UDSL Job Search Manual - University of Dayton
UDSL Job Search Manual - University of Dayton
UDSL Job Search Manual - University of Dayton
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<strong>UDSL</strong> <strong>Job</strong> <strong>Search</strong> <strong>Manual</strong><br />
Table <strong>of</strong> Contents<br />
Career Services Office Overview<br />
Staff.................................................................... 3<br />
Contact.............................................................. 3<br />
Office Hours...................................................... 3<br />
Student Services................................................ 3<br />
CSO Programs................................................... 3<br />
Career Fairs........................................................ 3<br />
On-campus Interviews...................................... 4<br />
Resume Collection Service............................... 4<br />
Direct Contact Listings..................................... 4<br />
<strong>Job</strong> Postings....................................................... 4<br />
Resources........................................................... 4<br />
CSO Publications.............................................. 4<br />
Student Files...................................................... 4<br />
State Bar Exam Materials.................................. 4<br />
Internships/Writing Competitions.................... 5<br />
Telephone / Fax / Copier.................................. 5<br />
Computerized <strong>Job</strong> <strong>Search</strong>ing............................. 5<br />
Preparing for Your <strong>Job</strong> <strong>Search</strong><br />
Career Planning Guide..................................... 7<br />
<strong>Job</strong> <strong>Search</strong> Checklist......................................... 8<br />
The Resume Guide<br />
Introduction...................................................... 11<br />
The Basics.......................................................... 11<br />
A Note on Ethics ............................................. 12<br />
Preparation........................................................ 12<br />
Resume Content................................................ 12<br />
References.......................................................... 14<br />
Writing Samples................................................ 14<br />
Resume Samples................................................ 14<br />
Interviewing Tips<br />
Tips for Successful Interviews.........................31<br />
Preparation......................................................31<br />
The Interview.................................................33<br />
Closing the Interview.....................................34<br />
Networking Tips<br />
Introduction....................................................36<br />
Process.............................................................36<br />
Informational Interviews................................36<br />
Bar Exam Preparation<br />
Glossary <strong>of</strong> Bar Terms.....................................38<br />
Ohio Bar Exam Information...........................39<br />
Bar Exam Info for 8 Most Popular States.......42<br />
Judicial Clerkships<br />
Judicial Clerkship Information.......................45<br />
Federal Government <strong>Job</strong>s<br />
Careers in the Federal Government...............47<br />
LawMatch Reference Guide<br />
LawMatch Reference Guide...........................50<br />
NALP Guidelines<br />
Timing <strong>of</strong> Offers..............................................52<br />
Cover Letter Writing<br />
Introduction...................................................... 20<br />
Preparation........................................................ 20<br />
Assessment <strong>of</strong> Strengths.................................... 20<br />
Contents............................................................ 20<br />
Cover Letter Tips.............................................. 22<br />
Sample Cover Letters........................................ 24<br />
Thank You Letter.............................................. 29
Career<br />
Services Office<br />
Overview
Staff<br />
Tim Swensen<br />
Assistant Dean, Director <strong>of</strong> Career Services<br />
timothy.swensen@notes.udayton.edu<br />
Julie Jackson<br />
Program Coordinator/Counselor<br />
julie.jackson@notes.udayton.edu<br />
Rita Barney<br />
Senior Administrative Assistant<br />
rita.barney@notes.udayton.edu<br />
Contact<br />
Phone: (937) 229-3215<br />
Fax: (937) 229-4772<br />
Website: www.law.udayton.edu<br />
Email: CSO@udayton.edu<br />
Office Hours<br />
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.<br />
Student Services<br />
◗ Individual Career Counseling – schedule a<br />
session with Tim or Julie to discuss your job<br />
search strategy.<br />
◗ <strong>Job</strong> <strong>Search</strong> Skills Workshops – watch your<br />
mailbox or the Opening Statement for a<br />
schedule <strong>of</strong> workshops and programs.<br />
◗ Review and critique <strong>of</strong> resumes and cover<br />
letters – bring your resume and cover letter<br />
to the CSO.<br />
◗ <strong>Job</strong> Vacancy Postings – visit the CSO website<br />
and LawMatch.<br />
◗ Reciprocity Assistance – gain access to the<br />
Career Services Office at other law schools.<br />
Request forms are available in the CSO.<br />
CSO Programs<br />
We <strong>of</strong>fer a variety <strong>of</strong> career-oriented programs<br />
each year. Examples <strong>of</strong> these informational<br />
programs include:<br />
◗ Super Start Saturday<br />
◗ Resume and Cover Letter Writing<br />
◗ Interviewing Tips<br />
◗ Lawyers in Practice Program<br />
◗ Judicial Clerkship Panel<br />
◗ Ohio Bar Application Workshop<br />
◗ Public Interest Law<br />
◗ Intellectual Property Law<br />
◗ Sports and Entertainment Law<br />
◗ Real Estate Law<br />
◗ Guest Speakers<br />
Career Fairs<br />
<strong>UDSL</strong> participates in a number <strong>of</strong> career fairs<br />
every year. Watch your email for more<br />
information.<br />
Chicago Patent Law Program<br />
Chicago, IL (August)<br />
Cook County Bar Association Minority <strong>Job</strong> Fair<br />
Chicago, IL (August)<br />
Tri-State Diversity Recruiting Program<br />
Covington, KY (August)<br />
BLSA Midwest Regional Minority Recruitment<br />
Conference<br />
Cleveland, OH (August)<br />
Prosecutorial Symposium<br />
Chicago, IL (September)<br />
AIPLA <strong>Job</strong> Fair<br />
Washington, D.C. (October)<br />
Equal Justice Works <strong>Job</strong> Fair<br />
Washington, D.C. (October)<br />
Midwest Public Interest Law Career Conference<br />
Chicago, IL (February)
On Campus Interviews<br />
On campus interviews take place in the fall<br />
and spring. We will post an updated list <strong>of</strong><br />
participating employers on our web site. This<br />
information will also be supplied in the CSO<br />
Summer Newsletter.<br />
Resume Collection Service<br />
Many firms and organizations contact us to<br />
express an interest in hiring <strong>UDSL</strong> students.<br />
They request that we collect and submit resumes<br />
from interested students who meet certain<br />
qualifications. The CSO forwards these resumes<br />
to the employer in one packet. Our Resume<br />
Collection schedule changes frequently throughout<br />
the fall. Check the CSO web site or <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
bulletin boards for an updated list <strong>of</strong> employers<br />
and due dates.<br />
Direct Contact Listings<br />
Employers notify us in the fall <strong>of</strong> an interest<br />
in <strong>UDSL</strong> students for summer and permanent<br />
jobs and request students forward their resumes<br />
directly to the employer. This list changes<br />
frequently and the CSO maintains an up-to-date<br />
list <strong>of</strong> participating employers and applicable<br />
deadlines on our web page.<br />
<strong>Job</strong> Postings<br />
Many area firms, companies, and government<br />
agencies contact us throughout the year<br />
when they have part-time and full-time job<br />
vacancies. We post these vacancies on bulletin<br />
boards in the CSO and on our webpage via<br />
LawMatch. LawMatch is an online job bank<br />
in which <strong>UDSL</strong> and many other law schools<br />
participate. This job bank allows students to<br />
search quickly and efficiently for part-time, fulltime,<br />
and summer jobs using a password. See the<br />
LawMatch Reference Guide at the end <strong>of</strong> this<br />
book for instructions on how to use and register<br />
for LawMatch.<br />
Resources<br />
The Career Services Office houses an extensive<br />
resource library containing employer pr<strong>of</strong>iles,<br />
legal directories, periodicals, and career related<br />
books on topics ranging from legal practice areas<br />
to interviewing skills. We also maintain a very<br />
comprehensive list <strong>of</strong> online career related web<br />
links on the Career Services website under “<strong>Job</strong><br />
Postings” where you can directly link to over to<br />
many other job search sites.<br />
CSO Publications<br />
◗ Opening Statement Student Newsletter<br />
(monthly)<br />
◗ Student Summer Newsletter<br />
(mid-summer mailing)<br />
◗ Employer Brochure (as needed)<br />
◗ Law & Technology Resume Book (fall)<br />
◗ Workshop Handouts (as needed)<br />
Student Files<br />
As we <strong>of</strong>ten receive calls from employers<br />
who are looking to fill a certain position, we<br />
recommend that students submit a Registration<br />
Release form available in the CSO along with<br />
three copies <strong>of</strong> their resume. The CSO also<br />
maintains student files and a database to aid in<br />
our ability to provide individualized job search<br />
assistance. Thus, having information about your<br />
undergraduate major, job experience, and areas<br />
<strong>of</strong> interest allows us to refer you for these types<br />
<strong>of</strong> employment opportunities. Be sure to keep us<br />
informed <strong>of</strong> your job status and supply us with<br />
updated copies <strong>of</strong> your resume throughout the<br />
school year.<br />
State Bar Exam Materials<br />
The CSO provides students information about<br />
the Ohio Bar Examination and the Multistate<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Responsibility Examination. For all<br />
other state bar examinations, we can provide<br />
students with the appropriate contact information.<br />
Our materials include information such<br />
as required courses, application deadlines, and<br />
application procedures. Each fall, representatives<br />
from the Ohio Supreme Court give a presentation<br />
outlining procedures for applying to the<br />
Ohio Bar Exam.
Internships, Fellowships<br />
and Writing Competitions<br />
We keep files on all writing competitions,<br />
fellowships, and internships and they are<br />
announced in the Opening Statement newsletter.<br />
Please keep in mind that winning a writing<br />
competition or getting published in any fashion<br />
is a tremendous resume booster!<br />
Telephone, Fax Machine and Copier<br />
We have a telephone that may be used at no<br />
charge to make calls related to your job search.<br />
Permission to use the phone is granted by the<br />
CSO on a case-by-case basis. We also have a<br />
fax machine students can use at no cost for<br />
job-related or bar-related communications. On<br />
a limited basis, photo copies can be made in the<br />
CSO for five cents each.<br />
Computerized <strong>Job</strong> <strong>Search</strong>ing<br />
We have lists <strong>of</strong> web links students can use<br />
to access job postings. We also have two standalone<br />
computers with dedicated printers for<br />
revising resumes and cover letters and conducting<br />
job-related Internet research. Students wishing<br />
to develop superior Internet job search skills<br />
should visit the LexisNexis and WestLaw representatives<br />
in the Keller Hall Computer Lab.<br />
Note: The CSO computers are not to be used for<br />
printing course assignments or writing samples.
Preparing<br />
for Your<br />
<strong>Job</strong> <strong>Search</strong>
Career Planning Guide<br />
To be effective, your career planning and<br />
development must be systematic. There are<br />
three basic steps involved in the process.<br />
◗ Self-analysis<br />
◗ Identification and exploration <strong>of</strong> career<br />
options<br />
◗ Proper packaging <strong>of</strong> your skills and<br />
qualifications<br />
Step-by-step Guide to<br />
Securing the Right <strong>Job</strong><br />
1. Self analysis: Figure out who you are and<br />
what is important to you<br />
Identify your Areas <strong>of</strong> Interest<br />
Given today’s tough legal market, many<br />
students think they will have to take any job<br />
they can get. Don’t fall into this trap. Access<br />
your personal aspirations, values, and needs. In<br />
what sort <strong>of</strong> setting would you like to live and<br />
work? Do you want to make a difference in the<br />
world or in individual lives? Are money and<br />
prestige important? What about “quality <strong>of</strong> life”<br />
issues? Do you want control over your schedule?<br />
Are you willing to work 60-80 hours a week?<br />
Do you want to travel? Are you happy sitting<br />
behind a desk all day? Do you like to work<br />
alone or as part <strong>of</strong> a team? Do you need creative<br />
freedom or is guidance necessary? The answers<br />
to these and other important questions can be<br />
discovered through self-assessment. We also<br />
<strong>of</strong>fer workshops designed to help you with your<br />
own personal self-assessment.<br />
Identify your Abilities<br />
Next you need to define your abilities:<br />
intellectual, emotional, physical, and<br />
interpersonal. These are the attributes,<br />
expanded by your education and experience,<br />
which you have to <strong>of</strong>fer potential employers.<br />
2. Identify and Explore Your Career Options<br />
Identify your Options<br />
Once you have a career path in mind, you need<br />
to find out what jobs are available. Certainly<br />
there are positions in small, medium, and large<br />
firms. There are also positions in the judicial<br />
system, in state and federal agencies, in large<br />
corporations, and in public interest organizations.<br />
There are also “alternative” legal careers<br />
in academia, corporate America, and consulting<br />
firms. The options are endless and it is up to<br />
you to discover them. The CSO <strong>of</strong>fers a number<br />
<strong>of</strong> programs and resources to assist you in the<br />
identification process.<br />
Research your Options<br />
After you have identified different areas <strong>of</strong><br />
interest, you must begin your research phase.<br />
Read as much as you can to learn about various<br />
positions. What kind <strong>of</strong> educational background,<br />
work experience, and skills do they require?<br />
How well would the position satisfy your needs<br />
and aspirations? Talk to people at different levels<br />
in a variety <strong>of</strong> jobs. Get their perspectives on<br />
the advantages and disadvantages, requirements,<br />
day-to-day activities, etc. We <strong>of</strong>fer numerous<br />
resources, networking opportunities, and workshops<br />
that teach you step-by-step how to build<br />
and utilize a legal network.<br />
Properly Package your Skills and Qualifications<br />
Once you know what career path you are<br />
pursuing, you need to properly sell potential<br />
employers on your eagerness and ability to fill<br />
the position. You must be able to write effective<br />
cover letters and resumes, conduct informational<br />
interviews, and perform well in job interviews.<br />
We provide workshops, resources, and individual<br />
counseling sessions to assist you in these<br />
endeavors.
