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.