Public Policy Handbook Coming Soon!

We are very excited to let you know that we have just submitted our invoice request to access the Public Policy Handbook, a resource similar to the Government Honors & Internship Handbook which will focus on policy internships and positions. We will be adding the login information to this resource to the Symplicity announcements page as soon as it is launched in late January. In the meantime, PSLawNet is a great resource to be using for finding Fellowship, Internship, and full-time public interest job opportunities as well.

Behavioral Interviews

One of the buzz phrases in legal hiring is 'behavioral interview questions' which can provide a look at how a candidate's past experiences will anticipate future work situations and decisions. These questions are aimed at teasing out a candidate's skills, experience, temperament, and interests as a good fit for the employer's culture, mission, and strategy. To prepare fully for these types of questions, candidates need to conduct a full and thorough self-assessment of their past experiences, developing skill sets, and interests, and how those intersect with the employer's needs. Legal career require flexibility, persistence, consistent hard work, and dedication. Make sure you are ready to discuss not only anything that is on your resume but other experiences that enable you to show those attributes.

PICs Picks: Hometown Networking

As we all prepare for exams and then a long hiatus from school, it is tempting to let our job search languish. One way to help stave off this urge and help to bolster your professional network is to try and reach out to attorneys who are based in your hometown. Many people in law school have some connection to working lawyers, whether it is friends' parents, parents' friends, a neighbor, or an old coach. While you are home for an extended period, reach out to these people and try to set up a meeting with them. Lunch, dinner, or even a cup of coffee will provide a chance to either kindle a new connection or renew a dormant one. It will also allow the person to see the professional you are aspiring to be and give them a chance to learn of your areas of interest. This could potentially large dividends for your job search in law school and beyond.

SMART References & Letters of Recommendation

You are about to ask someone to serve as a reference for you. What do you need to ask them? What do you want them to highlight? This blog posting was written about Letters of Recommendation but is still provides great guidance to consider how you can ask recommenders to highlight certain accomplishments as well as show some of your strongest character traits -- flexibility, dedication, critical and analytical thinking skills, and so much more. This will also help you when you use this as a checklist with a job posting. When you are updating your recommenders on recent applications or upcoming interviews, if there is something specific that you know the employer is looking for and to which this recommender can speak, using the SMART method will provide tangible stories and evidence of your abilities.

Personal Branding

Personal branding is a part of your personal marketing toolkit. But how do you create one? First, you need to got through your CSI (Credentials, Skills & Interests) assessment. What do you bring to the table? What do you want to do with that? Second, develop your elevator pitch. Go through this Harvard Business School Exercise to develop and then determine the strength of your current pitch. Third, consider how your personal brand is (or is not) present in your cover letters, resume, LinkedIn profile, and how your references talk about you. Don't forget to make sure you're adjusting your personal brand techniques as you target different employers -- this blog posting will help you consider some key language to show that you've thought out your strengths, weaknesses, and why you'd be the right person for the job.

Cleaning Up Your Online Presence

This blog posting serves as a checklist and reminder as to the various places you need to be checking to ensure that your online presence syncs with your professional persona. Though this posting was targeted at new college graduates, this is important RIGHT NOW for every law student because your new professional life began the day you walked into law school. Be vigilant so that you can keep your image clean continuously.

5 Steps to Building Your Story to Get the Job You Want

This blog posting from Gotta Mentor echoes of the themes you will hear from career advisors: part of your job search is about building transferrable skills to get the experience you need as you develop the network that can help you get there. Building your story, and thus your windy career path, takes time and will not happen overnight. You need a plan, and these five steps can help you make sure you've done your homework and are developing the credentials, skills, and demonstrate your interests to get you to that dream job -- even if it is two to three jobs from the next one.

Being in School May Be Your Sabbatical but...

For some people, returning to school or continuing education is the sabbatical. This blog posting however provides ways to create spaces for creativity and general health and well-being that you are encouraged to incorporate into your own life, such as:

• Working out to create space in your mind
  
• Using your commute to focus on other interests
  
• Enjoy nature

Taking time to smell the roses will help you remember why you are in law school as well as remind you that your life is not just law school.

10 Tips for Safe Social Networking for Attorneys

We posted a tweet about this a couple of weeks ago, but thought it worth revisiting as ethics rules become more complicated, and are often not written with the latest, and certainly not the upcoming, technology in mind. In what jurisdiction is your avatar practicing in Second Life? When is it soliciting clients? Did your post just tip your hand to opposing counsel? And never, never consider yourself anonymous.

Government Honors & Internship Handbook Updates

More updates, new programs, and more in the Government Honors & Internship Handbook,** including:

• National Labor Relations Board - Office of General Counsel Division of Advice - Summer Law Student Positions (2Ls)
• US Commodity Future Trading Commission -- Summer Legal Intern Program (1L, 2L, 3L, going into LLM or judicial clerkship)
• US Department of Homeland Security - San Francisco Office of Chief's Counsel's Summer Legal Intern Program (1L, 2L)

Check them out today!

**As a reminder, the login and password information is available in the Announcements section of Symplicity.

PICs Picks: Law Student Colleague Networking

As we progress through law school, the importance of networking and making connections is emphasized at every turn. However, we sometimes forget that our peers are powerful networking connections that require development too. These are in some ways your first professional and legal network and the experiences you share with these people will likely create deep and long-lasting relationships. It is critical to build and maintain relationships with these colleagues now, as they can be a valuable resource in the present, as well as years down the road in your legal career. Creating a reputation as a colleague that is hard-working, trustworthy, and willing to help others is something that your law school classmates will remember and take with them years after we have all graduated from DePaul.

1L Hiring Index from NALP Directory of Legal Employers

The NALP Directory of Legal Employers allows students to generate their own custom index of NALP employers that hire first-year students. Using the Advanced Search feature, students can enter their specific criteria and then select 1Ls from the "Organizations that Hire" drop-down list. Employers that indicated Yes or Case-by-Case (CBC) will appear in the results list.

PSLawNet Resources

PSLawNet is a subscription service for which Law Career Services provides students and alumni access for their public service job search. This rich resource, in addition to its national and international job postings, also has an additional career resource library covering a large range of topics, including government search resources, careers in criminal law, summer public interest funding, and much, much more. Create your account and check it out today!

Learning to Learn

This blog posting talks about how to ask "for help the smart way." This is extremely relevant when dealing with the very busy attorneys who are supervising you, especially on the last point. If you can find the proper tool, you can probably find a way to complete whatever task has been given to you. It may also prompt the supervising attorney to consider what pieces they use themselves to get the work done.

Career Pyramid

Many of us will have various careers and career paths throughout our lives. In reading through Lindsay Pollak's blog posting on building your career pyramid, she really hit it home that we have several faces that we are showing the world and several skill sets that we are creating at any given time. This foundational base enables us to continue to build ourselves in various ways, being open to opportunities as they present themselves. This last point goes in hand with something being said in our office lately, which is "When the going gets tough, the tough get creative." What's in your toolkit and how does that help any given employer? What additional skills do you need to continue your own professional development? All of this is true for every one of us, from first year law student to experienced attorney to someone looking to transition to a non-legal career. After all, what's in your toolkit? And how are you going to market that?

