Chicago-Kent home page Student portal Faculty portal Staff portal About The Record Current Record headlines Publication deadlines The Record archives

Career Services Office

Career Services Office home page
Week of August 14, 2017

Information & Announcements

  • Welcome, 1Ls!
  • 2Ls and 3Ls - Make an Appointment!
  • Interview Preparation and Mock Interviews Available Through the CSO
  • Free ABA Memberships for Students
  • Community Based Federal Work Study Available for Fall 2017- Applications accepted on a rolling basis
  • Mentor a Legal Prep High School Student in 2017-18

Fall Recruiting

  • On-Campus Interviews Continue - Check Interview Schedules for Updates
  • Please Report Callbacks and Offers!

Programming

  • August 17-18: 3rd Annual Animal Law Summit: An International Perspective
  • August 23: Opportunities with the Department of Justice (DOJ)
  • August 25: Chicago Bar Association YLS Boat Cruise
  • August 28: Chicago Bar Association YLS  presents "Productivity and Effectiveness for Lawyers" CLE Seminar
  • August 29: Air Force JAG Corps Information Session
  • September 6: Chicago Bar Association presents "Networking Your Way to Success"
  • September 14: Pathways to a Successful Career in Business Law
  • September 21: ISBA State & Local Taxation New Member Happy Hour
  • October 4: Chicago Bar Association presents "Staying Out of Trouble: Ethical Issues"
  • October 13-14: National Law Students Workers' Rights Conference

Employment Opportunities

  • U.S. Attorney's Office (Chicago) Spring 2018 Law Student Intern Program - Applications due September 5
  • U.S. Dept. of Justice Attorney General’s Honors Program (HP) - Applications due September 5
  • U.S. Dept. of Justice Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) - Applications due September 5
  • Air Force JAG Corps' October Direct Appointment Program (3Ls, recent grads, and alums) - Applications due September 10

Fellowships & Scholarships

  • Proskauer Rose Silver Scholar Program for 2Ls - Applications due August 15
  • Roscoe Trimmier Jr. Diversity Scholarship - Applications due August 31
  • Bryan Cave Diversity Scholarship for (Rising) 2Ls - Applications due August 31
  • Vinson & Elkins Diversity Fellowship for 2Ls - Applications due August 31
  • 2017 Diversity Scholarship Foundation Scholarship - Applications Due September 1
  • Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) Fellowships and Scholarships - Fall 2017 applications now available!
  • 2017 Ernst & Young Tax Professional of the Year Competition - Applications due September 8
  • 2018 Equal Justice Works Fellowship for 3Ls - Applications due September 27

Job Fairs  

  • August 14-15: 2017 IndyBar Diversity Job Fair - Registration is now closed
  • September 8: 2017 HNBA Career Fair - Registration now closed
  • October 27& 28: Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair - Registration available on August 14

Diversity

  • IndyBar Diversity Job Fair - August 14-15: 2017: Registration is now closed
  • Roscoe Trimmier Jr. Diversity Scholarship - Applications due August 31
  • Bryan Cave Diversity Scholarship for (Rising) 2Ls - Applications due August 31
  • Vinson & Elkins Diversity Fellowship for 2Ls - Applications due August 31
  • 2017 Diversity Scholarship Foundation Scholarship - Applications Due September 1
  • 2017 HNBA Career Fair - September 8: Registration now closed

Resources

  • Government Honors & Internship Handbook & Public Policy Handbook: log-in now available
  • 2017-2018 PSJD Comprehensive Fellowship Guide
  • Equal Justice Works’ Student Debt E-Book: Take Control of Your Future: A Guide to Managing Your Student Debt
  • ABA Student Loan Best Practices in the Face of Political Change
  • ABA Law Student Podcast: Public Service Loan Forgiveness
  • CareerShift
  • Practising Law Institute (PLI)  
  • CSO Resources
  • Resources provided by the Chicago Bar Association
  • Lawcountability J.D.

Information & Announcements

Welcome, 1Ls!

Welcome to your first year at Chicago-Kent! We look forward to assisting you in reaching your career goals.

According to guidelines adopted by the National Association of Legal Professionals (NALP), to which Chicago-Kent College of Law as well as all other ABA-accredited law schools subscribe, 1Ls cannot meet individually with a career services advisor until October 15th and cannot initiate contact with or interview with certain prospective employers until December 1st.  However, there are still many things you can do to start planning for your future career.

  • Attend CSO panels and career development workshops during the fall semester
  • Check our Record page often for updated information on upcoming programs
  • Research various career paths and talk to attorneys and upperclassmen to come up with a list of practice areas and practice settings that interest you
  • Finally, attend the mandatory orientation (watch for the date, coming soon!) to learn how to prepare the materials you'll need for your job search

We hope you have a great first semester, and we look forward to seeing you in October!

2Ls and 3Ls - Make an Appointment!

