UDSL Job Search Manual

UDSL Job Search Manual
Table of Contents
Career Services Office Overview
Staff.................................................................... 3
Contact.............................................................. 3
Office Hours....................................................... 3
Student Services................................................ 3
CSO Programs................................................... 3
Career Fairs........................................................ 3
On-campus Interviews....................................... 4
Resume Collection Service............................... 4
Direct Contact Listings..................................... 4
Job Postings........................................................ 4
Resources............................................................ 4
CSO Publications.............................................. 4
Student Files...................................................... 4
State Bar Exam Materials.................................. 4
Internships/Writing Competitions.................... 5
Telephone / Fax / Copier................................... 5
Computerized Job Searching............................. 5
Interviewing Tips
Tips for Successful Interviews.........................31
Preparation......................................................31
The Interview..................................................33
Closing the Interview......................................34
Preparing for Your Job Search
Career Planning Guide...................................... 7
Job Search Checklist......................................... 8
The Resume Guide
Introduction....................................................... 11
The Basics.......................................................... 11
A Note on Ethics ............................................. 12
Preparation......................................................... 12
Resume Content................................................ 12
References.......................................................... 14
Writing Samples................................................ 14
Resume Samples................................................ 14
Cover Letter Writing
Introduction....................................................... 20
Preparation......................................................... 20
Assessment of Strengths.................................... 20
Contents............................................................ 20
Cover Letter Tips............................................... 22
Sample Cover Letters........................................ 24
Thank You Letter.............................................. 29
Federal Government Jobs
Careers in the Federal Government...............47
Networking Tips
Introduction....................................................36
Process.............................................................36
Informational Interviews.................................36
Bar Exam Preparation
Glossary of Bar Terms......................................38
Ohio Bar Exam Information...........................39
Bar Exam Info for 8 Most Popular States.......42
Judicial Clerkships
Judicial Clerkship Information.......................45
LawMatch Reference Guide
LawMatch Reference Guide...........................50
NALP Guidelines
Timing of Offers..............................................52
Career
Services Office
Overview
Staff
CSO Programs
Tim Swensen
Assistant Dean, Director of Career Services
timothy.swensen@notes.udayton.edu
We offer a variety of career-oriented programs
each year. Examples of these informational programs include:
Julie Jackson
Program Coordinator/Counselor
julie.jackson@notes.udayton.edu
◗ Super Start Saturday
◗ Resume and Cover Letter Writing
◗ Interviewing Tips
◗ Lawyers in Practice Program
◗ Judicial Clerkship Panel
◗ Ohio Bar Application Workshop
◗ Public Interest Law
◗ Intellectual Property Law
◗ Sports and Entertainment Law
◗ Real Estate Law
◗ Guest Speakers
Rita Barney
Senior Administrative Assistant
rita.barney@notes.udayton.edu
Contact
Phone: Fax:
Website:
Email:
(937) 229-3215
(937) 229-4772
www.law.udayton.edu
CSO@udayton.edu
Career Fairs
UDSL participates in a number of career fairs
every year. Watch your email for more information.
Office Hours
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Chicago Patent Law Program
Chicago, IL (August)
Student Services
Cook County Bar Association Minority Job Fair
Chicago, IL (August)
◗ Individual Career Counseling
– schedule a session with Tim or Julie to discuss your job
search strategy.
Tri-State Diversity Recruiting Program
Covington, KY (August)
◗ Job Search Skills Workshops
– watch your
mailbox or the Opening Statement for a
schedule of workshops and programs.
BLSA Midwest Regional Minority Recruitment
Conference
Cleveland, OH (August)
◗ Review and critique of resumes and cover Prosecutorial Symposium
Chicago, IL (September)
letters – bring your resume and cover letter to the CSO.
◗ Job Vacancy Postings
and LawMatch.
AIPLA Job Fair
Washington, D.C. (October)
– visit the CSO website
Equal Justice Works Job Fair
Washington, D.C. (October)
◗ Reciprocity Assistance
– gain access to the
Career Services Office at other law schools.
Request forms are available in the CSO.
Midwest Public Interest Law Career Conference
Chicago, IL (February)
On Campus Interviews
Resources
On campus interviews take place in the fall and spring. We will post an updated list of
participating employers on our web site. This
information will also be supplied in the CSO
Summer Newsletter.
The Career Services Office houses an extensive
resource library containing employer profiles,
legal directories, periodicals, and career related
books on topics ranging from legal practice areas
to interviewing skills. We also maintain a very
comprehensive list of online career related web
links on the Career Services website under “Job
Postings” where you can directly link to over to
many other job search sites.
Resume Collection Service
Many firms and organizations contact us to
express an interest in hiring UDSL students.
They request that we collect and submit resumes
from interested students who meet certain
qualifications. The CSO forwards these resumes
to the employer in one packet. Our Resume
Collection schedule changes frequently throughout the fall. Check the CSO web site or office
bulletin boards for an updated list of employers
and due dates.
CSO Publications
◗ Opening
Statement Student Newsletter (monthly)
◗ Student Summer Newsletter (mid-summer mailing)
◗ Employer Brochure (as needed)
◗ Law & Technology Resume Book (fall)
◗ Workshop Handouts (as needed)
Direct Contact Listings
Student Files
Employers notify us in the fall of an interest
in UDSL students for summer and permanent
jobs and request students forward their resumes
directly to the employer. This list changes
frequently and the CSO maintains an up-to-date
list of participating employers and applicable
deadlines on our web page.
As we often receive calls from employers
who are looking to fill a certain position, we
recommend that students submit a Registration
Release form available in the CSO along with
three copies of their resume. The CSO also
maintains student files and a database to aid in
our ability to provide individualized job search
assistance. Thus, having information about your
undergraduate major, job experience, and areas
of interest allows us to refer you for these types
of employment opportunities. Be sure to keep us
informed of your job status and supply us with
updated copies of your resume throughout the
school year.
Job Postings
Many area firms, companies, and government
agencies contact us throughout the year
when they have part-time and full-time job
vacancies. We post these vacancies on bulletin
boards in the CSO and on our webpage via
LawMatch. LawMatch is an online job bank
in which UDSL and many other law schools
participate. This job bank allows students to
search quickly and efficiently for part-time, fulltime, and summer jobs using a password. See the
LawMatch Reference Guide at the end of this
book for instructions on how to use and register
for LawMatch.
State Bar Exam Materials
The CSO provides students information about
the Ohio Bar Examination and the Multistate
Professional Responsibility Examination. For all
other state bar examinations, we can provide
students with the appropriate contact information. Our materials include information such
as required courses, application deadlines, and
application procedures. Each fall, representatives
from the Ohio Supreme Court give a presentation outlining procedures for applying to the
Ohio Bar Exam.
Computerized Job Searching
Internships, Fellowships
and Writing Competitions
We have lists of web links students can use to access job postings. We also have two standalone computers with dedicated printers for
revising resumes and cover letters and conducting job-related Internet research. Students wishing to develop superior Internet job search skills
should visit the LexisNexis and WestLaw representatives in the Keller Hall Computer Lab.
Note: The CSO computers are not to be used for
printing course assignments or writing samples.
We keep files on all writing competitions, fellowships, and internships and they are
announced in the Opening Statement newsletter. Please keep in mind that winning a writing
competition or getting published in any fashion
is a tremendous resume booster!
Telephone, Fax Machine and Copier
We have a telephone that may be used at no
charge to make calls related to your job search.
Permission to use the phone is granted by the
CSO on a case-by-case basis. We also have a fax machine students can use at no cost for job-related or bar-related communications. On a limited basis, photo copies can be made in the
CSO for five cents each.
Preparing
for Your
Job Search
Career Planning Guide
2. Identify and Explore Your Career Options
To be effective, your career planning and development must be systematic. There are
three basic steps involved in the process.
◗ Self-analysis
◗ Identification
Identify your Options
Once you have a career path in mind, you need
to find out what jobs are available. Certainly
there are positions in small, medium, and large
firms. There are also positions in the judicial system, in state and federal agencies, in large
corporations, and in public interest organizations. There are also “alternative” legal careers
in academia, corporate America, and consulting
firms. The options are endless and it is up to
you to discover them. The CSO offers a number
of programs and resources to assist you in the identification process.
and exploration of career
options
packaging of your skills and qualifications
◗ Proper
Step-by-step Guide to
Securing the Right Job
1. Self analysis: Figure out who you are and
what is important to you
Research your Options
After you have identified different areas of interest, you must begin your research phase.
Read as much as you can to learn about various
positions. What kind of educational background,
work experience, and skills do they require?
How well would the position satisfy your needs
and aspirations? Talk to people at different levels
in a variety of jobs. Get their perspectives on
the advantages and disadvantages, requirements,
day-to-day activities, etc. We offer numerous
resources, networking opportunities, and workshops that teach you step-by-step how to build
and utilize a legal network.
Identify your Areas of Interest
Given today’s tough legal market, many
students think they will have to take any job
they can get. Don’t fall into this trap. Access
your personal aspirations, values, and needs. In
what sort of setting would you like to live and
work? Do you want to make a difference in the
world or in individual lives? Are money and
prestige important? What about “quality of life”
issues? Do you want control over your schedule?
Are you willing to work 60-80 hours a week?
Do you want to travel? Are you happy sitting
behind a desk all day? Do you like to work
alone or as part of a team? Do you need creative
freedom or is guidance necessary? The answers
to these and other important questions can be
discovered through self-assessment. We also
offer workshops designed to help you with your
own personal self-assessment.
Properly Package your Skills and Qualifications
Once you know what career path you are
pursuing, you need to properly sell potential
employers on your eagerness and ability to fill
the position. You must be able to write effective
cover letters and resumes, conduct informational
interviews, and perform well in job interviews.
We provide workshops, resources, and individual
counseling sessions to assist you in these
endeavors.
Identify your Abilities
Next you need to define your abilities:
intellectual, emotional, physical, and
interpersonal. These are the attributes,
expanded by your education and experience,
which you have to offer potential employers.
