Resumes and Cover Letters for the Legal Market
Wonder what employers in the legal sector look for in a resume and
cover letter, or how a legal resume differs from your current resume?
Questions and concerns about format, structure, and content of legal
resumes and general tips on writing strong cover letters will be addressed.
Attendance is required for all students who wish to have their resume
and/or cover letter reviewed by a career strategist.
Tuesday, October 30th at Noon
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Section A - Room 570
Section B - Room 580
Section C - Room 590
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Wednesday, October 31st at 5 p.m.
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Evening Division Only - Auditorium
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Attention Day Students: Please attend the program to which your
section is assigned. The evening program is reserved for the evening
division and is geared toward students with professional experience
prior to law school and/or working full-time during school.
International Law Careers and Working Abroad
Martha Jean Baker, a Chicago-Kent graduate who received her LL.M. in
International Law, Human Rights at University College London and is
currently working in London, England, will speak about her international
work on behalf of several non-profit international groups and give advice
on how to construct an international job search. She will be joined
by Assistant Dean for International Law and Policy Development, Lydia
Lazar and Visiting Assistant Professor Joseph Morrissey. Dean Lazar
will comment upon her extensive background in international work and
how students can take advantage of opportunities while in law school
to promote their international law job search. Professor Morrissey will
discuss his work for Mayer, Brown & Platt where he was employed
in the Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Geneva and Moscow offices, and how students
can best prepare for working out of the United States. Tuesday,
October 30th at 5 p.m. in Room 510
City of Chicago Informational Program for 1Ls
On Tuesday, November 6th, at Noon in Room 170,
William Shaver, Chief Assistant Corporation Council and Chairman of the
Summer Committee, will speak to 1Ls about the City of Chicago Summer Program.
Don't miss out on learning more about this excellent summer employment
opportunity and how to apply.
The Environmental Law Society & The ISBA -
A Lunch Panel Discussion
On Tuesday, November 6th at Noon in Room C35,
the Environmental Law Society and the ISBA will present a panel discussion
in which environmental lawyers will share their experiences and what
led them to be where they are today, as well as provide advice to students
interested in the practice of environmental law and pin-point current
issues. Speakers include: Lillian Pinzon, Associate Regional Counsel,
US EPA, Region 5; Douglas Rathe, Bureau Chief, Environmental Crimes
Bureau, Illinois Attorney General; Karl Karg, Latham & Watkins;
Stefan Noe, Principal and Co-Founder of Illinois Wind Energy; and Angela
Foster-Rice, Gardner, Carton & Douglas. Lunch will be served.
Study Abroad Opportunities with Santa Clara University
Professor Philip Jimenez from Santa Clara University will be at Chicago-Kent
on Thursday, November 8th at 12 p.m. in Room
165 to discuss his school's summer study abroad programs for
law students. Come learn more about seeing the world while gaining law
school credit!
Out of State Job Searches
If you're considering working in another state, don't miss this program!
On Tuesday, November 13th, at 12 p.m. in Room
370, members of the CSO will give you all the details about
available resources and answers to the most frequently asked questions
so that you can map out your job search wherever it may lead you!
Practising Law Institute (PLI)
PLI will sponsor Understanding the Intellectual Property License,
November 12-13th, in Chicago.
To find out more about these and other PLI seminars and resources,
visit PLI's web site. From
there, you can search for upcoming programs and other resources by title,
area of interest, etc.
Follow the links to the Law School Services area to find out about resources
offered to the law school community and how to apply for scholarships
to programs. If you are interested in attending a program on scholarship,
send a scholarship application ASAP. Scholarship applications are available
in the Career Services Office or on-line. PLI typically asks for one
month's advance notice in granting scholarships.
The Judicial Clerkship Institute
The purpose of the Judicial Clerkship Institute is to improve the effectiveness
and efficiency of the judicial clerks. Any law student or law graduate
who has been selected for or has entered a clerkship with a federal
district or federal appellate court judge is eligible to attend. Deadline
for applications is November 22, 2001. See http://law.pepperdine.edu
for further information.
Resources
Guide to Foreign Law Firms
List of law firms by country with addresses and phone numbers. Can be
found under "International" in the non-circulating section of
the Resource Center.