Make an appointment to meet with your career advisor to discuss your recent summer experience, job search status and plans for the Fall 2017 semester. Your career advisor can also show you new updates on many tools to assist you with networking, professional development, and career planning as an upper level law student. Please bring your most recent, updated legal resume with you to your meeting with your career advisor.

Each 2L and 3L student is required to meet with his or her assigned career advisor by the end of the Fall semester. Get a head start and make your appointment today!

Interview Preparation and Mock Interviews Available Through the CSO

The Career Services Office is available to review student resumes and cover letters, and to conduct mock interviews, to help you better prepare for a variety of opportunities! If you have an upcoming interview, please consider scheduling a mock interview with your Career Services counselor. You can schedule an appointment directly through Symplicity! If you have questions about how to schedule an appointment, please email the Career Services Office at kentcso@kentlaw.iit.edu.

Free ABA Memberships for Students

The American Bar Association offers free memberships to all students enrolled in law school. The membership grants law students access to resources tailored to their interests and needs, opportunities to build their professional skills plus access to the ABA’s job listings, clerkships, internships and career events.

You can enroll here - http://www.americanbar.org/abalawstudents.

Community Based Federal Work Study Available for Fall 2017 - Applications accepted on a rolling basis

Chicago-Kent has Community-Based Federal Work Study available during Fall 2017. Chicago-Kent students who are Federal Work Study eligible may be paid though Federal Work Study funds to work at government and public interest organizations outside of the law school. Please visit the Chicago-Kent Community-Based Federal Work Study webpage for a more detailed explanation of this opportunity, as well as the form you need to complete in order to participate. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis for any Fall start after August 22, 2017; processing time may take a week or more; allow plenty of time for approval of your application, and the time it takes to be added to the Chicago-Kent payroll. Please e-mail Michelle Vodenik (mvodenik@kentlaw.iit.edu) with any questions.

Mentor a Legal Prep High School Student in 2017-18

Legal Prep Charter Academy is currently seeking mentors for its 2017-18 mentoring program. Mentors work with an individual student on a monthly basis. Legal Prep plans the programming centered around college and career readiness and transports students to the meeting location. Mentors are also welcome and encouraged to meet with students outside of the monthly meetings. The program is a great opportunity to influence the life of a high school student at Legal Prep and to serve as a role model for youth on the west side of Chicago.  Our students highly respect and value their relationships with their mentors. The program meets the first Thursday of the month from 4pm-6pm, typically at the Chicago Bar Association.  Click here to apply now! Contact Lena Walsh at lwalsh@legalprep.org with questions.

Fall Recruiting

On-Campus Interviews Continue -
Check Interview Schedules for Updates

Please remember to check Symplicity frequently during the 2017 Fall Recruiting process. Changes to room numbers, interviewers, and possibly even changes to your interview schedule itself may occur at any point in the recruiting process. The CSO will not always be able to send out emails regarding such changes unless entire interview schedules are canceled. It is your responsibility to continually check Symplicity.

Please Report Callbacks and Offers!

If you receive callbacks or job offers during the fall interview season, please report this to Helena Gonzalez in the Career Services Office by sending an email to hgonzal2@kentlaw.iit.edu (or email your career advisor directly). 

Please include from what source you obtained the interview/offer (direct contact, OCI, resume collect, CCBA job fair, Loyola Patent Fair, etc.). We keep track of these in order to determine how students are doing and where our students end up working during the summer/after graduation. Also, if you have any concerns about how your interviews are progressing or questions about the interview process, please make an appointment to talk with a career advisor.

Programming        

3rd Annual Animal Law Summit: An International Perspective

Date/Time:  Thursday, August 17, 2017 from 7:30 a.m. - 4:10 p.m.; Friday, August 18, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: The Chicago Bar Association
321 South Plymouth Court, Chicago, IL

Broaden your perspective on animal law as practitioners and experts from across the globe, including 28 U.S. States and Territories, Canadian Provinces, South America, the Caribbean and New Zealand update you on the latest issues in animal law from their jurisdictions. Get briefed on cutting edge local, national, and international case law and legislative developments from all corners of the globe, including:
  • Break a Window Law: Immunity for Forcible Entry into Motor Vehicle to Rescue Animals
  • Trial Publicity, Gag Orders and Social Media
  • Legality of Bestiality
  • Animal Abuse Registries
  • Use of Cyanide Bombs to Control Predators
  • Pet Valuation and Damages
  • Citizen Initiative Rights
  • Police-Canine Encounters and Damages
  • Challenges to Dangerous Dog Prosecutions and Impoundments
  • And More!

Please click here for the seminar flyer. You must be logged in to Simplicity to view.

