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Career Services Office

Career Services Office home page
Week of September 9, 2002

Fall Semester Office Hours

The Career Services Office will close at 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Evening appointments with Career Strategists will be available for alumnae/i and evening students, by appointment only, on Thursdays from 5 - 6:30 p.m. Please call the office at 312-906-5200 to set up an appointment.

Summer Experience Survey

Did you clerk at a law firm this summer?  Volunteer for a public interest organization?  Serve as a summer associate?  Research for a professor?  Work for a government agency?  Take summer classes or study abroad?  If so, we want to know about it!  We would appreciate it if all returning students would take a few minutes to complete our "Summer Experience Survey," now electronically submittable through the web.  Many of you may remember using these surveys as a means of researching employers and/or finding employers who hired 1Ls! Now it's time to repay the favor. Simply fill out the form and hit the submit button for a quick and painless entry to win one of a number of prizes.  Winners will be announced in the Record at the end of September.

2002 Fall Interviewing Program
Class of '03 & '04

*New Joint Employer - Public Defender's Office of Miami*

The Public Defender's Office of Miami will be interviewing 3Ls at Loyola School of Law on September 24, 2002 from 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Candidates must have clinical participation in order to be considered for an interview. Please submit your resumes to the Career Services Office by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 9, with the name of the employer on the back in pencil.

Reminders

  • Interview schedules will be available through LawCareer (same site as bidding process) beginning late afternoon on September 9th. Reminder: Students are responsible for checking their individual interview schedules.
  • On campus interviews begin Thursday, September 12th.
  • It's common for additional employers to contact our office later in the process.  For the most up to date information on collect, on-campus and direct contact lists, check out the Fall Interviewing Program web pages and the CSO bulletin board on a daily basis.
  • Bring an extra copy of your resume, a transcript, and a writing sample to every interview.
  • Allow ample travel time prior to an interview, even if you are already on campus.
  • 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.  If you accept an offer, please let us know so we can cancel the remainder of your on-campus interviews. 
  • Policy for Missing an Interview: Please remember to talk to Jeanne or Maureen if you have an emergency that will prevent you from attending an interview scheduled through the fall interview program.  Any student who misses an interview for reasons other than an emergency will not be permitted to participate in the remainder of the program. Thank you for your cooperation. 
  • Thank You Notes: You do not need to send thank you notes after on-campus interviews.  Well written notes should be sent after call backs or initial interviews in an employer's office. 
  • 2002 Summer Associates: Please let us know how your summer went and what your plans are for the upcoming year. If you receive an offer and accept, please let our office know so we can cancel your interviews if participating in the program.  

U.S. Navy JAG Corps Informational Program

The U.S. Navy JAG Corps will hold an informational presentation for 1Ls, 2Ls, 3Ls, and domestic LL.M.s on Friday, September 20th, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., Room 305. Their questionnaire is available at the NALP website. The Navy JAG Corps hires those in the top 40% of their class, with Law Review and Moot Court as preferred hiring criteria.

PLEASE NOTE: This employer does not sign Chicago-Kent College of Law's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement.

Free ABA Law School Pro Bono Resource Available

In August 2001, the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service and its project, the Center for Pro Bono, published a brochure titled The Path to Pro Bono: An Interviewing Tool for Law Students, designed to assist law students in assessing a law firm’s commitment to pro bono. The brochure is intended to educate and empower law students to ask interviewing firms about their pro bono efforts, policies, etc. and to assist students in evaluating a firm’s pro bono culture/commitment.

The brochure includes: a discussion of the importance of asking firms about their pro bono commitment; sample interview questions; testimonials about the importance of pro bono from the Immediate Past President of the ABA, the Managing Partners of Arnold & Porter and Mayer, Brown & Platt, and an associate who incorporated pro bono into her job search; information about ABA Model Rule 6.1; and information about the Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge.

New Resources

The 2002-2003 Comprehensive Fellowship Guide -The Ultimate Resource for Law Students and Lawyers

The guide contains a list of available fellowships across the country. It provides the name and type of fellowship, the location, contact information, a description of the fellowship, qualifications & deadline information, application procedures and available stipends.

NALP's New On-line Workplace Questionnaire

NALP'S Employer Workplace Questionnaire is now available to students on-line through the NALP web site. They can be accessed by clicking on the "Workplace Questionnaire" button at the top of each listing in the on-line NALP Directory of Legal Employers. The questionnaire provides invaluable information regarding firm/agency structure & governance; associate training & development as well as compensation & benefits; parental leave/family care policies; pro bono policies & practices; alternative work options; cultural diversity; affirmative action/EEO; and discrimination & harassment complaints.

NALP's 2002 Federal Legal Employment Opportunities Guide

NALP's 2002 Federal Legal Employment Opportunities Guide is now available online. This year, with help from The Partnership for Public Service, NALP expanded the Guide to include not only employment listings from nearly 30 federal employers, but also a wealth of additional information including an in-depth look at the federal government's myriad departments and agencies. The Guide also features government salary and benefits information, a glossary of terms and forms unique to the federal application process, tips on landing a government job, and more.

