Career Services Office:
News & Announcements for the Week of
February 26, 2001

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Spring Semester Office Hours
The CSO will observe Spring Semester Hours as follows:

  • Monday, Tuesday & Friday                                  8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday & Thursday                                       8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
MISCELLANEOUS

Volunteers Sought for Spring Job-A-Thon
The CSO and the Student Careers Committee (SCC) seek volunteers for the Spring Job-A-Thon which will be held Tuesday, March 20th through Wednesday, March 28th.  Volunteers will spend hour increments in the CSO calling legal employers to inquire about available summer positions, PT law clerk positions and FT attorney positions.  In the past, over 50 previously unknown job openings have been discovered through the Job-A-Thon. 

What are the benefits of volunteering you might ask?  How about learning to speak to employers without getting tongue-tied; having access to new postings before the rest of the student body (callers have been known to obtain summer positions this way); and learning about the SCC for possible participation next year!

Still hesitant?  Don't be.  We make it easy by providing the scripts, phones and office space!  To volunteer for specific time slots between the hours of 9 a.m. & 5 p.m., please stop by the CSO to sign up.  You can sign up for as many hours as you wish.  If you're unable to get to the office to sign up, or if you have any questions, please contact Sarah Gallagher (sgallagher@kentlaw.edu) or Cindy Stuyvesant (cstuyvesant@kentlaw.edu) via e-mail. 

LawCareer Job Posting System Reminder
In order to change your assigned LawCareer password to something that's easier to remember, follow these steps while accessing the system within the law school:
1.  Open up Windows Explorer and go to the [:s] drive. 
2.  Double click on the LawCarer (it's spelled wrong) folder.
3.  Double click on student.exe, which will be over to the right, and next to the 2nd fox icon.
4.  Enter your Student ID and originally assigned password, then press F2 on your keyboard.
5.  Follow the prompts to change your password.
Please Note: The password you have selected will not be activated until the following day.
Once you get to the LawCareer database, either through the method above or through http://lawcareer.kentlaw.edu, use your social security number with the dashes (e.g. 111-22-3333) as your Student ID and your assigned password.

3Ls/4Ls: Interested in Taking the Massachusetts Bar?
Students at other Chicago area law schools have expressed interest in lobbying BarBri to offer their Massachusetts Bar Review Course in Chicago this summer.  At least ten students are needed.  If you are contemplating practicing law in Massachusetts and would like to participate in a Massachusetts Bar Review Course, please e-mail kentcso@kentlaw.edu with your name and contact info.

Funding Sources for Summer Public Interest Positions

  • NAPIL Summer Funding List - located at www.PSLawNet.org under "Helpful PSLawNet Resources."  The list is made up of "fellowships" or "internships" wherein funding is tied to a specific position.
  • Equal Justice America Legal Service Fellowships - "general" source of funding for which students apply for funds after securing their volunteer positions.
  • KJF Fellowships
Need to Sublet Your Apartment this Summer?

The NALP Apartment Exchange is a free on-line service to law students to help you find housing over the summer or sublet your apartment. Visit www.nalp.org and click on the link to the NALP Apartment Exchange.  The service is available until May 1, 2001.

The following firms also seek apartments for sublet by their summer associates from out of town.  If you're interested in subletting your apartment, send information with details (dates of availability, monthly rent, furnished/unfurnished, studio/one/two bedroom, etc.) to: Seyfarth Shaw: Carol Hogan at chogan@seyfarth.com or Dawn Norkus at dnorkus@seyfarth.com;
Schiff Hardin & Waite: Lilly Beltran at lbeltran@schiffhardin.com;
Jenner & Block: Lena Gonzales at lgonzales@jenner.com.

Law, Business, Journalism & Israel Experience Program
The Law, Business, Journalism & Israel Experience Program enables Jewish graduate students from around the US to explore Jewish approaches to challenging issues confronting their future professions, contemporary issues facing the Jewish people, Jewish thought, and to travel throughout Israel.  The program will run for 12 days in August 2001.  The cost of the program, covering airfare, tuition, room, tours and half-board, is $80 for students eligible for the Birthright Israel Gift.  Jewish graduate students between the ages of 21-26 who have never traveled to Israel on an organized educational program qualify for the Birthright Israel gift and for this program.  (The cost to students not eligible for the Birthright Israel gift is $3,600.)  Registration is conducted online at www.birthrightisrael.org with a March 7, 2001 deadline.                                    .

PROGRAMS

To pre-register for any of the following programs, please stop by the CSO or e-mail kentcso@kentlaw.edu with the title, date and time of the program you wish to attend.  Walk-ins the day of the program are ALWAYS welcome. 

Equal Justice Fellowships Informational Program
NAPIL's Equal Justice Fellowships program is the nation's largest postgraduate legal fellowship program.  The 145 NAPIL Equal Justice Fellows currently in the field are implementing innovative strategies to address critical issues such as domestic violence, welfare reform, immigration, community economic development, civil rights, education, and child welfare. All students interested in pursuing a public interest career after graduation are encouraged to attend one of two Equal Justice Fellowships information sessions being offered in Chicago on February 27th & 28th.  NAPIL Executive Director David Stern will speak Tuesday, February 27th, 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. at DePaul University College of Law, 903 Lewis Center, 25 East Jackson Blvd. and on February 28th, 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. at Northwestern Law School, 357 E. Chicago Avenue, Room 175, McCormick Hall. (No pre-registration required)  This is a great opportunity to learn about these postgraduate employment opportunities and their application deadlines.