August 23: Opportunities with the Department of Justice (DOJ)

Date:  Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Chicago-Kent College of Law, Room TBD

The United States Department of Justice, the federal government's law firm and the world's largest legal employer, offers many opportunities to law students in almost every area of law. This panel will explore these opportunities and discuss how to apply with the Department. Please note that the DOJ application deadline for the Attorney General's Honors Program and Competitive Paid Summer Legal Internship Program (SLIP) is September 5, 2017; therefore, it is strongly recommended that you visit the Attorney General's Honors Program or Competitive Paid Summer Legal Internship Program (SLIP) now for more information, and utilize this program to gain additional insights and tips as to your application. For those unable to attend, the program will available for viewing on the Career Services Office videos page.

Chicago Bar Association YLS Boat Cruise

Date:  Friday, August 25, 2017
Time: 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Location: The Chicago Bar Association
321 South Plymouth Court, Chicago, IL

Cruise into Fall with the Chicago Bar Association's Young Lawyers Section! On August 25, members of Chicago's legal community are welcome to join the YLS's Social Committee for an evening aboard a private charter on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. This fun, social event will depart at 8:00pm from the Wendella Dock on the North side of the Chicago River near Trump Tower. Please plan to arrive at 7:45pm. Guests are welcome. The $50 ticket price includes open bar. Casual attire is preferred. Boat will re-dock at approximately 11:00pm.

Participants must agree and sign waiver before boarding boat. To register, please click here.

No refunds within ten (10) business days of event, except in the event of the YLS' cancellation of the event.

Chicago Bar Association YLS  presents "Productivity and Effectiveness for Lawyers" CLE Seminar

Date:  Monday, August 28, 2017
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: The Chicago Bar Association
321 South Plymouth Court, Chicago, IL

If you're like most lawyers, life is coming at you faster than you can manage it. You feel busy but not necessarily productive. You're thinking too much, juggling too much, and doing too much. One meeting after another, one deposition after the next, your time is being hijacked by other people.

Ozan Varol, the founder of Effective Lawyer, was an overwhelmed attorney before he became a law professor and a certified productivity consultant.

In this program, he'll share with you proven strategies to control stress, double your output, and get more time out of your day. Numerous lawyers have used these strategies to save up to 20 hours per month.

Attend this session to find out how you can create a life where you - not others - are in control. To register, click here.

Speaker:
Ozan Varol, founder of Effective Lawyer and Professor, Lewis and Clark Law School

Air Force JAG Corps Information Session

Date:  Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Location: Chicago-Kent College of Law, Room 305

Interested in learning more about the U.S. Air Force JAG Corps? Come to an information session on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. to learn more about a career as an Air Force lawyer, and about the application process, from Major Monica Nussbaum of the U.S. Air Force. Please send RSVPs to: kentcso@kentlaw.iit.edu, and include “Air Force JAG Information Session” in the subject line. Learn more about opportunities with the U.S. Air Force JAG Corps
 here.

Chicago Bar Association presents "Networking Your Way to Success"

Date:  Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Time and Location: More information to follow.

Pathways to a Successful Career in Business Law

Date:  Thursday, September 14
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Sheraton Grand Chicago & Towers
301 E. North Water St., Chicago, IL 60611

Law students are invited to attend this FREE practical tips program about business law careers with leaders in the profession. Students may ask the panel questions and network. Refreshments will be provided. Online RSVP here required by September 8, 2017.

Moderator:
Gary Zhao, Partner, SmithAmundsen LLC, Chicago, IL

Panel:
•Anne Gwal, Assistant General Counsel, Exelon, Newark, Delaware
•'Chip' L. Lion III, Morrison & Foerster LLP, Palo Alto, California
•Meg Milroy, Assistant General Counsel, Verizon Communications,Arlington, Virginia
•Robin Nunn, Vice President/Senior Associate General Counsel, CapitalOne, Vienna, Virginia.

Law students may also attend the ABA Business Law Section Annual Meeting to be held the same weekend at the hotel free of cost. You may choose from over 90 CLE programs and attend committee meetings and events to build relationships with colleagues in your area of interest.For more information and registration, please click here.

ISBA State & Local Taxation New Member Happy Hour

Date:  Thursday, September 21, 2017
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: IO Godfrey Hotel
127 W. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60654

Please join members of the State & Local Taxation Section Council and Young Lawyers Division Section Council over networking and refreshments. Registration is complimentary and includes two drink tickets and appetizers. Please register here prior to 4 PM on September 18, 2017.

Chicago Bar Association presents "Staying Out of Trouble: Ethical Issues"

Date:  Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Time and Location: More information to follow.

National Law Students Workers' Rights Conference

Date:  Friday-Saturday, October 13-14, 2017
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: The Maritime Conference Center
692 Maritime Boulevard, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090

The Peggy Browning Fund is celebrating 20 years educating law students on the rights and needs of workers at its annual National Law Students Workers' Rights Conference. The goal of the conference is to create greater understanding of, appreciation for, and interest in the issues facing American workers and to provide law students with opportunities for networking with fellow law students, top labor lawyers, professors, nonprofit practitioners and government officials.