Careers in International Law
Careers in International Law presents the wide-ranging possibilities
open to today's law students eager to practice international law. This
edition explains the influence of the Internet on practicing law in
small firms, provides an overview of the global expansion of law firms,
gives insights on practicing international criminal law, describes the
work of the international humanitarian lawyer, and features Internet
resources for job seekers in international law.
Special Opportunities
NOTE: This section
of the Record is generally reserved for fellowship opportunities, non-paid
positions and positions with quickly approaching deadlines. The newest
opportunities are listed first with older opportunities listed according
to deadline date. Additional opportunities can be found in the password
protected job posting system, which is updated daily. Be sure to
check the system on a daily or weekly basis.
U.S. EPA, Chicago Office of Regional Counsel
The US EPA, Chicago Office of Regional Counsel, is seeking 2Ls & 3Ls
for volunteer extern positions beginning January
22, 2002. Externs are typically placed in a unit of 8-12 attorneys.
They conduct legal research and write memoranda to support the enforcement
cases. They may also draft motions, information requests, or confidential
business information determinations as well as attend negotiations and
public hearings. Externs are expected to work a minimum of 16 hours per
week but 20 hours are preferred. Interested applicants should submit a
cover letter, resume, writing sample and law school transcript to: Mr.
Robert E. Reed (C-14J), Office of Regional Counsel, US EPA, 77 W. Jackson
Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604. Applications are due
November 30, 2001.
2002 Grads: Massachusetts Attorney General's Fellowship Program
The Massachusetts Attorney General seeks 3Ls interested in the
public sector practice of law for their fellowship program, commencing
September 2002. The fellowship is for a two-year term and pays $35,000
per year. Interested applicants should check out the Fellowship Opportunities
Binder on the resource shelves in the Career Services Office or the Attorney
General's web site for application information. Applications
are due November 23, 2001.
2002 Grads: Rockefeller Brothers Fund Fellowship in Nonprofit Law
The Rockefeller Brothers Fund Fellowship is seeking a 3L to spend
one year in residence at the Vera Institute of Justice in New York City,
working closely with the General Counsel and Special Counsel to Vera on
legal issues faced by Vera. The Fellow will commence work in September
2002 and receive $40,000 plus benefits. See the Fellowship Opportunities
Binder on the resource shelves in the Career Services Office for additional
information and application materials. Application
deadline is November 30, 2001.
2002 Grads: Southern Poverty Law Center Fellowship
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a nonprofit organization dedicated
to combating intolerance, discrimination and unfairness through litigation
and education, has a 2 year fellowship available in September 2002. Applicants
with judicial clerkships are preferred. Law Fellows perform legal research
and writing and actively participate in all other aspects of the litigation
process. See the Fellowship Opportunities Binder on the resource shelves
in the Career Services Office or visit the SPLC
web site for application details. Applications
are due November 30, 2001.
2002 Graduates: BPI Polikoff-Gautreaux Fellowship
Business and Professional People for the Public Interest (BPI), a Chicago-based
not-for-profit law and policy center, seeks 3Ls to serve as the Alexander
Polikoff-Dorothy Geautreaux Fellow for one year, renewable for a second,
beginning in Summer or Fall 2002. BPI is dedicated to equal justice
and enhancing the quality and equity of life for all people living in
the Chicago region. Fellows will receive $37,500 and fully-paid medical
and dental coverage. Debt service on law school loans for the duration
of the Fellowship may be available, based on need. See the Fellowship
Opportunities Binder in the CSO for application information. Cover
letter, resume, writing sample, and references are due by October 31,
2001.
Presidential Management Intern (PMI) Program
The PMI program is a recruitment tool of the federal government to
place newly graduated professional and graduate program students in
positions throughout the federal government. Students need to be nominated
for the program by the Dean. The application process takes place in
the fall of a student's final year, with applications postmarked by
October 31st of the filing year.
The program is a two year commitment in which interns are placed in
salaried positions at the GS-9 level. Upon completion of the program,
PMI's may be eligible for conversion to a permanent government position
and further promotional opportunities. Interested students should check
out the Federal Government Gray File or www.usajobs.opm.gov
for further information and application materials.