Special Career Planning Concerns For Evening Students
Evening students are faced with the question of how to develop practical legal experience while working full time. On Wednesday, February 28th at 5:00 p.m. in Room 590 members of the CSO will address the special challenges faced by evening students, share practical strategies for gaining legal experience, and suggest ways to devise a career transition plan that will work for you.

Study Abroad Opportunities with Santa Clara University
Professor Philip Jimenez from Santa Clara University will be at Chicago-Kent on Thursday, March 1st at 11:30 a.m. in Room 580 to discuss his school's summer study abroad programs for law students.  Come learn more about seeing the world while gaining law school credit! (1Ls are encouraged to attend.)

Jobs & Job Search Skills When You Are Not in the Top 10% of the Class (And Even If You Are!) 
The ISBA, in conjunction with the CSO, will host "Jobs & Job Search Skills When You Are Not in the Top 10% of the Class (And Even if You Are!)" on March 20th at Noon in Room 590.   Chicago-Kent alums will address job searching when you fall outside of the Top 10% and answer student questions.  Pizza will be provided.  If interested in attending, you must sign up in the CSO by March 9th.

Mock Interviews
Don't let your first interview actually be your first interview.  One of the best ways to prepare for upcoming interviews is to participate in a mock interview.  On Wednesday, March 21st and Thursday, March 22nd Debbi Gutman will be conducting mock interviews by appointment onlyin the CSO.  She requests that students drop off a copy of their resume prior to the appointment and indicate what employer-type they would like her to assume in the mock interview.  Students are encouraged to come dressed as they would for an actual interview.  Please note that sessions will be videotaped, after which you will receive a candid critique of your current interviewing skills while watching the video.  Students interested in keeping a copy of their session should bring their own blank videotape to the mock interview. 

SEMINARS

Government Services Career Opportunities Forum
Thinking of a legal career in the government sector?  Be sure to attend the Government Services Career Opportunities Forum on Saturday, March 10, 2001 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the CBA, located at 321 S. Plymouth Ct.  Meet with representatives from government agencies who will be on hand to answer questions, provide information on hiring practices, and collect resumes.  The forum will expose young lawyers and law students to a wide range of government employers.  Check out www.chicagobar.org for a complete listing of participating agencies closer to the program date. The cost is $10 for members and $20 for non-members.  Registration forms are available in the CSO or register by phone at (312) 554- 2056.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE:  In addition to the highlighted opportunities listed below, the CSO receives numerous job listings which are posted daily in the password protected "LawCareer Job Posting System" accessible through the CSO website.  If you are seeking employment, you should check those listings on a regular basis.  If you do not have a password for "LawCareer" please contact Navreet Basati, CSO Administrative Manager, at nbasati@kentlaw.edu.

KPMG to Interview 3Ls On-Campus March 8th
KPMG LLP seeks candidates for Tax Manager positions and will interview 3L students on-campus on March 8th (students who interviewed during the fall semester will not be reconsidered).  Required hiring criteria includes top 50% class rank and a grade of B or better in legal writing.   An accounting background and/or completion of  tax law courses is preferred.  Interested 3L students should submit a resume and writing sample to the Career Services Office by 12 noon on Friday March 2nd, 2001.

U.S. Air Force JAGC to Interview 3Ls March 21st
The United States Air Force is seeking 3Ls to fill positions in the JAG Corps upon graduation.  They will also see any students who are interested in learning about opportunities to serve as lawyers in the JAG Corps.  An Air Force representative will interview at the main campus in the North Dining Hall of The Hermann building on March 21st from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.  If interested,  please contact Captain Stephen McManus at (414) 271-3400 to set up an interview time.  Please Note:  This employer does not sign Chicago-Kent's Equal Employment Opportunity statement.

3Ls/Barton Child Law & Policy Clinic Fellows Program
The Barton Child Law and Policy Clinic at Emory School of Law in Atlanta is sponsoring a one year Fellowship for new law school graduates to work on issues of child neglect and abuse.   Fellowship term is September 1, 2001 - August 2002. The Clinic, established to effectuate systemic policy and process changes for the benefit of the children of Georgia’s child welfare system, collaborates with Emory’s School of Public Health, School of Nursing, School of Medicine and Center for Violence Studies, as well as other Georgia graduate colleges and universities.  The Fellow will assist with supervision of students in the clinic; research and write a law review article suitable for publication; collaborate with Clinic staff on research and policy papers; and participate in on-going advocacy projects with the Georgia General Assembly and child welfare agency leaders.  $37,500.00 annual salary.  Qualifications:  law school graduate (class of 1998, 1999, 2000 or 2001); extensive computer, research, and writing skills; and proven commitment to public service in child advocacy.  Forward resume, cover letter (including statement of interest and commitment to long term child advocacy), transcript, reference list, and  writing sample to: Mary Margaret Oliver, Visiting Professor, Barton Child Law and Policy Clinic, Emory University School of Law, 1301 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia  30322.  Applications also accepted by e-mail: mmoliver@law.emory.edu. Application deadline:  March 15, 2001, or until filled.  For more information, contact Professor Oliver at 404-727-0984, or visit the Clinic web site at www.childwelfare.net.