Resumes are Only One Step

As the 1Ls begin to access Law Career Services, this blog posting serves as a great reminder that the resume you are developing now is different from what you used in undergrad or get into law school, and part is an evolution of your CSI: credentials, skills, and interests. As with all evolutions, and all job search skills, they never really end -- they just become refined, enable you to go to the next level, and continue to develop those skills. So yes, your resume is a time-consuming piece to create, but it is truly just one piece of the puzzle. More on those other skills in upcoming posts.

PICs Picks: Career Fairs & Receptions

As law students begin to determine their interests in law school, participating in conferences, career fairs and receptions are an important way to learn about practice areas and expand their networking efforts. These opportunities provide a wealth of information and guidance because these events are designed so that agencies and organizations can gather to share information about their work and the types of people they hire as interns, attorneys, and program directors. These events provide an opportunity to network with many practitioners and learn about how different groups' approach their work and their missions. The opportunity to create a personal connection with an attorney can pay dividends in not only developing relationships but also create relationships that will last throughout your career. Students should make an effort to attend these events; a small investment of time can pay a large professional dividend. Check the law school and bar association calendars to ensure that you are making the most of these opportunities. For example, this Thursday's Meet the Public Service Employer's Reception at Loyola will feature 51 public interest and non-profit agencies.

Unstalling the Job Search

All too often career advisors are hearing something along the lines of what this recently interviewed college graduate said: "It's easy to fall into a routine of just copying and pasting in a new company name". All too often, jobseekers want the easy, one-stop process of applying online, from one job board, with one generic cover letter. That isn't going to cut it in this economy -- as this Wall Street Journal article points out, it will be a test of stamina, creativity, and using multiple methods to find your next opportunity.

PSLawNet Resources

PSLawNet is a subscription service for which Law Career Services provides students and alumni access for their public service job search. This rich resource, in addition to its national and international job postings, also has an additional career resource library covering a large range of topics, including government search resources, careers in criminal law, summer or career funding, and much, much more. The PSLawNet Advisory Board just met last week and additional resources are being developed. Create your account and check it out today and often!

PILI Program Updates

The Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) sponsors a Summer Internship Program and a School-Year Spring Semester Internship Program. Online applications to the summer program will be accepted beginning December 1. Applications to the school-year spring semester program will be accepted beginning November 1. You will need to register on IllinoisProBono.org before you can apply. There is an approval process that can take up to 24 hours (longer on weekends and holidays). Additional FAQ's can be found here.

Symplicity Calendar

Did you know that we post upcoming conferences around the country on the Symplicity calendar? Do you know when your target practice area's section meetings will be for the ABA? Don't miss the opportunity to attend this August's ABA Annual Meeting here in Chicago, where many sections will indeed meet to conduct business, offer CLE seminars, and provide you with various networking opportunities. Don't forget to note when committees meet and have special events or CLE seminars at the Chicago Bar Association as well.

ABA Recession Resources

The ABA has created resources that will help you to understand the economic outlook so that you can sound well-versed while networking and while interviewing. In addition, we suggest following the NALPOrg Twitter feed, for the latest on legal employment news and statistics. NALP Executive Director James Leipold also publishes a weekly of the latest legal employment and other related news.

PICs Picks: Community Project Involvement

Law students at DePaul have many advantages and opportunities open to them. One of these is the vast number of service activities that allow law students to participate in a multitude of projects to benefit the community. These service opportunities range from legally focused work, such as the numerous clinic programs, to those that do not deal with legal work, such as the Service Immersion trips. There is flexibility to accommodate any level of student interest, from those willing to make major time commitments through the field placement program or clinics to those seeking to work one day per semester. Besides providing the chance for students to bolster their resumes with meaningful and attractive experiences, there is also a chance to gain useful training and experience. Finally, students who choose to participate in service activities often make great contacts with attorneys, judges, professors, and other law students that could lead to employment while in school or after graduation. Check out the Pro Bono & Community Service Initiative today for more information on various pro bono and volunteer opportunities.

It is about networking -- and support too. . .

Yes, networking can be intimidating. That is why it is so important to break it down into pieces that make it manageable -- your perspective, your current contacts, what contacts you want to develop, your own skills. But the one piece that is often overlooked in seeking the next position is the importance of support. This blog entry reminds you that yes, jobs are being found through networking, but don't forget to find ways to allow others within your network support you.

Document Library

We try to make as much available as possible no matter the time or day of the week. Check out the Document Library in Symplicity today to look at guides on Cover Letters, Resumes, Writing Samples, Guide to Bar Admissions, Interviewing, and so much more. We've just updated the Public Interest Summer Funding Resource List so check it out today!

Time & Calendar Management

One of my favorite things about Evite is that you can directly add the events to your calendar. But did you know that the functionality on the College of Law calendar allows you to not only add it to a whole host of calendar systems (Google, Outlook, iCal, Facebook, and more) but also send you a text reminder? You can even have the system alert you if the program details change. Many sites now offer these easy ways to keep yourself reminded of upcoming events so take advantage of them today!

Three Truths for Your Job Search

This article does a great job of reminding us that not everything about the job search is about credentials -- after all, people want to work with others that they enjoy as well as have a commitment to the work itself. There is still something true about being in the right place at the right time too -- but you can' t be there unless you're out and about in lots of places, making yourself useful and knowledgeable to various groups and people. And one caveat on the third truth in the article --sometimes it is who knows you, your skills, your abilities, your interests, and your availability!

PICs Picks: LCS Programming

Many students are concerned about how to land a job and how to stand out in the crowd. If you have these concerns, it would be beneficial to attend the numerous programs put on by Law Career Services. A major focus on upcoming sessions will be on how to market yourself in a tough economy, including how to place the focus on the positives you possess and create strategies to strengthen your credentials, skills, and interests. Learning these skills is crucial for anyone entering the legal job market, but they are not regularly emphasized or discussed during regular courses. It is incumbent on the ambitious and far-sighted student to seek out opportunities to learn and polish these skills to places themselves in an advantageous position throughout the job search and professional development process. You are encouraged to read the weekly LCS newsletter, pay attention to bulletin boards and the College of Law calendar, and follow the LCS Twitter account to stay on top of all the programming not only offered by LCS but in the wider legal community as well.

Don't Go it Alone

Though this article by Ari Kaplan highlights the changing legal employment scene, it also provides an empowering look at how law students can tailor their career paths as well as pursue non-legal opportunities. The largest message we'd like to remind you of is this: don't go it alone. Law Career Services exists to help you consider your strategy and develop additional resources as you discern your career path and interests. Your classmates and the alumni are powerful allies as well. Make an appointment with your advisor today!

What All the Cool Kids Are Using. . .

The ABA Journal recently wrote up an article called 70 Sizzling Apps, which showcases phone and web applications that attorneys are finding useful in the personal and professional lives. Most are low cost or free, and the various suggestions come with insights from all sorts of attorneys across the county. Check it -- you never know what might make your life a little easier, or just a little livelier.