___Record your work assignments and keep
written work on a disk for potential writing
samples (with appropriate redactions to protect confidentiality and with approval
from your employer)
___Update resume, cover letter, references, and writing sample
___Review CSO Summer Newsletters; note
resume collection deadlines; check web page
on regular basis for fall recruiting updates
___Begin researching firms scheduled for fall
recruiting
Job Search Checklist
First Year:
Fall Semester/Holiday Break
___Attend Super Start Saturday
___Schedule an appointment with the CSO to
discuss job search strategy
___Draft resume; submit it to the CSO for critique
___Develop targeted list of employers
___Draft targeted cover letters
___Begin networking; visit targeted geographical area(s) to conduct informational interviews
___Prepare a list of references to contact and provide each one with a copy of your resume
___Decide on a writing sample (5 to 15 pages)
and make it flawless
Suggested Resources:
(also see on-line resources section)
___Nalpdirectory.com – detailed hiring information for select large law firms from
the National Association of Law Placement;
use “search employers” information or
“browse employer info”
___Bar Directories – search the many city and
county bar directories in the CSO; become
a student member of a bar association where
you intend to practice; and add this to your
resume
___Martindale.com – search for attorneys, law
firms, and UDSL alums by practice area and
geographical location
___LawMatch – frequently check this on-line
job bank which lists UDSL job postings
plus postings from six additional Ohio law
schools, IU, and others
___CSO Website – check recruiting schedules
such as on-campus interviews and the CSO
newsletter “The Opening Statement”
___Bulletin Boards in CSO – same information
will be found in LawMatch & OSBA (see
below)
___OSBA.org – Ohio Bar Association job postings
___Job search web links on CSO home page
___Google it – search for state, city, county web
sites (consider surrounding areas, too)
___Periodicals – i.e., IP Today, Ohio Bar,
Indiana Lawyer, and Florida Bar in CSO
___Job Search Reference Guides in CSO
___Top Firm Lists for Dayton, Cleveland,
Columbus, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis
– copies in CSO
___Local newspapers
Spring Semester/Spring Break
___Send resumes and cover letters to targeted
employers (resumes to large firms should be
sent by early January; inform the employers
you will follow up with a letter when your
class rank is available)
___Continue networking and conducting informational interviews
___Attend CSO workshops and informational
programs
___Brush up on interviewing skills-conduct a
practice interview, read books on interviewing (available in the CSO library), and
attend workshops
___Attend “Lawyers in Practice” program
___Attend any relevant career fairs
___Check our summer positions bulletin board
in CSO or on our web page
Summer After First Year
___Make the most of your summer-if working a legal job, gain as much experience as possible in hopes of either receiving an offer to continue or a great reference; consider volunteering 10 to 20 hours per
week with a legal employer
___Continue networking and conducting informational interviews
___Law professors
___Undergrad school: career office, advisors, or
professors
___Networking – talk to everyone you know,
especially those connected with law firms,
courts, government agencies, etc.-the #1
way to get a job!
___Reciprocity to use another school’s Career
Services Office for 3Ls and graduates (see Rita in CSO)
___UDSL Alumni Office (located in the Dean’s suite)
___Resource Library in CSO
Application Materials:
(Have these materials accessible at all times and take
copies to your interviews.)
___Resume
___References (3-4 including one law school
professor, on nice resume paper)
___Writing Sample (5-10 pages preferred or
excerpt with fact pattern on cover sheet; on
plain white paper)
___Cover Letters (create a generic letter that
you can tailor for each employer)
___Law School Transcript (get an original from
the UDSL Registrar’s office and make copies
for employers) Note: it typically takes 2-3
days to get a transcript, so plan ahead!
___Undergraduate Transcript (needed especially for IP employers)-can take up to 3 weeks
to get from some schools, so plan ahead!
Reminders: 1) Only submit the specific materials requested by the employer. 2) Always include a
cover letter unless the ad says not to. 3) Carry copies of all above mentioned materials with you in a
leather portfolio to every interview and job fair.
The
Resume
Guide
10
Your resume should be printed on 8 1/2” x 11”
medium weight bond paper in white, off white,
light cream, or light ecru. Avoid grays or darker
shades as they do not copy or fax well. You will
want your resume to look clean when reproduced and distributed within a given employer’s
office. Rarely should you exceed one page.
The general rule is one page for every 10 years
of work experience. If you require two pages,
include your name and the words “page 2” at the
top of the second page and be sure to completely
fill up both pages.
How to WOW Prospective Employers
Introduction
Your resume introduces you to prospective
employers. Its purpose is to get you an interview,
not a job offer. Keep in mind that a legal recruiter or hiring attorney may screen 100 or more
resumes at a time, spending only 30-60 seconds
on each. To maximize your chances for an interview, your resume should clearly and concisely
tell the reader that you are a prime candidate for
the job and you are worth interviewing.
Choose a font that is easily readable within the
10 to 12 point range. Acceptable font styles
are Times New Roman, Book Antigua, Arial,
Century Schoolbook, or Garamond. Leave a
one-inch margin on all sides. The goal is to
have a document that is clear and concise. Be
absolutely certain your resume is error-free.
Students often make the mistake of listing every
past job and activity on their resume. The main
objective, however, is to highlight only relevant
education and experiential qualifications. Point
out your strong skills and attributes and then
illustrate how they will be beneficial to a particular employer.
The top of your resume should contain the
information an employer would need to contact you.
The Resume Guide walks you through the legal
resume writing process. The samples are in
chronological format which is commonly used
for traditional legal resumes. However, if you are
pursuing an alternative legal career (in which
you use your legal training in a non-traditional
legal job), then you may need to develop a functional resume. Please meet with the Career
Services personnel for guidance on drafting a
functional resume.
◗ Your
name (in bold in a larger font size than
the rest of the resume)
◗ Your address (list two addresses, a “school”
address and a “permanent” address, if you are
trying to get a job out of state)
◗ E-mail address (optional – it is preferable to
have on your resume but only if you regularly
check your email account).
The Basics
Be brief and to the point. Do not include
unnecessary personal information (height,
weight, marital status, etc.). Organize your
resume in a way that is aesthetically pleasing
and easy to follow. Use lots of action verbs
and phrases. Be sure to note all the academic
and work-related experiences that make you
qualified for a given job.
Format
There is no prescribed format for a resume since
different people will be reading your resume and
have varying preferences as to style and format.
Resume writing is an art-not a science. However,
general rules have developed over the years to
help guide students in preparing legal resumes.
These guidelines are meant to give you direction while allowing your resume to reflect individuality. Legal employers expect the categories
of EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE to appear
on your resume. Include at least one additional
category such as INTERESTS, COMMUNITY
SERVICE, or SKILLS.
Keep in mind that attorneys are notoriously
conservative in their view of a proper “legal
resume”. Also be mindful that listed participation in a particular religious or political organization may affect an employer’s willingness to
consider you.
11
A Note on Ethics
Although it is sometimes tempting to exaggerate
credentials, to do so is to risk disqualification.
Always be ethical, honest, and practical. Every
piece of information you include on your resume
is fair game for questioning in an interview. An
employer may also try to verify information on
your resume through your references, law school
faculty, law school staff, and/or former employers. This does not mean that if you did not perform well with your last boss that you have
to disclose it in your resume. There are ways to
highlight the positives without exaggerating or
misleading. For your own sake, avoid even the
appearance of impropriety on your resume.
Resume Content
Education
This section should be written in reverse
chronological order and should contain the following information.
◗ Names and locations of schools and programs
◗ Dates of graduation (for law school include
“Juris Doctor expected, Month/Year” or
“Candidate for Juris Doctor”)
◗ Degrees awarded and whether you graduated
with honors
◗ Grade point average for undergraduate and
graduate school programs if 3.0 or better
◗ Law school class rank (e.g. 22/150 or Top
15%); (we don’t recommend including your
law school GPA.)
◗ Coursework related to position sought (optional)
◗ Honors, awards, scholarships, activities
◗ Publications
Preparation
Before you begin drafting your resume, you need
to do a little preparation. Your resume will be
more effective if you know what type of position
you are targeting and what you have to offer.
The best way to narrow down your career
options is to talk to as many practitioners as
possible across a range of practice areas and settings. Talk to lawyers who work in small firms,
medium-sized firms, and large firms. Talk to
lawyers who work for government agencies and
state and federal judges. Talk to lawyers who
work in corporate legal departments and those
who are sole practitioners. Talk to lawyers who
have chosen alternative careers.
Generally, you should only list institutions from
which you received a degree except for studyabroad programs. Do not list your high school
unless it is necessary to establish a geographical
identification or if it has a strong reputation in
the community where you will be sending your
resume.
Work Experience
This section is critical. Employers weigh a
number of factors when screening resumes,
but the two most important are your academic
credentials and your work experience. Make sure
you show a record of success.
Self-assessment is the other part of your preparation. We have numerous books in the CSO and
offer counseling sessions and materials to help
you analyze and discover the skills and attributes
you have to offer. Take some time to figure out
what you have to offer an employer and what
type of practice area and work environment will
make you happiest.
List your employment/experiences in reverse
chronological order, beginning with the most
recent. Be sure to include (1) the employer’s
name, city, and state; (2) your job title; (3) dates
of employment; and (4) a brief description of the
experiences you had and the skills you developed
or demonstrated in that position. For instance,
be sure your resume reflects your ability to
research, write, analyze, communicate, organize,
work independently or as part of a team, and
solve problems. Give examples of traits you
demonstrated on the job such as initiative,
12
exceptional work ethic, ability to persuade,
business acumen, well-developed people skills,
leadership capabilities, and willingness to accept
increased responsibilities. When possible,
quantify your successes.
It is important to capture the reader’s attention
by using appropriate action words for your job
descriptions:
Administered
Advised Analyzed
Arranged
Assembled Assimilated
Assorted
Awarded
Billed
Built
Carried out
Chaired
Channeled
Coached
Collected
Communicated
Compiled
Completed
Conceptualized
Conducted
Contacted
Contributed
Controlled
Coordinated
Corrected
Counseled
Created
Cut
Defended
Demonstrated
Designed Determined
Developed Directed
Dispatched
Documented
Drafted
Edited
Enacted
Established
Evaluated
Expanded
Formed
Formulated
Functioned as Gathered
Generated
Handled
Hired
Identified Implemented
Improved Initiated
Inspected
Instituted
Instructed
Interpreted
Interviewed Introduced
Do not forget to include promotions, company
awards, and improvements you made. Be sure to
include jobs even if you performed them on a
voluntary basis or over summer break. As long
as you were providing substantive work, volunteer positions may be appropriately listed under
the work experience section of your resume. In
drafting this portion of your resume, keep these
points in mind.
You should not:
◗ Describe every aspect of your job
◗ List every job you have ever had
◗ Use complete sentences
◗ Leave large time gaps
◗ Lie or exaggerate
◗ Try to be “cute”
◗ Be wordy
You should:
◗ Be clear and concise
◗ Proofread carefully
◗ Vary your action verbs
◗ Be selective in summarizing work duties
◗ Focus only on the skills and accomplishments
important to the prospective legal employer
13
Invented
Lead
Litigated
Located
Maintained
Managed
Mediated
Met with
Modified
Monitored
Motivated
Negotiated
Operated
Orchestrated
Ordered
Organized
Oversaw
Participated
Performed
Persuaded
Planned
Prepared
Presented
Produced
Programmed
Proposed
Provided
Published
Purchased
Recommended
Recorded
Reduced
Referred
Reported
Represented
Resolved
Reviewed
Revised
Saved
Scheduled
Screened
Secured
Served as
Served on
Sold
Solved
Structured
Suggested
Summarized
Supervised
Taught
Tested
Trained
Translated
Utilized
Verified
Wrote
Won
permission to use the person’s name BEFORE
you submit your reference list to an employer. It
is also a good idea to give a copy of your resume
to your references and continually update them
on your job search progress.
References & Writing Samples
References
While including a phrase such as “references
furnished upon request” on your resume will
not hurt you, it is a waste of precious space.
We recommend eliminating this phrase and
supplying references only when requested by
a prospective employer, unless the employer
knows one of your references or your list is
extremely impressive.
Writing Sample
Your writing sample should be an impressive
example of your legal writing ability. It must be
an example of legal writing-not something you
wrote before law school. Most employers prefer
writing samples between 5-10 pages in length.
However, employers also understand that 1Ls
typically have legal memoranda in excess of 10
pages to choose from their first year legal writing class assignments. Upperclassmen should, if
possible, use a writing sample from a legal job or
upper level course that falls within the preferred
page limitation.
Your references should be typed on a separate
page that is the same type/color of paper as
your resume. Use the same heading as your
resume including your name, address, and phone
number. Put the title “References for (your
name)” at the top of the page.