Conference Highlights:
• Networking Dinner
• Friday Night Panel & Discussion: Graduate Student Organizing
• Keynote Speaker: Lynn Rhinehart
General Counsel, American Federation of Labor and
Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)
• Interactive Workshops and Discussions
• Saturday Afternoon Plenary Session: Topic to be Announced

Please click here for the conference brochure and here for conference FAQs, including information on how to register and if you're asking the Peggy Browning Fund to pay for your airfare. You must be logged in to Simplicity to view.

The Peggy Browning Fund is a nonprofit organization established in memory of Margaret A. (Peggy) Browning, a prominent labor attorney and a vigorous supporter of workers’ rights who served as a Member of the National Labor Relations Board from 1994 until her death in February, 1997.

Employment Opportunities

Please check Chicago-Kent's job posting system ("Symplicity") on a regular basis. Check out Symplicity's general instructions for more information.

U.S. Attorney's Office (Chicago) Spring 2018 Law Student Intern Program - Applications due September 5, 2017

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois offers intern positions to 12-18 law students during the Spring, Summer and Fall semesters. The students are required to work 16 hours a week for 12 weeks during the Spring and Fall semesters. All application packages must be received in the U.S. Attorney’s Office by Tuesday, September 5, 2017 for the Spring 2018 semester.

The work of law student interns includes assisting in all aspects of trial preparation, legal research, writing memoranda of law, drafting pleadings and appellate briefs, assisting in preparation and taking of depositions, assisting in pre-trial conferences and the trials of civil and criminal cases.

All intern positions are uncompensated. Interns may not work at another legal job while working as an intern in the United States Attorney’s Office. Some schools offer work study programs whereby the students may receive money from their schools or through grants they apply for through their school. Some schools offer class credit for participating in our intern program. Students should check with their individual schools for this information. The United States Attorney’s Office will work with the schools by providing information or evaluations that may be required by each school.

For application requirements and qualifications, please be sure you are logged into your student Simplicity account and click here.

U.S. Dept. of Justice Attorney General’s Honors Program (HP) - Applications due September 5, 2017

Many distinguished attorneys began their careers through the Attorney General’s Honors Program -- the largest and most prestigious federal entry-level attorney hiring program of its kind. Every year, various components and U.S. Attorneys' Offices hire entry-level attorneys through the Honors Program. Review the list of the components participating this year.

Graduating law students who meet the eligibility requirements may apply. Selections are made based on many elements of a candidate’s background including a demonstrated commitment to government service, academic achievement, leadership, law review or moot court experience, legal aid and clinical experience, past employment, and extracurricular activities that relate to the work of the Department of Justice and the relevant component.

Applications for the Honors Program 2017-2018 will close on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. Click here for more information. We highly recommend that applicants read the application tips and checklist and assemble requested information before starting the online application. 

U.S. Dept. of Justice Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) - Applications due September 5, 2017

The Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP) is the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) competitive recruitment program for compensated summer internships. Law students who participate in the SLIP benefit from an exceptional legal experience and invaluable exposure to the DOJ. Every year, various components and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices hire students through the SLIP. Check out the list of the components participating this year.

Law students who have completed at least one full semester of legal study by the application deadline are eligible to apply. Most successful applicants intern the summer between their second and third year of law school; however, graduating law students who will enter a judicial clerkship or a full-time graduate law program may intern following graduation. Part-time law students are also eligible to apply. All applicants should review eligibility rules.

Selections are made based on many elements of a candidate’s background, including a demonstrated commitment to government service, academic achievement, leadership, law review or moot court experience, legal aid and clinical experience, past employment, and extracurricular activities that relate to the work of the DOJ.

Applications for Summer 2018 close on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. Click here for more information. We highly recommend that applicants read the application checklist and assemble requested information before stating the application. 

Air Force JAG Corps' October Direct Appointment Program (3Ls, recent grads, and alums) -
Applications due September 10, 2017

As a member of this elite group of law professionals, you’ll provide a full range of legal services to the U.S. Air Force and its Airmen. You’ll also enter a world of opportunity—one where you can take on immediate responsibility, continue your education in a number of legal specialties and gain experience working around the globe upholding justice for the people who defend it.

Program Requirements:

  • Must be a citizen of the United States.
  • Must be on track to graduate from an ABA-approved law school Juris Doctor program. If selected, you must obtain admission to practice in the highest court of any U.S. state, commonwealth, territory or the District of Columbia before an offer of assignment will be extended to you.
  • Must be commissioned before the age of 35.
  • Once selected for the JAG Corps, all applicants must complete and pass an Air Force medical examination before an offer of assignment will be extended.

Apply online: https://www.airforce.com/careers/specialty-careers/jag/entry-programs/student (scroll to the bottom of the page to the Pre-Graduation tab, Direct Appointment Program). The application deadline is Sunday, September 10, 2017. Also see Simplicity ID 1003016 and click here for the program flyer. You must be logged into Simplicity to view.