<strong>Job</strong> <strong>Search</strong> Checklist<br />
First Year:<br />
Fall Semester/Holiday Break<br />
___ Attend Super Start Saturday<br />
___ Schedule an appointment with the CSO to<br />
discuss job search strategy<br />
___ Draft resume; submit it to the CSO for<br />
critique<br />
___ Develop targeted list <strong>of</strong> employers<br />
___ Draft targeted cover letters<br />
___ Begin networking; visit targeted<br />
geographical area(s) to conduct<br />
informational interviews<br />
___ Prepare a list <strong>of</strong> references to contact<br />
and provide each one with a copy<br />
<strong>of</strong> your resume<br />
___ Decide on a writing sample (5 to 15 pages)<br />
and make it flawless<br />
Spring Semester/Spring Break<br />
___ Send resumes and cover letters to targeted<br />
employers (resumes to large firms should be<br />
sent by early January; inform the employers<br />
you will follow up with a letter when your<br />
class rank is available)<br />
___ Continue networking and conducting<br />
informational interviews<br />
___ Attend CSO workshops and informational<br />
programs<br />
___ Brush up on interviewing skills-conduct a<br />
practice interview, read books on interviewing<br />
(available in the CSO library), and<br />
attend workshops<br />
___ Attend “Lawyers in Practice” program<br />
___ Attend any relevant career fairs<br />
___ Check our summer positions bulletin board<br />
in CSO or on our web page<br />
Summer After First Year<br />
___ Make the most <strong>of</strong> your summer-if working<br />
a legal job, gain as much experience as<br />
possible in hopes <strong>of</strong> either receiving an<br />
<strong>of</strong>fer to continue or a great reference;<br />
consider volunteering 10 to 20 hours per<br />
week with a legal employer<br />
___ Continue networking and conducting<br />
informational interviews<br />
___ Record your work assignments and keep<br />
written work on a disk for potential writing<br />
samples (with appropriate redactions to<br />
protect confidentiality and with approval<br />
from your employer)<br />
___ Update resume, cover letter, references,<br />
and writing sample<br />
___ Review CSO Summer Newsletters; note<br />
resume collection deadlines; check web page<br />
on regular basis for fall recruiting updates<br />
___ Begin researching firms scheduled for fall<br />
recruiting<br />
Suggested Resources:<br />
(also see on-line resources section)<br />
___ Nalpdirectory.com – detailed hiring<br />
information for select large law firms from<br />
the National Association <strong>of</strong> Law Placement;<br />
use “search employers” information or<br />
“browse employer info”<br />
___ Bar Directories – search the many city and<br />
county bar directories in the CSO; become<br />
a student member <strong>of</strong> a bar association where<br />
you intend to practice; and add this to your<br />
resume<br />
___ Martindale.com – search for attorneys, law<br />
firms, and <strong>UDSL</strong> alums by practice area and<br />
geographical location<br />
___ LawMatch – frequently check this on-line<br />
job bank which lists <strong>UDSL</strong> job postings<br />
plus postings from six additional Ohio law<br />
schools, IU, and others<br />
___ CSO Website – check recruiting schedules<br />
such as on-campus interviews and the CSO<br />
newsletter “The Opening Statement”<br />
___ Bulletin Boards in CSO – same information<br />
will be found in LawMatch & OSBA (see<br />
below)<br />
___ OSBA.org – Ohio Bar Association<br />
job postings<br />
___ <strong>Job</strong> search web links on CSO home page<br />
___ Google it – search for state, city, county web<br />
sites (consider surrounding areas, too)<br />
___ Periodicals – i.e., IP Today, Ohio Bar,<br />
Indiana Lawyer, and Florida Bar in CSO<br />
___ <strong>Job</strong> <strong>Search</strong> Reference Guides in CSO<br />
___ Top Firm Lists for <strong>Dayton</strong>, Cleveland,<br />
Columbus, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis<br />
– copies in CSO<br />
___ Local newspapers
___ Law pr<strong>of</strong>essors<br />
___ Undergrad school: career <strong>of</strong>fice, advisors, or<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essors<br />
___ Networking – talk to everyone you know,<br />
especially those connected with law firms,<br />
courts, government agencies, etc.-the #1<br />
way to get a job!<br />
___ Reciprocity to use another school’s Career<br />
Services Office for 3Ls and graduates<br />
(see Rita in CSO)<br />
___ <strong>UDSL</strong> Alumni Office<br />
(located in the Dean’s suite)<br />
___ Resource Library in CSO<br />
Application Materials:<br />
(Have these materials accessible at all times and take<br />
copies to your interviews.)<br />
___ Resume<br />
___ References (3-4 including one law school<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essor, on nice resume paper)<br />
___ Writing Sample (5-10 pages preferred or<br />
excerpt with fact pattern on cover sheet; on<br />
plain white paper)<br />
___ Cover Letters (create a generic letter that<br />
you can tailor for each employer)<br />
___ Law School Transcript (get an original from<br />
the <strong>UDSL</strong> Registrar’s <strong>of</strong>fice and make copies<br />
for employers) Note: it typically takes 2-3<br />
days to get a transcript, so plan ahead!<br />
___ Undergraduate Transcript (needed especially<br />
for IP employers)-can take up to 3 weeks<br />
to get from some schools, so plan ahead!<br />
Reminders: 1) Only submit the specific materials<br />
requested by the employer. 2) Always include a<br />
cover letter unless the ad says not to. 3) Carry copies<br />
<strong>of</strong> all above mentioned materials with you in a<br />
leather portfolio to every interview and job fair.
The<br />
Resume<br />
Guide<br />
10
How to WOW Prospective Employers<br />
Introduction<br />
Your resume introduces you to prospective<br />
employers. Its purpose is to get you an interview,<br />
not a job <strong>of</strong>fer. Keep in mind that a legal recruiter<br />
or hiring attorney may screen 100 or more<br />
resumes at a time, spending only 30-60 seconds<br />
on each. To maximize your chances for an interview,<br />
your resume should clearly and concisely<br />
tell the reader that you are a prime candidate for<br />
the job and you are worth interviewing.<br />
Students <strong>of</strong>ten make the mistake <strong>of</strong> listing every<br />
past job and activity on their resume. The main<br />
objective, however, is to highlight only relevant<br />
education and experiential qualifications. Point<br />
out your strong skills and attributes and then<br />
illustrate how they will be beneficial to a<br />
particular employer.<br />
The Resume Guide walks you through the legal<br />
resume writing process. The samples are in<br />
chronological format which is commonly used<br />
for traditional legal resumes. However, if you are<br />
pursuing an alternative legal career (in which<br />
you use your legal training in a non-traditional<br />
legal job), then you may need to develop a<br />
functional resume. Please meet with the Career<br />
Services personnel for guidance on drafting a<br />
functional resume.<br />
The Basics<br />
Format<br />
There is no prescribed format for a resume since<br />
different people will be reading your resume and<br />
have varying preferences as to style and format.<br />
Resume writing is an art-not a science. However,<br />
general rules have developed over the years to<br />
help guide students in preparing legal resumes.<br />
These guidelines are meant to give you direction<br />
while allowing your resume to reflect individuality.<br />
Legal employers expect the categories<br />
<strong>of</strong> EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE to appear<br />
on your resume. Include at least one additional<br />
category such as INTERESTS, COMMUNITY<br />
SERVICE, or SKILLS.<br />
Your resume should be printed on 8 1/2” x 11”<br />
medium weight bond paper in white, <strong>of</strong>f white,<br />
light cream, or light ecru. Avoid grays or darker<br />
shades as they do not copy or fax well. You will<br />
want your resume to look clean when reproduced<br />
and distributed within a given employer’s<br />
<strong>of</strong>fice. Rarely should you exceed one page.<br />
The general rule is one page for every 10 years<br />
<strong>of</strong> work experience. If you require two pages,<br />
include your name and the words “page 2” at the<br />
top <strong>of</strong> the second page and be sure to completely<br />
fill up both pages.<br />
Choose a font that is easily readable within the<br />
10 to 12 point range. Acceptable font styles<br />
are Times New Roman, Book Antigua, Arial,<br />
Century Schoolbook, or Garamond. Leave a<br />
one-inch margin on all sides. The goal is to<br />
have a document that is clear and concise. Be<br />
absolutely certain your resume is error-free.<br />
The top <strong>of</strong> your resume should contain the<br />
information an employer would need to<br />
contact you.<br />
◗ Your name (in bold in a larger font size than<br />
the rest <strong>of</strong> the resume)<br />
◗ Your address (list two addresses, a “school”<br />
address and a “permanent” address, if you are<br />
trying to get a job out <strong>of</strong> state)<br />
◗ E-mail address (optional – it is preferable to<br />
have on your resume but only if you regularly<br />
check your email account).<br />
Be brief and to the point. Do not include<br />
unnecessary personal information (height,<br />
weight, marital status, etc.). Organize your<br />
resume in a way that is aesthetically pleasing<br />
and easy to follow. Use lots <strong>of</strong> action verbs<br />
and phrases. Be sure to note all the academic<br />
and work-related experiences that make you<br />
qualified for a given job.<br />
Keep in mind that attorneys are notoriously<br />
conservative in their view <strong>of</strong> a proper “legal<br />
resume”. Also be mindful that listed participation<br />
in a particular religious or political organization<br />
may affect an employer’s willingness to<br />
consider you.<br />
11
A Note on Ethics<br />
Although it is sometimes tempting to exaggerate<br />
credentials, to do so is to risk disqualification.<br />
Always be ethical, honest, and practical. Every<br />
piece <strong>of</strong> information you include on your resume<br />
is fair game for questioning in an interview. An<br />
employer may also try to verify information on<br />
your resume through your references, law school<br />
faculty, law school staff, and/or former employers.<br />
This does not mean that if you did not<br />
perform well with your last boss that you have<br />
to disclose it in your resume. There are ways to<br />
highlight the positives without exaggerating or<br />
misleading. For your own sake, avoid even the<br />
appearance <strong>of</strong> impropriety on your resume.<br />
Preparation<br />
Before you begin drafting your resume, you need<br />
to do a little preparation. Your resume will be<br />
more effective if you know what type <strong>of</strong> position<br />
you are targeting and what you have to <strong>of</strong>fer.<br />
The best way to narrow down your career<br />
options is to talk to as many practitioners as<br />
possible across a range <strong>of</strong> practice areas and settings.<br />
Talk to lawyers who work in small firms,<br />
medium-sized firms, and large firms. Talk to<br />
lawyers who work for government agencies and<br />
state and federal judges. Talk to lawyers who<br />
work in corporate legal departments and those<br />
who are sole practitioners. Talk to lawyers who<br />
have chosen alternative careers.<br />
Self-assessment is the other part <strong>of</strong> your preparation.<br />
We have numerous books in the CSO and<br />
<strong>of</strong>fer counseling sessions and materials to help<br />
you analyze and discover the skills and attributes<br />
you have to <strong>of</strong>fer. Take some time to figure out<br />
what you have to <strong>of</strong>fer an employer and what<br />
type <strong>of</strong> practice area and work environment will<br />
make you happiest.<br />
Resume Content<br />
Education<br />
This section should be written in reverse<br />
chronological order and should contain the<br />
following information.<br />
◗ Names and locations <strong>of</strong> schools and programs<br />
◗ Dates <strong>of</strong> graduation (for law school include<br />
“Juris Doctor expected, Month/Year” or<br />
“Candidate for Juris Doctor”)<br />
◗ Degrees awarded and whether you graduated<br />
with honors<br />
◗ Grade point average for undergraduate and<br />
graduate school programs if 3.0 or better<br />
◗ Law school class rank (e.g. 22/150 or Top<br />
15%); (we don’t recommend including your<br />
law school GPA.)<br />
◗ Coursework related to position sought<br />
(optional)<br />
◗ Honors, awards, scholarships, activities<br />
◗ Publications<br />
Generally, you should only list institutions from<br />
which you received a degree except for studyabroad<br />
programs. Do not list your high school<br />
unless it is necessary to establish a geographical<br />
identification or if it has a strong reputation in<br />
the community where you will be sending your<br />
resume.<br />
Work Experience<br />
This section is critical. Employers weigh a<br />
number <strong>of</strong> factors when screening resumes,<br />
but the two most important are your academic<br />
credentials and your work experience. Make sure<br />
you show a record <strong>of</strong> success.<br />
List your employment/experiences in reverse<br />
chronological order, beginning with the most<br />
recent. Be sure to include (1) the employer’s<br />
name, city, and state; (2) your job title; (3) dates<br />
<strong>of</strong> employment; and (4) a brief description <strong>of</strong> the<br />
experiences you had and the skills you developed<br />
or demonstrated in that position. For instance,<br />
be sure your resume reflects your ability to<br />
research, write, analyze, communicate, organize,<br />
work independently or as part <strong>of</strong> a team, and<br />
solve problems. Give examples <strong>of</strong> traits you<br />
demonstrated on the job such as initiative,<br />
12
exceptional work ethic, ability to persuade,<br />
business acumen, well-developed people skills,<br />
leadership capabilities, and willingness to accept<br />
increased responsibilities. When possible,<br />
quantify your successes.<br />
Do not forget to include promotions, company<br />
awards, and improvements you made. Be sure to<br />
include jobs even if you performed them on a<br />
voluntary basis or over summer break. As long<br />
as you were providing substantive work, volunteer<br />
positions may be appropriately listed under<br />
the work experience section <strong>of</strong> your resume. In<br />
drafting this portion <strong>of</strong> your resume, keep these<br />
points in mind.<br />
You should not:<br />
◗ Describe every aspect <strong>of</strong> your job<br />
◗ List every job you have ever had<br />
◗ Use complete sentences<br />
◗ Leave large time gaps<br />
◗ Lie or exaggerate<br />
◗ Try to be “cute”<br />
◗ Be wordy<br />
You should:<br />
◗ Be clear and concise<br />
◗ Pro<strong>of</strong>read carefully<br />
◗ Vary your action verbs<br />
◗ Be selective in summarizing work duties<br />
◗ Focus only on the skills and accomplishments<br />
important to the prospective legal employer<br />
It is important to capture the reader’s attention<br />
by using appropriate action words for your job<br />
descriptions:<br />
Administered<br />
Advised<br />
Analyzed<br />
Arranged<br />
Assembled<br />
Assimilated<br />
Assorted<br />
Awarded<br />
Billed<br />
Built<br />
Carried out<br />
Chaired<br />
Channeled<br />
Coached<br />
Collected<br />
Communicated<br />
Compiled<br />
Completed<br />
Conceptualized<br />
Conducted<br />
Contacted<br />
Contributed<br />
Controlled<br />
Coordinated<br />
Corrected<br />
Counseled<br />
Created<br />
Cut<br />
Defended<br />
Demonstrated<br />
Designed<br />
Determined<br />
Developed<br />
Directed<br />
Dispatched<br />
Documented<br />
Drafted<br />
Edited<br />
Enacted<br />
Established<br />
Evaluated<br />
Expanded<br />
Formed<br />
Formulated<br />
Functioned as<br />
Gathered<br />
Generated<br />
Handled<br />
Hired<br />
Identified<br />
Implemented<br />
Improved<br />
Initiated<br />
Inspected<br />
Instituted<br />
Instructed<br />
Interpreted<br />
Interviewed<br />
Introduced<br />
Invented<br />
Lead<br />
Litigated<br />
Located<br />
Maintained<br />
Managed<br />
Mediated<br />
Met with<br />
Modified<br />
Monitored<br />
Motivated<br />
Negotiated<br />
Operated<br />
Orchestrated<br />
Ordered<br />
Organized<br />
Oversaw<br />
Participated<br />
Performed<br />
Persuaded<br />
Planned<br />
Prepared<br />
Presented<br />
Produced<br />
Programmed<br />
Proposed<br />
Provided<br />
Published<br />
Purchased<br />
Recommended<br />
Recorded<br />
Reduced<br />
Referred<br />
Reported<br />
Represented<br />
Resolved<br />
Reviewed<br />
Revised<br />
Saved<br />
Scheduled<br />
Screened<br />
Secured<br />
Served as<br />