Use only three to four references and list them
down the left side of the page in address label
format. Leave a few blank lines between each
one. For each reference, list the name, title,
place employed, mailing address, phone number,
and email address.
If a writing sample is too long, you are encouraged to either shorten it or take a 5-10 page
excerpt from the sample. If you use an excerpt,
be sure to attach a cover sheet which provides
the reader with a summary of the missing information. For example, if you omitted the Facts
Section at the beginning of a memorandum to
decrease length, provide a few sentences in your
cover sheet outlining the fact scenario.
For example:
Timothy G. Swensen
Assistant Dean, Director of Career Services
University of Dayton School of Law
300 College Park
Dayton, OH 45469-2774
937/229-3215
timothy.swensen@notes.dayton.edu
Be sure to have your name clearly typed on the
front of the document. Be certain your writing
sample is flawless. Employers, especially judges,
will look closely at writing samples as the
majority of work performed by their law clerks
involves legal writing. You can print your writing
sample on plain white printer paper.
If it is not readily apparent, include how the
reference is connected to you. For example, if
the reference used to be your boss, but no longer
works at the same employer, then put a parenthetical explanation next to or underneath
the name such as “former supervisor at XYZ
Company.”
Sample Resumes
Several sample resumes follow. You are strongly
cautioned against plagiarizing any portion of
these samples. Remember that many UDSL
students will send resumes to the same
employers.
References should be individuals who can speak
knowledgeably about your academic or work
abilities. Using family, friends, or character
references is not appropriate. Be sure to ask
14
Arthur B. Radley
aradley@hotmail.com
Permanent Address:
3434 West Avenue
West Chester, OH 45069
(513) 547-1170
Education:
School Address:
25 Engle Park Drive, #2
Dayton, OH 45419
(937) 435-4578
University of Dayton School of Law, Dayton, Ohio
Candidate for Juris Doctor, May 2006
Class Rank: Top 20% (21/130)
•CALI Award: Criminal Procedure-Police Practices
•Presidential Academic Scholarship
•Law Review, 2005-06; Staff Writer, 2004-05, Executive Editor, 2005-06; Comment:
Defining Property Rights, expected publication in University of Dayton Law
Review, Fall 2005
•Moot Court Team, 2005-06
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, May 2003
GPA: 3.2
•Dean’s List, last four semesters
•Alpha Phi Sigma (criminal justice honor fraternity)
•Varsity Tennis, 1999-2003 (Team Captain, Southeastern Conference All-Academic,
Southeastern Conference Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Student-Athlete
Advisory Committee, Jack Vredevelt Sportsmanship Award Finalist)
Work Experience:
University of Dayton School of Law, Dayton, Ohio
Teacher Assistant to Professor Lori Shaw, August 2005 to present
Research brief topics for first year legal research and writing class; review and edit students’
briefs and counsel them on logical organization and structure of legal arguments.
Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling Co., L.P.A., Dayton, Ohio
Summer Associate, May 2005 to August 2005
Drafted amicus brief in federal suit concerning securities fraud class action; prepared memoranda on choice of law analysis and coverage for complex insurance litigation; analyzed case law on enforceability of continuous operation clauses in commercial leases;
and researched political subdivision’s immunity for exercise of proprietary and governmental functions.
The Honorable Joseph Kessler
Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, Dayton, Ohio
Law Clerk, May 2004 to August 2004
Conducted research and prepared opinions on cases involving zoning appeals, insurance coverage, real estate transactions, forfeitures, business contracts, and unemployment benefits;
attended hearings and trials.
15
Jean Louise Finch
86 Clearwater Drive, Riverside, OH 45432 (937) 236-3142 jlfinch@aol.com
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
EDUCATION
University of Dayton School of Law, Dayton, Ohio
Juris Doctor expected, May 2007
Class Rank: Top 30% (45/150)
• CALI Award: International Tax Problems and Criminal Law
• Dean’s Scholarship Recipient
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program Supervisor
Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration, May 2004
GPA: 3.3
• Pi Sigma Alpha, Political Science Honorary
• Miami University European Center, Luxembourg, Spring Semester 2003
• Alpha Phi, Community Service Chair
EXPERIENCE
General Electric Aircraft Engines, Cincinnati, Ohio
Law Clerk, (September 2006-Present)
Conduct legal research on international procurement law. Draft and administer training modules for topics relating to United States and international government compliance. Create,
maintain, and conduct legal review of corporate books for one Austrian and two Turkish
General Electric affiliates.
Georgianna I. Parisi Law Office, Kettering, Ohio
Law Clerk, (Summer 2006)
Performed legal research on employment, juvenile, and personal injury issues. Reviewed and
summarized case files and conducted client interviews.
Office of Staff Judge Advocate, 88th Air Base, WPAFB, Ohio (Summer 2005)
Law Clerk, (September 2005-Present)
Edited law briefs and evaluated personal injury claims using the Personal Injury Handbook.
Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc., WPAFB, Ohio
Assistant Manager and Gift Shop Cashier, (June 2000-August 2004)
COMMUNITY ACTITIVES
• Appointed to the City of Riverside Board of Zoning of Appeals (April 2004-April 2007); elected
Vice-Chair (April 2005-April 2007).
• Volunteered to perform long-range planning as member of Corridor Overlay Committee for the
City of Riverside.
INTERESTS
Enjoy traveling to the Far East, softball, and scuba diving.
16
Thomas J. Robinson
423 Cheyenne Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60621
(312) 333-5555
trobinson@law.com
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
EDUCATION
University of Dayton School of Law, Dayton, Ohio
Juris Doctor expected, May 2005
Class Rank: Top 30% (45/150)
•Honor Council Student Representative
•Hispanic Law Student Association
Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, May 2003
GPA: 3.1
•Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Honor Society, 1999-2003
•Recipient of Army ROTC Scholarship
•Chair of Senior Giving Advisory Committee, 2001
MILITARY EXPERIENCE
Army Reserve Officer Training Corps, Northwestern University (1999-2003)
•Attended 5-week Army ROTC Advanced Camp which focused on rigorous physical
and leadership training (Summer 1999)
•Presented weekly briefs to groups of 20-60 cadets
•Participated in battalion staff administration and logistical planning
WORK EXPERIENCE
Priority Account Analyst Intern (Summer 2003)
Chelovitz Corporation, Chicago, Illinois
•Performed account recollection and internal auditing
•Prepared financial modules updating account status
•Assisted in billing department and collected delinquent payments
Golf Course Greenskeeper (Summers 2001 & 2002)
Westmore Country Club, Chicago, Illinois
•Maintained course greens and fairway
•Prepared grounds for golf tournaments and other club events
Lifeguard (Summer 2000)
Evanston Municipal Pool, Evanston, Illinois
•Monitored swimmers and enforced safety rules
•Taught swimming lessons to children ages 3-10
•Certified in Red Cross lifeguard course and Cadiopulmonary Resuscitation
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Hope House Volunteer Network, Evanston, Illinois (2000-present)
Northwestern University Alumni Orchestra, Evanston, Illinois (2003-present)
Elijah’s Promise Soup Kitchen, Chicago, Illinois (2000-present)
17
Robert A. Ewell
147 Plumwood Road, Apt. # 407
Dayton, Ohio 45409
rewell@aol.com
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Education
May 2006
University of Dayton School of Law, Dayton, Ohio
Juris Doctor candidate
Class Rank: Top 25%
May 2001
University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio
Bachelor of Science, Biology
GPA: 3.25
Honors & Activities
Dean’s Scholarship, 2003-2004
Teaching Assistant, Academic Excellence Program, 2004
Housing Ambassador, UDSL Admissions Office, 2004
Member, Intellectual Property Law Society, 2003-2004
Dean’s List, Spring 2001, Fall and Spring 2001
Student Representative, UD Facilities Board, 1999-2001
Financed 100% of college tuition through employment and scholarships
Work Experience May 2004-
The United States Patent and Trademark Office, Arlington, Virginia
August 2004
Patent Intern
■ Worked as Junior Patent Examiner on biotechnology applications
■ Participated in advanced courses for patent examiners on section 35 of the United States Code
■ Gained experience in claim drafting and double patenting
■ Completed an eight-hour comprehensive course: Patent Examiner Initial Training (included extensive overview of patent law, examining procedures, and search techniques)
June 2001-
August 2003
Brenner, Inc., Louisville, Kentucky
Process Engineer
■ Performed batch and continuous testing for pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries
■ Participated in various research and development projects
■ Assisted customers with process specifications for experimental trials
■ Supported technical service personnel with customer processing problems
May 1998-
August 2001
Watson Brothers Bistro and Brewery, Blue Ash, Ohio
Server
■ Worked with a team of employees to serve customers in a fast-paced restaurant
■ Trained new employees
Skills & Interests Proficient at LexisNexis, Westlaw, and most Microsoft applications; fluent in German; licensed pilot;
enjoy running marathons, gourmet cooking, and golf.
18
Cover
Letter
Writing
19
How to Write Compelling
Cover Letters
may know the employer. Finally, it is always
a good idea to stop by the CSO and ask what
additional resources or information may be available for a particular employer.
Introduction
Useful information to gather before you begin
your cover letter:
Your cover letter is as important as your resume
because it is the employer’s introduction to
you. First impressions tend to stay with the
reader and are difficult to overcome. To create
a well-written cover letter takes hard work and
many revisions, but it Is worth the effort since
it may be the deciding factor that persuades the
employer to give you an interview.
◗ Type
of employer (government, firm, corporation, public service organization)
◗ Areas of practice
◗ Number of lawyers
◗ Lawyers’ biographical information
◗ Cities where the employer has offices
◗ Major clients
◗ Recent Cases
◗ Newspaper articles about the employer or its lawyers
A cover letter is a sales document that introduces you and tells the employer why he/she
should speak with you. Its purpose is to highlight
various aspects of your resume and show how
they apply to the position available. It is also a
sample of your writing ability and organizational
skills, so it needs to be perfect. Your cover letter
should convey genuine enthusiasm for the position and/or the employer.
Assessment of Your Strengths
Before you can persuade an employer to hire
you, you first need to understand what you have
to offer in terms of skills and qualifications.
After you research an employer, you will better
understand the type of work it performs and the
qualities it seeks in new employees. Knowing
this information will allow you to tailor your
cover letter so that you highlight the skills and
qualifications the employer desires.
Keep in mind that a cover letter will not get you
a job offer. It may be instrumental, however, in
landing you an interview (or at the very least, it
will get the employer to read your resume). You
want the letter to spark the reader’s attention in
terms of your achievements and enthusiasm. The best cover letters tend to have a natural
tone, use straightforward language, and avoid
complex sentences or fancy wording. Your goal is
to try to make a connection with the reader and
persuade him/her to meet with you to further
discuss your qualifications.
Do a self assessment and figure out what you
have to offer before you draft your cover letter.
List your accomplishments and personal qualities on a blank sheet of paper. Add to your list a
brief discussion of how you have demonstrated
these qualities in the past whether in a work
context, volunteer setting, or college or church
activities. Then, prioritize your strengths based
on the employer’s needs and select the top 2-4
strengths to showcase in your cover letter.
