
- Immigration Policy: Reform-Immigrant Integration and Civic Participation
- LGBT Youth in State Sponsored Institutions
- Environmental Justice: Towards a Just Future
- Women's Rights: A New Era in Reproductive Justice?

Moot Court
- Access to Justice: Civil Gideon

Register online at http://www.law.uga.edu/wipi/register.html. The conference is free for students. Practitioners, 8.25 CLE credits are available for a small registration fee. Registration deadline: 3/31.

Funding for law school

The University of Idaho Office of Academic Support has compiled a list of over 400 scholarships for law students. The site also has helpful information about being competitive for any scholarships and tips for searching out funding.

For the complete list and other details, click here.

Welcome

Welcome to the Career Services Office Blog! Here you will find the latest job search tips, strategies, and advice. Add it to your favorites and stay current on all CSO happenings and events. Enjoy!