Served on<br />
Sold<br />
Solved<br />
Structured<br />
Suggested<br />
Summarized<br />
Supervised<br />
Taught<br />
Tested<br />
Trained<br />
Translated<br />
Utilized<br />
Verified<br />
Wrote<br />
Won<br />
13
References & Writing Samples<br />
References<br />
While including a phrase such as “references<br />
furnished upon request” on your resume will<br />
not hurt you, it is a waste <strong>of</strong> precious space.<br />
We recommend eliminating this phrase and<br />
supplying references only when requested by<br />
a prospective employer, unless the employer<br />
knows one <strong>of</strong> your references or your list is<br />
extremely impressive.<br />
Your references should be typed on a separate<br />
page that is the same type/color <strong>of</strong> paper as<br />
your resume. Use the same heading as your<br />
resume including your name, address, and phone<br />
number. Put the title “References for (your<br />
name)” at the top <strong>of</strong> the page.<br />
Use only three to four references and list them<br />
down the left side <strong>of</strong> the page in address label<br />
format. Leave a few blank lines between each<br />
one. For each reference, list the name, title,<br />
place employed, mailing address, phone number,<br />
and email address.<br />
For example:<br />
Timothy G. Swensen<br />
Assistant Dean, Director <strong>of</strong> Career Services<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dayton</strong> School <strong>of</strong> Law<br />
300 College Park<br />
<strong>Dayton</strong>, OH 45469-2774<br />
937/229-3215<br />
timothy.swensen@notes.dayton.edu<br />
If it is not readily apparent, include how the<br />
reference is connected to you. For example, if<br />
the reference used to be your boss, but no longer<br />
works at the same employer, then put a parenthetical<br />
explanation next to or underneath<br />
the name such as “former supervisor at XYZ<br />
Company.”<br />
References should be individuals who can speak<br />
knowledgeably about your academic or work<br />
abilities. Using family, friends, or character<br />
references is not appropriate. Be sure to ask<br />
permission to use the person’s name BEFORE<br />
you submit your reference list to an employer. It<br />
is also a good idea to give a copy <strong>of</strong> your resume<br />
to your references and continually update them<br />
on your job search progress.<br />
Writing Sample<br />
Your writing sample should be an impressive<br />
example <strong>of</strong> your legal writing ability. It must be<br />
an example <strong>of</strong> legal writing-not something you<br />
wrote before law school. Most employers prefer<br />
writing samples between 5-10 pages in length.<br />
However, employers also understand that 1Ls<br />
typically have legal memoranda in excess <strong>of</strong> 10<br />
pages to choose from their first year legal writing<br />
class assignments. Upperclassmen should, if<br />
possible, use a writing sample from a legal job or<br />
upper level course that falls within the preferred<br />
page limitation.<br />
If a writing sample is too long, you are encouraged<br />
to either shorten it or take a 5-10 page<br />
excerpt from the sample. If you use an excerpt,<br />
be sure to attach a cover sheet which provides<br />
the reader with a summary <strong>of</strong> the missing information.<br />
For example, if you omitted the Facts<br />
Section at the beginning <strong>of</strong> a memorandum to<br />
decrease length, provide a few sentences in your<br />
cover sheet outlining the fact scenario.<br />
Be sure to have your name clearly typed on the<br />
front <strong>of</strong> the document. Be certain your writing<br />
sample is flawless. Employers, especially judges,<br />
will look closely at writing samples as the<br />
majority <strong>of</strong> work performed by their law clerks<br />
involves legal writing. You can print your writing<br />
sample on plain white printer paper.<br />
Sample Resumes<br />
Several sample resumes follow. You are strongly<br />
cautioned against plagiarizing any portion <strong>of</strong><br />
these samples. Remember that many <strong>UDSL</strong><br />
students will send resumes to the same<br />
employers.<br />
14
Arthur B. Radley<br />
aradley@hotmail.com<br />
Permanent Address:<br />
School Address:<br />
3434 West Avenue 25 Engle Park Drive, #2<br />
West Chester, OH 45069 <strong>Dayton</strong>, OH 45419<br />
(513) 547-1170 (937) 435-4578<br />
Education:<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dayton</strong> School <strong>of</strong> Law, <strong>Dayton</strong>, Ohio<br />
Candidate for Juris Doctor, May 2006<br />
Class Rank: Top 20% (21/130)<br />
• CALI Award: Criminal Procedure-Police Practices<br />
• Presidential Academic Scholarship<br />
• Law Review, 2005-06; Staff Writer, 2004-05, Executive Editor, 2005-06; Comment:<br />
Defining Property Rights, expected publication in <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dayton</strong> Law<br />
Review, Fall 2005<br />
• Moot Court Team, 2005-06<br />
Work Experience:<br />
Vanderbilt <strong>University</strong>, Nashville, Tennessee<br />
Bachelor <strong>of</strong> Science in Criminal Justice, May 2003<br />
GPA: 3.2<br />
• Dean’s List, last four semesters<br />
• Alpha Phi Sigma (criminal justice honor fraternity)<br />
• Varsity Tennis, 1999-2003 (Team Captain, Southeastern Conference All-Academic,<br />
Southeastern Conference Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Student-Athlete<br />
Advisory Committee, Jack Vredevelt Sportsmanship Award Finalist)<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dayton</strong> School <strong>of</strong> Law, <strong>Dayton</strong>, Ohio<br />
Teacher Assistant to Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Lori Shaw, August 2005 to present<br />
Research brief topics for first year legal research and writing class; review and edit students’<br />
briefs and counsel them on logical organization and structure <strong>of</strong> legal arguments.<br />
Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling Co., L.P.A., <strong>Dayton</strong>, Ohio<br />
Summer Associate, May 2005 to August 2005<br />
Drafted amicus brief in federal suit concerning securities fraud class action; prepared<br />
memoranda on choice <strong>of</strong> law analysis and coverage for complex insurance litigation;<br />
analyzed case law on enforceability <strong>of</strong> continuous operation clauses in commercial leases;<br />
and researched political subdivision’s immunity for exercise <strong>of</strong> proprietary and<br />
governmental functions.<br />
The Honorable Joseph Kessler<br />
Montgomery County Court <strong>of</strong> Common Pleas, <strong>Dayton</strong>, Ohio<br />
Law Clerk, May 2004 to August 2004<br />
Conducted research and prepared opinions on cases involving zoning appeals, insurance<br />
coverage, real estate transactions, forfeitures, business contracts, and unemployment benefits;<br />
attended hearings and trials.<br />
15
Jean Louise Finch<br />
86 Clearwater Drive, Riverside, OH 45432 (937) 236-3142 jlfinch@aol.com<br />
_______________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
EDUCATION<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dayton</strong> School <strong>of</strong> Law, <strong>Dayton</strong>, Ohio<br />
Juris Doctor expected, May 2007<br />
Class Rank: Top 30% (45/150)<br />
• CALI Award: International Tax Problems and Criminal Law<br />
• Dean’s Scholarship Recipient<br />
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program Supervisor<br />
Miami <strong>University</strong>, Oxford, Ohio<br />
Bachelor <strong>of</strong> Arts in Public Administration, May 2004<br />
GPA: 3.3<br />
• Pi Sigma Alpha, Political Science Honorary<br />
• Miami <strong>University</strong> European Center, Luxembourg, Spring Semester 2003<br />
• Alpha Phi, Community Service Chair<br />
EXPERIENCE<br />
General Electric Aircraft Engines, Cincinnati, Ohio<br />
Law Clerk, (September 2006-Present)<br />
Conduct legal research on international procurement law. Draft and administer training modules<br />
for topics relating to United States and international government compliance. Create,<br />
maintain, and conduct legal review <strong>of</strong> corporate books for one Austrian and two Turkish<br />
General Electric affiliates.<br />
COMMUNITY ACTITIVES<br />
INTERESTS<br />
Georgianna I. Parisi Law Office, Kettering, Ohio<br />
Law Clerk, (Summer 2006)<br />
Performed legal research on employment, juvenile, and personal injury issues. Reviewed and<br />
summarized case files and conducted client interviews.<br />
Office <strong>of</strong> Staff Judge Advocate, 88th Air Base, WPAFB, Ohio (Summer 2005)<br />
Law Clerk, (September 2005-Present)<br />
Edited law briefs and evaluated personal injury claims using the Personal Injury Handbook.<br />
Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc., WPAFB, Ohio<br />
Assistant Manager and Gift Shop Cashier, (June 2000-August 2004)<br />
• Appointed to the City <strong>of</strong> Riverside Board <strong>of</strong> Zoning <strong>of</strong> Appeals (April 2004-April 2007); elected<br />
Vice-Chair (April 2005-April 2007).<br />
• Volunteered to perform long-range planning as member <strong>of</strong> Corridor Overlay Committee for the<br />
City <strong>of</strong> Riverside.<br />
Enjoy traveling to the Far East, s<strong>of</strong>tball, and scuba diving.<br />
16
Thomas J. Robinson<br />
423 Cheyenne Drive<br />
Chicago, Illinois 60621<br />
(312) 333-5555<br />
trobinson@law.com<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
EDUCATION<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dayton</strong> School <strong>of</strong> Law, <strong>Dayton</strong>, Ohio<br />
Juris Doctor expected, May 2005<br />
Class Rank: Top 30% (45/150)<br />
• Honor Council Student Representative<br />
• Hispanic Law Student Association<br />
Northwestern <strong>University</strong>, Evanston, Illinois<br />
Bachelor <strong>of</strong> Science in Business Administration, May 2003<br />
GPA: 3.1<br />
• Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Honor Society, 1999-2003<br />
• Recipient <strong>of</strong> Army ROTC Scholarship<br />
• Chair <strong>of</strong> Senior Giving Advisory Committee, 2001<br />
MILITARY EXPERIENCE<br />
Army Reserve Officer Training Corps, Northwestern <strong>University</strong> (1999-2003)<br />
• Attended 5-week Army ROTC Advanced Camp which focused on rigorous physical<br />
and leadership training (Summer 1999)<br />
• Presented weekly briefs to groups <strong>of</strong> 20-60 cadets<br />
• Participated in battalion staff administration and logistical planning<br />
WORK EXPERIENCE<br />
Priority Account Analyst Intern (Summer 2003)<br />
Chelovitz Corporation, Chicago, Illinois<br />
• Performed account recollection and internal auditing<br />
• Prepared financial modules updating account status<br />
• Assisted in billing department and collected delinquent payments<br />
Golf Course Greenskeeper (Summers 2001 & 2002)<br />
Westmore Country Club, Chicago, Illinois<br />
• Maintained course greens and fairway<br />
• Prepared grounds for golf tournaments and other club events<br />
Lifeguard (Summer 2000)<br />
Evanston Municipal Pool, Evanston, Illinois<br />
• Monitored swimmers and enforced safety rules<br />
• Taught swimming lessons to children ages 3-10<br />
• Certified in Red Cross lifeguard course and Cadiopulmonary Resuscitation<br />
COMMUNITY SERVICE<br />
Hope House Volunteer Network, Evanston, Illinois (2000-present)<br />
Northwestern <strong>University</strong> Alumni Orchestra, Evanston, Illinois (2003-present)<br />
Elijah’s Promise Soup Kitchen, Chicago, Illinois (2000-present)<br />
17
Robert A. Ewell<br />
147 Plumwood Road, Apt. # 407<br />
<strong>Dayton</strong>, Ohio 45409<br />
rewell@aol.com<br />
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
Education<br />
May 2006<br />
May 2001<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dayton</strong> School <strong>of</strong> Law, <strong>Dayton</strong>, Ohio<br />
Juris Doctor candidate<br />
Class Rank: Top 25%<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dayton</strong>, <strong>Dayton</strong>, Ohio<br />
Bachelor <strong>of</strong> Science, Biology<br />
GPA: 3.25<br />
Honors & Activities<br />
Dean’s Scholarship, 2003-2004<br />
Teaching Assistant, Academic Excellence Program, 2004<br />
Housing Ambassador, <strong>UDSL</strong> Admissions Office, 2004<br />
Member, Intellectual Property Law Society, 2003-2004<br />
Dean’s List, Spring 2001, Fall and Spring 2001<br />
Student Representative, UD Facilities Board, 1999-2001<br />
Financed 100% <strong>of</strong> college tuition through employment and scholarships<br />
Work Experience<br />
May 2004- The United States Patent and Trademark Office, Arlington, Virginia<br />
August 2004 Patent Intern<br />
■ Worked as Junior Patent Examiner on biotechnology applications<br />
■ Participated in advanced courses for patent examiners on section 35 <strong>of</strong> the United States Code<br />
■ Gained experience in claim drafting and double patenting<br />
■ Completed an eight-hour comprehensive course: Patent Examiner Initial Training<br />
(included extensive overview <strong>of</strong> patent law, examining procedures, and search techniques)<br />
June 2001-<br />
August 2003<br />
May 1998-<br />
August 2001<br />
Brenner, Inc., Louisville, Kentucky<br />
Process Engineer<br />
■ Performed batch and continuous testing for pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries<br />
■ Participated in various research and development projects<br />
■ Assisted customers with process specifications for experimental trials<br />
■ Supported technical service personnel with customer processing problems<br />
Watson Brothers Bistro and Brewery, Blue Ash, Ohio<br />
Server<br />
■ Worked with a team <strong>of</strong> employees to serve customers in a fast-paced restaurant<br />
■ Trained new employees<br />
Skills & Interests<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>icient at LexisNexis, Westlaw, and most Micros<strong>of</strong>t applications; fluent in German; licensed pilot;<br />
enjoy running marathons, gourmet cooking, and golf.<br />
18
Cover<br />
Letter<br />
Writing<br />
19
How to Write Compelling<br />
Cover Letters<br />
Introduction<br />
Your cover letter is as important as your resume<br />
because it is the employer’s introduction to<br />
you. First impressions tend to stay with the<br />
reader and are difficult to overcome. To create<br />
a well-written cover letter takes hard work and<br />
many revisions, but it Is worth the effort since<br />
it may be the deciding factor that persuades the<br />
employer to give you an interview.<br />
A cover letter is a sales document that introduces<br />
you and tells the employer why he/she<br />
should speak with you. Its purpose is to highlight<br />
various aspects <strong>of</strong> your resume and show how<br />
they apply to the position available. It is also a<br />
sample <strong>of</strong> your writing ability and organizational<br />
skills, so it needs to be perfect. Your cover letter<br />
should convey genuine enthusiasm for the<br />
position and/or the employer.<br />
Keep in mind that a cover letter will not get you<br />
a job <strong>of</strong>fer. It may be instrumental, however, in<br />
landing you an interview (or at the very least, it<br />
will get the employer to read your resume). You<br />
want the letter to spark the reader’s attention in<br />
terms <strong>of</strong> your achievements and enthusiasm.<br />
The best cover letters tend to have a natural<br />
tone, use straightforward language, and avoid<br />
complex sentences or fancy wording. Your goal is<br />
to try to make a connection with the reader and<br />
persuade him/her to meet with you to further<br />
discuss your qualifications.<br />
Preparation<br />
Employer Research<br />
Before you begin your cover letter, you need to<br />
research the employer and the person to whom<br />
you will be sending the letter. There are many<br />
public sources <strong>of</strong> information. Most students<br />
rely on literature from the employer, websites,<br />
Martindale-Hubbell, the NALP Directory, legal<br />
directories, legal periodicals, and the CSO files.<br />
In addition, you should speak to alumni, classmates,<br />
or other lawyers in the community who<br />
may know the employer. Finally, it is always<br />
a good idea to stop by the CSO and ask what<br />
additional resources or information may be available<br />
for a particular employer.<br />
Useful information to gather before you begin<br />
your cover letter:<br />
◗ Type <strong>of</strong> employer (government, firm,<br />
corporation, public service organization)<br />
◗ Areas <strong>of</strong> practice<br />
◗ Number <strong>of</strong> lawyers<br />
◗ Lawyers’ biographical information<br />
◗ Cities where the employer has <strong>of</strong>fices<br />
◗ Major clients<br />
◗ Recent Cases<br />
◗ Newspaper articles about the employer<br />
or its lawyers<br />
Assessment <strong>of</strong> Your Strengths<br />
Before you can persuade an employer to hire<br />
you, you first need to understand what you have<br />