4 or More List Updates

The Career Services Office has recently updated the 4 or More List. We are currently in the process of working with the computer center to convert the list into an on-line, password protected, database. In the meantime, the list is available in Excel via e-mail. E-mail kentcso@kentlaw.edu to request a copy.

Additions or changes to the list will be announced in the Record. The first update to the list is Futterman & Howard's web site - www.futtermanhoward.com.

The Yale Guide to Environmental Law

The Yale Guide to Environmental Law provides an overview of environmental law, narratives from different people who work in environmental law in various offices/agencies, and a list of the various agencies - government, private, non-profit - that have environmental law departments. The list also includes contact information and websites as well as electronic resources. A print version is available in the CSO or on-line through the publications link on the Yale Law School Career Develpment site.

The Vermont Law School 2003 Guide to State Judicial Clerkship Procedures

The Vermont Law School 2003 Guide to State Judicial Clerkship Procedures contains the listings of all current available clerkships in each state and the guidelines for applying. Website, contact information, application requirements, and salary information is aslo included. A copy is available in the CSO or students may access the entire publication and selected state information on-line through the Vermont Law School Career site by clicking on the link at the top of the page for Judicial Clerkship Guide and entering the User ID: clerkship and the password: guide2003.

Programs/Seminars

Interview Tips for Large Law Firms

On Tuesday, September 10th, at 12:00 p.m., in Room 170 and 5:00 p.m., in Room 510, the CSO is hosting a program to help students prepare for fall interviews with large law firms. Students who have participated previously in the fall interviewing program will share their valuable perspectives on what employers look for in a candidate and provide hints and tips for making the most of your interviews.

Mock Interviews - New Date Added

One of the best ways to prepare for upcoming interviews is to participate in a mock interview.  Judith Saunders, former Assistant Dean of Career Services at Chicago-Kent, has agreed to conduct additional mock interviews, by appointment only, on Wednesday, September 11th from 10 a.m. till 5:15 p.m., in the CSO. Interested students should sign up in the CSO ASAP. She requests that students pick up a packet of information and drop off a copy of their resume when signing up. Students are encouraged to come dressed as they would for an actual interview.  Sessions are videotaped, after which students will receive a candid critique of their current interviewing skills while watching the video. Students interested in keeping a copy of their session are encouraged to bring their own blank videotape to the mock interview.

Informational Meeting for Spring 2003 Judicial Externships For 2Ls & 3Ls With a Minimum 3.3 GPA

On Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 12:00 p.m. in Room 320, there will be a meeting for all students who are interested in externing for a federal appellate, district, or magistrate judge for the Spring 2003 Semester. Professor Vivien Gross will describe the kinds of experiences a judicial extern will have in the course of a semester, as well as how to apply. If you are interested in a judicial externship but are unable to attend the meeting, please see Professor Gross in Room 617.

A judicial externship enables a student to become involved in particular legal problems through research and drafting opinions. 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!

Applications for Spring 2003 Judicial Externships will be available both in the Law Offices Reception Area (Room 600) and in the Career Services Offices as of Monday, September 23rd. Completed applications should be submitted to Ms. Carole Ross, Secretary to Professor Gross, Room 612, Law Offices, by Friday, October 11, 2002, at 5:00 p.m.

Employment Related Opportunities

Attention - Anyone who picked up Handout #5 in the Career Services Office should stop by to pick up a new one. Our office just received an updated copy.

2003 Grads: Department of the Treasury Legal Division Honors Program

The Department of the Treasury Legal Division Honors Program is now accepting applications from students graduating in 2003. Positions are available with various offices. See handout #14 for all the information and application procedures. Additional information can be found on the Treasury's web page. The deadline is November 1, 2002.

Judge Aspen Seeks 2 Volunteers ASAP

Judge Marvin Aspen seeks 2 volunteers ASAP for a short term project. Volunteers will work on finalizing a book on the history of the U.S. District Court. Work needs to be done within the next 2 weeks. Interested students should contact Judicial Law Clerk, Darren Schmidt, at 312-435-5621.

IIT Seeks Students for FT Positions

Illinois Institute of Technology has administrative, student service, and development positions available at both the South Loop and the 565 W. Adams campuses. Responsibilities range from reception/general office to database maintenance to special projects. Minimum requirements are 1+ yr of admin experience, MS Office proficiency, typing skills, ability to handle busy work pace, and a high level of student /customer service. Junior, mid-career, and senior-level opportunities are available and can be viewed at www.iit.edu/hr. In exchange for your administrative talents, students will receive tuition benefits, growth potential, generous time off, easy CTA access and free shuttle to and from campuses to Union/NW train stations. If interested in a position, reply to hr@iit.edu and be sure to write position title(s) and job number(s) on the subject line of e-mail.