Student Debt Relief Resources

The best resource for law student centered information on Student Debt Relief measures such as Income Based Repayment (available for everyone with federal loans) and Loan Forgiveness (after 120 payments for public service, 25 years for everyone else if loans are consolidated properly) is Equal Justice Works' Student Debt Relief website. The Partnership for Public Service has also just released a new information sheet on the Federal Student Loan Repayment Program. For more information on the Income Based Repayment option, you should also check out IBRinfo, which has great information and calculators, not to mention a great YouTube! gremlin short.

How to Prepare for an Interview

In a follow-up to last week's posting about Preparing for Interviews, the same blog talked about How to Prepare for an Interview. Much of the advice in this newer posting comes down to going through your CSI (credentials, skills, and interests) combined with personal branding -- knowing who you are, what you have to offer, and how that provides value to the employer. But I also think that the final step is the one that makes the rest of the work crucial - practice, practice, practice. All the discernment and research in the world will do no good if your answer isn't ready to roll off your tongue in a short sixty second answer.

Email Outages & Productivity

This blog posting Turn an Email Outage into a Productivity Boost made me proud that I shut down my email when trying to complete projects. The opportunity and ability to focus to get the kinks worked into and then out of a PowerPoint presentation is crucial. So do you turn off your wireless in class to make sure you are focusing on the process? Don't you think doing this would enable you to follow the discussion more closely, getting to the fine points the professor is trying to make, and probably providing you insight on what the professor will find important in the final exam? When you're writing your resume or editing a writing sample, do you focus on the task at hand or do you allow yourself interruptions that cause you to lose focus? Consider what putting down the iPhone/Blackberry, etc for just part of every day can mean for your productivity.

Chicago Lawyers' Advice on Road to Practicing Law

The Chicago Lawyer recently posted an article, Points to Ponder, with advice from attorneys at various size firms, from associate to partner, for their advice to law students in these tumultuous economic times. The advice ranges from simple to complicated, but boils down to creativity, dedication, and experience.

PICs Picks: Bar Association Memberships, Part Deux

In the on-going series, the Law Career Services Public Interest Coordinators share their greatest hits of advice and resources. A great resource for finding professional bar associations globally, can be found here.

Joining organizations can further your career search in at least two meaningful ways. First, membership in general bar associations such as the Chicago Bar Association can expose you to many practice areas and specialties of which you may not have been aware. Beyond the informational and organizational meetings conducted by these groups, there are often opportunities to be exposed to tangible applications involving the particular area of law of the specialty committee or section, including various pro bono, community service and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars. These opportunities highlight the second major benefit of organization membership, which is networking and socializing that is a significant portion of most meetings and events. The chance to meet attorneys, judge, and fellow law students will allow you to begin to make inroads and contacts in your area of interest well in advance of graduation, a necessary and valuable advantage in the increasingly competitive legal market.

Prepare For A Job Interview If You Want To Get Hired

The best line from this blog posting Prepare for A Job Interview if You Want to Get Hired is this: "The single best thing you can do before a job interview is to prepare for it." Don't just look at the employer's website -- do a LexisNexis/Google/Law Bulletin,etc. search to find their major litigation, who their biggest clients are, and who has won the pro bono awards. After all, per this post, "On average, an interviewer will make up their mind about a candidate in the first five minutes of the interview." So if you're not prepared with a strategy that includes questions about some of that in-depth information you found, you know you didn't actually prepare. Check out the Preparing for Job Interviews: Are Excorcists & Voodoo Necessary? session in the Symplicity video library today for additional ways and information to research.

Job Search as an Entrpreneur

Job searching can be a lot like being an entrepreneur -- you really have to believe in your brand, which of course in this case, is you. The blog entry For Entrepreneurs, Every Day is Game Day really resonates as an approach to developing your professional skills and career. Here's the rewrite to make the application fit:

1. Prepare to work long days. You've heard us say it before, we'll say it again. Looking for a job is a job, and it is part of your job as a professional law student. It means reaching out and constantly developing, growing, and nurturing your professional skills, network, and opportunities.

2. Learn to relish the door slam. Okay, maybe not relish, but don't despair either. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Reach out to Law Career Services to maximize our resources and help you craft your job search strategy.

3. Don't make any major strategic decisions in haste. Don't assume that because your best friend found a job quickly that you need to follow their strategy. There are literally thousands of unique reasons why individual job searches unfold the way they do. If you've done your CSI homework by considering your Credentials, Skills & Interests, as well as carefully crafting your personal brand, elevator speech, materials, and job search strategy, you'll be making decisions based on your own insight, not whim.

Workplace Communication

David Silverman writes a great blog called "Words at Work" where he discusses communication in professional settings. His latest posting, Did your Email Get Lost In Translation? covers how to make sure your emails are clear, concise, and provide meaning to your reader. Another recent posting titled How to Ask a (Near) Stranger for Help, addresses how to ask for help in a respectful manner that helps convey how this benefits all parties. If in doubt, be deferential.


These pieces of advice are important in not just employer settings but also any professional setting -- communicating with professors, law school administrators (such as Law Career Services or Student Affairs, to name a couple), networking contacts, alumni, and professional organizations. If in doubt, treat communication opportunities as professional, and err on being clear, concise, and conservative.

Online Norms Clash with Ethical Obligations

In Florida, a lawyer recently consented to the reprimand handed to him by the state bar last year when he used unprofessional language in criticizing a judge online. The Florida Supreme Court still wanted the matter reviewed on constitutional grounds before upholding the sanctions. Closer to home, another attorney lost her position as an assistant public defender for remarks she made online and now faces disciplinary action. Judges have come under scrutiny for their behavior in the cyberworld too. Another case starts in Texas today dealing with attorneys who have shared too much online. So word to the wise: just don't do it. No matter how juicy, how well you disguise it, your boss and the bar still get the last say on whether it was unprofessional, or worse, unethical.

Invisible Resume

We talk to students often about how they talk to their network contacts, and especially references and recommenders, about their experiences, goals, and talents. This article does a great job discussing how these references serve as your invisible resume because often what a reference leaves unsaid is as important as what they say about you. Yes, it is difficult to hear criticism, but as is often said, perception is reality so make sure you understand how others perceive you, especially if they are the ones you are relying on to help you develop your professional skills, contacts, and career moves.

Networking -- Overcoming Facebook & Twitter

As chatter about networking continues due to the economy, keeping genuine contact with your network is vital. One of the greatest ways we encourage students to do that is to forward articles or blog postings to those contacts with a short note as to why s/he thinks the recipient will find it of interest or relevant to a previous conversation. This article discusses why the Twitter or Facebook broadcast isn't enough, and why individual forwarding of articles or posts helps increase your personal brand as a giver, not just a taker, within your network.

Multitasking - We're All Guilty

As I sit here writing this blawg entry, I have my iPod playing some JT (yes, career advisers listen to him too), my work email is pinging, I'm sipping my coffee, answering the phone, and I've been reading Twitter feeds. This Harvard Business Review article points out why multitasking decreases the quality of what you are producing. Makes an old fashioned "To Do" list an effective tool to help me prioritize and focus on work with singularity. And reinforces why I turn off my email when I am in meetings or working on projects with deadlines.