to <strong>of</strong>fer in terms <strong>of</strong> skills and qualifications.<br />
After you research an employer, you will better<br />
understand the type <strong>of</strong> work it performs and the<br />
qualities it seeks in new employees. Knowing<br />
this information will allow you to tailor your<br />
cover letter so that you highlight the skills and<br />
qualifications the employer desires.<br />
Do a self assessment and figure out what you<br />
have to <strong>of</strong>fer before you draft your cover letter.<br />
List your accomplishments and personal qualities<br />
on a blank sheet <strong>of</strong> paper. Add to your list a<br />
brief discussion <strong>of</strong> how you have demonstrated<br />
these qualities in the past whether in a work<br />
context, volunteer setting, or college or church<br />
activities. Then, prioritize your strengths based<br />
on the employer’s needs and select the top 2-4<br />
strengths to showcase in your cover letter.<br />
Contents<br />
Formatting<br />
Your cover letter should be one page in length,<br />
single-spaced, and printed on medium-weight<br />
bond paper. The color and type <strong>of</strong> paper should<br />
be the same as your resume. The margins must<br />
20
e at least one inch all around the page. The<br />
font style needs to be easy to read and similar<br />
in style and size as used on your resume (refer to<br />
resume section for suggested font styles and size<br />
ranges). It is important to use a standard business<br />
format. As a general rule, you want to limit<br />
your cover letter to three to four short paragraphs<br />
filling one full page. Paragraphs should<br />
be in block form, which means that the first<br />
sentence <strong>of</strong> each paragraph is not indented.<br />
Return Address and Date<br />
There are three options for the position <strong>of</strong> your<br />
return address and date at the top <strong>of</strong> the page:<br />
◗ Indent it approximately two thirds from the<br />
left margin<br />
◗ Place it flush left so it is directly above the<br />
address <strong>of</strong> the person to whom you are sending<br />
the letter<br />
◗ Use the same letterhead heading you used at<br />
the top <strong>of</strong> your resume<br />
It does not matter which <strong>of</strong> the three alternatives<br />
you choose. Just be sure that the signature<br />
line at the bottom <strong>of</strong> your letter lines up vertically<br />
with the return address and date at the<br />
top. See the examples at the end <strong>of</strong> this section<br />
for clarification.<br />
Addressee and Salutation<br />
On the left-hand side <strong>of</strong> the paper include the<br />
name, title, and complete address <strong>of</strong> the person<br />
to whom you are sending the letter. If the cover<br />
letter is being sent to a law firm, you should<br />
send it to the hiring partner or recruiting<br />
coordinator. Be sure you have the correct spelling<br />
<strong>of</strong> the person’s name as well as the name <strong>of</strong><br />
the firm, company or agency.<br />
If addressed to a lawyer, the proper title is John<br />
Brown, Esq. or Sarah Brown, Esq. Your salutation<br />
should then read Dear Mr. Brown: or<br />
Dear Ms. Brown: (use a colon NOT a comma).<br />
Remember never to use Mr. or Ms. and Esq.<br />
together in either the address or the salutation.<br />
Address a judge as The Honorable John E. Brown<br />
and in the salutation as Dear Judge Brown.<br />
Opening <strong>of</strong> Letter<br />
The purpose <strong>of</strong> the opening is to grab the<br />
reader’s interest. The opening should contain a<br />
combination <strong>of</strong> the following items but not be<br />
more than 3-4 sentences in length.<br />
◗ An introduction to you: “I am a second year<br />
law student at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dayton</strong><br />
School <strong>of</strong> Law”...<br />
◗ Why you are writing and what you want: “I<br />
am interested in a summer law clerk position<br />
with your firm.”<br />
◗ A referral if possible: “At the suggestion <strong>of</strong><br />
Judge Donovan, I am submitting my resume<br />
for the law clerk position available this<br />
summer in your court.”<br />
◗ Reference any previous contact with the<br />
employer: “I enjoyed meeting you last month<br />
at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dayton</strong> School <strong>of</strong> Law’s<br />
annual Lawyers in Practice program.”<br />
◗ How you learned <strong>of</strong> the position: “I am forwarding<br />
my resume and statement <strong>of</strong> interest<br />
in the associate position in response to your<br />
posting at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dayton</strong> School <strong>of</strong><br />
Law’s Career Services Office.”<br />
◗ Knowledge <strong>of</strong> current events at the employer:<br />
“Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Durham mentioned your firm’s<br />
plans to expand into the area <strong>of</strong> real estate<br />
law”.<br />
◗ Any outstanding qualifications you do not<br />
want to be overlooked in the body <strong>of</strong> your<br />
cover letter: “I have eight years <strong>of</strong> experience<br />
as an engineer and hold an MBA...”<br />
Body <strong>of</strong> the Letter<br />
The key to the body <strong>of</strong> the cover letter is to<br />
focus on what the employer wants and to show<br />
the employer that your skills and qualities meet<br />
his/her needs. Instead <strong>of</strong> focusing on what you<br />
desire (I want to be a judge one day and this job<br />
will look good on my resume), hone in on what<br />
you can do for the employer.<br />
21
The 1-2 paragraphs <strong>of</strong> the body <strong>of</strong> the letter<br />
should focus on introducing you in the best light<br />
to the reader. You want to sell the following:<br />
Key Qualifications, Experiences,<br />
and Personal Attributes<br />
◗ Skills you have gained from work/volunteer<br />
experiences that match with the necessary<br />
qualifications for the job<br />
◗ Activities or events that show your leadership,<br />
teamwork skills, organizational skills, motivation,<br />
and enthusiasm/dedication<br />
◗ Legal writing and research skills<br />
◗ Relevant course work (if appropriate)<br />
Your cover should not restate everything from<br />
your resume, but rather highlight your most<br />
impressive points and supplement information<br />
that is contained on your resume. It is not<br />
enough to say, “I am a hard worker.” You need<br />
to give examples to illustrate how you have<br />
demonstrated your unique skills and attributes.<br />
For example, “I am very motivated. While<br />
attending college full time, I also worked in<br />
my family’s business 30 hours per week and<br />
remained on the Dean’s List every semester.”<br />
Closing<br />
The purpose <strong>of</strong> the closing is to thank the<br />
reader for his/her consideration and to request<br />
the opportunity to interview for a position. An<br />
effective closing rounds out the letter and provides<br />
a final positive impression <strong>of</strong> you. Keep the<br />
closing paragraph short and simple.<br />
Mention the documents you have enclosed<br />
unless you already did so in the opening<br />
paragraph. Politely tell the reader what you<br />
want: “I would appreciate the opportunity to<br />
discuss my qualifications with you in a personal<br />
interview”. Reiterate how you may be reached.<br />
Either tell the employer you will contact him/<br />
her at a specific date/time or ask the employer to<br />
contact you: “I may be reached at 937/229-3215”<br />
or “I will be in Chicago the week <strong>of</strong> September<br />
22nd and hope to meet with you during that<br />
time.” Finally, thank the reader for his/her<br />
assistance: “Thank you for your consideration<br />
and I hope to hear from you soon”.<br />
Stop by the CSO if you would like to have your<br />
cover letter reviewed and critiqued.<br />
Cover Letter Tips<br />
◗ Spend time developing a cover letter that is<br />
easy to read and encourages the reader to<br />
consider your resume.<br />
◗ Remember that your cover letter is a sample <strong>of</strong><br />
your writing and organizational ability.<br />
◗ Confirm it is error free. Spelling, grammar, or<br />
punctuation mistakes will cause you to lose an<br />
interview.<br />
◗ Pro<strong>of</strong>read your cover letter multiple times<br />
and then ask at least two other people to<br />
pro<strong>of</strong>read it.<br />
◗ Keep it short, concise, and direct.<br />
◗ Keep a copy <strong>of</strong> your cover letter for future<br />
reference. The employer may ask about it<br />
several months later.<br />
◗ Consider it an introduction to your resume,<br />
not a complete reproduction <strong>of</strong> it.<br />
◗ Address your cover letter to a specific person<br />
when possible. If you cannot find the person’s<br />
name during your research, call the employer’s<br />
<strong>of</strong>fice to find out who is in charge <strong>of</strong> hiring.<br />
◗ Make sure the spelling <strong>of</strong> the person’s name<br />
and contact information is absolutely correct.<br />
◗ Never copy a cover letter word-for-word from<br />
an example.<br />
◗ Use a standard business format: body centered<br />
on page, no indention <strong>of</strong> paragraphs,<br />
equal one-inch margins (like a picture frame<br />
around the contents), and proper salutations.<br />
Don’t forget to include the date at the top and<br />
“Enclosure” or “Enclosures” at the bottom.<br />
A Final Tip: Avoid Mass Mailings<br />
Many students wrongly believe that sending<br />
out hundreds <strong>of</strong> identical letters addressed to<br />
“Whom it may concern” will increase their<br />
chances for interviews. This is a mistake.<br />
Employers do not like receiving impersonal,<br />
generic letters. You will get better results if you<br />
send targeted resumes to employers you have<br />
researched and to whom you have some<br />
connection.<br />
22
A targeted mailing to a large number <strong>of</strong><br />
employers may be productive under special<br />
circumstances. For example, if you are moving<br />
to Chicago and want to practice real estate law,<br />
it would be appropriate to do a mailing to most<br />
<strong>of</strong> the real estate law firms in the Chicago area.<br />
Or if you wish to do patent work and are open<br />
to relocating, you may want to do a mailing<br />
to all <strong>UDSL</strong> alumni who practice patent law<br />
throughout the United States. The key is to do<br />
your research and decide what makes sense given<br />
the circumstances. Never forget that a targeted<br />
letter is always best. The more personalized<br />
your letter, the better your chances <strong>of</strong> making a<br />
favorable impression on the reader.<br />
A note <strong>of</strong> caution: We <strong>of</strong>fer several sample cover<br />
letters on the next few pages. Do not parrot any<br />
phrases word for word or you will do yourself a<br />
disservice. <strong>UDSL</strong> students <strong>of</strong>ten send resumes<br />
and cover letters to the same employers. If an<br />
employer receives two or more cover letters with<br />
the same wording, it will be obvious that your<br />
letter is not original.<br />
23
COVER LETTER FORMULA<br />
Your address<br />
City, State, Zip Code<br />
Current Date<br />
Individual’s Name<br />
Title<br />
Employer Name<br />
Address<br />
City, State, Zip Code<br />
Dear Mr./Ms. ___________:<br />
State the purpose <strong>of</strong> your letter: who you are (e.g. a second year law student at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Dayton</strong> School <strong>of</strong> Law) and the name <strong>of</strong> the job for which you are applying. If someone has<br />
recommended you, mention the person’s name. Tell how you learned <strong>of</strong> the position (Career<br />
Services Office posting, ad, friend) if appropriate. Refer to any ties you have to the employer or<br />
the city where the employer is located.<br />
Give details explaining why you are interested in the job and/or the employer. Reasons may<br />
include type <strong>of</strong> employer (e.g. your interest in public service), mix <strong>of</strong> practice areas, geographic<br />
location, specialization in a practice area, or a combination <strong>of</strong> these.<br />
Tell the employer why you should be considered for the position and list a few qualifications you feel<br />
are most likely to impress the reader. Highlight main points from your resume and/or emphasize<br />
additional items such as high grades, honors, strong work ethic, leadership skills, prior career or legal<br />
experience, or research and writing skills may be important to emphasize here.<br />
Request an opportunity to speak with the employer concerning your interest and qualifications.<br />
Provide a phone number where the employer may contact you and thank the employer for his/her<br />
consideration <strong>of</strong> your resume. If you have not already done so, refer to your enclosed resume and any<br />
other materials you have included for review.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
(your signature here)<br />
Typed Name<br />
Enclosure(s)<br />
24
UNSOLICITED APPLICATION LETTER<br />
35 Spring Mill Road<br />
Springboro, OH 45066<br />
October 25, 2005<br />
Mr. Nelle H. Lee<br />
Recruiting Coordinator<br />
Finch & Finch<br />
250 Timberline Way<br />
Cincinnati, OH 45069<br />
Dear Ms. Lee:<br />
I am seeking a position as a summer associate with Finch & Finch that will afford me an opportunity<br />
to hone my legal skills and utilize my business expertise. Currently, I am a first year student at the<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dayton</strong> School <strong>of</strong> Law and ranked in the top half <strong>of</strong> my class. I hold a B.A. in<br />
economics from the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Cincinnati and an M.B.A. with a concentration in finance from<br />
the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Kentucky. My resume is enclosed for your review.<br />
I worked as a consultant for Deloitte & Touche where I had the opportunity to interface with large<br />
companies such as Nationwide Insurance, Southwest Airlines, and Procter & Gamble. In that<br />
capacity I led multiple account teams in developing sales strategies for our clients. As a sales expert,<br />
I facilitated sessions, research, strategic planning, and development <strong>of</strong> sales proposals. I became adept<br />
at analytical thinking, advising clients, drafting well-structured communications, and performing<br />
business research. I am confident that all <strong>of</strong> these skills will transfer to a law firm setting and allow<br />
me to serve your clients well.<br />
I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to further discuss my legal and business<br />
experience and the value I could bring to your firm. I may be reached at 937/229-3215.<br />
Thank you for your consideration.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Charles Harris<br />
Enclosure<br />
25
RESPONSE TO AN ADVERTISEMENT<br />
500 Cheyenne Drive<br />
<strong>Dayton</strong>, OH 45469<br />
February 16, 2006<br />
Mr. Lawrence Wohl<br />
Hiring Partner<br />
Swensen, Jackson & Barney<br />
300 Career Avenue<br />
Los Angeles, CA 90089<br />
Dear Mr. Wohl:<br />
I am first-year law student at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dayton</strong> School <strong>of</strong> Law and a 2004 graduate <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Southern California. I will be returning home at the conclusion <strong>of</strong> the school year and<br />
hope to obtain a summer position in the Los Angeles area. Because I have not yet determined what<br />
type <strong>of</strong> law most interests me, my objective is simply to acquire the best legal experience possible. Your<br />
current job posting for a law clerk indicated you were seeking a law student to assist in different practice<br />
areas in your firm. I am very interested in this position and have submitted my resume and writing<br />
sample for your review.<br />
During my employment with Reynolds & Reynolds before entering law school, I performed several<br />
different functions that ranged from drafting sales proposals to making marketing presentations to<br />
potential clients. At USC, I developed strong communication skills in a demanding communication<br />
program. I applied these skills while writing my senior thesis and graduated with a 3.8 G.P.A. I believe<br />
these experiences will enable me to be an effective law clerk with Swensen, Jackson & Barney.<br />
I have enclosed my resume for your consideration and look forward to meeting with you to discuss the<br />
possibility <strong>of</strong> summer employment. If you would like to arrange an appointment, I will be in the Los<br />
Angeles area from April 10-14 and I may be reached at my <strong>Dayton</strong> address at all other times. Thank<br />
you for your consideration.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Walter Cunningham, Jr.<br />