Contact the Air Force JAG Corps with any questions at airforcejagrecruiting@gmail.com or 1-800-524-8723.

Fellowships & Scholarships

Proskauer Rose Silver Scholar Program for 2Ls -
Applications due August 15, 2017

The Silver Scholar Program offered by the law firm Proskauer Rose LLP is an award initiative designed to increase diversity within the firm and the legal profession. The award is named after Edward Silver, the first elected Chairman of Proskauer and a premier labor lawyer of his time. The program reflects and is an outgrowth of Ed's lifelong commitment to diversity and equal opportunity.

The selected student will receive a summer associate position at Proskauer and be eligible for a cash award of up to $30,000 payable in installments. First and second-year law students can apply. To receive the entire award, the student must:

  • accept an offer to participate in the summer associate program;
  • successfully complete the summer associate program; and
  • receive and accept an offer to join our firm as an associate

For eligibility, application requirements, and additional program information, please visit http://www.proskauer.com/diversity/silverscholar/.

Roscoe Trimmier Jr. Diversity Scholarship -
Applications due August 31, 2017

Ropes & Gray has long been a proponent of law firm inclusion and diversity, with a dedicated mission to attract and retain outstanding lawyers of varied backgrounds. To further promote inclusion and diversity within the legal profession, the firm created the Roscoe Trimmier Jr. Diversity Scholarship, named after our beloved retired partner. Mr. Trimmier was the firm’s first African American partner and a leader of our efforts.

This scholarship provides a $25,000 award to up to five outstanding second-year law students to offset the expenses of their legal education, and includes a paid summer associate position following completion of the second year of law school. The funds will be paid out half upon completion of the summer program, and half upon starting as a full-time associate at the firm.

The application process for the summer of 2018 will be open from May 15 through August 31, 2017. For eligibility requirements and to apply, visit https://www.ropesgray.com/diversityscholarship.

Bryan Cave Diversity Scholarship for (Rising) 2Ls - Applications due August 31, 2017

Bringing diversity and inclusiveness into every aspect of our work and culture is one of Bryan Cave’s core values. As part of its ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, Bryan Cave is pleased to sponsor a diversity scholarship program awarded to up to four rising second-year law students. Each recipient will receive a $10,000 scholarship to help defray the cost of law school tuition and related expenses during the student’s final year of law school. Half of the scholarship will be paid after successful completion of Bryan Cave’s Summer Associate Program. The second half of the scholarship will be paid prior to the second semester of the recipient’s third year of law school, providing they have received and accepted an offer to join Bryan Cave as an associate following the completion of their legal education.

For qualification requirements and to access the application, please visit https://www.bryancave.com/en/careers/diversity-scholarship-program.html. Applicants should submit their materials to Chief Legal Recruiting & Development Officer Tom Grewe at tom.grewe@bryancave.com
between June 1 and August 31, 2017.

Vinson & Elkins Diversity Fellowship for 2Ls -
Applications due August 31, 2017

Vinson & Elkins awards five of the brightest law students from the nation’s top law schools with a Diversity Fellowship every year. The Fellows each receive $12,000 and the opportunity to clerk in one of its U.S. offices (Austin, Dallas, Houston, New York, Richmond, San Francisco, or Washington, D.C.) the summer following their 2L year. Since the program launched in 2007, V&E has awarded nearly 40 fellowships, and several former Fellows have joined V&E to practice law.

Applications are being accepted now through August 31, 2017. A selection panel will evaluate all completed applications, conduct interviews, and announce Fellowship recipients in the Fall of 2017. For eligibility and application requirements and more information about V&E's summer associate program, click here.

To apply for the 2017 Diversity Fellowship, click here to access a fillable PDF form, then email your completed form along with all of the required materials noted below to Amber Carter (acarter@velaw.com) by no later than August 31. Use “Diversity Fellowship” as the subject line of your email. 

2017 Diversity Scholarship Foundation Scholarship -
Applications Due September 1, 2017

The Diversity Scholarship Foundation (DSF) is a not-for-profit organization that provides scholarships to diverse and deserving law students. The DSF is now formally accepting applications for its 2017 scholarships. To view the list of scholarships currently offered, visit http://diversitychicago.org/dc/scholarships/. To access the 2017 scholarship instructions, requirements, and application, please click here.

Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) Fellowships and Scholarships - Fall 2017 applications now available!

Applications are now being accepted for PILI Law Student Internships during the 2017 Fall Semester. Each year, PILI offers a limited number of school-year Internships in Chicago during the fall and spring semesters to second and third-year law students. Please note, PILI’s stipend for fall interns has increased from $2,500 to $3,000, less applicable taxes, for 200 hours of work. 

This fall, there are six internship positions in Chicago that remain open at the following agencies:

  • Center for Disability & Elder Law
  • Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
  • Equip for Equality
  • LAF
  • National Immigrant Justice Center – LGBT Immigrants Rights Initiative
  • Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law

You can find information about these agencies herehttp://pili.org/internships/agencies-placements.