PICs Picks: Writing Competitions

The LCS employs law student Public Interest Coordinators (PICs) to help with various research and administrative projects in the office. On a regular basis, they provide insight and advice to their fellow students on various opportunities and resources. The first one of the school year is about writing competitions. For law students seeking ways to make their resumes stand out from the crowd, as well as displaying their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, writing competitions can be the perfect answer. These contests cover a wide range of topics, and can be sponsored by DePaul, various bar organizations, or private foundations. The DePaul newsletter is an excellent source for information about these competitions, and many more can be found through simple Internet searching, especially various bar associate sites. No matter your area of interest, there is likely to be a contest that addresses it. Winning one of these contests can mean scholarships, possible publication, and a nice item for your resume. Employers will be impressed at your initiative in locating unique opportunities as well as the dedication you demonstrate in completing a writing project outside the confines of LARC.

Discussion Group Tips

We've started to give our presentations on LinkedIn Professionalism, and one of the best ways to increase your LinkedIn visibility is participating in discussions in the various groups to which you might belong. We found this in the DePaul Blackboard 'Big Hint for Online Discussion Forums.' This is great advice, which applies in all sorts of discussion forums:

• If you’re responding to Doris’ comment, have her comment on screen when you hit “reply.”

• Add something new. Don’t just type in: “Yeah, I agree.” Say, “Yes, and…” Or “Yes, but we need to consider…” Or,“I don’t agree, because…”

• Edit – yes, that means correct spelling and punctuation. Draw attention to your great idea, not your poor spelling.

• NO SHOUTING WITH CAPITALS! Use netiquette, no ‘bad’ language, no flaming, no off-color jokes.

• Make comments about ideas, not people.

• Need idea starters? Use these phrases in your online comment: If x, then… I agree with x; however, y seems to be... For example, ... Do you mean… Can x be compared to... We also need to consider…

Happy contributions!

Professional Development

There's a lot of discussion in the legal community about the shape and contours of legal education. One thing that isn't going to change with the economy is this: the need for professional development. So what have you done for your career lately? Attended a bar association meeting? Written a journal article? Conducted some mock or informational interviews? How about meeting with your career adviser? There's so much out there that you can do, and this is just the beginning of your long career, so getting in the habit of finding ways to continually reach out and improve yourself, your image, your network, and build your brand will serve you well for the rest of your career, no matter where it may take you.

LinkedIn on Your Resume

In general, the legal profession takes longer to embrace technology than most other fields. It is just part of the inherent conservatism of the profession. But if you are looking for non-traditional jobs or have strong recommendations in your LinkedIn profile, how can you advertise that? This article discusses pros and cons on including it in your resume, but maybe you can slip it into networking conversations or interviews as you discuss the great LinkedIn groups to which you belong. Or if you've created business cards, including it on there would be a great idea, especially because it can be your alternate resume in that networking session.

Rethinking the Questions

Many job seekers want to find the right employer for them. How about turning the question on its head and consider who else you need to add into your prospective employer list? With whom else do you need to reconnect? Thinking through your network can start with LinkedIn, but consider checking out one of our Networking titles from the Law Career Services library today!

Strategy, Psychology, & Networking

Tim Tyrell-Smith has lots of insights about the job search. His philosophy boils down to three components: strategy, psychology, and networking. He has just published a free e-Book 30 Ideas: The Ideas of Successful Job Search, which is full of ideas on how to bring to together the advice you've already heard or forgotten to put into practice. He addresses many common fears and the various ways that job searches evolve, addresses the time crunch on networking, and so much more. His blog reinforces the concepts in the book, as well as provides continued insight and stories to illustrate his philosophy. Check it all out today!

Personal Branding & Stories

Don Hewitt, the creator and former executive producer of the show 60 Minutes, left a legacy of telling stories. While it is important that you know how to give an elevator pitch, or quick introduction of yourself, in 30 seconds or less, what will you tell someone about yourself once you have them hooked? How is your personal brand interwoven that elevator pitch, into every story you tell while networking and in an interview, into every cover letter you write?

Increasing Your LinkedIn Connections

This blog entry talks about some simple steps to increase your connections on LinkedIn. How else should you increase your connections? Every time you meet someone new, after you've sent the follow-up email, drop them a request to connect via LinkedIn. This will help you keep track of their career and any changes, especially if they change email addresses.

Options in Government

LCS subscribes to the Government Honors & Iternship Handbook, which provides detailed information about various postgraduate Honors programs and law student internship opportunities in government. Though the largest portion of the Handbook addresses federal programs, there are also state and local level programs also included. Check today's newsletter for updated login/password information.

State Department Deadlines Changed!

Please be aware that the State Department had originally posted a September 30th deadline for its New Attorney and Summer Intern Program applications, and has now updated it to August 24th. Though the Department will accept materials through September 30th, the Department has indicated a strong preference to receive materials as soon as possible. Additional details can be found the in the Government Honors & Internship Handbook.

DOJ Honors & SLIP Programs

As a reminder, the US Department of Justice Honors program has a strict deadline for its two largest recruiting programs -- September 8, 2009. The Honors Program is the only method through which the DOJ hires new law school graduates and the SLIP program is its paid program for rising 2Ls. You are encouraged to start this application early as it is very detailed. If you have questions about bidding divisions of the DOJ in the application, make an appointment with the Associate Director of Public Service Law Alisa Rosales.

Have you Googled Yourself Lately?

What is your web presence? And how do you increase it? By publishing, presenting, becoming a leader in bar association activities. Check this post for more details and some insight on what people are looking for when they Google you.

LinkedIn Job Search for Beginners

Still confused about how to use LinkedIn in your job search? Consider the fact that up to 95% of jobs are never posted -- it isn't about who you know, but who knows you. Who knows you are looking? Who knows what about your skills, credentials, and abilities? Check out this post for the bare minimum on how to use LinkedIn for a job search. This post from the LinkedIn Blog gives insight on taking it to the next level.

LinkedIn - Your Professional Facebook

Have you built up your LinkedIn profile? Have you joined groups that will provide you with information relevant to your job search, your studies, and the practice areas in which you are interested?

If not, start with this blog posting that discusses the value of LinkedIn, but I think one of the greatest insights actually came from within the comments. As with all strategies, results will come with time invested over time. Rarely are results instantaneous! Once you've considered how you want to use your LinkedIn profile, then utilize this checklist to help you maximize the many features of LinkedIn. You'll be amazed at how much is in there.

Some Social Media Thoughts

No one integrates social media perfectly -- and you probably shouldn't try or you'll miss out on the important face time. However, there are nuggets out there -- without Twitter and Google Reader, we wouldn't find great articles to share with you. You wouldn't be able to keep up with whatever area of law in which you are most interested. As with anything, it is about balance, which is a never ending battle, but here's some food for thought on how employers might be using social media to find you -- or at least vet you once they've decided they want you.

This Week's Posts

This week's posts included:

• Social Media: Keeping it Secure
• Using LinkedIn to Organize Networking Events
• Being a model adopted employee

Don't forget to check out our Tweets!