Enclosure(s)<br />
26
UNSOLICITED<br />
Maude E. Atkinson<br />
5435 Milkyway Blvd.<br />
<strong>Dayton</strong>, OH 43210<br />
Home (937) 932-7474<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________<br />
May 16, 2006<br />
Mr. Mark Gutzwiller, Esq.<br />
Hein & Marable, PLLC<br />
150 Success Parkway<br />
Louisville, KY 34561<br />
Dear Mr. Gutzwiller:<br />
I am a second-year student at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dayton</strong> School <strong>of</strong> Law seeking to gain practical legal<br />
experience in Louisville during the summer between my second and third years <strong>of</strong> law school. As<br />
a native Kentuckian, I look forward to returning to Louisville following graduation to practice law.<br />
Susan Elliott, an attorney in your Lexington <strong>of</strong>fice, suggested I contact Hein & Marable regarding the<br />
possibility <strong>of</strong> a summer associate position.<br />
I received significant experience in juvenile and domestic relations law as a law clerk with the firm<br />
<strong>of</strong> Lammers & Casillano. Additionally, my undergraduate degree in criminal justice and social policy<br />
from Miami <strong>University</strong> provides a firm foundation on which to expand my legal interests.<br />
Research and writing represent two <strong>of</strong> my strengths. This summer I conducted research for a Law<br />
Review article for a <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dayton</strong> law pr<strong>of</strong>essor and I am currently revising class materials for<br />
a course in family law taught by the same pr<strong>of</strong>essor. Additionally, I received the highest grade (CALI<br />
Award) in my legal writing class. I am eager to apply my research and writing skills as a law clerk with<br />
Hein & Marable.<br />
I have enclosed my resume for your consideration and welcome the opportunity to discuss a summer<br />
law clerk position with Hein & Marable in greater detail. Thank you for your consideration.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Maude Atkinson<br />
Enclosure<br />
27
REFERRAL UNSOLICITED<br />
Henrietta L. Dubose<br />
14 Bay Shore Avenue<br />
<strong>Dayton</strong>, OH 43210<br />
Home (937) 883-4747<br />
hdubose@yahoo.com<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________<br />
December 17, 2005<br />
The Honorable Craig Thornhill<br />
Montgomery County Court <strong>of</strong> Common Pleas<br />
200 Third St.<br />
<strong>Dayton</strong>, OH 45402<br />
Dear Judge Thornhill:<br />
At the suggestion <strong>of</strong> my evidence pr<strong>of</strong>essor, Tom Hagel, I am submitting my resume to be considered<br />
for the clerk position in your chambers beginning in May 2006. My pr<strong>of</strong>essional goal is to practice law<br />
as a litigator in <strong>Dayton</strong>. Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Hagel encouraged me to apply for this clerkship since it would<br />
provide me with a unique introduction into the inner workings <strong>of</strong> the court and the challenges<br />
facing litigators and judges.<br />
At the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dayton</strong> School <strong>of</strong> Law, I completed an intensive three-semester writing program<br />
and received a B+ each semester. My exposure to writing legal memoranda and motions helped<br />
strengthen the writing skills I gained as an English major at Northwestern <strong>University</strong>. I was also<br />
exposed to drafting civil pleadings last summer while working for Patrick Smith, a local criminal<br />
defense attorney. I believe these experiences combined with my coursework in trial advocacy, civil<br />
procedure, evidence, law clinic, and criminal law have prepared me well for a judicial clerkship.<br />
I am very interested in the challenges a judicial clerkship would provide and welcome the opportunity<br />
to discuss my qualifications and interests with you. My resume, transcripts, and writing sample are<br />
enclosed for your review. Thank you for your consideration.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Henrietta Dubose<br />
Enclosures<br />
28
THANK YOU LETTER<br />
107 Westminster Road<br />
<strong>Dayton</strong>, OH 45410<br />
April 25, 2006<br />
Marty Vesio, Esq.<br />
First Assistant<br />
Columbus Legal Aid<br />
201 East Fourth Street<br />
Columbus, OH 43215<br />
Dear Mr. Vesio:<br />
It was a pleasure speaking with you yesterday during my interview for a summer internship position<br />
with Columbus Legal Aid. Your interest in my government service background and volunteer<br />
activities was encouraging. As we discussed, I hope to apply these skills to a career in public service.<br />
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to your <strong>of</strong>fice. Everyone I met was friendly, informative, and<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional. I especially appreciated the openness <strong>of</strong> the attorneys regarding both the challenges<br />
and rewards <strong>of</strong> working as a legal aid attorney. Their candor and enthusiasm for representing low<br />
income clients reconfirmed my desire to pursue a career in public service and work as an intern with<br />
Columbus Legal Aid this summer.<br />
I remain interested in the summer position and thank you for taking time out <strong>of</strong> your busy schedule to<br />
meet with me.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Susan Foley<br />
29
Interviewing<br />
Tips<br />
30
Tips for Successful Interviews<br />
First Impressions<br />
The old adage, “You only get one chance to<br />
make a first impression” certainly holds true<br />
when it comes to interviews. If you are dressed<br />
inappropriately, appear unpr<strong>of</strong>essional, or have<br />
a limp handshake, you are unlikely to overcome<br />
the initial negative impression you have created<br />
in the mind <strong>of</strong> the interviewer. On the other<br />
hand, if you dress like a conservative pr<strong>of</strong>essional,<br />
exude an air <strong>of</strong> confidence, and deliver<br />
a firm handshake with appropriate eye contact,<br />
you have passed your first test.<br />
Attire<br />
The goal is to fit in and let your personality<br />
shine through. Be remembered for your<br />
personality, not your clothes. It is important to<br />
be both comfortable and fashionable.<br />
Women should wear a conservative dark-colored<br />
suit, preferably one with a skirt below the knee<br />
in length. Shirt and shoes must very conservative<br />
and jewelry and makeup should be at a<br />
minimum. It is suggested that you do not wear<br />
any perfume or scented lotions as many people<br />
are allergic to scents.<br />
Men need to wear a suit, preferably navy, black<br />
or dark gray. A pr<strong>of</strong>essionally cleaned and<br />
pressed white cotton shirt is best with a conservative<br />
tie, polished shoes, and a matching belt.<br />
Jewelry must be at a minimum. One simple ring<br />
and a watch is plenty. Definitely do not wear<br />
earrings, necklaces, or powerful cologne.<br />
Handshake & Eye Contact<br />
A firm, confident handshake is the goal. A “limp<br />
fish” turns <strong>of</strong>f most people. On the other hand,<br />
a knuckle-breaking shake is no good either.<br />
Throughout the interview, be sure to maintain<br />
adequate eye contact with the interviewer<br />
without staring.<br />
Confidence<br />
It is important to show the interviewer you are<br />
confident in your abilities, but not arrogant.<br />
Don’t be afraid to sell the skills and attributes<br />
you bring to the table. An interview may be<br />
your only chance to make your case as the best<br />
person for the job.<br />
Preparation<br />
Know the Firm<br />
In order to properly prepare for an interview,<br />
gather information about the employer such<br />
as number <strong>of</strong> partners and associates, <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
locations, practice areas, recent cases, attorney<br />
biographies, and representative clients. Most<br />
<strong>of</strong> this information can be found on the<br />
firm’s website. This will enable you to speak<br />
intelligently about the employer’s practice<br />
during the interview and formulate appropriate<br />
questions. This public information can be<br />
gathered through a number <strong>of</strong> sources such as<br />
www.lexisnexis.com/lawschools, www.westlaw.<br />
com, NALP forms, www.martindale.com, and<br />
other literature about the employer.<br />
More information about an employer can be<br />
collected from internal sources such as <strong>UDSL</strong><br />
alumni or classmates who currently work there<br />
or have in the past. These sources can shed light<br />
on things such as work environment, values,<br />
what the employer looks for in associates,<br />
prospects for the future, and billable hours.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essors, local attorneys, and the CSO director<br />
may be able to provide additional information.<br />
Legal publications which survey new associates<br />
can also provide valuable inside information<br />
such as: American Lawyer, National Law Journal,<br />
and Insider’s Guide to Law Firms.<br />
31
Know Yourself<br />
Proper preparation for an interview includes a<br />
lengthy self-assessment. You must be prepared<br />
to speak intelligently about what qualifies you<br />
for the position you are seeking. We recommend<br />
you follow this 7-step program:<br />
1. Make a List <strong>of</strong> Your Accomplishments<br />
(personal and pr<strong>of</strong>essional).<br />
2. Note <strong>Job</strong>-related strengths (transferable<br />
skills) that each accomplishment proves.<br />
Example:<br />
Your Accomplishments:<br />
◗ Received CALI Award for Evidence<br />
◗ Won Walter Rice Moot Court<br />
Competition<br />
◗ Financed 100% <strong>of</strong> college expenses<br />
through part-time work (up to 30 hours<br />
week)<br />
◗ Started lawn service business that grew<br />
from $20,000 to $50,000 in annual sales<br />
over just two years<br />
Transferable Skills:<br />
◗ Well-versed in evidentiary issues<br />
◗ Effective oral and written communication<br />
skills<br />
◗ Organize time well; strong work ethic<br />
◗ Proven self-starter<br />
3. Prioritize Your Strengths (similar to how you<br />
organized your cover letter).<br />
Prioritize those transferable skills that would<br />
be most desirable to the interviewer. For<br />
instance, let’s say you are interviewing with<br />
a litigation firm. Your list <strong>of</strong> prioritized<br />
strengths might begin like this:<br />
◗ Effective communicator-proven through<br />
Moot Court success<br />
◗ Know evidentiary issues-proven by receiving<br />
highest grade in the class<br />
◗ Excellent time management skills-proven<br />
through the ability to work up to 30 hours<br />
per week while attending college full-time<br />
and graduate cum laude<br />
4. Be ready to subtly sell these points during the<br />
interview.<br />
5. Know your resume, cover letter and writing<br />
sample. Bring copies in a leather portfolio.<br />
6. Remember to be familiar with current<br />
events-an important part <strong>of</strong> many interviews<br />
is “small talk” to create rapport. To adequately<br />
prepare, be sure to read about local and<br />
national events in the newspaper and watch<br />
the news on the day <strong>of</strong> the interview. Avoid<br />
discussing controversial subjects such as politics<br />
and religion.<br />
7. Be aware <strong>of</strong> body language.<br />
While a candidate is interviewing for a job,<br />
the interviewer is evaluating both the words<br />
uttered and the body language exhibited.<br />
Entire books have been written on the<br />
messages we communicate through body<br />
language, but a few tips should help you<br />
avoid sending the wrong message.<br />
◗ Sit up straight<br />
◗ Don’t cross arms<br />
◗ Don’t fidget<br />
◗ Never look at your watch<br />
◗ Maintain eye contact without staring<br />
Often we are not even aware <strong>of</strong> the mixed<br />
signals we send with our non-verbal<br />
communication. Be sure to ask a friend or<br />
relative whether you display any nervous or<br />
annoying habits. Do you unwittingly wink at the<br />
person you are talking to? Do you look around<br />
the room while speaking? Do you tap your<br />
fingers when you are nervous? Do you slouch<br />
down in your chair? Do you have a nervous<br />
laugh? It is best to be aware <strong>of</strong> your habits so you<br />
can control them during an interview.<br />
32
The Interview<br />
General Reminders<br />
An interview should be a conversation, NOT<br />
an interrogation. The interviewer is evaluating<br />
you not only on your credentials, but also on<br />
whether you will fit in with the organization.<br />
A candidate who simply answers questions<br />
without engaging in a conversation with the<br />
interviewer will probably not be successful. It is<br />
important to let your personality shine through<br />
a bit without being too informal.<br />
Be conversational and LISTEN. A common<br />
mistake is to focus more on the intelligent<br />
question you are planning to ask next rather<br />
than on what the interviewer is saying at that<br />
moment. Remember that people love to talk<br />
about themselves. Ask questions that will show<br />
you are interested in who the interviewer is and<br />
then give your full attention as he/she answers.<br />
Then ask appropriate follow-up questions. Be<br />
confident, but never arrogant. Remember the<br />
interviewer is ultimately trying to decide if he or<br />
she would enjoy working with you.<br />
All students are encouraged to participate in<br />
the Practice Interview Program. Each year we<br />
ask volunteers from the local legal community<br />
to help our students strengthen their interviewing<br />
skills. Attorneys interview students for about<br />
30 minutes and then provide a critique. This<br />
direct feedback has been very helpful to law<br />
students in the past; a few students have actually<br />
turned their practice interview into a job <strong>of</strong>fer!<br />
Another option for improving your interviewing<br />
skills is to schedule a practice interview session<br />
with the Director <strong>of</strong> Career Services or CSO<br />
counselor. If you would like more information<br />
on the Practice Interview Program, stop by the<br />
CSO.<br />
Questions by the Interviewer<br />
As stated, one <strong>of</strong> the interviewer’s goals is to<br />
determine if you will be a “good fit”. He or she<br />
is also trying to ascertain whether you can do<br />
the job and what your level <strong>of</strong> interest is in the<br />
position.<br />
Common interview questions you will be asked:<br />
◗ Tell me about yourself?<br />
◗ Why did you decide to go to law school?<br />
◗ What are your strengths?<br />
◗ What are your weaknesses?<br />
◗ Why should we hire you or why are you the<br />
best candidate for the position?<br />
◗ Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?<br />
◗ Why aren’t your grades better?<br />
◗ Why do you want to work for us?<br />
◗ Why did you leave your last employer?<br />
In preparation for the interviews, think through<br />
your answers to these and any other questions<br />
you think are likely to be asked. Advice on how<br />
to answer these types <strong>of</strong> questions can be found<br />
in the book Guerrilla Tactics for Getting the Legal<br />
<strong>Job</strong> <strong>of</strong> Your Dreams by Kimm Alayne Walton<br />
located in the CSO library.<br />
Questions by the Candidate<br />
Your goals in the interview are to (1) build<br />
rapport with the interviewer, (2) sell you ability<br />
to do the job, (3) show <strong>of</strong>f your research <strong>of</strong> the<br />
employer, (4) demonstrate a true desire to work<br />
for that employer, and (5) gather new information<br />
about the employer. You can accomplish<br />
these goals through your answers to the<br />
interviewer’s questions and the questions you<br />
ask the interviewer. Your questions should be<br />
personalized and demonstrate a genuine interest<br />
in the employer and the fact that you have<br />
taken the time to research the firm or company.<br />
Your questions should also be designed to help<br />
you determine what the job experience will be<br />
like. Appropriate questions to ask during an<br />
interview may include:<br />
Personalized:<br />
◗ What types <strong>of</strong> cases are you currently working<br />
on? Which are the most interesting?<br />
◗ What do you like most about your job?<br />
◗ How long were you at the firm before you had<br />
significant client contact?<br />
◗ Did you start <strong>of</strong>f in your current practice area?<br />
If not, why did you switch?<br />
33
Questions that show sincere interest in the position<br />
and the employer:<br />
◗ Do you have a formal mentor program?<br />
◗ How will my work be evaluated?<br />
◗ Who will assign my work?<br />
◗ How will I receive feedback?<br />
◗ What kinds <strong>of</strong> cases will I be working on?<br />