To apply, visit http://pili.org/internships/apply-for-a-fall-semester-pili-internship. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

2017 Ernst & Young Tax Professional of the Year Competition - Applications due September 8, 2017

Ernst & Young is excited to announce that it is once again hosting the Young Tax Professional of the Year (YTPY) Competition for 3L JD students and incoming Tax LLM students. YTPY is a 2-step competition – first, here in the Americas at the regional level and then in Amsterdam at the global level. 

 Regional level (Americas):

For the Americas competition, EY is using the theme – Bold Disruption!  Students are asked to submit responses to a case study, which focuses on international tax problem solving.  Responses are due Friday, September 8.  Students with the top responses will advance to an orals competition in late September in New York City (travel expenses will be paid by EY).

 Global level (Amsterdam):

The winner of the Americas competition will advance to the global competition, which will take place in late November (travel expenses will be paid by EY).

Global competition winners are recognized at three levels: 1st prize—a 30-day, round-the-world business trip that includes “working visits” to key EY tax centers in London, New York, Washington, D.C., and Hong Kong; 2nd prize—a 10-day visit to one of EY’s tax centers; and 3rd prize—an invitation to take part in one of EY’s exceptional global client conferences, where you have the opportunity to network with many of our leadership partners and most valued clients.

 Please log in to Simplicity to acccess the competition flyer, application, and this year's case study. Good luck!

2018 Equal Justice Works Fellowship for 3Ls -
Applications due September 27, 2017

Equal Justice Works Fellows have represented thousands of adults, children and families in need in communities across the country. Fellows design unique projects that serve and address a range of legal issues including domestic violence, homelessness, community economic development, immigration, civil rights, juvenile justice, employment rights, health care, consumer fraud, and environmental justice. Equal Justice Works then matches the Fellow with sponsors to support their projects.

Fellows receive a competitive salary, generous loan repayment assistance, connections to their prominent sponsors, a multi-day Leadership Development Training in Washington, D.C., and access to the Equal Justice Works network of public interest advocates

Becoming an Equal Justice Works Fellow is highly competitive. The application and selection process for an Equal Justice Works Fellowship involves the following:

  • You must be a third year law student, a recent law school graduate, or an experienced attorney who demonstrates a commitment to public interest law. Your law school must be an Equal Justice Works member law school.
  • You must identify a qualifying nonprofit host organization that will provide you with a full-time position upon receiving a Fellowship.
  • The host organization must be willing to be your employer during the term of the two-year Fellowship, meet salary requirements, and provide you with supervision, a work space, employee health and fringe benefits, and the materials (computer, internet access, phone, etc.) that you will need to successfully complete your project.
  • Together with your host organization, you must design a new project, which focuses on legal advocacy on behalf of disenfranchised individuals, groups or issues not adequately represented in our legal system. 
  • Equal Justice Works reviews the applications and selects projects that can be matched with potential sponsors. Sponsors determine whom they would like to interview and ultimately choose the Fellow. Decisions are made on a rolling basis.

All applications and supporting materials must be submitted by Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. Click here to learn what makes a successful Fellowship and how you can apply.

Register for a Webinar! As with all successful journeys, planning ahead is key. Join Equal Justice Works for an informational webinar about the Fellowship selection process, and learn how to design a winning project. Register for the next session on August 23, 2017 from 2-3pm CDT here.

Job Fairs

2017 IndyBar Diversity Job Fair -
Registration is now closed

The 10th annual Indianapolis Bar Association Diversity Job Fair has a strong history of success. More than 650 students from 31 states and 82 law schools across the nation have interviewed over the last nine years. Annually, 20 percent of interviewing students have accepted job offers. This year, the job fair will be located at the Hilton Indianapolis, 120 W Market St, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

Over the course of 24 hours, there will be:

  • Numerous networking opportunities available for students through a reception, interviews and a luncheon
  • More than 25 firm, government, court and corporate legal employers conducting hundreds of interviews with students
  • A student workshop focusing on presenting oneself in interviews and social media

Employers participating in the job fair seek candidates who represent all aspects of diversity and who are looking for a one-of-a-kind legal community in a Midwestern city that has both cosmopolitan style and small-town charm. Fall 2017, full-time 2L law students (graduating May 2019) or part-time 2L and 3L law students (graduating 2019/2020) are encouraged to participate in the fair. For more information about the fair, visit http://www.ibadiversityjobfair.org/.

2017 HNBA Career Fair -
Registration now open!

Date: Friday, September 8, 2017
Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Kansas City Marriott Downtown Hotel

The HNBA Career Fair is open to all students and to attorneys looking to make contacts and lateral moves. This signature HNBA program will provide you with an unparalleled opportunity to meet and interview with some of the nation’s most respected law firms, companies, organizations and government agencies. The HNBA Career Fair is also a unique and cost-effective way to enter the workforce or advance your career. This year, the Career Fair will take place on Friday, September 8, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri.