Social Media: Keeping it Secure

Have you heard about the Twitter hack escapade of a couple weeks ago? This is one of those stories that should scare you if you use the same password for multiple accounts or don't change passwords very often (yes, we know it is annoying). Why are secure or smart passwords important? What is considered good password habits? Don't let all the work you've done keeping your social media appropriate go down the drain because of a a hacker!

Using LinkedIn to Organize Networking Events

One of the pieces many of us struggle with in networking is finding ways to provide value back to those contacts. Do you have an affinity group for which you would like to help schedule a networking event? Think alumni group, non-profit organizations, neighborhood groups. This blog posting provides some insight on how to tap into your LinkedIn account to do just that -- and you'll probably think of more!

Being a model adopted employee

Many law students hold down one or more part-time gigs in law school. This article provides three tips on being the "model adopted employee" -- the part-timer. The third tip is applicable to your "other job" of being a student. It makes it much easier to provide you a reference later if your supervisor can see how this job helps you reach your future goals.

Latest Blog Postings

Latest Blawg Postings:

• EJW Fellowship Applications Now Available!
• Networking your Personal Brand
• Don't Be a Victim to Social Media Backlash
• Personal Branding & Google
• More LinkedIn Tips
• Debunking Social Media Myths

EJW Fellowship Applications Now Available!

Words of wisdom from the EJW staff:

Important reminders:
We recommend that prospective candidates review the online application form as soon as possible to familiarize themselves with how it works and to prepare the necessary items required to apply -- the online application, the Certification Form (signed by both candidate and host organization and accompanied this year by a Benefits Summary Sheet) and up to two letters of recommendation.

Begin working on the application early.There are character limits noted for each text box, and character counts may differ between a word processing program and the application. It is therefore important for candidates to paste the text into the application well in advance of the deadline to ensure that the text fits in the allotted space. The server also grows increasingly busy as the deadline approaches.

Hard copy documents must be received by September 17. The deadline for submission of the application, which is done online, is 5pm EDT on September 17. A signed Certification Form and up to 2 recommendation letter(s) must be received by Equal Justice Works no later than September 17. These items must be mailed or hand delivered. Faxes and emails will not be accepted.

If you have any questions, please email fellowships@equaljusticeworks.org or call (202)466-3686, extension 202.

Networking your Personal Brand

Personal branding is quite the buzzword right now but what does it mean? It means getting back to your CSI -- (Credentials, Skills, and Interests) to determine what is you have, what you need to develop, where you want to go, and how you will get there with a well-developed marketing package. By developing your personal brand, you can show an employer why your CSI provides their clients the right mix of skills and determination. (See the prior post on Elevator Speeches and the various posts on personal branding.) This article is an excellent summation of how to make an impression using your personal brand (the link is not static, so you may need to type in 'Personal Brand' in the Search the Blog box to the right).

Don't Be a Victim to Social Media Backlash

In reading this blog entry providing advice to non-profit organizations about the pitfalls of social media, the following lessons occurred to us:
1. Be nice to everyone -- you never know who is related to who, who uses someone else as a mentor.
2. You don't need to use social media all the time -- don't be afraid to pick up the phone and make a personal connection.
3. Write thank you notes -- especially in this fast-paced society, they are still appreciated.
4. Be vigiliant about your social media presence. You can completely control your own accounts and you need to treat others respectfully within that space so that you can request the same of them.

Personal Branding & Google

We know that there are warring schools of thought on the use of social media. One person will tell you not to use it at all. The next says it is a great way to have your personality shine through. In LCS, we are part of the middle path: use it wisely and warily, but make sure it is constantly updated, consistent in message, and honest. Hide or remove things that would embarrass the most conservative, shy person you can imagine. Don't let your friends be able to tag you in pictures.

And now, make sure your Google profile is updated! It seems that the vast majority (though by no means all) of you use gmail as your primary email so make sure your Google profile is updated, and in sync with your LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc. profiles. This is one more place for you to strengthen your personal brand.

More LinkedIn Tips

One of the easiest ways to make sure you are remembered is to attach your photo to your LinkedIn profile. If you reach out to someone, and even tell them where they met you, it may not jog their memory unless they see your picture. And speaking of your LinkedIn profile, what does your headline say about you?

One of the easiest ways to derail yourself though, is to use your LinkedIn status update imprudently. Are you keeping it appropriately upbeat and focused on action? The use of this toolbar can also scream "I am a Millenial" (even if you aren't), so don't feel compelled to use it. But if you do use it, do so with care, and keep it updated regularly.

Debunking Social Media Myths

One of the things discussed in authentic networking is the ability to offer something of value to others, and especially the organizations they serve. One of the things you may be able to offer is your social media savvy, especially when newbies are considering entering into Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Here are some things that will help you lead a conversation about engaging in social media, and may also help you as you work in various organizations' social media ventures. Even more encouraging is this Harvard Business Review blog posting, encouraging organizations to reach out to Gen Y to learn how to effectively use these technologies.

This Week's Posts

This week's posts include:

• Dos & Don'ts of Informational Interviewing
• Telling Stories -- Tempered by Some Advice
• Lather, Rinse, Repeat
• Personal Branding: MJ Style
• Networking is Just Relationship Building

Dos & Don'ts of Informational Interviewing

Informational interviewing, or the opportunity to find out more about a practice area, practice setting, or employer, can greatly expand your knowledge, network, and help you determine your interests. This fantastic article will help you approach such opportunities to make sure you are making the most of not only your time but also that of your contact.

Telling Stories -- Tempered by Some Advice

Are you looking to ace an interview. This blog post talks about the importance of telling stories -- the ways to illustrate your personality, skills, and value to the employer. The only fault we see with this posting is that it doesn't go far enough in encouraging you to remember that this job interview is all about the employer. What that means is that while the story is about you and your accomplishments, skills, and interests, you must make it about how this story will enhance the employer's needs.

Lather, Rinse, Repeat

Lather, Rinse, Repeat. As you know, this could start you on an unending cycle of shampooing in the shower, but it a good philosophy to remember about perseverance. So how is this related to your job search? You need to stick to it! So even though it wasn't a career or professional blog, this little lesson on perseverance, and the habit of REPEAT, will serve you well as you continue to build your network, add new skills, and develop new interests, throughout your ENTIRE career!

Personal Branding: MJ Style

The Harvard Business Review blog discusses how Michael Jackson became a brand icon. Now, most attorneys do not become internationally known for their work but you can take this article to determine how to build your own personal brand on a smaller scale.

Networking is Just Relationship Building

We know you hate the word networking. But what is networking? It is just relationship building -- the opportunity to connect to people with similar interests, providing each other mutual benefits. We've purchased some great networking titles for the Resource Library - Building Career Connections: Networking Tools for Law Students and New Lawyers, How to Work a Room: Your Essential Guide to Savvy Socializing, and A Lawyer's Guide to Networking. Come in and check them out today!

This Week's Posts

WHEW! For a short week, we were busy! This week's posts included:

• IBR Applications Now Available
• CSI: Really Just Self-Awareness
• ABA Law Student Career Fair
• Transitioning to Nonprofit Careers
• Interview Attire

IBR Applications Now Available

IBR (income based repayment) applications are now available from many major lenders, including the US Department of Education! The IBRinfo.org FAQ is a great place to get an overview of the new payment plan. You will need to contact your lender directly to apply for IBR. If you have Direct Loans through the US Department of Education, you can start here. If you're not sure who is servicing your federal loans these days, check the National Student Loan Data Center.