Preparation
Employer Research
Before you begin your cover letter, you need to
research the employer and the person to whom
you will be sending the letter. There are many
public sources of information. Most students
rely on literature from the employer, websites,
Martindale-Hubbell, the NALP Directory, legal
directories, legal periodicals, and the CSO files.
In addition, you should speak to alumni, classmates, or other lawyers in the community who
Contents
Formatting
Your cover letter should be one page in length,
single-spaced, and printed on medium-weight
bond paper. The color and type of paper should
be the same as your resume. The margins must
20
be at least one inch all around the page. The
font style needs to be easy to read and similar
in style and size as used on your resume (refer to
resume section for suggested font styles and size
ranges). It is important to use a standard business format. As a general rule, you want to limit
your cover letter to three to four short paragraphs filling one full page. Paragraphs should
be in block form, which means that the first
sentence of each paragraph is not indented.
Opening of Letter
The purpose of the opening is to grab the reader’s interest. The opening should contain a
combination of the following items but not be
more than 3-4 sentences in length.
◗ An introduction to you: “I am a second year
law student at the University of Dayton
School of Law”...
◗ Why you are writing and what you want: “I
am interested in a summer law clerk position
with your firm.”
◗ A referral if possible: “At the suggestion of
Judge Donovan, I am submitting my resume
for the law clerk position available this summer in your court.”
◗ Reference any previous contact with the
employer: “I enjoyed meeting you last month
at the University of Dayton School of Law’s
annual Lawyers in Practice program.”
◗ How you learned of the position: “I am forwarding my resume and statement of interest
in the associate position in response to your
posting at the University of Dayton School of
Law’s Career Services Office.”
◗ Knowledge of current events at the employer:
“Professor Durham mentioned your firm’s
plans to expand into the area of real estate
law”.
◗ Any outstanding qualifications you do not
want to be overlooked in the body of your
cover letter: “I have eight years of experience
as an engineer and hold an MBA...”
Return Address and Date
There are three options for the position of your
return address and date at the top of the page:
◗ Indent
it approximately two thirds from the
left margin
◗ Place it flush left so it is directly above the
address of the person to whom you are sending
the letter
◗ Use the same letterhead heading you used at
the top of your resume
It does not matter which of the three alternatives you choose. Just be sure that the signature
line at the bottom of your letter lines up vertically with the return address and date at the
top. See the examples at the end of this section
for clarification.
Addressee and Salutation
On the left-hand side of the paper include the
name, title, and complete address of the person
to whom you are sending the letter. If the cover
letter is being sent to a law firm, you should
send it to the hiring partner or recruiting coordinator. Be sure you have the correct spelling of the person’s name as well as the name of
the firm, company or agency.
Body of the Letter
The key to the body of the cover letter is to
focus on what the employer wants and to show
the employer that your skills and qualities meet
his/her needs. Instead of focusing on what you
desire (I want to be a judge one day and this job
will look good on my resume), hone in on what
you can do for the employer.
If addressed to a lawyer, the proper title is John
Brown, Esq. or Sarah Brown, Esq. Your salutation should then read Dear Mr. Brown: or
Dear Ms. Brown: (use a colon NOT a comma).
Remember never to use Mr. or Ms. and Esq.
together in either the address or the salutation.
Address a judge as The Honorable John E. Brown
and in the salutation as Dear Judge Brown.
21
The 1-2 paragraphs of the body of the letter
should focus on introducing you in the best light
to the reader. You want to sell the following:
Stop by the CSO if you would like to have your
cover letter reviewed and critiqued.
Key Qualifications, Experiences,
and Personal Attributes
Cover Letter Tips
◗ Spend
time developing a cover letter that is
easy to read and encourages the reader to consider your resume.
◗ Remember that your cover letter is a sample of
your writing and organizational ability.
◗ Confirm it is error free. Spelling, grammar, or
punctuation mistakes will cause you to lose an
interview.
◗ Proofread your cover letter multiple times and then ask at least two other people to
proofread it.
◗ Keep it short, concise, and direct.
◗ Keep a copy of your cover letter for future reference. The employer may ask about it
several months later.
◗ Consider it an introduction to your resume,
not a complete reproduction of it.
◗ Address your cover letter to a specific person
when possible. If you cannot find the person’s
name during your research, call the employer’s
office to find out who is in charge of hiring.
◗ Make sure the spelling of the person’s name
and contact information is absolutely correct.
◗ Never copy a cover letter word-for-word from
an example.
◗ Use a standard business format: body centered on page, no indention of paragraphs,
equal one-inch margins (like a picture frame
around the contents), and proper salutations.
Don’t forget to include the date at the top and
“Enclosure” or “Enclosures” at the bottom.
◗ Skills
you have gained from work/volunteer
experiences that match with the necessary
qualifications for the job
◗ Activities or events that show your leadership,
teamwork skills, organizational skills, motivation, and enthusiasm/dedication
◗ Legal writing and research skills
◗ Relevant course work (if appropriate)
Your cover should not restate everything from
your resume, but rather highlight your most
impressive points and supplement information
that is contained on your resume. It is not
enough to say, “I am a hard worker.” You need to give examples to illustrate how you have
demonstrated your unique skills and attributes.
For example, “I am very motivated. While
attending college full time, I also worked in
my family’s business 30 hours per week and
remained on the Dean’s List every semester.”
Closing
The purpose of the closing is to thank the reader for his/her consideration and to request
the opportunity to interview for a position. An
effective closing rounds out the letter and provides a final positive impression of you. Keep the
closing paragraph short and simple.
Mention the documents you have enclosed
unless you already did so in the opening
paragraph. Politely tell the reader what you
want: “I would appreciate the opportunity to
discuss my qualifications with you in a personal
interview”. Reiterate how you may be reached.
Either tell the employer you will contact him/
her at a specific date/time or ask the employer to
contact you: “I may be reached at 937/229-3215”
or “I will be in Chicago the week of September
22nd and hope to meet with you during that
time.” Finally, thank the reader for his/her
assistance: “Thank you for your consideration
and I hope to hear from you soon”.
A Final Tip: Avoid Mass Mailings
Many students wrongly believe that sending out hundreds of identical letters addressed to
“Whom it may concern” will increase their
chances for interviews. This is a mistake.
Employers do not like receiving impersonal,
generic letters. You will get better results if you
send targeted resumes to employers you have
researched and to whom you have some connection.
22
A targeted mailing to a large number of
employers may be productive under special
circumstances. For example, if you are moving
to Chicago and want to practice real estate law,
it would be appropriate to do a mailing to most
of the real estate law firms in the Chicago area.
Or if you wish to do patent work and are open
to relocating, you may want to do a mailing
to all UDSL alumni who practice patent law
throughout the United States. The key is to do
your research and decide what makes sense given
the circumstances. Never forget that a targeted
letter is always best. The more personalized
your letter, the better your chances of making a
favorable impression on the reader.
A note of caution: We offer several sample cover
letters on the next few pages. Do not parrot any
phrases word for word or you will do yourself a
disservice. UDSL students often send resumes
and cover letters to the same employers. If an
employer receives two or more cover letters with
the same wording, it will be obvious that your
letter is not original.
23
COVER LETTER FORMULA
Your address
City, State, Zip Code
Current Date
Individual’s Name
Title
Employer Name
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms. ___________:
State the purpose of your letter: who you are (e.g. a second year law student at the University of
Dayton School of Law) and the name of the job for which you are applying. If someone has recommended you, mention the person’s name. Tell how you learned of the position (Career Services Office posting, ad, friend) if appropriate. Refer to any ties you have to the employer or the city where the employer is located.
Give details explaining why you are interested in the job and/or the employer. Reasons may include type of employer (e.g. your interest in public service), mix of practice areas, geographic location, specialization in a practice area, or a combination of these.
Tell the employer why you should be considered for the position and list a few qualifications you feel
are most likely to impress the reader. Highlight main points from your resume and/or emphasize additional items such as high grades, honors, strong work ethic, leadership skills, prior career or legal
experience, or research and writing skills may be important to emphasize here.
Request an opportunity to speak with the employer concerning your interest and qualifications.
Provide a phone number where the employer may contact you and thank the employer for his/her
consideration of your resume. If you have not already done so, refer to your enclosed resume and any
other materials you have included for review.
Sincerely,
(your signature here)
Typed Name
Enclosure(s)
24
UNSOLICITED APPLICATION LETTER
35 Spring Mill Road
Springboro, OH 45066
October 25, 2005
Mr. Nelle H. Lee
Recruiting Coordinator
Finch & Finch
250 Timberline Way
Cincinnati, OH 45069
Dear Ms. Lee:
I am seeking a position as a summer associate with Finch & Finch that will afford me an opportunity
to hone my legal skills and utilize my business expertise. Currently, I am a first year student at the
University of Dayton School of Law and ranked in the top half of my class. I hold a B.A. in economics from the University of Cincinnati and an M.B.A. with a concentration in finance from the University of Kentucky. My resume is enclosed for your review.
I worked as a consultant for Deloitte & Touche where I had the opportunity to interface with large
companies such as Nationwide Insurance, Southwest Airlines, and Procter & Gamble. In that capacity I led multiple account teams in developing sales strategies for our clients. As a sales expert, I facilitated sessions, research, strategic planning, and development of sales proposals. I became adept
at analytical thinking, advising clients, drafting well-structured communications, and performing business research. I am confident that all of these skills will transfer to a law firm setting and allow me to serve your clients well.
I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to further discuss my legal and business experience and the value I could bring to your firm. I may be reached at 937/229-3215. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Charles Harris
Enclosure
25
RESPONSE TO AN ADVERTISEMENT
500 Cheyenne Drive
Dayton, OH 45469
February 16, 2006
Mr. Lawrence Wohl
Hiring Partner
Swensen, Jackson & Barney
300 Career Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089
Dear Mr. Wohl:
I am first-year law student at the University of Dayton School of Law and a 2004 graduate of the
University of Southern California. I will be returning home at the conclusion of the school year and
hope to obtain a summer position in the Los Angeles area. Because I have not yet determined what
type of law most interests me, my objective is simply to acquire the best legal experience possible. Your
current job posting for a law clerk indicated you were seeking a law student to assist in different practice areas in your firm. I am very interested in this position and have submitted my resume and writing
sample for your review.
During my employment with Reynolds & Reynolds before entering law school, I performed several
different functions that ranged from drafting sales proposals to making marketing presentations to
potential clients. At USC, I developed strong communication skills in a demanding communication
program. I applied these skills while writing my senior thesis and graduated with a 3.8 G.P.A. I believe
these experiences will enable me to be an effective law clerk with Swensen, Jackson & Barney.
I have enclosed my resume for your consideration and look forward to meeting with you to discuss the
possibility of summer employment. If you would like to arrange an appointment, I will be in the Los
Angeles area from April 10-14 and I may be reached at my Dayton address at all other times. Thank
you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Walter Cunningham, Jr.
Enclosure(s)
26
UNSOLICITED
Maude E. Atkinson
5435 Milkyway Blvd.
Dayton, OH 43210
Home (937) 932-7474
___________________________________________________________________________________
May 16, 2006
Mr. Mark Gutzwiller, Esq.
Hein & Marable, PLLC
150 Success Parkway
Louisville, KY 34561
Dear Mr. Gutzwiller:
I am a second-year student at the University of Dayton School of Law seeking to gain practical legal
experience in Louisville during the summer between my second and third years of law school. As
a native Kentuckian, I look forward to returning to Louisville following graduation to practice law.