If you would like to participate in the Career Fair, please register via the HNBA Registration Portal. Once you have paid for your registration, you will be contacted by Michelle Avelino, HNBA Programs & Administrative Coordinator, with instructions on how to set up your account with Symplicity.

The Career Fair participant registration deadline is September 5, 2017. Please be aware that there are additional registration options for access to participate in the HNBA's annual convention programs throughout the weekend; however, students who wish to registration for the Career Fair only have the option to do so for a reduced fee of $125.00. For more information and to register, please visit https://hnba.com/2017-annual-convention/career-fair/. If you have questions, please contact Ms. Avelino at support@hnba.com.

Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair - October 27 & 28, 2017 - Registration available on August 14

The Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair is the largest national public interest legal career fair in the country. More than 160 public interest employers conduct interviews for internships and full-time jobs and meet with students in informal “table talk” discussions of public interest legal opportunities. Over 1,200 students from nearly 200 law schools attend for interviews, workshops on public interest careers, job search advice, networking, resume and cover letter review, mock interviews, and more.

The Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair will take place at the Crystal Gateway Marriott, 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA.

The deadline to register is Wednesday, September 13, 2017. Click here for more information and to register.

Diversity

2017 IndyBar Diversity Job Fair - August 14-15, 2017: Registration is now closed
(See above)

Roscoe Trimmier Jr. Diversity Scholarship -
Applications due August 31, 2017

(See above)

Bryan Cave Diversity Scholarship for 2Ls -
Applications due August 31, 2017

(See above)

Vinson & Elkins Diversity Fellowship for 2Ls -
Applications due August 31, 2017

(See above)

2017 Diversity Scholarship Foundation Scholarship -
Applications Due September 1, 2017
(See above)

2017 HNBA Career Fair -
September 8, 2017: Registration now open!

(See above)

Resources

Government Honors & Internship Handbook and Public Policy Handbook: log-in now available

The Government Honors and Internship Handbook and the Public Policy Handbook are now available! To access the handbooks, use the link, login and password, which can be found in the Document Library in Symplicity. Note that many 3L/post-grad government honors program and 2L summer/semester internship program deadlines are very early in the semester; log in now to avoid missing an opportunity! 

2017-2018 PSJD Comprehensive Fellowship Guide

The 2016-2017 PSJD Fellowship Guide is an online compilation of post-graduate fellowships. To access the database and for information about how to effectively use the database, visit http://www.psjd.org/2017_-_2018_Comprehensive_Fellowship_Guide. Note that many fellowships have very early fall semester deadlines; 3Ls that are interested in applying for post-graduate fellowships should access the Guide now!

Equal Justice Works’ Student Debt E-Book: Take Control of Your Future: A Guide to Managing Your Student Debt

Take Control of Your Future: A Guide to Managing Your Student Debt, is now available free on the EJW website.

Take Control of Your Future is a comprehensive guide to managing student debt, with chapters on understanding student loans and loan consolidation, planning before borrowing, income-driven repayment plans and a step-by-step guide to earning Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

ABA Student Loan Best Practices in the Face of Political Change

In today’s political climate, many questions surround the future of America’s student loan repayment programs. The current White House administration has put forth a number of proposals to change key aspects of the income-based repayment and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs. While it remains to be seen whether these changes will be adopted and passed by Congress, the next elected president is expected to have a significant impact on the future of student debt in America. The Democratic and Republican presidential candidates have differing visions for federal student loan programs, which could have a significant impact on your repayment strategy.

In the ABA's Student Loan Best Practices in the Face of Political Change webinar, you'll learn:

  • What you should consider when choosing between federal loan programs and private student loan refinancing
  • How borrowers can save $20,200+ over the life of their loans on average by refinancing
  • How the current proposed changes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and income based repayment programs may affect your student loan repayment strategy

ABA Law Student Podcast: Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you plan to go into public service, you may have heard about public service loan forgiveness (PSLF for short). This economic incentive offers student loan forgiveness following a minimum period of service and on-time payments towards the borrower’s debt. The cost of this benefit is aimed at making public work more attractive.

In this extended two-segment episode of ABA Law Student Podcast, hosts Fabiani Duarte and Madison Burke interview Bryan Tyson, the executive director of the Georgia Public Defender Council and Jonathan Rapping, co-founder of Gideon’s Promise. 

In segment one, you will hear from Bryan about the debt to income gap, his organization’s survey of public defenders about PSLF, and the increased importance of public defenders outside the practice of law.

In segment two, you will hear from Jonathan about student debt’s barrier to public service, the lifelong commitment of student loans, and concerns about poor people not getting justice in the event of PSLF cuts or caps.

Listen now!   