CSI: Really Just Self-Awareness

Pat Meehan of Job Radio recently gave a tip of the day about Self-Awareness, which dovetails with our discussions about keeping your CSI (credentials, skills, interests) at the forefront as you continue your job search. If you don't know where you've been, you don't know where you're headed, and you can't create a path to get to the next step.

ABA Law Student Career Fair

The ABA Annual Meeting will be held here in Chicago again this summer! The Law Student Division (LSD) is hosting a career fair, providing you with an opportunity to talk to various employers and network with fellow law students across the country. Registration for the Meeting also enrolls you in the ABA with full student benefits for the next year and allows you to attend all the LSD events throughout the weekend.

Transitioning to Nonprofit Careers

The Idealist Career Corner has posted a new podcast on transitioning into nonprofit careers. As you continually evaluate your evolving CSI (credentials, skills, and interests), this podcast can help you consider other ways to use your skills. It will also help job seekers to be realistic in what that transition will require. Also, Idealist has created a new guide for those considering the switch too.

Interview Attire

Brill Street Marketing provides a good overview on dressing for success during an interview. In particular, three things we see law students miss is: clothes that fit and flatter, ironed shirts, and attention to detail.

This Week's Posts

• IBR -- Ditch Your Debt
• Managing your Online Identity
• LinkedIn: Providing Connections & Opportunities
• Internal Deadlines for Fellowship Sponsor Sites

IBR -- Ditch Your Debt

The creative folks at IBRinfo.org have created a new cartoon based video called Ditch Your Debt Gremlin, which provides a great synopsis of how IBR (income based repayment) works, who is eligible, and how it can be used for remaining debt forgiveness through CCRAA (College Cost Reduction Access Act). This is the website that also has great calculators to assist you in decision making. The US Department of Education has also posted a fact sheet and its own calculator. IBR becomes effective July 1, 2009 so educate yourself on your options today!

Managing your Online Identity

The Wall Street Journal Blogs has an on-going series for the Laid Off and Looking, which ran a great segment a couple of weeks ago (we love finding this stuff through the DePaul Alumni Association group on LinkedIn) called Advice: Controlling Your Online Image While Looking for Work. This article provides practical tips about controlling your online identity, and things to consider in posting your

LinkedIn: Providing Connections & Opportunities

LinkedIn has become a versatile tool for job seekers, networkers, recruiters, and people looking for like-minded professionals. Rob Gorrie, Founder of Adcentricity, explores how LinkedIn has helped him link to the right people at the right time.

Internal Deadlines for Fellowship Sponsor Sites

Are you interested in pursuing a Skadden or Equal Justice Works fellowship? Many organizations have their own internal deadlines which they sometimes advertise on PSLawNet, to their internal listservs, or just keep as institutional knowledge. For example, here in Chicago, the internal LAF deadline is July 1, and students interested should contact Rick Wheelock by that date (and truly, preferably before then). We're finishing up a fellowship guide which will debut soon, so keep an eye out for that announcement coming soon.

This Week's Posts

This Week's Posts Included:

• Access Group Scholarships
• Becoming the Leader
• Making an Impression on the Assistant
• 12 Networking Tips
• 5 Tips for a Successful Transition to Practice

Access Group Scholarships

For the second consecutive year, Access Group is sponsoring its popular law scholarship video contest and we’re inviting as many students as possible to participate in this opportunity. During last year’s “One Less Worry” contest, we received 99 video submissions and awarded six winning law students more than $15,000 in scholarships. Now, they’re doing it again! Check out the details, rules, and deadlines today!

Becoming the Leader

Do you want to be the future of the bar? This requires you to become involved, which you can do through what was termed Intentional Relationship Building last week. Whether you want to be managing partner, executive director, a judge, elected or appointed government official, or just well-versed, you have to be known to be tapped for or accepted in leadership positions. The Idealist Career Corner addresses the dearth of ready leadership for the public sector in the coming months and years, but this applies to parts of the private sector, and especially our professional organizations as well.

Making an Impression on the Assistant

According to results of a new survey conducted by OfficeTeam, more than 60 percent of executives surveyed said they consider their assistant’s opinion important when evaluating potential new hires. Executives were asked, “How important is your assistant’s opinion about the job candidates you interview for positions at all levels?” Their responses were:

• Very important—21 percent
• Somewhat important—40 percent
• Somewhat unimportant—18 percent
• Very unimportant—16 percent
• Don’t have an assistant—4 percent
• Don’t know—1 percent

12 Networking Tips

What kinds of news are you getting every day from your LinkedIn groups? For example, recently on the ASK LinkedIn group discussion board, DePaul alum John Jameson shared these Networking Tips from a recent networking survey he conducted of experienced networkers:

1. Networking relationships are about quality and strength, not quantity.
2. Be yourself, be open minded, and step outside of your comfort zone.
3. Have goals in networking but make it about them. Pay it forward.
4. We have two ears and one mouth, use them proportionally.
5. Do it early and often. Build your network before you need it.
6. Never turn down a connection and don’t burn bridges; you never know who is connected to who.
7. Think of three things that you want people to remember about you.
8. Build a personal Board of Directors .
9. Only ask for what you would be willing to do for someone else.
10. Start with “warm contacts” like neighbors, friends, alumni associations, etc. if you’re uncomfortable networking.
11. Never make an empty promise .
12. Be Genuine.

These simple rules will help you as you consider long-term, short-term, personal, and professional networking needs and opportunities.

5 Tips for a Successful Transition to Practice

Authentic Strategies, in partnership with William & Mitchell College of Law, presents a webcast series on important career and professional development topics. The latest, 5 Tips for a Successful Transition to Practice, focuses on things that you can do to ensure success in your early career.

This Week's Posts

This Week's Posts included:

• Intentional Relationship Building
• Penelope Trunk's Susan Boyle Career Lessons
• Reel in your dream job—advice for today’s market

Intentional Relationship Building

Idealist's Career Corner talks about how to make a difference and take your experiences to the next level by engaging in Intentional Relationship Building. Even if you don't want to work in the public sector, this advice applies, and can easily be adapted to becoming involved in bar association committees, pro bono service, and informational interviewing.

Penelope Trunk's Susan Boyle Career Lessons

We found this blog posting from Penelope Trunk's Brazen Careerist a couple of weeks ago, and keep going back to it as a reminder of the necessary long-term and short-term career planning. Her lessons boil down to these headers (taken straight from the posting):

• Everyone loves to be a shepherd of talent. (Translation: Network, network, network & find mentors.)
• You can only shine if you set the bar high. (Translation: What is the ultimate goal?)
• Settling for a day job does not destroy you. (Translation: 'What do I need?' often does not equal 'What do want?')
  

Reel in your dream job—advice for today’s market

This ABA article provides a great overview and summary of the steps necessary in any job search – personal reflection, networking, and identifying ‘hot’ practice areas. Of course, the gems of joining and becoming active in professional associations and keeping patience and persistence are at the end of the article but are not to be missed!