2002 Graduates: Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Fellowship
The Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area
defends the rights of poor people, immigrants and people of color within
three priority areas - race, poverty and immigration. Applicants for the
Thurgood Marshall Fellowship should demonstrate a strong commitment to,
and experience in, civil rights law. The Fellowship lasts one year, beginning
September 2002. Interested candidates should refer to the Fellowship Opportunities
Binder in the CSO for detailed information and application process. Applications
must be received by November 1, 2001.
US Immigration Court Externships, Chicago Office
The US Immigration Court in Chicago is seeking 2Ls and 3Ls for spring
2002 externships. Applicants must be US citizens and have previous
or concurrent course-work in immigration or refugee law. Duties include:
pre-hearing preparation involving motions and preparation of bench memoranda;
in-depth research and analysis of novel legal issues; and drafting of
decisions taken under advisement. Externs are expected to work a minimum
of 14-16 hours per week for a minimum of 10-12 weeks. Positions are
unpaid but school credit may be possible. Submit a cover letter, resume,
transcript and writing sample to the following: US Department of Justice,
EOIR - Immigration Court, Attn: Jaime Dowell, Judicial Law Clerk, 55
E. Monroe St., Suite 1900, Chicago, IL 60603-5701.
Applications must be received by November 2, 2001.
Legal Externship Program for Spring 2002 - 3Ls Only
Do you wish to develop your legal skills, gain practical legal experience
in a specialized area of law with a corporation, firm or government
agency, and make yourself more marketable to prospective employers upon
graduation? If so, consider applying to the Legal Externship Program
for Spring 2002 Semester.
The Legal Externship Program is a 4-credit hour non-graded program.
The program is open to students in their last two semesters of law school.
The student selects the area of law in which he/she wishes to extern.
For the fieldwork component, students extern in a private or public,
civil or criminal practice and must work a minimum of 16 hours a week
at his/her designated placement. Externs interested in civil law may
select to work under the supervision of general counsel in major corporations
or under the supervision of designated teaching lawyers in well-known
firms or specific government agencies. Externs may specialize in such
diverse legal areas as tax, commodities, securities, corporate, health
care, medical malpractice, general corporate law, etc. Those interested
in criminal law may select to work with the States Attorney's Office,
Public Defender's Office, or the US Attorney's Office. Many externships
enable an extern to obtain a 711 student practice license and appear
in court.
Information about the program and an accompanying application form
are available in the Law Offices reception area and in the Careers Services
office. Applications must be turned in to Room
612 by 12:00 P.M. on Friday, November 9th.
All applicants must have scheduled and completed an interview with
Professor Gross prior to turning in their applications.
If you are interested in learning more about externship opportunities
or in applying to the program, please see Professor Vivien Gross in
Room 617.
US Securities & Exchange Commission - Midwest Office
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission's Midwest Regional
Office is currently accepting applications for Law Clerk positions for
the upcoming Spring semester and in the Summer Honors Program. Applications
are due November 9, 2001 and contain the following: cover letter specifying
when you would like to clerk, resume, writing sample, law school transcript
and undergraduate transcript (optional).
Applicants must be enrolled as second year law students during Spring
2002 to be a law clerk during that semester and be enrolled as a third
year law student in Fall 2002 to participate in the Summer Honors Program.
Summer clerkships are paid full-time positions for 10 weeks; Spring
clerkships are unpaid part-time (15 hours/week minimum). For further
information, see Job Posting #13141 and pick up Handout #11. You
can also visit The
Securities and Exchange Commission website.
Student Observer Program - This program allows 2Ls and 3Ls
to work PT for a semester. Students will work with staff members on
regulatory or enforcement projects. Preference is given to students
with strong academic records and those with courses in corporate or
securities law. See the gray files in the career services office for
application information. Applications are accepted
on a rolling basis, but the deadline for Spring 2002 semester is December
3, 2001.
Office of the Secretary of Defense Honors Legal Internship Program
The Office of General Counsel for the Department of Defense is responsible
for advising high-level policy makers in the Office of the Secretary
of Defense. The Office seeks 2Ls for their Honors Legal Internship
Program during Summer 2002. During the 10-week program, interns
will assist in drafting and commenting on legislation, regulations,
congressional testimony, litigation materials, and legal opinions. See
job posting #13050 and handout #7 for detailed information. Applications
are due November 19, 2001.
US Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois: Summer 2002 Intern
Program
The primary goals of this program are to provide law students with
the greatest possible exposure to and participation in federal trial
and appellate practice and to obtain excellent legal talent to assist
the office in handling its multitude of cases. Approximately 15 interns
will be accepted (unpaid) and each intern is expected to serve at least
40 hours per week. Applications due no later
than December 10, 2001, though applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Pick up an application form at the front desk of Suite 360.
Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) Spring Internships
In Spring 2002 the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) will sponsor
a School-Year Internship Program for 2Ls and 3Ls. During the
second semester of the 2001-2002 academic year, PILI will underwrite
10 internships at public interest law agencies in the metropolitan area.
The stipend for 200 hours of work is $2,250. Check out Handout
#9 in the Career Services Office for more information. Applications
can also be obtained by logging onto the PILI
web site. Applications are due by December
15, 2001; however, some agencies make decisions in October. Thus, the
earlier you apply, the better.
ATTN 2Ls: Summer Law Clerk Position with Goldberg, Weisman &
Cairo
Goldberg, Weisman &
Cairo, a 30 attorney firm specializing in personal injury, seeks
a 2L for their comprehensive law clerk program in summer 2002.
The program involves direct client contact, substantial interaction
with practicing attorneys, and attendance at argument on motions, depositions
and trials. Clerks learn how to set up a claim, advise the client, engage
in motion practice, conduct discovery, prepare pretrial materials, evaluate
the value of the case and try the case from pretrial motions through
post-trial motions. Candidates should be 2Ls with a B or better average
and solid communication skills. They are looking to hire a student
who can begin working following finals, FT through the summer months
and move to PT hours during their third year. They offer a competitive
wage and a flexible schedule. If interested, mail, fax, or e-mail a
cover letter and resume ASAP to
either Frank Perrone,
Office Administrator, or John
Kolb, Attorney, at: Goldberg, Weisman and Cairo, One E. Wacker
Dr., 34th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60601. Fax (312) 464-1212.
American Civil Liberties Union of IL - Roger Baldwin Foundation
The ACLU is devoted to protecting and expanding the civil liberties
and civil rights of all Americans. The Roger Baldwin Foundation, the
litigation arm of the ACLU of IL, is seeking 2Ls for their summer
program. Interns will work closely with experienced ACLU staff attorneys
in all phases of litigation, including initial factual and legal investigations,
drafting of pleadings and supporting documents for discovery and trial,
and appellate proceedings. A limited number of funded positions are
available. Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, writing sample,
transcript and reference list to: Lauren Raphael or Adam Schwartz, The
Roger Baldwin Foundation of ACLU, Inc., 180 N. Michigan Ave., Suite
2300, Chicago, IL 60601. Applicants are encourage
to apply ASAP; applications are considered from September through March,
and offers are extended as qualified people apply. See the
ACLU website for more info.
Environmental Defense, Rocky Mountain Office, Internship Program
The Rocky Mountain office of Environmental Defense is seeking 2Ls
for summer internships to work on projects related to air quality,
climate change and aquatic ecosystem protection. Internships are 10
weeks in duration, forty hours per week. Interns may research, write,
and present legal and policy documents for federal court litigation,
administrative litigation, national and state regulatory proceedings,
and various other policy venues. See the gray files for specific posting.
To apply, send a cover letter, resume, references, transcript, and writing
sample to: Jennie Spencer, Office Manager, Environmental Defense, 2334
N. Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304. Applications
are accepted immediately and throughout the fall on a rolling basis.
City of Chicago, Sexual Harassment Office
The City of Chicago Sexual Harassment Office currently has openings for
the fall semester for internships, externships, fellowships, and
volunteer work. It's the first program of its kind in the country to provide
centralized investigation of complaints by City workers, training on sexual
harassment, and outreach to other agencies and employers working on this
issue. Students
will conduct legal research, prepare training program and materials, and,
depending on the student's availability, conduct complaint investigations.