Susan Elliott, an attorney in your Lexington office, suggested I contact Hein & Marable regarding the
possibility of a summer associate position.
I received significant experience in juvenile and domestic relations law as a law clerk with the firm
of Lammers & Casillano. Additionally, my undergraduate degree in criminal justice and social policy
from Miami University provides a firm foundation on which to expand my legal interests.
Research and writing represent two of my strengths. This summer I conducted research for a Law
Review article for a University of Dayton law professor and I am currently revising class materials for
a course in family law taught by the same professor. Additionally, I received the highest grade (CALI
Award) in my legal writing class. I am eager to apply my research and writing skills as a law clerk with
Hein & Marable.
I have enclosed my resume for your consideration and welcome the opportunity to discuss a summer
law clerk position with Hein & Marable in greater detail. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Maude Atkinson
Enclosure
27
REFERRAL UNSOLICITED
Henrietta L. Dubose
14 Bay Shore Avenue
Dayton, OH 43210
Home (937) 883-4747
hdubose@yahoo.com
___________________________________________________________________________________
December 17, 2005
The Honorable Craig Thornhill
Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas
200 Third St.
Dayton, OH 45402
Dear Judge Thornhill:
At the suggestion of my evidence professor, Tom Hagel, I am submitting my resume to be considered
for the clerk position in your chambers beginning in May 2006. My professional goal is to practice law
as a litigator in Dayton. Professor Hagel encouraged me to apply for this clerkship since it would provide me with a unique introduction into the inner workings of the court and the challenges facing litigators and judges.
At the University of Dayton School of Law, I completed an intensive three-semester writing program
and received a B+ each semester. My exposure to writing legal memoranda and motions helped
strengthen the writing skills I gained as an English major at Northwestern University. I was also
exposed to drafting civil pleadings last summer while working for Patrick Smith, a local criminal
defense attorney. I believe these experiences combined with my coursework in trial advocacy, civil
procedure, evidence, law clinic, and criminal law have prepared me well for a judicial clerkship.
I am very interested in the challenges a judicial clerkship would provide and welcome the opportunity
to discuss my qualifications and interests with you. My resume, transcripts, and writing sample are
enclosed for your review. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Henrietta Dubose
Enclosures
28
THANK YOU LETTER
107 Westminster Road
Dayton, OH 45410
April 25, 2006
Marty Vesio, Esq.
First Assistant
Columbus Legal Aid
201 East Fourth Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Dear Mr. Vesio:
It was a pleasure speaking with you yesterday during my interview for a summer internship position
with Columbus Legal Aid. Your interest in my government service background and volunteer
activities was encouraging. As we discussed, I hope to apply these skills to a career in public service.
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to your office. Everyone I met was friendly, informative, and
professional. I especially appreciated the openness of the attorneys regarding both the challenges
and rewards of working as a legal aid attorney. Their candor and enthusiasm for representing low
income clients reconfirmed my desire to pursue a career in public service and work as an intern with
Columbus Legal Aid this summer.
I remain interested in the summer position and thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to
meet with me.
Sincerely,
Susan Foley
29
Interviewing
Tips
30
Tips for Successful Interviews
Confidence
It is important to show the interviewer you are
confident in your abilities, but not arrogant.
Don’t be afraid to sell the skills and attributes
you bring to the table. An interview may be
your only chance to make your case as the best
person for the job.
First Impressions
The old adage, “You only get one chance to
make a first impression” certainly holds true
when it comes to interviews. If you are dressed
inappropriately, appear unprofessional, or have
a limp handshake, you are unlikely to overcome
the initial negative impression you have created
in the mind of the interviewer. On the other
hand, if you dress like a conservative professional, exude an air of confidence, and deliver
a firm handshake with appropriate eye contact,
you have passed your first test.
Preparation
Know the Firm
In order to properly prepare for an interview,
gather information about the employer such
as number of partners and associates, office
locations, practice areas, recent cases, attorney
biographies, and representative clients. Most
of this information can be found on the
firm’s website. This will enable you to speak
intelligently about the employer’s practice
during the interview and formulate appropriate
questions. This public information can be
gathered through a number of sources such as
www.lexisnexis.com/lawschools, www.westlaw.
com, NALP forms, www.martindale.com, and
other literature about the employer.
Attire
The goal is to fit in and let your personality
shine through. Be remembered for your
personality, not your clothes. It is important to
be both comfortable and fashionable.
Women should wear a conservative dark-colored
suit, preferably one with a skirt below the knee
in length. Shirt and shoes must very conservative and jewelry and makeup should be at a minimum. It is suggested that you do not wear
any perfume or scented lotions as many people
are allergic to scents.
More information about an employer can be collected from internal sources such as UDSL
alumni or classmates who currently work there
or have in the past. These sources can shed light
on things such as work environment, values,
what the employer looks for in associates,
prospects for the future, and billable hours.
Professors, local attorneys, and the CSO director
may be able to provide additional information.
Legal publications which survey new associates
can also provide valuable inside information
such as: American Lawyer, National Law Journal,
and Insider’s Guide to Law Firms.
Men need to wear a suit, preferably navy, black
or dark gray. A professionally cleaned and
pressed white cotton shirt is best with a conservative tie, polished shoes, and a matching belt.
Jewelry must be at a minimum. One simple ring
and a watch is plenty. Definitely do not wear
earrings, necklaces, or powerful cologne.
Handshake & Eye Contact
A firm, confident handshake is the goal. A “limp
fish” turns off most people. On the other hand,
a knuckle-breaking shake is no good either.
Throughout the interview, be sure to maintain
adequate eye contact with the interviewer
without staring.
31
Know Yourself
Proper preparation for an interview includes a
lengthy self-assessment. You must be prepared
to speak intelligently about what qualifies you
for the position you are seeking. We recommend
you follow this 7-step program:
4. Be ready to subtly sell these points during the
interview.
5. Know your resume, cover letter and writing
sample. Bring copies in a leather portfolio.
6. Remember to be familiar with current events-an important part of many interviews
is “small talk” to create rapport. To adequately prepare, be sure to read about local and
national events in the newspaper and watch
the news on the day of the interview. Avoid
discussing controversial subjects such as politics and religion.
7. Be aware of body language.
1. Make a List of Your Accomplishments (personal and professional).
2. Note Job-related strengths (transferable
skills) that each accomplishment proves.
Example:
Your Accomplishments:
◗ Received CALI Award for Evidence
◗ Won Walter Rice Moot Court
Competition
◗ Financed 100% of college expenses
through part-time work (up to 30 hours
week)
◗ Started lawn service business that grew
from $20,000 to $50,000 in annual sales
over just two years
While a candidate is interviewing for a job,
the interviewer is evaluating both the words
uttered and the body language exhibited.
Entire books have been written on the
messages we communicate through body
language, but a few tips should help you
avoid sending the wrong message.
◗ Sit up straight
◗ Don’t cross arms
◗ Don’t fidget
◗ Never look at your watch
◗ Maintain eye contact without staring
Transferable Skills:
◗ Well-versed in evidentiary issues
◗ Effective oral and written communication
skills
◗ Organize time well; strong work ethic
◗ Proven self-starter
Often we are not even aware of the mixed
signals we send with our non-verbal
communication. Be sure to ask a friend or
relative whether you display any nervous or
annoying habits. Do you unwittingly wink at the
person you are talking to? Do you look around
the room while speaking? Do you tap your
fingers when you are nervous? Do you slouch
down in your chair? Do you have a nervous
laugh? It is best to be aware of your habits so you
can control them during an interview.
3. Prioritize Your Strengths (similar to how you
organized your cover letter).
Prioritize those transferable skills that would
be most desirable to the interviewer. For
instance, let’s say you are interviewing with
a litigation firm. Your list of prioritized
strengths might begin like this:
◗ Effective communicator-proven through
Moot Court success
◗ Know evidentiary issues-proven by receiving highest grade in the class
◗ Excellent time management skills-proven
through the ability to work up to 30 hours
per week while attending college full-time
and graduate cum laude
32
Common interview questions you will be asked:
◗ Tell me about yourself?
◗ Why did you decide to go to law school?
◗ What are your strengths?
◗ What are your weaknesses?
◗ Why should we hire you or why are you the
best candidate for the position?
◗ Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
◗ Why aren’t your grades better?
◗ Why do you want to work for us?
◗ Why did you leave your last employer?
The Interview
General Reminders
An interview should be a conversation, NOT an interrogation. The interviewer is evaluating
you not only on your credentials, but also on
whether you will fit in with the organization. A candidate who simply answers questions without engaging in a conversation with the
interviewer will probably not be successful. It is
important to let your personality shine through
a bit without being too informal.
In preparation for the interviews, think through
your answers to these and any other questions
you think are likely to be asked. Advice on how
to answer these types of questions can be found
in the book Guerrilla Tactics for Getting the Legal
Job of Your Dreams by Kimm Alayne Walton
located in the CSO library.
Be conversational and LISTEN. A common mistake is to focus more on the intelligent question you are planning to ask next rather
than on what the interviewer is saying at that
moment. Remember that people love to talk
about themselves. Ask questions that will show
you are interested in who the interviewer is and
then give your full attention as he/she answers.
Then ask appropriate follow-up questions. Be
confident, but never arrogant. Remember the
interviewer is ultimately trying to decide if he or
she would enjoy working with you.
Questions by the Candidate
Your goals in the interview are to (1) build rapport with the interviewer, (2) sell you ability
to do the job, (3) show off your research of the
employer, (4) demonstrate a true desire to work
for that employer, and (5) gather new information about the employer. You can accomplish
these goals through your answers to the interviewer’s questions and the questions you ask the interviewer. Your questions should be
personalized and demonstrate a genuine interest in the employer and the fact that you have
taken the time to research the firm or company.
Your questions should also be designed to help
you determine what the job experience will be
like. Appropriate questions to ask during an
interview may include:
All students are encouraged to participate in the Practice Interview Program. Each year we
ask volunteers from the local legal community
to help our students strengthen their interviewing skills. Attorneys interview students for about
30 minutes and then provide a critique. This
direct feedback has been very helpful to law students in the past; a few students have actually
turned their practice interview into a job offer!
Another option for improving your interviewing
skills is to schedule a practice interview session
with the Director of Career Services or CSO
counselor. If you would like more information
on the Practice Interview Program, stop by the
CSO.
Personalized:
◗ What types of cases are you currently working
on? Which are the most interesting?
◗ What do you like most about your job?
◗ How long were you at the firm before you had
significant client contact?
◗ Did you start off in your current practice area?
If not, why did you switch?
Questions by the Interviewer
As stated, one of the interviewer’s goals is to
determine if you will be a “good fit”. He or she is also trying to ascertain whether you can do
the job and what your level of interest is in the
position.
33
Questions that show sincere interest in the position
and the employer:
◗ Do you have a formal mentor program?
◗ How will my work be evaluated?
◗ Who will assign my work?
◗ How will I receive feedback?
◗ What kinds of cases will I be working on?
◗ How does someone become a star law clerk/
associate in this firm?
◗ How has the firm’s practice changed over the
years?
◗ Where do you see the firm’s practice heading
over the next several years?
◗ How would you describe the ideal candidate?
Closing the Interview
Remember to end the interview on a positive
note. Summarize your qualifications and reiterate your interest.