◗ How does someone become a star law clerk/<br />
associate in this firm?<br />
◗ How has the firm’s practice changed over the<br />
years?<br />
◗ Where do you see the firm’s practice heading<br />
over the next several years?<br />
◗ How would you describe the ideal candidate?<br />
Show <strong>of</strong>f your research<br />
An example: “I recently read about the firm’s<br />
opening <strong>of</strong> a satellite <strong>of</strong>fice in Louisville. Has<br />
that helped the firm to attract corporate clients<br />
headquartered in Kentucky?” Develop a list<br />
<strong>of</strong> questions that is right for the position and<br />
employer you are talking to and remember to be<br />
flexible.<br />
Questions to Avoid Asking:<br />
“What’s in it for me” questions:<br />
◗ (Some may be asked only after an <strong>of</strong>fer has<br />
been extended)<br />
◗ How many hours will I be expected to work?<br />
◗ How many billable hours do you require?<br />
◗ How much vacation time will I get?<br />
◗ What is the salary?<br />
◗ What is your disability policy?<br />
Closing the Interview<br />
Remember to end the interview on a positive<br />
note. Summarize your qualifications and<br />
reiterate your interest.<br />
From the question/answer segment <strong>of</strong> the<br />
interview, you can compose a closing like this:<br />
“You described your ideal candidate as a team<br />
player who has strong communication skills.<br />
That describes me perfectly. My communication<br />
skills have been demonstrated by the fact that I<br />
excelled in my research and writing class and in<br />
the inter-school Moot Court Competition. My<br />
teamwork capabilities are apparent through my<br />
work at the Salvation Army where I assembled<br />
and led a team <strong>of</strong> over 50 volunteers through<br />
the largest fund-raising campaign in the charity’s<br />
history. I’m also self-motivated, detail-oriented,<br />
and have been described by former employers as<br />
a tremendous problem-solver. I believe I am very<br />
well-suited for this position and would appreciate<br />
a chance to prove myself. Thanks for taking<br />
the time to talk to me today.”<br />
Ask for a business card and inquire as to what<br />
the next step will be. SEND A THANK-YOU NOTE<br />
WITHIN 24 HOURS OF THE INTERVIEW. Thankyou<br />
notes can either be typed or handwritten.<br />
Questions with a negative tone:<br />
◗ What don’t you like about the firm?<br />
◗ How does your firm compare with Firm X?<br />
Imponderables:<br />
◗ How would you describe the firm’s culture/<br />
atmosphere.<br />
Other Mistakes to Avoid:<br />
◗ Don’t ask questions that could be answered<br />
through simple research.<br />
◗ Don’t ask questions that show you’re clueless<br />
about what’s already been covered in the<br />
interview.<br />
WORST INTERVIEW MISTAKE: No questions<br />
34
Networking<br />
Tips<br />
35
Networking<br />
Introduction<br />
Experts say eighty percent <strong>of</strong> all jobs are landed<br />
through networking. Thus, networking is a skill<br />
well worth learning and developing. It is an<br />
excellent way to begin making contacts, gain<br />
information about career options, and meet<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essionals in your career field.<br />
Process<br />
Be Flexible<br />
As you move through the stages <strong>of</strong> your job<br />
search, you will need to adapt your networking<br />
approach, re-identify your alternatives, and<br />
adjust your resume to reflect your skills in the<br />
particular career field in which you are<br />
networking.<br />
Reach Out<br />
Start with friends, relatives, and acquaintances.<br />
Talk to these contacts about any firms or<br />
companies you may be interested in or any<br />
specialty areas <strong>of</strong> practice. Let them know you<br />
are researching employers to begin your job<br />
campaign. Any suggestions they might have can<br />
be helpful. Approach your pr<strong>of</strong>essors about their<br />
ideas for your job search. Present them with your<br />
research and initial preparation <strong>of</strong> a resume and<br />
cover letter, and ask their advice as experts in<br />
the field. If you begin your contact with a<br />
faculty member by showing how much work<br />
you already have expended, he or she will be<br />
more inclined to spend time with you brainstorming<br />
about ideas and thinking <strong>of</strong> creative<br />
approaches to your job search.<br />
Informational Interviews<br />
Never Ask for a <strong>Job</strong><br />
When you ask someone to share their time and<br />
expertise, you must respect their willingness to<br />
help by not asking them to find you a job. YOU<br />
are responsible for finding your job and will<br />
be respected in return for your pr<strong>of</strong>essionalism<br />
when you ask for insight and advice rather than<br />
a handout. However, it is perfectly fine to ask if<br />
the alum knows <strong>of</strong> anyone who is hiring. Early<br />
in your meeting, emphasize that you do not<br />
expect to learn <strong>of</strong> a job opening, but are simply<br />
seeking information and advice on how to best<br />
use your abilities and experience.<br />
Prepare your thoughts regarding what types <strong>of</strong><br />
information you would like them to share with<br />
you. Be ready to discuss your goals, accomplishments,<br />
and abilities. Be concise and factual. The<br />
more concrete you are, the better your contact<br />
will be able to share appropriate information.<br />
Prepare questions and observations about the<br />
career field that your contact can discuss. He or<br />
she is the expert and will enjoy sharing his/her<br />
insights and expertise. Work at making this an<br />
enjoyable experience for both <strong>of</strong> you so that you<br />
will be remembered favorably.<br />
Ask for Other Resources<br />
At the conclusion <strong>of</strong> your meeting, thank the<br />
person you are talking to and ask if he or she<br />
can suggest two or three other people who might<br />
be willing to share their insights in a similar<br />
manner. Ask your contact if you can use his or<br />
her name when contacting these people. This<br />
tends to open more doors. Send a thank-you<br />
note immediately after the interview.<br />
Career Services Office: Make an appointment<br />
with the CSO to discuss other possible contacts.<br />
We may be able to connect you with alumni or<br />
other friends <strong>of</strong> <strong>UDSL</strong> who are in the geographical<br />
or practice area in which you are interested.<br />
36
Bar<br />
Exam<br />
Information<br />
37
Glossary <strong>of</strong> Bar Terms<br />
The Multistate Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Examination (MPRE)<br />
The MPRE is a fifty-question, two-hour,<br />
multiple-choice examination required for<br />
admission to the bar in all states except<br />
Maryland, Washington, and Wisconsin. This<br />
exam is administered three times per year in<br />
March, August, and November. The CSO has<br />
MPRE application packets or you can register<br />
on-line at www.ncbex.org or www.act.org/mpre.<br />
BarBri (www.barbri.com) <strong>of</strong>fers an MPRE review<br />
course. The MPRE tests your knowledge and<br />
understanding <strong>of</strong> the ethical standards expected<br />
in the legal pr<strong>of</strong>ession. You can take the MPRE<br />
in any state and have your score transferred<br />
to another state at a later date; thus, you do<br />
not need to know the state in which you will<br />
be sitting for the bar at the time you take the<br />
MPRE. Most law students take the MPRE the<br />
summer after their second year <strong>of</strong> law school or<br />
in the fall <strong>of</strong> their third year.<br />
Bar Exam: Components for Most States<br />
The Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) – The MBE<br />
is a six-hour, two-hundred question, multiplechoice<br />
examination covering contracts, torts,<br />
criminal law, evidence, real property, and constitutional<br />
law. In 2004, all states except Louisiana<br />
and Washington administered the MBE.<br />
The Multistate Performance Test (MPT)<br />
– This exam consists <strong>of</strong> several ninety-minute<br />
questions (the number varies by state) designed<br />
to test the practical use <strong>of</strong> legal analysis, fact<br />
analysis, problem solving, ethical issues, organization<br />
and management <strong>of</strong> lawyering tasks, as<br />
well as effective use <strong>of</strong> communication within<br />
the legal pr<strong>of</strong>ession. In 2004, twenty-four states,<br />
including Ohio, administered the MPT. Check<br />
the bar exam format for your state to find out if<br />
the MPT will be included.<br />
The Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) –<br />
The MEE entails a three-hour, six-question essay<br />
examination covering agency/partnership, commercial<br />
drafting, conflict <strong>of</strong> laws, corporations,<br />
estates, family law, federal civil procedure, sales,<br />
secured transactions, and trusts. In 2004, fourteen<br />
states required the MEE for admission to the<br />
bar. The Ohio Bar Exam includes twelve essay<br />
questions, but does not follow the MEE format.<br />
Stop by the CSO to get a copy <strong>of</strong> the bar<br />
components for your state or check the links on<br />
the CSO web site.<br />
Bar/Bri and PMBR<br />
Both Bar/Bri and PMBR <strong>of</strong>fer review courses<br />
for state bar exams. To sign up for these review<br />
courses, visit www.barbri.com or www.pmbr.com.<br />
PMBR specializes in preparing students for the<br />
Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) and Bar/Bri<br />
<strong>of</strong>fers review courses for all components <strong>of</strong> the<br />
state bar exam. Bar/Bri also <strong>of</strong>fers review courses<br />
for the MPRE and the Patent Bar Exam. We<br />
encourage you to enroll in the review courses as<br />
soon as possible as the cost increases the longer<br />
you wait.<br />
The Patent Bar<br />
Students who wish to prosecute patents in<br />
front <strong>of</strong> the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office<br />
must pass the Patent Bar Exam. The U.S.<br />
Patent and Trademark Office administers the<br />
exam with the purpose <strong>of</strong> testing knowledge <strong>of</strong><br />
patent laws, rules, procedure, and practice as<br />
well as the ability to understand and properly<br />
draft claims. Patent Bar applicants must have<br />
a bachelor’s degree in a recognized technical<br />
or scientific subject such as biology, chemistry,<br />
or engineering, or have a sufficient number <strong>of</strong><br />
credit hours in an approved discipline. You can<br />
take the Patent Bar in any state regardless <strong>of</strong><br />
where you intend to practice. On July 24, 2004,<br />
the Patent & Trademark Office changed the<br />
way the exam is administered; thus, it is now<br />
a computer-based exam and will no longer be<br />
<strong>of</strong>fered just three times a year. Although many<br />
<strong>of</strong> the details <strong>of</strong> the new exam procedure are still<br />
being worked out, you can register to take the<br />
exam at http://www.uspto.gov/web/<strong>of</strong>fices/dcom/<br />
olia/oed/examregist.htm The patent bar exam is<br />
very difficult, so we strongly recommend that<br />
you sign up for a patent bar review course and<br />
give yourself plenty <strong>of</strong> time to study. You can<br />
research various review courses on-line:<br />
www.patentbarreview.com; www.patbar.com;<br />
www.patentbarstudy.com; www.barbri.com;<br />
and www.patentresources.com<br />
38
The Ohio Bar Examination<br />
The State <strong>of</strong> Ohio has a 2-step application<br />
process for the bar exam. All students planning<br />
to register for the bar exam must complete<br />
and mail to the Supreme Court <strong>of</strong> Ohio a<br />
Application for Registration (Packet #1) and<br />
Application to Take the Bar Exam (Packet #2).<br />
These packets must be received by the Supreme<br />
Court <strong>of</strong> Ohio on or before the due date.<br />
Both packets are available on-line at www.<br />
sconet.state.oh.us (Bar Admissions Office).<br />
Application for Registration as Candidate for<br />
Admission - (PACKET #1):<br />
Students have until January <strong>of</strong> their third year<br />
to complete Packet #1 for the July Bar Exam,<br />
but save $200 if Packet #1 is turned into the<br />
Supreme Court by November 15th <strong>of</strong> their<br />
second year. Most students complete Packet<br />
#1 by the November 15th deadline because<br />
early processing, in addition to saving money,<br />
provides more time for the Supreme Court<br />
to process the application and for students to<br />
respond to the Supreme Court’s requests for<br />
additional information. Packet #1 must contain<br />
the following (all are downloadable from the<br />
Supreme Court Web site except #1 & #2):<br />
1. Fingerprint Card<br />
Fingerprint cards can be obtained from the<br />
Career Services Office. The Public Safety<br />
Office on campus is available free <strong>of</strong> charge<br />
to provide fingerprinting services for you. You<br />
do not need an appointment. Do NOT fill<br />
out any <strong>of</strong> the card before you go.<br />
2. Official Undergraduate Transcript<br />
You must include an original undergraduate<br />
transcript with Packet #1. Make sure<br />
you contact your undergraduate school well<br />
in advance <strong>of</strong> the registration due date to<br />
allow for processing and mailing (note: this<br />
can take up to 2-3 weeks depending on the<br />
school). Transcripts should be in a sealed<br />
envelope and are submitted with the rest <strong>of</strong><br />
the application packet.<br />
3. Certificate <strong>of</strong> the Dean<br />
Complete only the section asking for your<br />
name and permanent address. Turn this in<br />
to the Registrar’s Desk (Shannon Penn) who<br />
will complete the remainder <strong>of</strong> this form<br />
and return it to your mailbox in about<br />
three (3) days.<br />
4. Applicant’s Character Questionnaire<br />
Include one original AND one copy.<br />
The original must be notarized.<br />
5. Authorization and Release Forms<br />
Complete, print, and properly execute three<br />
originals (requires notarization).<br />
6. Authorization to Release Records (Drug/Alcohol<br />
Abuse and Mental Health Records)<br />
If applicable, these documents must be<br />
completed and properly executed by the<br />
applicant (requires notarization). Read the<br />
bar instructions on the Supreme Court Web<br />
site to determine if this applies to you.<br />
Fees for Packet #1<br />
If you are a second year student filing<br />
before November 15 the fees are:<br />
(1) $150 payable to The National<br />
Conference <strong>of</strong> Bar Examiners<br />
(2) $60 payable to Clerk–Supreme Court<br />
<strong>of</strong> Ohio.<br />
If you are filing after November 15 <strong>of</strong> your<br />
second year or you are a third-year student:<br />
(1) $200 payable to The National<br />
Conference <strong>of</strong> Bar Examiners<br />
(2) $210 payable to Clerk–Supreme Court<br />
<strong>of</strong> Ohio.<br />
Note: The Court will not take personal<br />
checks, only money orders or certified checks<br />
will be accepted. Filing dates mean the<br />
Supreme Court must have received your<br />
packet.<br />
39
Application to Take the Bar Examination -<br />
(PACKET #2):<br />
The second packet must be completed between<br />
March 1 and April 1 <strong>of</strong> the third year <strong>of</strong> law<br />
school. A student is not allowed to complete<br />
Packet #2 during this timeframe UNLESS they<br />
receive notice from the Ohio Supreme Court<br />
that Packet #1 has been completely processed<br />
by the Ohio Supreme Court. When this occurs,<br />
the student receives a receipt from the Ohio<br />
Supreme Court which contains a registration<br />
number to be used to complete Packet #2.<br />
Packet #2 must include the following (all documents<br />
listed below are downloadable from the<br />
Supreme Court Web site).<br />
1. Law School Character Certificate<br />
Fill in only your name at the top left corner<br />
<strong>of</strong> the form and turn this in to the Registrar’s<br />
Desk. It will be returned to your mailbox in<br />
about three (3) days.<br />
2. Final Law School Certificate<br />
Fill in only your name at the top left corner<br />
<strong>of</strong> the form and turn it into the Registrar’s<br />
Desk. This form will be sent by <strong>UDSL</strong><br />
directly to the Ohio Supreme Court after you<br />
graduate-you will NOT include this document<br />
with your packet.<br />
3. Substance Abuse Instruction Certification<br />
a. Course taken at <strong>UDSL</strong>:<br />
The “Substance Abuse Instruction<br />
Certification” document does not need to<br />
be completed if the student completes the<br />
required one-hour substance abuse course<br />
that is <strong>of</strong>fered each fall and spring here<br />