Apply ASAP to: Andra Gomberg, Sexual
Harassment Officer, City of Chicago, Department of Personnel, DePaul Center,
333 S. State St., Suite 330, Chicago, IL 60604. For additional information,
call Christopher Owen at 312-747-8989.
US Department of Justice, Environmental Enforcement Section - Summer
2002
The US Department of Justice, Environmental Enforcement Section, in
Washington, DC, will hire approximately 35 volunteer law clerks for
the summer of 2002. Interns will assist EES attorneys with legal research
and writing, pretrial discovery and negotiations, depositions, hearings,
etc. Volunteers can gain practical experience in complex, federal litigation.
Students must have completed a minimum of 2 semesters of law school
and completed at least 1 introductory-level Environment Law Course and/or
have practical experience. Send cover letter, resume, grades and writing
sample ASAP as the program is highly
competitive. See the Resource Specialist in the CSO for application
details.
2001 Fall Interviewing Program
Classes '02 & '03
As the fall interviewing program comes to a close, we realize numerous
students' expectations weren't met. Please feel free to stop by or make
an appointment with a career strategist to provide us with your perspective
on the process and to discuss other options. Remember, the majority
of students do not obtain summer or full-time employment through the
fall interviewing program.
Additional Direct Contact Employers:
Schreck Brignone Godfrey is looking for 2Ls and 3Ls. Their primary
practice areas are commercial/transactional, employment/labor, gaming
and litigation. Interested students should send a cover letter, resume,
unedited writing sample, references, undergrad transcript and law transcript
to Ms. Fran Randolph, Recruitment Coordinator, Schreck Brignone Godfrey,
300 South Fourth Street, Suite 1200, Las Vegas, NV 89101 by November
1, 2001.
Hatch and Parent is accepting applications for 2002 summer law clerks.
They are looking for 2Ls with strong analytic and writing skills,
proven initiative and leadership ability, strong interest and background
in environmental and public agency law, with a particular focus on water
law and water issues. Interested students should submit a cover letter,
resume and copy of most recent law school transcript to Ms. Jackie B.
Manley, Human Resources Manager, Hatch and Parent, P.O. Drawer 720,
Santa Barbara, CA 93102-0720 by November 1,
2001.
Pillsbury Winthrop LLP is actively seeking 2Ls with
technical backgrounds to be considered for patent positions in our
2002 summer program. Ideal candidates will possess an undergraduate
degree in one of the following disciplines: computer engineering, computer
science, electrical engineering, or physics. Submit resume and transcript
to: Denice Barnes, Attorney Recruitment
Manager, Pillsbury Winthrop LLP, 2550 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, CA
94304, Phone (650) 233-4640 , Fax (650) 233-4545, E-mail dbarnes@pillsburywinthrop.com.
Reminders:
Callbacks and Offers: Please let us know how you are faring
in the program. E-mail our office
about any callbacks or offers you receive from on-campus interviews
or job fairs. Don't forget about the NALP standards for the maximum
number of offers students can hold open from the fall on-campus interviewing
process and response dates:
2L/3L Student Response Dates
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November 1st
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December 1st
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2L/3L student previously employed and
offer made before September 15 |
X
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2L/3L student with an offer deadline
of November 1 may extend to this date with employer's permission
if student holds only ONE OTHER offer |
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X
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2L/3L student previously employed and
offer made after September 15 |
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X
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2L/3L student not previously employed
must respond |
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X
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Number of Offers Students May Hold
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4 Offers
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3 Offers
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2 Offers
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1 Offer
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After October 15, maximum offers
held by student |
X
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After November 1, maximum offers
held by student with December 1 response deadline |
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X
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Maximum offers for student requesting
employer's extension from November 1 to December 1 |
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X
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After December 1, maximum offers
student may hold with employer's consent |
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X
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Negotiation to extend the decision deadline must occur with an employer
before the original deadline
date. If you have any questions about this, please see one of the Career
Services Office staff members or the OCI web page.
Fall Semester Office Hours
- Monday, Tuesday & Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday & Thursday 8:30
a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Please call the office at 312-906-5200, or e-mail
kentcso@kentlaw.edu,
to schedule an appointment.
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