From the question/answer segment of the interview, you can compose a closing like this:
“You described your ideal candidate as a team
player who has strong communication skills.
That describes me perfectly. My communication
skills have been demonstrated by the fact that I
excelled in my research and writing class and in
the inter-school Moot Court Competition. My
teamwork capabilities are apparent through my
work at the Salvation Army where I assembled
and led a team of over 50 volunteers through
the largest fund-raising campaign in the charity’s
history. I’m also self-motivated, detail-oriented,
and have been described by former employers as
a tremendous problem-solver. I believe I am very
well-suited for this position and would appreciate a chance to prove myself. Thanks for taking
the time to talk to me today.”
Show off your research
An example: “I recently read about the firm’s
opening of a satellite office in Louisville. Has
that helped the firm to attract corporate clients
headquartered in Kentucky?” Develop a list
of questions that is right for the position and
employer you are talking to and remember to be
flexible.
Questions to Avoid Asking:
“What’s in it for me” questions:
◗ (Some may be asked only after an offer has
been extended)
◗ How many hours will I be expected to work?
◗ How many billable hours do you require?
◗ How much vacation time will I get?
◗ What is the salary?
◗ What is your disability policy?
Ask for a business card and inquire as to what
the next step will be. SEND A THANK-YOU NOTE
WITHIN 24 HOURS OF THE INTERVIEW. Thankyou notes can either be typed or handwritten.
Questions with a negative tone:
◗ What don’t you like about the firm?
◗ How does your firm compare with Firm X?
Imponderables:
◗ How would you describe the firm’s culture/
atmosphere.
Other Mistakes to Avoid:
◗ Don’t ask questions that could be answered
through simple research.
◗ Don’t ask questions that show you’re clueless
about what’s already been covered in the interview.
WORST INTERVIEW MISTAKE: No questions
34
Networking
Tips
35
Networking
Informational Interviews
Never Ask for a Job
When you ask someone to share their time and
expertise, you must respect their willingness to
help by not asking them to find you a job. YOU
are responsible for finding your job and will
be respected in return for your professionalism
when you ask for insight and advice rather than
a handout. However, it is perfectly fine to ask if
the alum knows of anyone who is hiring. Early
in your meeting, emphasize that you do not
expect to learn of a job opening, but are simply
seeking information and advice on how to best
use your abilities and experience.
Introduction
Experts say eighty percent of all jobs are landed
through networking. Thus, networking is a skill
well worth learning and developing. It is an
excellent way to begin making contacts, gain
information about career options, and meet professionals in your career field.
Process
Be Flexible
As you move through the stages of your job
search, you will need to adapt your networking approach, re-identify your alternatives, and
adjust your resume to reflect your skills in the
particular career field in which you are networking.
Prepare your thoughts regarding what types of
information you would like them to share with
you. Be ready to discuss your goals, accomplishments, and abilities. Be concise and factual. The
more concrete you are, the better your contact
will be able to share appropriate information.
Prepare questions and observations about the
career field that your contact can discuss. He or
she is the expert and will enjoy sharing his/her
insights and expertise. Work at making this an
enjoyable experience for both of you so that you
will be remembered favorably.
Reach Out
Start with friends, relatives, and acquaintances.
Talk to these contacts about any firms or companies you may be interested in or any specialty areas of practice. Let them know you
are researching employers to begin your job
campaign. Any suggestions they might have can
be helpful. Approach your professors about their
ideas for your job search. Present them with your
research and initial preparation of a resume and
cover letter, and ask their advice as experts in
the field. If you begin your contact with a faculty member by showing how much work you already have expended, he or she will be
more inclined to spend time with you brainstorming about ideas and thinking of creative
approaches to your job search.
Ask for Other Resources
At the conclusion of your meeting, thank the
person you are talking to and ask if he or she
can suggest two or three other people who might
be willing to share their insights in a similar
manner. Ask your contact if you can use his or
her name when contacting these people. This
tends to open more doors. Send a thank-you
note immediately after the interview.
Career Services Office: Make an appointment
with the CSO to discuss other possible contacts.
We may be able to connect you with alumni or
other friends of UDSL who are in the geographical or practice area in which you are interested.
36
Bar
Exam
Information
37
Stop by the CSO to get a copy of the bar components for your state or check the links on
the CSO web site.
Glossary of Bar Terms
The Multistate Professional Examination (MPRE)
The MPRE is a fifty-question, two-hour,
multiple-choice examination required for admission to the bar in all states except
Maryland, Washington, and Wisconsin. This
exam is administered three times per year in
March, August, and November. The CSO has
MPRE application packets or you can register
on-line at www.ncbex.org or www.act.org/mpre.
BarBri (www.barbri.com) offers an MPRE review
course. The MPRE tests your knowledge and
understanding of the ethical standards expected
in the legal profession. You can take the MPRE
in any state and have your score transferred
to another state at a later date; thus, you do
not need to know the state in which you will
be sitting for the bar at the time you take the
MPRE. Most law students take the MPRE the
summer after their second year of law school or
in the fall of their third year.
Bar/Bri and PMBR
Both Bar/Bri and PMBR offer review courses
for state bar exams. To sign up for these review
courses, visit www.barbri.com or www.pmbr.com.
PMBR specializes in preparing students for the
Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) and Bar/Bri
offers review courses for all components of the
state bar exam. Bar/Bri also offers review courses
for the MPRE and the Patent Bar Exam. We
encourage you to enroll in the review courses as
soon as possible as the cost increases the longer
you wait.
The Patent Bar
Students who wish to prosecute patents in
front of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
must pass the Patent Bar Exam. The U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office administers the
exam with the purpose of testing knowledge of
patent laws, rules, procedure, and practice as
well as the ability to understand and properly
draft claims. Patent Bar applicants must have
a bachelor’s degree in a recognized technical
or scientific subject such as biology, chemistry,
or engineering, or have a sufficient number of
credit hours in an approved discipline. You can
take the Patent Bar in any state regardless of
where you intend to practice. On July 24, 2004,
the Patent & Trademark Office changed the
way the exam is administered; thus, it is now
a computer-based exam and will no longer be
offered just three times a year. Although many
of the details of the new exam procedure are still
being worked out, you can register to take the
exam at http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/dcom/
olia/oed/examregist.htm The patent bar exam is
very difficult, so we strongly recommend that
you sign up for a patent bar review course and
give yourself plenty of time to study. You can
research various review courses on-line:
www.patentbarreview.com; www.patbar.com;
www.patentbarstudy.com; www.barbri.com;
and www.patentresources.com
Bar Exam: Components for Most States
The Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) – The MBE
is a six-hour, two-hundred question, multiplechoice examination covering contracts, torts,
criminal law, evidence, real property, and constitutional law. In 2004, all states except Louisiana
and Washington administered the MBE.
The Multistate Performance Test (MPT)
– This exam consists of several ninety-minute
questions (the number varies by state) designed
to test the practical use of legal analysis, fact
analysis, problem solving, ethical issues, organization and management of lawyering tasks, as
well as effective use of communication within
the legal profession. In 2004, twenty-four states,
including Ohio, administered the MPT. Check
the bar exam format for your state to find out if
the MPT will be included.
The Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) –
The MEE entails a three-hour, six-question essay
examination covering agency/partnership, commercial drafting, conflict of laws, corporations,
estates, family law, federal civil procedure, sales,
secured transactions, and trusts. In 2004, fourteen states required the MEE for admission to the
bar. The Ohio Bar Exam includes twelve essay
questions, but does not follow the MEE format.
38
The Ohio Bar Examination
3. Certificate of the Dean
Complete only the section asking for your
name and permanent address. Turn this in
to the Registrar’s Desk (Shannon Penn) who
will complete the remainder of this form and return it to your mailbox in about three (3) days.
4. Applicant’s Character Questionnaire
Include one original AND one copy. The original must be notarized.
5. Authorization and Release Forms
Complete, print, and properly execute three
originals (requires notarization).
6. Authorization to Release Records (Drug/Alcohol
Abuse and Mental Health Records)
If applicable, these documents must be completed and properly executed by the
applicant (requires notarization). Read the
bar instructions on the Supreme Court Web
site to determine if this applies to you.
The State of Ohio has a 2-step application
process for the bar exam. All students planning
to register for the bar exam must complete
and mail to the Supreme Court of Ohio a
Application for Registration (Packet #1) and
Application to Take the Bar Exam (Packet #2).
These packets must be received by the Supreme
Court of Ohio on or before the due date. Both packets are available on-line at www.
sconet.state.oh.us (Bar Admissions Office).
Application for Registration as Candidate for
Admission - (PACKET #1):
Students have until January of their third year
to complete Packet #1 for the July Bar Exam,
but save $200 if Packet #1 is turned into the
Supreme Court by November 15th of their
second year. Most students complete Packet
#1 by the November 15th deadline because
early processing, in addition to saving money,
provides more time for the Supreme Court
to process the application and for students to
respond to the Supreme Court’s requests for
additional information. Packet #1 must contain
the following (all are downloadable from the
Supreme Court Web site except #1 & #2):
Fees for Packet #1
If you are a second year student filing before November 15 the fees are:
(1)$150 payable to The National
Conference of Bar Examiners
(2) $60 payable to Clerk–Supreme Court of Ohio.
1. Fingerprint Card
Fingerprint cards can be obtained from the
Career Services Office. The Public Safety
Office on campus is available free of charge
to provide fingerprinting services for you. You
do not need an appointment. Do NOT fill
out any of the card before you go.
2. Official Undergraduate Transcript
You must include an original undergraduate transcript with Packet #1. Make sure
you contact your undergraduate school well
in advance of the registration due date to
allow for processing and mailing (note: this
can take up to 2-3 weeks depending on the
school). Transcripts should be in a sealed
envelope and are submitted with the rest of
the application packet.
If you are filing after November 15 of your
second year or you are a third-year student:
(1)$200 payable to The National
Conference of Bar Examiners
(2)$210 payable to Clerk–Supreme Court
of Ohio.
Note: The Court will not take personal
checks, only money orders or certified checks
will be accepted. Filing dates mean the
Supreme Court must have received your packet.
39
c. Course taken on-line or through a CLE
sponsored program:
The student is responsible to see that the
“Substance Abuse Instruction Certificate”
is completed by the appropriate certifying official and forwarded to the Ohio
Supreme Court.
Application to Take the Bar Examination (PACKET #2):
The second packet must be completed between
March 1 and April 1 of the third year of law
school. A student is not allowed to complete
Packet #2 during this timeframe UNLESS they
receive notice from the Ohio Supreme Court
that Packet #1 has been completely processed
by the Ohio Supreme Court. When this occurs,
the student receives a receipt from the Ohio
Supreme Court which contains a registration
number to be used to complete Packet #2.
Packet #2 must include the following (all documents listed below are downloadable from the
Supreme Court Web site).
4. Applicant’s Supplemental Character
Questionnaire
Include one original AND one copy completed and properly executed by the
applicant (requires notarization).
5. Applicant’s Affidavit
Must be completed and properly executed by
the applicant (requires notarization).
6. Authorization to Release Records (Drug/Alcohol
Abuse and Mental Health Records)
If applicable, must be completed
and properly executed by the applicant (requires notarization).
1. Law School Character Certificate
Fill in only your name at the top left corner
of the form and turn this in to the Registrar’s
Desk. It will be returned to your mailbox in
about three (3) days.