at <strong>UDSL</strong>. If the course is taken here, the<br />
<strong>UDSL</strong> Registrar will automatically indicate<br />
this on your “Final Law School Certificate”<br />
and the student does not need to submit<br />
anything.<br />
b. Course taken at another law school:<br />
The student must send a second blank<br />
copy <strong>of</strong> the “Final Law School Certificate”<br />
to the Registrar’s Office <strong>of</strong> the law school<br />
where the course was completed. That<br />
school must complete and send this document<br />
to the Ohio Supreme Court.<br />
c. Course taken on-line or through a CLE<br />
sponsored program:<br />
The student is responsible to see that the<br />
“Substance Abuse Instruction Certificate”<br />
is completed by the appropriate certifying<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficial and forwarded to the Ohio<br />
Supreme Court.<br />
4. Applicant’s Supplemental Character<br />
Questionnaire<br />
Include one original AND one copy<br />
completed and properly executed by the<br />
applicant (requires notarization).<br />
5. Applicant’s Affidavit<br />
Must be completed and properly executed by<br />
the applicant (requires notarization).<br />
6. Authorization to Release Records (Drug/Alcohol<br />
Abuse and Mental Health Records)<br />
If applicable, must be completed<br />
and properly executed by the applicant<br />
(requires notarization).<br />
Fees for Packet #2<br />
$295.00 payable to Clerk–Supreme Court <strong>of</strong><br />
Ohio.<br />
Note: The Court will not take personal<br />
checks. Only money orders or certified checks<br />
will be accepted.<br />
40
Due Dates:<br />
February 2006 Ohio Bar Exam<br />
(Feb. 28 - March 2)<br />
Packet # Final Due Date Documents Due<br />
First Packet: July 25, 2005 “Certificate <strong>of</strong> the Dean” is due to<br />
Registrar’s Desk at <strong>UDSL</strong><br />
August 15, 2005 Entire packet must be received<br />
by Ohio Supreme Court<br />
Second Packet: October 11, 2005 “Law School Character Certificate” and<br />
“Final Law School Certificate” are due to<br />
Registrar’s Desk at <strong>UDSL</strong><br />
November 1, 2005<br />
Entire packet must be received by the Ohio<br />
Supreme Court (<strong>UDSL</strong> will submit “Final Law<br />
School Certificate” after graduation)<br />
July 2006 Ohio Bar Exam<br />
(July 25-27)<br />
Packet # Final Due Date Documents Due<br />
First Packet: January 6, 2006 “Certificate <strong>of</strong> the Dean” is due<br />
to the Registrar’s Desk at <strong>UDSL</strong><br />
January 17, 2006 Entire packet must be received by<br />
the Ohio Supreme Court<br />
Second Packet: March 10, 2006 “Law School Character Certificate” and “Final<br />
Law School Certificate” due to Registrar’s<br />
Desk at <strong>UDSL</strong><br />
March 31, 2006 Entire packet must be received by the Ohio<br />
Supreme Court (<strong>UDSL</strong> will submit<br />
“Final Law School Certificate” after graduation)<br />
Notarization: You may have your bar applications notarized in the CSO at no charge.<br />
Make sure to bring your driver’s license with you.<br />
Mailing Address For Ohio Bar Application:<br />
Office <strong>of</strong> Bar Admissions<br />
Supreme Court <strong>of</strong> Ohio<br />
65 South Front Street<br />
Fifth Floor<br />
Columbus, Ohio 43215-3431<br />
We suggest that you mail your registration and application by certified mail or courier with return<br />
receipt requested. For questions, call Beverly Braskett at the Ohio Supreme Court (614) 387-9340.<br />
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the Ohio Supreme Court website: www.sconet.state.oh.us<br />
41
JULY 2006 BAR EXAMINATION INFORMATION FOR THE 8 MOST<br />
POPULAR STATES WHERE <strong>UDSL</strong> STUDENTS APPLY<br />
State<br />
Contact Information<br />
Date/Location <strong>of</strong> Bar<br />
Exam and Format<br />
Subjects Tested<br />
Deadlines and Fees<br />
Florida<br />
Florida Bar <strong>of</strong> Bar Examiners<br />
1891 Eider Court<br />
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1750<br />
850/487-1292<br />
www.barexam.org/florida<br />
Tampa: July 25-6<br />
Day 1: three essays and<br />
100 multiple choice<br />
questions on Florida Law<br />
Day 2: MBE<br />
MPRE: a scaled score <strong>of</strong><br />
80 to pass.<br />
MBE subjects*,<br />
Corporations, Family<br />
Law, Constitutional<br />
Law, Rules <strong>of</strong> Civil and<br />
Criminal Procedure, Rules<br />
<strong>of</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Conduct<br />
& Rules Regulating Trust<br />
Accounts, Partnerships,<br />
Trusts, Wills &<br />
Administration <strong>of</strong> Estates<br />
A Law Student Registration<br />
Filing Fee <strong>of</strong> $500 and a Bar<br />
Exam Application fee <strong>of</strong><br />
$375 are due with the<br />
application. The deadline<br />
for filing is May 1st <strong>of</strong> your<br />
third year <strong>of</strong> law school to<br />
avoid $875 fee. Students<br />
can save money by registering<br />
early: within 180 days <strong>of</strong><br />
starting law school pay $75;<br />
within 195 days pay $100;<br />
and, within 250 days pay<br />
$200. After 250 days the<br />
fee is $500.<br />
Virginia<br />
Virginia Board <strong>of</strong> Bar<br />
Examiners<br />
Shockoe Centre, Suite 225<br />
11 South 12th Street<br />
Richmond, VA 23219-4009<br />
804/786-7490<br />
www.gabaradmissions.org<br />
Roanoke: July 25-6<br />
Day 1: nine essay<br />
questions + 20 short<br />
answer questions on<br />
Virginia law<br />
Day 2: MBE<br />
MPRE: scaled score <strong>of</strong><br />
85 to pass.<br />
MBE subjects*, Agency,<br />
Commercial Paper,<br />
Conflict <strong>of</strong> Laws,<br />
Corporations, Creditors’<br />
Right, Domestic<br />
Relations, Equity,<br />
Federal Jurisdiction,<br />
Local Government Law,<br />
Partnerships, Personal<br />
Property, Pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
Responsibility, Secured<br />
Transactions, Suretyship,<br />
Taxation, Trusts, VA<br />
Practice and Procedures,<br />
and Wills.<br />
Character and Fitness<br />
Certification is $175 if filed<br />
within 14 months <strong>of</strong> start <strong>of</strong><br />
law school or $290 if field<br />
between the 15th month<br />
<strong>of</strong> law school and one year<br />
after receipt <strong>of</strong> JD. Exam fee<br />
is $275.<br />
Illinois<br />
Board <strong>of</strong> Admissions to the<br />
Bar<br />
625 South College Street<br />
Springfield, IL 62704<br />
217/522-5917<br />
www.ibaby.org<br />
Chicago: July 25-6<br />
Day 1: one 90- minute<br />
MPT question, six<br />
Multistate Essay Exam<br />
(MEE) questions, and<br />
three essays drafted by<br />
IL examiners<br />
Day 2: MBE<br />
MPRE: scaled score <strong>of</strong><br />
80 to pass.<br />
MBE subjects*, Agency,<br />
Commercial Paper,<br />
Conflict <strong>of</strong> Laws,<br />
Corporations, Equity,<br />
Family Law, Federal<br />
Jurisdiction & Procedure,<br />
IL Civil Procedure,<br />
Partnerships, Personal<br />
Property, Sales, Secured<br />
Transactions, Suretyship,<br />
Trusts & Future Interests,<br />
Wills<br />
Law Student Registration:<br />
Students are encouraged to<br />
apply as early as possible.<br />
The filing fee is $100 before<br />
March 1 <strong>of</strong> first year <strong>of</strong> law<br />
school and $450 before the<br />
third year.<br />
Bar Exam Application:<br />
The application is due by<br />
February 1 <strong>of</strong> your third<br />
year, with a $250 fee<br />
(if student did not previously<br />
register per the reduced<br />
rates above).<br />
Indiana<br />
State Board <strong>of</strong> Law Examiners<br />
115 West Washington Street<br />
Suite 1070 South Tower<br />
Indianapolis, IN 46204-3417<br />
317/232-2552<br />
Indianapolis:<br />
July 25-6<br />
Day 1: two MPT<br />
questions and six<br />
state essay questions<br />
Day 2: MBE<br />
MPRE: scaled score<br />
<strong>of</strong> 80 to pass.<br />
MBE subjects*,<br />
Administrative Law,<br />
Agency, Commercial Law,<br />
Indiana Constitutional<br />
Law, Corporations,<br />
Family Law, Partnerships,<br />
Personal Property,<br />
Pleading and Practice,<br />
Taxation, Trusts & Estates,<br />
Wills<br />
Students may request<br />
applications after February<br />
1st <strong>of</strong> their third year <strong>of</strong><br />
law school. The application<br />
must be completed and<br />
postmarked by April 1st.<br />
The fee is $250. Late filing<br />
is allowed for 15 days after<br />
the deadline with an<br />
additional fee <strong>of</strong> $250.<br />
42
State<br />
Contact Information<br />
Date/Location <strong>of</strong> Bar<br />
Exam and Format<br />
Subjects Tested<br />
Deadlines and Fees<br />
Kentucky<br />
Board <strong>of</strong> Bar Examiners<br />
1510 Newtown Pike<br />
Lexington, KY 40511<br />
859/246-2381<br />
www.kyoba.org<br />
Louisville: July 25-6<br />
Day 1: six KY essay<br />
questions and six<br />
Multistate Essay Exam<br />
(MEE) questions<br />
Day 2: MBE<br />
MPRE: scaled score<br />
<strong>of</strong> 75 to pass.<br />
MBE subjects*,<br />
Administrative<br />
Law and Procedure,<br />
Agency, Conflict <strong>of</strong><br />
Laws, Corporations,<br />
Domestic Relations,<br />
Federal Taxation, KY &<br />
Federal Civil Procedure,<br />
Partnerships, Personal<br />
Property, UCC, Wills &<br />
Trusts<br />
The application packet is<br />
$10 if it is mailed to the<br />
applicant or free if you apply<br />
on line. Applications are due<br />
February 1st <strong>of</strong> the third year<br />
<strong>of</strong> law school and the fee<br />
is $625. The late deadlines<br />
for the July exam are March<br />
10th with a $200 late fee<br />
and May 10th with a $400<br />
late fee.<br />
New York<br />
State Board <strong>of</strong> Law<br />
Examiners<br />
7 Executive Centre Drive<br />
Albany, NY 12203-5195<br />
518/452-8700<br />
www.nybarexam.org<br />
Albany, Buffalo,<br />
Manhattan: July 25-6<br />
Day 1: one MPT<br />
question, five NY essays<br />
and 50 NY multiple<br />
choice questions.<br />
Day 2: MBE<br />
MPRE: scaled score <strong>of</strong> 85<br />
to pass.<br />
MBE subjects*, Agency,<br />
Commercial Paper,<br />
Conflict <strong>of</strong> Laws,<br />
Corporations, Domestic<br />
Relations, Equity,<br />
Estate Taxation, Federal<br />
Jurisdiction, Future<br />
Interests, Insurance (No<br />
Fault), Mortgages, NY<br />
Practice, NY Pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
Responsibility, Partnership,<br />
Personal Property, Secured<br />
Transactions, Trusts, Wills,<br />
Workers’ Compensation<br />
Exam applications may be<br />
obtained upon request from<br />
the state board or downloaded<br />
from their website. The<br />
application packet must be<br />
postmarked between 120 days<br />
and 90 days before the exam.<br />
The fee is $250. No early or<br />
late applications accepted.<br />
Ohio<br />
Supreme Court <strong>of</strong> Ohio<br />
Admissions Office<br />
65 South Front St.<br />
5th Floor<br />
Columbus, OH 43215<br />
614/387-9340<br />
www.sconet.state.oh.us<br />
Columbus:<br />
July 25-27<br />
Day 1: six OH essay<br />
questions and two MPT<br />
questions<br />
Day 2: MBE<br />
Day 3: six OH essay<br />
questions<br />
MPRE: scaled score <strong>of</strong> 85<br />
to pass.<br />
MBE subjects*;<br />
Business Associations<br />
(Agency, Corporations,<br />
Partnerships), Civil<br />
Procedure, Commercial<br />
Transactions (Secured<br />
Transactions &<br />
Commercial Paper), Legal<br />
Ethics, Personal Property,<br />
Wills<br />
Ohio has a 2 step application<br />
process:<br />
1. Application to Register:<br />
A fee <strong>of</strong> $210 is required with<br />
the Application to Register<br />
if completed by Nov. 15th <strong>of</strong><br />
the second year <strong>of</strong> law school.<br />
Otherwise, $410 is due if the<br />
application is received by Jan<br />
15th <strong>of</strong> the third year.<br />
2. Application to Take the Bar<br />
Exam: The Application to<br />
Take the Bar Exam must be<br />
filed between March 1 and<br />
April 1 <strong>of</strong> the third year <strong>of</strong><br />
law school. Fee: $295.<br />
Pennsylvania<br />
Pennsylvania Board <strong>of</strong><br />
Law Examiners<br />
5070 A Ritter Road,<br />
Suite 300<br />
Mechanicsburg, PA<br />
17055<br />
717/795-7270<br />
www.pabarexam.org<br />
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh,<br />
Harrisburg: July 25-6<br />
Day 1: six PA essay<br />
questions and one MPT<br />
question.<br />
Day 2: MBE<br />
MPRE: scaled score <strong>of</strong> 75<br />
to pass.<br />
MBE subjects*, Civil<br />
Procedure (State &<br />
Federal), Conflict <strong>of</strong><br />
Laws, Constitutional Law,<br />
Corporations, Decedents’<br />
Estates, Family Law,<br />
Federal Personal Income<br />
Tax, Evidence, Rules <strong>of</strong><br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Conduct<br />
Fees are currently being<br />
revised. See the website for<br />
more information.<br />
*MBE subjects: Constitutional Law, Contracts/Sales, Criminal Law/Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts<br />
All the states above require students to pass the MPRE (Multi State Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Responsibility Test). This is a test <strong>of</strong>fered separate from<br />
the bar exam. Students may pick up applications for the MPRE in the Career Services Office. Scores needed to pass the MPRE vary<br />
from state to state.<br />
All states listed above <strong>of</strong>fer the Bar Exam in February as well as July. If you are planning to take the February Bar Exam, please stop by<br />
the Career Services Office for information regarding deadlines for your state. If the state where you plan to take the bar exam in not<br />
listed, please contact the CSO for more information<br />
43
Judicial<br />
Clerkships<br />
44
Judicial Clerkships<br />
Benefits <strong>of</strong> a Judicial Clerkship<br />
Following Graduation<br />
It is a tremendous honor to receive an <strong>of</strong>fer for<br />
a judicial clerkship upon graduation from law<br />
school. Outstanding students from across the<br />
country compete vigorously for these limited<br />
positions because judicial clerkships provide<br />
extraordinary training and <strong>of</strong>ten lead to a<br />
number <strong>of</strong> future career opportunities. Many<br />
employers aggressively recruit former judicial<br />
clerks because they realize the value <strong>of</strong> that<br />
training. Law firms <strong>of</strong>ten grant former clerks<br />
credit for the years spent in the clerkship when<br />
making salary and partnership determinations.<br />
Moreover, law schools tend to favor pr<strong>of</strong>essor<br />
candidates who’ve held judicial clerkships. In<br />
short, clerking for a judge tends to open many<br />
doors within the legal community.<br />
Clerking for a judge following graduation<br />
provides a unique perspective into the judicial<br />
process. A clerk gains hands-on experience<br />
while attending judicial proceedings, performing<br />
legal research, preparing bench memoranda,<br />
and drafting orders and opinions. These skills<br />
are invaluable to anyone planning to practice<br />
law or teach. A judicial clerkship also provides<br />
networking opportunities. Clerks make<br />
numerous contacts with attorneys and judges.<br />
Length <strong>of</strong> a Judicial Clerkship<br />
Judicial clerks usually serve a one or two-year<br />
term, but indefinite clerkships are becoming<br />
more common.<br />
Salaries<br />
Clerkship salaries are reasonable, but not<br />
competitive with salaries being <strong>of</strong>fered by<br />
medium and large law firms. Law school<br />
graduates obtaining a federal clerkship should<br />
expect to be classified a JSP-11 and receive a<br />
salary <strong>of</strong> approximately $48,947. If a new federal<br />
law clerk is a member <strong>of</strong> any state bar and has at<br />
least one year <strong>of</strong> full-time legal work experience,<br />
he/she would be classified a JSP-12 and given<br />
a salary <strong>of</strong> approximately $58,665. Salaries for<br />
state appellate clerkships typically range from<br />
$40,000 to $55,000.<br />
When to Apply<br />
Application deadlines vary from judge to<br />
judge. Federal court judges begin their hiring<br />
in September <strong>of</strong> the student’s third year. These<br />
federal clerkships are very competitive and<br />
only a handful <strong>of</strong> the top law students from<br />
around the country will receive interviews. The<br />
federal clerkship database is the best source for<br />
determining federal clerkship opportunities and<br />
deadlines (https://lawclerks.ao.uscourts.gov/).<br />
Moreover, there is a new Online System for<br />
Clerkship Application and Review (OSCAR)<br />
enabling applicants and recommenders<br />
to file materials online with upwards <strong>of</strong><br />
400 participating federal judges. For more<br />
information and guidance, and how to use this<br />
system and learn which judges are participating,<br />
come to the CSO and/or consult www.dcd.<br />
