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.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
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.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
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!
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."
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
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.
Friday, December 5, 2008
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.
(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.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
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.
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
=20
For more information, please contact John C. Eidleman at LSC 202-295-1640, eidlemaj@lsc.gov <mailto:eidlemaj@lsc.gov> .
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
=20
For more information, please contact John C. Eidleman at LSC 202-295-1640, eidlemaj@lsc.gov <mailto:eidlemaj@lsc.gov> .
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
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.
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