2. Final Law School Certificate
Fill in only your name at the top left corner
of the form and turn it into the Registrar’s
Desk. This form will be sent by UDSL
directly to the Ohio Supreme Court after you
graduate-you will NOT include this document with your packet.
3. Substance Abuse Instruction Certification
a.Course taken at UDSL:
The “Substance Abuse Instruction
Certification” document does not need to
be completed if the student completes the
required one-hour substance abuse course
that is offered each fall and spring here
at UDSL. If the course is taken here, the
UDSL Registrar will automatically indicate
this on your “Final Law School Certificate”
and the student does not need to submit
anything.
b.Course taken at another law school:
The student must send a second blank
copy of the “Final Law School Certificate”
to the Registrar’s Office of the law school
where the course was completed. That
school must complete and send this document to the Ohio Supreme Court.
Fees for Packet #2
$295.00 payable to Clerk–Supreme Court of
Ohio.
Note: The Court will not take personal
checks. Only money orders or certified checks
will be accepted.
40
Due Dates:
February 2006 Ohio Bar Exam
(Feb. 28 - March 2)
Packet #
Final Due Date
First Packet:
July 25, 2005
August 15, 2005
Second Packet:
October 11, 2005
Documents Due
November 1, 2005
Entire packet must be received by the Ohio
Supreme Court (UDSL will submit “Final Law
School Certificate” after graduation)
“Certificate of the Dean” is due to Registrar’s Desk at UDSL
Entire packet must be received
by Ohio Supreme Court
“Law School Character Certificate” and
“Final Law School Certificate” are due to
Registrar’s Desk at UDSL
July 2006 Ohio Bar Exam
(July 25-27)
Packet #
Final Due Date
Documents Due
First Packet:
January 6, 2006
January 17, 2006
Second Packet:
March 10, 2006
March 31, 2006
“Certificate of the Dean” is due
to the Registrar’s Desk at UDSL
Entire packet must be received by
the Ohio Supreme Court
“Law School Character Certificate” and “Final
Law School Certificate” due to Registrar’s
Desk at UDSL
Entire packet must be received by the Ohio
Supreme Court (UDSL will submit
“Final Law School Certificate” after graduation)
Notarization: You may have your bar applications notarized in the CSO at no charge.
Make sure to bring your driver’s license with you.
Mailing Address For Ohio Bar Application:
Office of Bar Admissions
Supreme Court of Ohio
65 South Front Street
Fifth Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215-3431
We suggest that you mail your registration and application by certified mail or courier with return
receipt requested. For questions, call Beverly Braskett at the Ohio Supreme Court (614) 387-9340.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the Ohio Supreme Court website: www.sconet.state.oh.us
41
JULY 2006 BAR EXAMINATION INFORMATION FOR THE 8 MOST
POPULAR STATES WHERE UDSL STUDENTS APPLY
State
Contact Information
Date/Location of Bar
Exam and Format
Florida
Florida Bar of Bar Examiners
1891 Eider Court
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1750
850/487-1292
www.barexam.org/florida
Tampa: July 25-6
Virginia
Virginia Board of Bar
Examiners
Shockoe Centre, Suite 225
11 South 12th Street
Richmond, VA 23219-4009
804/786-7490
www.gabaradmissions.org
Roanoke: July 25-6
MBE subjects*,
Corporations, Family
Law, Constitutional
Day 1: three essays and
Law, Rules of Civil and
100 multiple choice
questions on Florida Law Criminal Procedure, Rules
of Professional Conduct
Day 2: MBE
& Rules Regulating Trust
MPRE: a scaled score of Accounts, Partnerships,
Trusts, Wills &
80 to pass.
Administration of Estates
Day 1: nine essay
questions + 20 short
answer questions on
Virginia law
Day 2: MBE
MPRE: scaled score of
85 to pass.
Illinois
Board of Admissions to the
Bar
625 South College Street
Springfield, IL 62704
217/522-5917
www.ibaby.org
Chicago: July 25-6
Day 1: one 90- minute MPT question, six
Multistate Essay Exam
(MEE) questions, and
three essays drafted by
IL examiners
Day 2: MBE
MPRE: scaled score of
80 to pass.
Indiana
State Board of Law Examiners
115 West Washington Street
Suite 1070 South Tower
Indianapolis, IN 46204-3417
317/232-2552
Subjects Tested
Indianapolis:
July 25-6
Day 1: two MPT
questions and six
state essay questions
Day 2: MBE
MPRE: scaled score
of 80 to pass.
42
Deadlines and Fees
A Law Student Registration
Filing Fee of $500 and a Bar
Exam Application fee of
$375 are due with the
application. The deadline
for filing is May 1st of your
third year of law school to
avoid $875 fee. Students
can save money by registering early: within 180 days of
starting law school pay $75;
within 195 days pay $100;
and, within 250 days pay
$200. After 250 days the
fee is $500.
MBE subjects*, Agency,
Commercial Paper,
Conflict of Laws,
Corporations, Creditors’
Right, Domestic
Relations, Equity,
Federal Jurisdiction,
Local Government Law,
Partnerships, Personal
Property, Professional
Responsibility, Secured
Transactions, Suretyship,
Taxation, Trusts, VA
Practice and Procedures,
and Wills.
Character and Fitness
Certification is $175 if filed
within 14 months of start of
law school or $290 if field
between the 15th month
of law school and one year
after receipt of JD. Exam fee
is $275.
MBE subjects*, Agency,
Commercial Paper,
Conflict of Laws,
Corporations, Equity,
Family Law, Federal
Jurisdiction & Procedure,
IL Civil Procedure,
Partnerships, Personal
Property, Sales, Secured
Transactions, Suretyship,
Trusts & Future Interests,
Wills
Law Student Registration:
Students are encouraged to
apply as early as possible.
The filing fee is $100 before
March 1 of first year of law
school and $450 before the
third year.
MBE subjects*,
Administrative Law,
Agency, Commercial Law,
Indiana Constitutional
Law, Corporations,
Family Law, Partnerships,
Personal Property,
Pleading and Practice,
Taxation, Trusts & Estates,
Wills
Students may request
applications after February
1st of their third year of
law school. The application
must be completed and
postmarked by April 1st.
The fee is $250. Late filing
is allowed for 15 days after
the deadline with an
additional fee of $250.
Bar Exam Application:
The application is due by
February 1 of your third
year, with a $250 fee
(if student did not previously register per the reduced
rates above).
State
Contact Information
Date/Location of Bar
Exam and Format
Subjects Tested
Deadlines and Fees
Kentucky
Board of Bar Examiners
1510 Newtown Pike
Lexington, KY 40511
859/246-2381
www.kyoba.org
Louisville: July 25-6
MBE subjects*,
Administrative
Law and Procedure,
Agency, Conflict of
Laws, Corporations,
Domestic Relations,
Federal Taxation, KY &
Federal Civil Procedure,
Partnerships, Personal
Property, UCC, Wills &
Trusts
The application packet is
$10 if it is mailed to the
applicant or free if you apply
on line. Applications are due
February 1st of the third year
of law school and the fee
is $625. The late deadlines
for the July exam are March
10th with a $200 late fee
and May 10th with a $400
late fee.
MBE subjects*, Agency,
Commercial Paper,
Conflict of Laws,
Corporations, Domestic
Relations, Equity,
Estate Taxation, Federal
Jurisdiction, Future
Interests, Insurance (No
Fault), Mortgages, NY
Practice, NY Professional
Responsibility, Partnership,
Personal Property, Secured
Transactions, Trusts, Wills,
Workers’ Compensation
Exam applications may be
obtained upon request from
the state board or downloaded from their website. The
application packet must be
postmarked between 120 days
and 90 days before the exam.
The fee is $250. No early or
late applications accepted.
MBE subjects*;
Business Associations
(Agency, Corporations,
Partnerships), Civil
Procedure, Commercial
Transactions (Secured
Transactions &
Commercial Paper), Legal
Ethics, Personal Property,
Wills
Ohio has a 2 step application
process:
1. Application to Register:
A fee of $210 is required with
the Application to Register
if completed by Nov. 15th of
the second year of law school.
Otherwise, $410 is due if the
application is received by Jan
15th of the third year.
2. Application to Take the Bar
Exam: The Application to
Take the Bar Exam must be
filed between March 1 and
April 1 of the third year of
law school. Fee: $295.
MBE subjects*, Civil
Procedure (State &
Federal), Conflict of
Laws, Constitutional Law,
Corporations, Decedents’
Estates, Family Law,
Federal Personal Income
Tax, Evidence, Rules of
Professional Conduct
Fees are currently being
revised. See the website for
more information.
Day 1: six KY essay questions and six
Multistate Essay Exam
(MEE) questions
Day 2: MBE
MPRE: scaled score of 75 to pass.
New York
State Board of Law
Examiners
7 Executive Centre Drive
Albany, NY 12203-5195
518/452-8700
www.nybarexam.org
Albany, Buffalo,
Manhattan: July 25-6
Day 1: one MPT question, five NY essays
and 50 NY multiple
choice questions.
Day 2: MBE
MPRE: scaled score of 85
to pass.
Ohio
Supreme Court of Ohio
Admissions Office
65 South Front St.
5th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
614/387-9340
www.sconet.state.oh.us
Columbus:
July 25-27
Day 1: six OH essay
questions and two MPT
questions
Day 2: MBE
Day 3: six OH essay
questions
MPRE: scaled score of 85
to pass.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Board of
Law Examiners
5070 A Ritter Road,
Suite 300
Mechanicsburg, PA
17055
717/795-7270
www.pabarexam.org
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh,
Harrisburg: July 25-6
Day 1: six PA essay questions and one MPT
question.
Day 2: MBE
MPRE: scaled score of 75
to pass.
*MBE subjects: Constitutional Law, Contracts/Sales, Criminal Law/Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts
All the states above require students to pass the MPRE (Multi State Professional Responsibility Test). This is a test offered separate from
the bar exam. Students may pick up applications for the MPRE in the Career Services Office. Scores needed to pass the MPRE vary
from state to state.
All states listed above offer the Bar Exam in February as well as July. If you are planning to take the February Bar Exam, please stop by
the Career Services Office for information regarding deadlines for your state. If the state where you plan to take the bar exam in not
listed, please contact the CSO for more information
43
Judicial
Clerkships
44
When to Apply
Application deadlines vary from judge to
judge. Federal court judges begin their hiring
in September of the student’s third year. These
federal clerkships are very competitive and
only a handful of the top law students from
around the country will receive interviews. The
federal clerkship database is the best source for
determining federal clerkship opportunities and
deadlines (https://lawclerks.ao.uscourts.gov/).
Moreover, there is a new Online System for
Clerkship Application and Review (OSCAR)
enabling applicants and recommenders
to file materials online with upwards of
400 participating federal judges. For more
information and guidance, and how to use this
system and learn which judges are participating,
come to the CSO and/or consult www.dcd.
uscourts.gov/OSCAR.html. State appellate courts
have varying hiring deadlines and judges may interview students during their second or third year of law school.
Judicial Clerkships
Benefits of a Judicial Clerkship
Following Graduation
It is a tremendous honor to receive an offer for
a judicial clerkship upon graduation from law
school. Outstanding students from across the
country compete vigorously for these limited
positions because judicial clerkships provide
extraordinary training and often lead to a number of future career opportunities. Many
employers aggressively recruit former judicial
clerks because they realize the value of that
training. Law firms often grant former clerks
credit for the years spent in the clerkship when
making salary and partnership determinations.