uscourts.gov/OSCAR.html. State appellate courts<br />
have varying hiring deadlines and judges may<br />
interview students during their second or<br />
third year <strong>of</strong> law school.<br />
Qualifications<br />
Judges set their own qualification requirements<br />
for their law clerks. However, given the<br />
extensive amount <strong>of</strong> research and writing<br />
required <strong>of</strong> judicial clerks, most judges will<br />
prefer candidates that were on Law Review and<br />
performed well in law school. State court judges,<br />
particularly those that practice on the trial<br />
level or lower appellate level, tend to broaden<br />
their hiring criteria to include factors such<br />
as a candidate’s work experience, law school<br />
activities, and state <strong>of</strong> residence. Check the<br />
resources available in the CSO for the specific<br />
requirements <strong>of</strong> individual judges hiring clerks<br />
this year.<br />
45
Federal<br />
Government<br />
<strong>Job</strong>s<br />
46
Careers in Federal Government<br />
Working for the government can be a very<br />
rewarding experience. The benefits are excellent<br />
and typically the expected work hours are<br />
fewer than those demanded by a law firm. There<br />
are many government agencies that regularly<br />
hire law students as summer interns and attorneys<br />
following graduation. If you are hired into<br />
a federal government job after graduation, the<br />
career possibilities are endless as you can make<br />
lateral moves to other agencies as your career<br />
progresses. There are thousands <strong>of</strong> government<br />
internships and attorney positions at the local,<br />
state, and federal levels, and the Career Services<br />
Office has many resources to help students<br />
research these opportunities. Below is a list <strong>of</strong><br />
on-line and hard-copy resources for your perusal.<br />
Library Resources:<br />
◗ CSO Federal Government Information Files<br />
– Compiled by and located in the Career<br />
Services Office, we have files on many federal<br />
government agencies including information<br />
about internships and post-graduate postings.<br />
◗ Harvard Public Interest <strong>Job</strong> <strong>Search</strong> Guide –<br />
This is considered the best published resource<br />
for students seeking careers in public service.<br />
The Harvard Guide allows students to locate<br />
public service internships, including those<br />
with the federal government, and sorts the listings<br />
by state or area <strong>of</strong> law. Each job opportunity<br />
lists information regarding salaries, hiring<br />
deadlines, number <strong>of</strong> interns expected to be<br />
hired, and contact information.<br />
Websites:<br />
Going to each agency’s website can be very time<br />
consuming to gather information. The better<br />
approach is to use one <strong>of</strong> the on-line resources<br />
listed below to determine which agencies are<br />
hiring:<br />
◗ NALP Federal Legal Employment<br />
Opportunities Guide – http://www.nalp.org/<br />
jobseekers/fedempl.pdf One <strong>of</strong> the most difficult<br />
tasks in the federal government job search is<br />
knowing where to start. This on-line resource<br />
provides an overview <strong>of</strong> approximately 30<br />
<strong>of</strong> the largest federal agencies. Different<br />
departments and <strong>of</strong>fices within each agency<br />
are listed with brief descriptions and links to<br />
their websites. In addition, information on<br />
government salaries and benefits is provided.<br />
This resource is useful for understanding the<br />
differences among the federal agencies, how<br />
they are organized, and the types <strong>of</strong> legal issues<br />
addressed by their attorneys. It also provides<br />
information on projected hiring <strong>of</strong> interns/<br />
attorneys. (A hard copy is located in the<br />
CSO.)<br />
◗ Univ. <strong>of</strong> Arizona Government Honors &<br />
Internship Handbook – (most popular source<br />
used by students) http://www.law.arizona.<br />
edu/career/honorshandbook.cfm – contact the<br />
CSO for the current password. The Arizona<br />
Government Handbook is a very thorough and<br />
up-to-date resource available to law students<br />
on internship opportunities with the federal<br />
government. Because it is impossible for law<br />
schools to keep current information on the<br />
hiring needs <strong>of</strong> different government agencies,<br />
the schools have outsourced this responsibility<br />
to the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Arizona, which for a<br />
fee supplies updated materials via the internet<br />
to law schools and students. The handbook<br />
includes comprehensive information about<br />
federal government honors and internship programs.<br />
Several hundred government agencies<br />
are contacted each year in order to compile<br />
this extensive list <strong>of</strong> opportunities. One <strong>of</strong> the<br />
most useful sections <strong>of</strong> the Handbook is the<br />
Appendix which provides quick information<br />
on deadlines (sorted both by agency name and<br />
by deadline date) and whether positions are<br />
paid. (A hard copy is located in the CSO.)<br />
47
◗ Official <strong>Job</strong> Site for the Federal Government:<br />
http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ This site<br />
contains the most comprehensive listing<br />
<strong>of</strong> legal and non-legal jobs with the federal<br />
government. It also provides information<br />
on federal government employment and a<br />
useful search engine. You will not find many<br />
(if any) 1L internships, but it is the main<br />
source for looking for permanent jobs with the<br />
government. Three similar websites are: www.<br />
fedjobs.com, www.fedworld.gov/jobs/jobsearch.<br />
html and www.opm.gov<br />
◗ U.S. Department <strong>of</strong> Justice Legal Intern<br />
Program (DOJ) – http://www.usdoj.gov/oarm/<br />
arm/int/volunteeradsl.htm Each year, the DOJ<br />
hires over 1,000 law students for summer<br />
internships in various DOJ divisions and<br />
U.S. Attorney Offices. The positions are in<br />
Washington, D.C. and in field <strong>of</strong>fices around<br />
the country. Most <strong>of</strong> the internships are<br />
unpaid, but the program <strong>of</strong>fers challenging<br />
work and lots <strong>of</strong> responsibility. Each <strong>of</strong> the<br />
different <strong>of</strong>fices within the DOJ posts its own<br />
volunteer positions with unique application<br />
procedures. NOTE: Hiring tends to be on a<br />
rolling basis so students are encouraged to<br />
apply as soon as possible.<br />
◗ National Association <strong>of</strong> Law Placement<br />
(NALP) Directory – http://nalpdirectory.com<br />
Select “browse employers” then select “public”<br />
and type in the city and state to obtain a<br />
list <strong>of</strong> government employers for a specific<br />
geographic location. The NALP Directory is<br />
normally a resource used by students interested<br />
in large firms, however, it does have a limited<br />
number <strong>of</strong> local, state, and federal government<br />
organizations. The Directory will provide<br />
information on how many students the<br />
organization plans to hire this summer, salaries,<br />
areas <strong>of</strong> law practiced, and a brief overview <strong>of</strong><br />
the government <strong>of</strong>fice.<br />
◗ PSLawNet – http://www.pslawnet.org (you<br />
may also access this database from our CSO<br />
web page) Select “Student/Alumni” from the<br />
menu, then select “<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dayton</strong>”<br />
from the drop down menu and enter your<br />
user name and password (or create a pr<strong>of</strong>ile<br />
if you are a first time user). A handout on<br />
PSLawNet and how to access it was provided<br />
to you at Superstart Saturday. Additional<br />
copies are available in the CSO. This is the<br />
most comprehensive legal public service job<br />
bank available to law students and attorneys.<br />
Currently there are close to 600 postings<br />
for summer internships with local, state and<br />
federal government agencies.<br />
◗ The CSO’s List <strong>of</strong> Government Web Sites<br />
– Over the years, the CSO has compiled and<br />
maintained a list <strong>of</strong> useful government web<br />
sites. These sites are very thorough and will<br />
provide detailed information on the agency,<br />
its departments, and internship opportunities<br />
for law students. This list is also available on<br />
the CSO webpage. Almost all federal agencies<br />
want you to fax or email your application<br />
materials to them. You will need to go to the<br />
agency websites to download the application<br />
materials. Do not send paper copies via U.S.<br />
mail unless the agency specifically requests<br />
your application be sent by that method!<br />
48
LawMatch<br />
Reference<br />
Guide<br />
49
LawMatch Reference Guide<br />
The CSO puts all job postings into the on-line<br />
job bank called LawMatch. By using LawMatch,<br />
you will have convenient access to <strong>UDSL</strong> job<br />
postings, postings from six other Ohio law<br />
schools, plus postings from other law schools<br />
around the country. Follow these instructions to<br />
register for and use LawMatch.<br />
To Create a Law Match Pr<strong>of</strong>ile:<br />
1) Go to the <strong>UDSL</strong> website at http://www.law.<br />
udayton.edu<br />
2) Choose the Law Match link<br />
3) Under left column (Students & Alumni),<br />
select Add/Update Pr<strong>of</strong>ile<br />
4) Choose Register<br />
5) Complete the registration form; you can also<br />
paste your resume and cover letter in to the<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>ile<br />
6) Select Proceed<br />
7) Choose Public or Confidential pr<strong>of</strong>ile<br />
• Public pr<strong>of</strong>iles are free for <strong>UDSL</strong> students/<br />
alumni; must be updated every 90 days<br />
• Confidential pr<strong>of</strong>iles cost $9/mo<br />
To <strong>Search</strong> for <strong>Job</strong>s:<br />
1) Go to the <strong>UDSL</strong> website at http://lawmatch.<br />
com/dayton.html<br />
2) Choose the Law Match Link<br />
3) Under left column (Students & Alumni),<br />
select <strong>Search</strong><br />
4) Fill in the log-in name and password from<br />
your pr<strong>of</strong>ile<br />
5) Click Log-in Now or hit Enter<br />
6) Use pull down menus to establish search<br />
parameters:<br />
• Type <strong>of</strong> Position:<br />
a) For part-time/summer jobs, select one <strong>of</strong><br />
the law clerk categories<br />
b) For full-time jobs, select one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
attorney categories<br />
• Location: Select a location<br />
• Practice Area: Leave blank<br />
• Type <strong>of</strong> Organization: Leave blank<br />
7) Select List Positions<br />
NOTE: When printing job listings, use landscape<br />
page orientation.<br />
For assistance:<br />
Laura Kalin<br />
1-888-529-6282<br />
50
NALP<br />
Guidelines<br />
51
General Standards for the<br />
Timing <strong>of</strong> Offers and Decisions<br />
To promote fair and ethical practices for the<br />
interviewing and decision-making process, NALP<br />
<strong>of</strong>fers the following standards for the timing <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong>fers and decisions:<br />
General Provisions<br />
1. All <strong>of</strong>fers to law students should remain<br />
open for at least two weeks after the date<br />
made unless the <strong>of</strong>fers are made pursuant to<br />
Paragraphs B and C below, in which case the<br />
later response date should apply.<br />
2. Law students should reaffirm <strong>of</strong>fers governed<br />
by Paragraphs B and C below within thirty<br />
days from the date <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fer letter.<br />
Employers may retract any <strong>of</strong>fer that is not<br />
reaffirmed by the student.<br />
3. Students are expected to accept or release<br />
<strong>of</strong>fers or negotiate an extension <strong>of</strong> the<br />
response date by the applicable deadline.<br />
4. After September 15 a student should not hold<br />
open more than five <strong>of</strong>fers <strong>of</strong> employment<br />
simultaneously; after October 1 a student<br />
should not hold open more than four <strong>of</strong>fers<br />
simultaneously; and after October 15 a student<br />
should not hold open more than three <strong>of</strong>fers<br />
simultaneously. Offers <strong>of</strong> employment include<br />
those received as a result <strong>of</strong> previous summer<br />
employment. For each <strong>of</strong>fer received that<br />
places a student over the <strong>of</strong>fer limit, the<br />
student should, within one week <strong>of</strong> receipt <strong>of</strong><br />
the excess <strong>of</strong>fer, release an <strong>of</strong>fer.<br />
5. Second and third year students may, with the<br />
consent <strong>of</strong> the employer, extend one <strong>of</strong>fer<br />
beyond December 1. Employers having a total<br />
<strong>of</strong> 40 attorneys or fewer in all <strong>of</strong>fices may be<br />
exempted from Paragraphs B and C below but<br />
should leave <strong>of</strong>fers open for a minimum <strong>of</strong><br />
three weeks.<br />
6. Employers <strong>of</strong>fering part-time or temporary<br />
positions for the school term may be<br />
exempted from the requirements <strong>of</strong> Paragraphs<br />
B and C below.<br />
7. Violations <strong>of</strong> these guidelines should be<br />
reported to the student’s career services <strong>of</strong>fice.<br />
Full-Time Employment Provisions<br />
1. Employers <strong>of</strong>fering full-time positions<br />
following graduation to law students not<br />
previously employed by them should leave<br />
those <strong>of</strong>fers open at least until December 1.<br />
2. Employers making <strong>of</strong>fers before September<br />
15 <strong>of</strong> the student’s third year for full-time<br />
positions following graduation to law students<br />
previously employed by them during any<br />
preceding summer should leave those <strong>of</strong>fers<br />
open at least until November 1. Upon request<br />
by the student, an employer should extend<br />
this date until December 1 upon receipt <strong>of</strong><br />
assurances from the student that he or she is<br />
holding and will hold no more than one other<br />
<strong>of</strong>fer during the extension period.<br />
3. Employers making <strong>of</strong>fers on or after<br />
September 15 <strong>of</strong> the student’s third year for<br />
full-time employment following graduation<br />
to law students previously employed by them<br />
during any preceding summer should leave<br />
those <strong>of</strong>fers open at least until December 1.<br />
Summer Employment Provisions for Second and<br />
Third Year Students<br />
1. Employers <strong>of</strong>fering summer positions in the<br />
fall to law students not previously employed<br />
by them should leave those <strong>of</strong>fers open at least<br />
until December 1.<br />
2. Employers making <strong>of</strong>fers before September 15<br />
for a second summer clerkship to law students<br />
previously employed by them during any<br />
preceding summer should leave those <strong>of</strong>fers<br />
open at least until November 1. Upon request<br />
by the student, an employer should extend<br />
this date until December 1 upon receipt <strong>of</strong><br />
assurances from the student that he or she is<br />
holding and will hold no more than one other<br />
<strong>of</strong>fer during the extension period.<br />
3. Employers making <strong>of</strong>fers on or after<br />
September 15 for a second summer clerkship<br />
to law students previously employed by them<br />
during any preceding summer should leave<br />
those <strong>of</strong>fers open at least until December 1.<br />
52
Summer Employment Provisions<br />
for First Year Students<br />
1. Law schools should not <strong>of</strong>fer career services<br />
to first-semester first year law students prior<br />
to November 1 except in the case <strong>of</strong> parttime<br />
students who may be given assistance in<br />
seeking positions during the school term.<br />
2. Prospective employers and first year law<br />
students should not initiate contact with one<br />
another and employers should not interview<br />
or make <strong>of</strong>fers to first year students before<br />
December 1.<br />
3. All <strong>of</strong>fers to first year students for summer<br />
employment should remain open for at least<br />
two weeks after the date made.<br />
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Career & Student Services<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dayton</strong> School <strong>of</strong> Law<br />
300 College Park<br />
<strong>Dayton</strong>, Ohio 45469-2774<br />
937.229.3215<br />
www.law.udayton.edu