This Week's Posts

We've got some vacation time for tomorrow so here's an early round-up of this week's posts:

• Forget about the Economy, Stick to the Job Hunt
• Elevator Speech Tools
• Going Solo in a New Economy
• Networking Your 'Other' Interests

Have a fabulous weekend!

Forget about the Economy, Stick to the Job Hunt

If you are taking the bar exam this summer, you need to balance seeking a job with your studies. If you're still seeking a summer opportunity, stick to it! Kristin Fisher shares some real gems in this blog posting -- about expanding your options, creating a strong networking platform (alternative language for 'personal branding'), taking breaks, amongst others.

Elevator Speech Tools

Have you been working on your Elevator Speech, that handy 30 second mini-bio of who you are, what you're doing, and what you're looking for? The Harvard Business School has launched an interactive tutorial called the HBS Elevator Pitch Builder, which walks you through the important pieces of the speech, as well as provides tips and key words. It even ends with a tool that will help you evaluate your pitch -- including the ever needed reminder to deliver it with passion!

Going Solo in a New Economy

Susan Cartier Liebel and Carolyn Elefant of Solo Practice University will present a FREE teleseminar on Tuesday, June 9th titled "Going Solo in a New Economy." Participants will also receive a free 51 page e-book, 'Going Solo; Confessions and Inspirations.' Various topics will be covered, including using your personality to your advantage, how to get clients even if you don't have experience, why going solo doesn't mean going it alone, amongst others. Check out the SPU Blog today for more details on this seminar.

Networking Your 'Other' Interests

A while back, we discussed Networking through Conferences, which is a similar theme to Networking Your Interests. First, not all of your interests need to be legally related -- after all, there are plenty of alternative careers to consider and non-lawyers know lawyers too. So if you're an animal lover, become involved with PAWS or the Anti-Cruelty Society. Not certain where your interests lie but want to learn more about volunteer opportunities? Check out the signs on the bulletin board at your grocery store or church or visit the Chicago Cares website for more ideas.

This Week's Posts

Whew! It has been a busy week, despite being short. Check out this week's post.

• CBA Record - May 2009
• Networking Your Legal Interests - and Planning Ahead
• Details - the Lawyer's Lifeline
• LinkedIn Groups Lead to a Clerkship for Law Student

CBA Record - May 2009

The May 2009 CBA Record arrived in our mail this week -- have you checked out yours? Here's some highlights:

• A Day at the Courthouse - Women Everywhere - a Volunteer Opportunity for June 12, 2009
• Upcoming CBA Annual Meeting: Thursday, June 18
• YLS Annual Meeting: Thursday, June 4
• Lawyers Lend-A-Hand to Youth My Hero Awards Luncheon: Thursday, July 16
  
• Various Substantive & Practice Updates, including: Training & Professional Development in Legal Aid, RICO on the Local Level, Restorative Justice, Death Penalty, Questioning Witnesses, Admissions of Facts Update, and Much More!

Also included is a comprehensive list of the CBA & YLS Committees -- as the page says, "Where Lawyers Meet" -- and you can meet them too!

Networking Your Legal Interests - and Planning Ahead

You're involved with student organizations and now is the time to help pre-plan for next school year while also doing some networking. For example, the American Constitutional Society and Federalist Society both have local lawyer chapters (ACS, FedSoc). Why not attend some of their events this summer so that you can meet more people and develop possible speakers for next school year at the same time? Some committees for the Chicago Bar Association do not meet during the summer months, but you can still reach out to the leadership of those committees for a cup of coffee to learn more about the work of the CBA, their practices, and how you can support their work during the upcoming year. These activities will give you a jumpstart on planning events for next school year as well as continue to build your network.

Details - the Lawyer's Lifeline

The American Bar Association routinely analyzes legal malpractice claims data. The Profile of Legal Malpractice Claims: 2004-2007 is the latest, and offers insight that affect your job search and material preparation. Just over 25% of claims arose from "preparation, filing, or transmittal of documents" and slightly more than 17% from "commencement of action/proceeding." Taken together, these two categories come down to nearly 50% of all claims and represent one thing: ATTENTION TO DETAIL. If this is where lawyers are being perceived to mess up and upset their clients (after all, these are just claims), your ability to follow instructions when applying for positions, register for events, and tap into resources, matters to employers. They notice, and in this market, set aside your materials or won't email you back. After all, if you can't handle these details, then why would they trust you to handle the clients' details?

LinkedIn Groups Lead to a Clerkship for Law Student

As this blogger points out, jobs aren't being handed out over the LinkedIn groups -- but it is another very useful tool in your networking arsenal. These words are golden for networking: "Show interest, initiative, and a willingness to learn." Behind that initiative, don't forget to find ways to offer value to your networking contacts -- writing an article with them, sending them business, or even just occasionally sending an article of interest that you found while perusing the internet.

This Week's Posts

This Week's Posts Included:

• Attitude Wins the Day
• Midwest Light of Human Rights Awards
• IMPACT Career Fair
• 5 Application Materials Tips
• LinkedIn's Travel Tools

Attitude Wins the Day

A great reminder of why we should all take a moment to consider the viewpoint from the other side. We just might get more from a tough relationship than we ever thought possible.

Midwest Light of Human Rights Awards

Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center is honored to welcome U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres to Chicago on June 19, 2009, on the eve of World Refugee Day, to give the keynote address for the Tenth Annual Midwest Light of Human Rights Awards. Click here for ticket information.

IMPACT Career Fair

The IMPACT Career Fair for Law Students and Attorneys with Disabilities is scheduled for Friday, August 7, 2009 in Arlington, Virginia in conjunction with the National Association of Law Students with Disabilities 2nd Annual Convention. Sign up today! Registration closes on July 5, 2009.

5 Application Materials Tips

These 5 Application Materials Tips are nothing you haven't heard before but they are concisely summarized in this article. Most legal employers will be leery of ePortfolios, but it is important that your online presence is unified and complete. Does your LinkedIn profile match the information you have on Facebook?

LinkedIn's Travel Tools

Looking to get a little more bang for your travel buck? Consider new ways to network, even when you're on the road! LinkedIn has tools, you can connect in with DePaul Law alumni you found through the LinkedIn group, the ASK network, or even your undergrad directories and associations.

This Week's Posts

• Public Interest Student Coordinator
• LawLink - the Attorney Network
• Brand or Be Branded: Creating your Brand Online
• Recession Recovery Career Series
• Managing a Career Transition

Public Interest Student Coordinator

Are you interested in supporting the Law Career Services mission? Do you have 8-12 hours of availability this summer and next fall to learn more about the public interest and service job sector while being paid? Check out Symplicity for full details on how to apply -- materials due by May 19th!

LawLink - the Attorney Network

LawLink was launched a couple of years ago as a LinkedIn type tool exclusively for lawyers and law students. It does take some time to launch your initial profile, so if you join, you should definitely plan to spend an hour or so at it. And have a professional headshot ready to upload -- it will help you put the icing on the cake.