Moreover, law schools tend to favor professor
candidates who’ve held judicial clerkships. In
short, clerking for a judge tends to open many
doors within the legal community.
Clerking for a judge following graduation
provides a unique perspective into the judicial
process. A clerk gains hands-on experience
while attending judicial proceedings, performing
legal research, preparing bench memoranda,
and drafting orders and opinions. These skills
are invaluable to anyone planning to practice
law or teach. A judicial clerkship also provides
networking opportunities. Clerks make
numerous contacts with attorneys and judges.
Qualifications
Judges set their own qualification requirements
for their law clerks. However, given the
extensive amount of research and writing
required of judicial clerks, most judges will
prefer candidates that were on Law Review and
performed well in law school. State court judges,
particularly those that practice on the trial
level or lower appellate level, tend to broaden
their hiring criteria to include factors such
as a candidate’s work experience, law school
activities, and state of residence. Check the
resources available in the CSO for the specific
requirements of individual judges hiring clerks
this year.
Length of a Judicial Clerkship
Judicial clerks usually serve a one or two-year
term, but indefinite clerkships are becoming
more common.
Salaries
Clerkship salaries are reasonable, but not
competitive with salaries being offered by
medium and large law firms. Law school
graduates obtaining a federal clerkship should
expect to be classified a JSP-11 and receive a
salary of approximately $48,947. If a new federal
law clerk is a member of any state bar and has at
least one year of full-time legal work experience,
he/she would be classified a JSP-12 and given
a salary of approximately $58,665. Salaries for
state appellate clerkships typically range from
$40,000 to $55,000.
45
Federal
Government
Jobs
46
Websites:
Going to each agency’s website can be very time
consuming to gather information. The better
approach is to use one of the on-line resources
listed below to determine which agencies are
hiring:
Careers in Federal Government
Working for the government can be a very
rewarding experience. The benefits are excellent and typically the expected work hours are
fewer than those demanded by a law firm. There
are many government agencies that regularly
hire law students as summer interns and attorneys following graduation. If you are hired into
a federal government job after graduation, the
career possibilities are endless as you can make
lateral moves to other agencies as your career
progresses. There are thousands of government
internships and attorney positions at the local,
state, and federal levels, and the Career Services
Office has many resources to help students
research these opportunities. Below is a list of
on-line and hard-copy resources for your perusal.
◗ NALP
Federal Legal Employment
Opportunities Guide – http://www.nalp.org/
jobseekers/fedempl.pdf One of the most difficult
tasks in the federal government job search is
knowing where to start. This on-line resource
provides an overview of approximately 30
of the largest federal agencies. Different
departments and offices within each agency
are listed with brief descriptions and links to
their websites. In addition, information on
government salaries and benefits is provided.
This resource is useful for understanding the
differences among the federal agencies, how
they are organized, and the types of legal issues
addressed by their attorneys. It also provides
information on projected hiring of interns/
attorneys. (A hard copy is located in the
CSO.)
Library Resources:
◗ CSO
Federal Government Information Files
– Compiled by and located in the Career
Services Office, we have files on many federal
government agencies including information
about internships and post-graduate postings.
◗ Univ.
of Arizona Government Honors &
Internship Handbook – (most popular source
used by students) http://www.law.arizona.
edu/career/honorshandbook.cfm – contact the
CSO for the current password. The Arizona
Government Handbook is a very thorough and
up-to-date resource available to law students
on internship opportunities with the federal
government. Because it is impossible for law
schools to keep current information on the
hiring needs of different government agencies,
the schools have outsourced this responsibility to the University of Arizona, which for a
fee supplies updated materials via the internet
to law schools and students. The handbook
includes comprehensive information about
federal government honors and internship programs. Several hundred government agencies
are contacted each year in order to compile
this extensive list of opportunities. One of the
most useful sections of the Handbook is the
Appendix which provides quick information
on deadlines (sorted both by agency name and
by deadline date) and whether positions are
paid. (A hard copy is located in the CSO.)
◗ Harvard
Public Interest Job Search Guide –
This is considered the best published resource
for students seeking careers in public service.
The Harvard Guide allows students to locate
public service internships, including those
with the federal government, and sorts the listings by state or area of law. Each job opportunity lists information regarding salaries, hiring
deadlines, number of interns expected to be
hired, and contact information.
47
◗ Official
Job Site for the Federal Government:
http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ This site
contains the most comprehensive listing
of legal and non-legal jobs with the federal
government. It also provides information
on federal government employment and a
useful search engine. You will not find many
(if any) 1L internships, but it is the main
source for looking for permanent jobs with the
government. Three similar websites are: www.
fedjobs.com, www.fedworld.gov/jobs/jobsearch.
html and www.opm.gov
◗ PSLawNet
– http://www.pslawnet.org (you
may also access this database from our CSO
web page) Select “Student/Alumni” from the
menu, then select “University of Dayton”
from the drop down menu and enter your
user name and password (or create a profile
if you are a first time user). A handout on
PSLawNet and how to access it was provided
to you at Superstart Saturday. Additional
copies are available in the CSO. This is the
most comprehensive legal public service job
bank available to law students and attorneys.
Currently there are close to 600 postings
for summer internships with local, state and
federal government agencies.
◗ U.S.
Department of Justice Legal Intern
Program (DOJ) – http://www.usdoj.gov/oarm/
arm/int/volunteeradsl.htm Each year, the DOJ
hires over 1,000 law students for summer
internships in various DOJ divisions and
U.S. Attorney Offices. The positions are in
Washington, D.C. and in field offices around
the country. Most of the internships are
unpaid, but the program offers challenging
work and lots of responsibility. Each of the different offices within the DOJ posts its own
volunteer positions with unique application
procedures. NOTE: Hiring tends to be on a
rolling basis so students are encouraged to
apply as soon as possible.
◗ The
CSO’s List of Government Web Sites
– Over the years, the CSO has compiled and
maintained a list of useful government web
sites. These sites are very thorough and will
provide detailed information on the agency,
its departments, and internship opportunities
for law students. This list is also available on
the CSO webpage. Almost all federal agencies want you to fax or email your application
materials to them. You will need to go to the
agency websites to download the application
materials. Do not send paper copies via U.S.
mail unless the agency specifically requests
your application be sent by that method!
◗ National
Association of Law Placement
(NALP) Directory – http://nalpdirectory.com
Select “browse employers” then select “public”
and type in the city and state to obtain a
list of government employers for a specific
geographic location. The NALP Directory is
normally a resource used by students interested
in large firms, however, it does have a limited
number of local, state, and federal government
organizations. The Directory will provide
information on how many students the
organization plans to hire this summer, salaries,
areas of law practiced, and a brief overview of
the government office.
48
LawMatch
Reference
Guide
49
To Search for Jobs:
LawMatch Reference Guide
The CSO puts all job postings into the on-line
job bank called LawMatch. By using LawMatch,
you will have convenient access to UDSL job
postings, postings from six other Ohio law
schools, plus postings from other law schools
around the country. Follow these instructions to
register for and use LawMatch.
1)Go to the UDSL website at http://lawmatch.
com/dayton.html
2)Choose the Law Match Link
3)Under left column (Students & Alumni),
select Search
4)Fill in the log-in name and password from
your profile
5)Click Log-in Now or hit Enter
6)Use pull down menus to establish search
parameters:
•Type of Position:
a) For part-time/summer jobs, select one of
the law clerk categories
b)For full-time jobs, select one of the
attorney categories
•Location: Select a location
•Practice Area: Leave blank
•Type of Organization: Leave blank
7) Select List Positions
To Create a Law Match Profile:
1)Go to the UDSL website at http://www.law.
udayton.edu
2)Choose the Law Match link
3)Under left column (Students & Alumni),
select Add/Update Profile
4)Choose Register
5)Complete the registration form; you can also
paste your resume and cover letter in to the
profile
6)Select Proceed
7)Choose Public or Confidential profile
•Public profiles are free for UDSL students/
alumni; must be updated every 90 days
•Confidential profiles cost $9/mo
NOTE: When printing job listings, use landscape
page orientation.
For assistance:
Laura Kalin
1-888-529-6282
50
NALP
Guidelines
51
Full-Time Employment Provisions
General Standards for the
Timing of Offers and Decisions
1. Employers offering full-time positions
following graduation to law students not
previously employed by them should leave
those offers open at least until December 1.
2. Employers making offers before September
15 of the student’s third year for full-time
positions following graduation to law students
previously employed by them during any
preceding summer should leave those offers
open at least until November 1. Upon request
by the student, an employer should extend
this date until December 1 upon receipt of
assurances from the student that he or she is
holding and will hold no more than one other
offer during the extension period.
3. Employers making offers on or after
September 15 of the student’s third year for
full-time employment following graduation
to law students previously employed by them
during any preceding summer should leave
those offers open at least until December 1.
To promote fair and ethical practices for the
interviewing and decision-making process, NALP
offers the following standards for the timing of
offers and decisions:
General Provisions
1. All offers to law students should remain
open for at least two weeks after the date
made unless the offers are made pursuant to
Paragraphs B and C below, in which case the
later response date should apply.
2. Law students should reaffirm offers governed
by Paragraphs B and C below within thirty
days from the date of the offer letter.
Employers may retract any offer that is not
reaffirmed by the student.
3. Students are expected to accept or release
offers or negotiate an extension of the
response date by the applicable deadline.
4. After September 15 a student should not hold
open more than five offers of employment
simultaneously; after October 1 a student
should not hold open more than four offers
simultaneously; and after October 15 a student
should not hold open more than three offers
simultaneously. Offers of employment include
those received as a result of previous summer
employment. For each offer received that
places a student over the offer limit, the
student should, within one week of receipt of
the excess offer, release an offer.
5. Second and third year students may, with the
consent of the employer, extend one offer
beyond December 1. Employers having a total
of 40 attorneys or fewer in all offices may be
exempted from Paragraphs B and C below but
should leave offers open for a minimum of
three weeks.
6. Employers offering part-time or temporary
positions for the school term may be exempted from the requirements of Paragraphs
B and C below.
7. Violations of these guidelines should be
reported to the student’s career services office.
Summer Employment Provisions for Second and
Third Year Students
1. Employers offering summer positions in the
fall to law students not previously employed
by them should leave those offers open at least
until December 1.
2. Employers making offers before September 15
for a second summer clerkship to law students
previously employed by them during any
preceding summer should leave those offers
open at least until November 1. Upon request
by the student, an employer should extend
this date until December 1 upon receipt of
assurances from the student that he or she is
holding and will hold no more than one other
offer during the extension period.
3. Employers making offers on or after
September 15 for a second summer clerkship
to law students previously employed by them
during any preceding summer should leave
those offers open at least until December 1.
52
Summer Employment Provisions
for First Year Students
1. Law schools should not offer career services
to first-semester first year law students prior
to November 1 except in the case of parttime students who may be given assistance in
seeking positions during the school term.
2. Prospective employers and first year law
students should not initiate contact with one
another and employers should not interview
or make offers to first year students before
December 1.
3. All offers to first year students for summer
employment should remain open for at least
two weeks after the date made.
53
Career & Student Services
University of Dayton School of Law
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469-2774
937.229.3215
www.law.udayton.edu