New Job Posting System

The Career Services Office has recently upgraded to a new version of the job posting system. All employment opportunities, paid or unpaid, clerking or volunteer, internship or externship, or fellowship, posted before July 17th can be found in the internal password protected job posting system. Those positions posted after July 17th can be found in the new LawMatch system. In order to access this system, go to the current job posting system and click on the link for LawMatch Job Listings. Register yourself as a user, even if you have previously registered with LawMatch through another avenue. You will then be allowed to access the job postings. If you have your old password and student ID, please continue using them. If you haven't received your password, please contact the Career Services Office to get it. Remember to use the dashes in your Social Security # when entering your username and password.

US Department of Justice: Application Deadline and Recruitment Information

This year's deadline for applications to the Attorney General's Honor Program and Summer Law Intern Program is September 23, 2002. Applications are available on-line at www.usdoj.gov/oarm. The on-line application allows more flexibility in regard to employment preferences as candidates can indicate an interest in working for as many of the participating components as they wish (in past years students were limited to two choices). Students who are completely open will have the option of checking "anywhere in the US Department of Justice." Once submitted, students will receive an e-mail message confirming receipt of the application. Students with disabilities or special needs who cannot access the Internet or who need an accommodation may leave a voice mail message at (202) 514-1175. The TDD number is (202) 616-2113.

The majority of interviews for the Honors Program will be conducted in Washington, DC over a three-week period beginning in late-October. Most travel costs will be paid by the Department. For more information, check the "Frequently Asked Questions" portion of their web page. Summer Law Intern Program candidates may be offered video-teleconference interviews from nearby US Attorney's Offices. This is a pilot program and is still under construction, so keep checking the "Frequently Asked Questions" portion of their web page.

Externship Opportunity at the City of Chicago Law Department

The City of Chicago Law Department's Building and Land Use Litigation Division is looking for students interested in municipal law, real estate or real-world litigation experience. The division handles fire, building, health & zoning code violations and prosecutes cases both in Circuit Court and at the City's Administrative Hearings. See Job Posting #51952 for additional information. To apply for a fall-semester externship forward your resume to Patti Gregory-Chang via e-mail at pgregory@cityofchicago.org and see Professor Gross about receiving academic credit.

Externship Opportunity with the US EPA's Office of Regional Counsel

The US EPA Office of Regional Council is seeking externs for the fall semester. Externs will perform legal research, write legal memoranda and draft legal documents to support US EPA's civil environmental enforcement cases. See Job Posting #51946 & Handout #8 for detailed information and application procedures. Interested students should also see Professor Gross about receiving academic credit.

2003 Graduates: Now Legal Defense and Education Fund Fellowship Sponsor

NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund is seeking to sponsor 3Ls for Soros Justice Fellowships, NAPIL, Echoing Green, Kirkland & Ellis and a range of other fellowships for projects addressing the needs of low-income women. Fellowships are for two years. NOW Legal Defense performs a broad range of legal and educational services nationally in support of women's efforts to eliminate sex-based discrimination and secure equal rights. See www.nowldef.org for more detailsInterested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, transcript, and a legal writing sample to Fellowships, NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund, 395 Hudson Street, 5th Floor, NY, NY 10014 or by fax to 212-226-1066. Applications are due to NOW Legal Defense at least four weeks before the application deadline for each fellowship.

2003 Equal Justice Works Fellowships (formerly NAPIL)

With support from the Open Society Institute and participating law firms and corporate sponsors, Equal Justice Works Fellowships allow new law graduates and outgoing judicial clerks to work on a wide range of public interest issues, such as domestic violence, health care, community development, homelessness, environmental justice, immigration, Native American rights, children's health and welfare, and the death penalty. Approximately 75 Fellowships will be awarded to begin September 2003. Fellowships are for two years. There are two different routes to apply for fellowships, Route A & Route B. To learn more about applying through either route, check out www.equaljusticeworks.org. This year, fellowship applications must be submitted online. Paper applications will no longer be accepted. To submit an application online, access the web site, click on "Apply for a 2-year postgraduate fellowship!", and then click on "apply on-line". You will be redirected to a site that contains all of the instructions found in the application booklet, as well as instructions on how to complete a proposal online. At the site, applicants can fill out the application form and compose their proposal narrative. The deadline to submit a final application for Route A fellowships is September 17, 2002. The deadline for Route B applications is October 31, 2002.

2003 Skadden Public Interest Fellowships 

Skadden Fellowships, sponsored by the law firm of Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, provide support for new law graduates and outgoing judicial clerks who want to work in the public interest for an organization that provides civil legal services to the poor, including the working poor, the elderly, the disabled or those deprived of their civil rights.  Approximately twenty-five fellowships are awarded each year to law students from schools nationwide.  Fellowships are for one year but may be renewed for a second year if requested and approved by the grantmaking panel.  Class of 2003 students who are interested in applying for a Fellowship must have secured a position with an organization by the time of application. Applications for 2003 Fellowships are due in the fall on October 7, 2002.  Fellows are selected by December 6, 2002.  Interested second-year students should check out job posting #13811 and pick up an application in the CSO.

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