ATTN: 1Ls, 2Ls: Adoption Law Summer Opportunities
Interested in adoption law and related fields like abuse, neglect and dependency?  Wondering where to find jobs in these practice areas?  The Dave Thomas Center for Adoption Law at Capital University Law School has the answer.  Beginning February 26, 2001, students can log on to a Summer Jobs Clearinghouse designed to place law students from around the country in summer jobs in and around the field of adoption law.  The site, www.law.capital.edu/adoption, will allow students to apply for any posted positions through the submission of an on-line application.  Positions will be posted through May 17th with final matches made by May 24th.  Matches are made on a rolling basis so it's best to apply early.  The matching process is described on the web-site under the "Jobs Clearinghouse" button.

1L/2L - Foley & Lardner Summer Associate Opportunities in IP Area
Foley & Lardner, a national law firm of 900+ attorneys in 16 offices, is recruiting 1L & 2L summer associates (in the area of Intellectual Property only) for their 2001 summer program as follows:
1) Los Angeles, CA - IP (EE); 2) Madison and Milwaukee, WI - IP (EE and Mechanical).
Candidates would possess strong undergraduate credentials and should be in the top of their law school class.  For consideration, please forward a resume (along with photocopies of undergraduate and law school transcripts) to: Chele K. Diederich, Recruiting Coordinator, Foley & Lardner, P.O. Box 1497, Madison, WI  53701-1497.

Judicial Externships For Summer & Fall 2001 Semesters.
Students Must Have a Minimum 3.25 G.P.A. To Apply
A judicial externship enables a student to become involved in particular legal problems through research and writing, and to contribute to the resolution of those legal problems.  Depending upon the judge, an extern may have the opportunity to observe the day-to-day routine of a judge and discuss with the judge and the judge's law clerk those legal problems which attorneys face in their profession, and the specific problems which attorneys confront in their courtroom.  Take advantage of this prestigious learning opportunity while enhancing your marketability in the legal world!
Application Process:  Applications for the Summer and Fall Judicial Externships are available in the Law Offices reception area (Room 600), and in the CSO. Completed applications for Summer Externships should be submitted to Ms.Carole Ross, Secretary to Professor Gross, Room 612 of Law Offices, by Wednesday, February 28, at 5:00 p.m.  Completed applications for Fall Externships should be submitted by Thursday, March 15, at 5:00 p.m.

Circuit Court Summer Internship Opportunity
The 18th Judicial Circuit Court (DuPage County) is seeking to hire a law student as a summer intern to assist the judiciary and two staff attorneys in legal research and other duties.  Internship is approximately 13 weeks, beginning June 1st.  This is a full-time position (37.5 hour week) paid at $10.00/hr.  Interested students should submit a cover letter, resume, and GPA/rank to:  Robert Fiscella, Court Administrator, Judicial Office Facility, 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL  60187-7706. Resumes must be received by March 2, 2001.

Record Handouts
The CSO receives numerous notices throughout the year about internships (paid & unpaid); fellowships; judicial clerkships; and miscellaneous opportunities that would be of interest to our students.  Detailed descriptions are maintained on our Special Opportunities & Record Handouts web page.  Recent entries include:
 

JOB FAIRS

American Bar Association Section of Business Law Career Forum
The American Bar Association Section of Business Law will sponsor a Career Forum at their spring meeting in Philadelphia, PA, March 22 - 25, 2001.  The Career Forum will include a job fair and career related seminars for attorneys and law students.  Resumes should be sent to Jennifer Horton, Stetson University College of Law, 1401 61st St. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33707 by March 9, 2001, whether or not you can attend.  For students who are unable to attend the forum, resumes will be given to employers on March 25th.  Direct all questions to Lynn Howell, Assistant Dean, Stetson University College of Law at (727) 562-7850 or at howell@law.stetson.edu

CONFERENCES

Year 2001 Penny Severns Illinois Women in Government Conference Award Program
Illinois Women in Government (IWIG) is a bi-partisan organization that encourages students interested in local, state, and federal government to apply for paid attendance at the 2001 conference.  The 18th annual conference will be held at the State Capitol in Springfield April 18 - 20, 2001.  The purpose of the conference is to encourage more women to seek elective and appointive office at all levels of government, to educate women about governmental issues and the political process, to promote participation in public affairs, and to provide a forum for women's issues.  The award will include the cost of registration, conference meals, mileage allowance or train/bus fare, and lodging costs.  Each award recipient will be matched with a mentor - either a state government official or private sector leader. See the CSO or www.illinoiswomeningov.org for application information.  Application deadline is March 9, 2001.


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