CareerShift

Chicago-Kent has partnered with CareerShift to help with your job search needs. CareerShift is a one-stop search engine that allows users to search and review each and every job posting available (such as those on Monster, Indeed, all other job boards and company websites). In addition, users can search for jobs and save your searches, find and save a list of contacts, create resumes and cover letters, and put them together in a targeted e-mail or postal mail campaigns. Then you can track your responses from “Come in for an interview” to “You’re hired.”
With CareerShift you can:

  • Search every job listing, including job boards and company websites
  • Get inside contact information immediately, including email addresses, for millions of companies
  • Create and organize all of your documents
  • Confidentially market yourself
  • Remain focused and organized
  • Access your secure, private account from anywhere, anytime, 24/7

Log in to Symplicity for the link and password to access CareerShift (search “CareerShift” in the Document Library).

Practising Law Institute (PLI)

Practising Law Institute (PLI) invites law students to attend most of its live CLE programs, or view its live or archived Webcasts, for free, on scholarship (see PLI’s student scholarship form). They are all great sources of cutting-edge, practice-oriented content, and the live programs are terrific networking opportunities.

CSO Resources

The Chicago-Kent Career Services Office has access to hundreds of helpful career resources. A majority of these resources are available in Symplicity under the red "Resources" tab (in the "Document Library"). Some of these resources include:

  • 2016-2017 Government Honors and Internship Handbook
  • Chicago Area Law Firm List
  • 2014-2015 Guide to Internships & Fellowships in Reproductive Rights & Justice
  • Updated Vermont Guide to State Judicial Clerkships
  • BYU Intercollegiate Job Bank
  • DePaul Law School International Guide and Job Resource
  • Music Attorney Registry
  • Prosecution Handbook
  • Public Defender Handbook               
  • Public Interest Job Search Handbooks
  • Various handouts related to the job search, including “Researching Legal Employers,” “The Out of State Job Search,” “Salary Negotiations” and “Writing Samples”

And many more!

Chicago-Kent students can also access various websites like: Policy Jobs (www.policyjobs.net), Political Jobs (www.politicaljobs.net), Human Rights Jobs (www.humanrightsjobs.com) and Ethical Jobs (www.ethicaljobs.net) by using the Login details that can be obtained in the Symplicity "Document Library" (under the Resources tab).

Speak with your Career Advisor about the various resources available through the Career Services Office!

Resources Provided by the Chicago Bar Association

The Chicago Bar Career Center is the place to go to find legal industry professionals, jobs, and resources. Legal professionals can search for jobs, post resumes, and browse career resources to help them in all stages of their career. Employers looking for quality candidates can post jobs, search resumes, and connect with prospects. Have you visited a premier resource to connect career opportunities with highly qualified legal professionals - ? Whether you're searching for a new career or searching for a new hire, the CBA Career Center provides multiple avenues to help you achieve your goal. See below for a summary of services.

Job Postings
Finding a new job or making a career switch isn't always easy. We understand and offer a variety of assistance to members to help ease the path to the future you imagine. Seewww.chicagobar.org/careers for a full list of resources.

Career Assistance Committee

Get tips and feedback from professional speakers as well as your colleagues at monthly meetings at the CBA. Past topics have included resumes, interviewing, salary negotiation, state of the job market and more. Sign up to receive email notice of meetings at www.chicagobar.org/committees. Free and open to all members. 

Career Advancement Program 
The CBA has partnered with local career counselor Kathy Morris to help lawyers navigate the Chicago legal job market. With over 25 years of experience, Kathy shares her intimate knowledge of our local market in complimentary one-on-one career counseling sessions at the CBA, seminars targeted to experience level and practice area, and more. Learn more atwww.chicagobar.org/CAP

Online Career Center
Search job openings and post your resume plus get everything you need to make your resume stand out, ace the interview, advance your career, and navigate the digital world through social media at www.chicagobar.org/careercenter. Our online career center also allows you to set up efficient job alerts that deliver job openings right to your inbox. 

CBA Job Flash
As a supplement to the online career center CBA members receive the “Job Flash” in their inbox. The newsletter contains a current list of both local and national job openings. Not getting the Job Flash? Check your member profile at www.chicagobar.org and make sure your email is on file with the CBA (or call 312-554-2135).

Lawcountability J.D.

Lawyers and law students are facing a significantly tighter job market and a heightened level of competition for new business. This new era requires them to build consistency into their habits while more closely connecting to clients, prospects, and colleagues. Law students and lawyers seeking to raise their profiles, however, struggle with execution due to an absence of accountability. Lawcountability® is a cloud-based platform (developed by Chicago-Kent alumnus Ari Kaplan) designed to solve that problem. To watch a demo, visit http://lawcountability.com/students/.

Information on how to subscribe to the weekly videos and curriculum will be provided at the beginning of the Fall 2017 semester.

CALENDARS

.: Main Chicago-Kent event
   calendar

.: Academic calendar

.: CLE calendar

.: Alumnae/i event calendar

.: Admissions calendar

Chicago-Kent home page Student portal Faculty portal Staff portal About The Record Current Record headlines Publication deadlines The Record archives