Brand or Be Branded: Creating your Brand Online

CAREEREALISM discusses some of the dangers of not branding yourself online. Check out the backlinks at the bottom of the page for further inspiration!

Recession Recovery Career Series

The Chicago Bar Association will be presenting the American Bar Association's Recession Recovery Career Series, beginning May 19th, with sessions running through June. Topics will include: How to Sell Yourself: Developing the Perfect Pitch, Solotions: Overcoming the Obstacles of Going and Being Solo in a Down Economy, Recession-Proof Yourself: Take Control in a Down Economy, and Staying Positive in a Down Economy: Beyond the "Group Hug." For more details, and to register today, visit here.

Managing a Career Transition

NALP and ALI-ABA teamed up to bring you a podcast of a presentation by Marcia Pennington Shannon and Susan G. Manch of Shannon & Manch LLP on Managing a a Career Transition in Tough Times. This free resource addresses both lawyers and 3Ls who are currently seeking employment.

This Week's Posts

This Week's Posts:

• Turning Your Job Hunt into Meeting People
• Personal Branding & LinkedIn
• Network as If Your Life Depended on It
• Practicing Law Institute

Turning Your Job Hunt into Meeting People

Dr. Susan Bernstein provides insight on how to turn networking into meeting more people, using LinkedIn beyond the contacts you have, and much more.

Personal Branding & LinkedIn

We've been twittering and blogging about personal branding lately. This came across one of our NALP listservs, and we wanted to share with you some great articles that blend the use of LinkedIn with your personal brand:

• Six Elements of a Great LinkedIn Profile from Dr Scott's Cool Business Blog
• 5 LinkedIn Tips on Effective Personal Branding from the LinkedIn Blog
• Leading Professional Network LinkedIn Offers Tent Tips for a Great Online Profile
  

Network as If Your Life Depended on It

The Lawyer Avenue blog addresses networking's importance, with highlights from Susan Neilsen's comments at a Chicago Bar Association event. Included are tips on how to add value to relationships with others and how to avoid an early cut-off by using the 'J' word.

Practicing Law Institute

The Practicing Law Institute is a non-profit continuing legal education organization that provides the legal community and allied professionals with the most up-to-date, relevant information and techniques which are critical to the development of a professional, competitive edge. The topics they cover vary widely and include securities, tax (including international issues), corporate compliance and ethics, finance for lawyers, patents, and pro bono and public service.

One of the greatest services they offer are their Newsletters, which provide a snapshot into various practice areas, new trends, and much more. Subscribe today for another source of updated information that will assist you in developing job leads, as you network, and in developing business.

This Week's Posts

In case you missed this week's blawg postings:

o Eight O'Clock Call
o Successful Summer Tips
o Bar Admission Requirements
o You have been referred - now what?

Eight O'Clock Call

The Eight O'Clock Call gives Chicago Bar Association members an opportunity to meet judges from various divisions of the Circuit Court of Cook County. The guest judges discuss their particular calls and expectations from lawyers that appear in their courtrooms. The final session for this bar year will be held Friday, May 8 at 8 a.m. in the Robert Clifford CLE Room on the 5th floor of the CBA Building. The series is co-sponsored with the Illinois Judges Association and is free -- coffee and rolls are provided. For more information, contact Jenni Bertolino at 312-554-2031 or jbertolino@chicagobar.org.

Successful Summer Tips

Miss our programs on how to have a successful summer? In the meantime, whet your appetite with articles from FindLaw and the ABA. Remember, every day is a continual interviewing process and you can not afford to neglect your networking throughout the summer! The LCS is here all summer so make an appointment to meet with your adviser today!

Bar Admission Requirements

It is never to early to begin considering the bar admission requirements, regardless of which jurisdiction in which you plan to seek license. The National Conference of Bar Examiners publishes the Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission annually to help you identify admission and application requirements, subject areas tested, and deadlines.

You have been referred - now what?

So you've been networking and your contacts have begun to refer you to others in their own networks. What do you do now? This article provides guidance in four easy steps on how to introduce yourself easily, concisely, and spell out for the new contact what you are seeking from them. Happy networking!

This Week's Posts

This week's blawg posts included:

• MetLife Offers Networking Opportunity
• LCS is on Twitter!
• PLI Program Scholarships Available
• 5 Minute Study Break Refreshers
• Federal Legal Opportunities Guide
• Summer Success Tips

MetLife Offers Networking Opportunity

Check out the Symplicity job postings for a volunteer and networking opportunity through MetLife at this year's National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Convention, being held here in Chicago in May.

LCS is on Twitter!

LCS has joined Twitter! This micro-blogging tool allows us to share articles throughout the week as they appear in various newsletters, and a mini-feed of our latest three tweets can be found in the left column of this blog. For example, check out this list of People on Twitter Job Seekers Follow to get you started on your own account! And of course, don't forget to follow the LCS!

PLI Program Scholarships Available

The Practicing Law Institute offers great programs for practitioners on various topics and has scholarships available to students to participate for reduced or low-costs. In addition, PLI offers a great Law School Newsletter that keeps you apprised of their upcoming programming, information about their patent bar review course materials, and so much more.

5 Minute Study Break Refreshers

It is amazing how much time can be spent at the computer, working away at email or other projects, or even just working on your (seemingly) never-ending outlines. SparkPeople published an article 5-Minute Power Boosters for the Office: Keep Your Body Fit and Mind Alert which includes some great ideas that you may be utilized in the LCS and the law library soon!

Federal Legal Opportunities Guide

Interested in finding out where the federal legal opportunities are? You should check out the Federal Legal Oppo

rtunities Guide and additional application tips resources at the Partnership for Public Service website.

Summer Success Tips

The LCS is hosting two programs about how to make the most out of your summer -- on and off the job! RSVP in Symplicity today for one of these two sessions: April 22nd at 11:50 a.m. or April 27 at 4:30 p.m. (the content will be repeated).

Networking through Conferences

Conferences are a fabulous opportunity to network and meet practitioners, legal scholars and professors, and fellow law students. Between attending committee meetings, there are usually CLE offerings to learn more about practice areas and hot topics. Most student registrations are greatly reduced and offer listservs to find other students to share hotel expenses. For example, did you know that this year's ABA Annual Meeting will be held right here in Chicago at the end of July? Some, like the American Constitution Society offer fellowships. Other conferences, such as the NLLSA Annual Conference (hosted by DePaul's LLSA Chapter this coming fall) and Federalist Society Student Symposium are specifically for students. To start researching other bar associations that may be of interest to you, check out the ABA Bar Directory, National Association of Bar Executives Directory, and the LCS Legal Organizations Resource in the Document Library of Symplicity.

Wall Street Journal Interview Article

This article discusses common mistakes that may be magnified by overaggression. Consider these tips for your entire job search.

IBR Repayment Information

Wondering what Income Based Repayment is? Check out this repayment option available on certain federal student loan on IBRInfo. This site is also working cooperatively with Equal Justice Works' Student Debt Resource Center, which includes a podcast series.

Are you green? Interested in real estate?

Green real estate lawyers predict a coming boom. It of course helps that $80 billion in stimulus funds for green entrepreneurs.