Monday, November 23, 2009

SEIU Fellowship

The Legal Department of the Service Employees International Union has openings for law fellows, starting in September 2010.

The Legal Department of the Service Employees International Union has openings for law fellows, starting in September 2010. The SEIU Law Fellowship Program was established to expose recent law graduates to legal work within an international union and offers an excellent opportunity for new lawyers to work with experienced union-side lawyers on a variety of cutting-edge issues related to the advancement of workers’ interests.

SEIU is a progressive, dynamic and growing labor organization representing over 2 million workers in the United States and Canada, principally in the building service, public service, and health care fields. Attorneys in SEIU’s Legal Department engage in innovative lawyering to further the organization's interests in organizing new workers, improving working conditions, engaging in political action, and achieving social justice. This includes representation of the International, local unions, and members in litigation enforcing the Fair Labor Standards Act, Title VII, election statutes, and local, state and federal labor management relations laws.

Past fellows have been involved in most areas of the legal department’s work. While each fellowship experience varies according to the work of the department, fellows can expect to be involved in at least some of the following types of work: litigation to enforce the labor and employment rights of union members; handling matters before the National Labor Relations Board; advice and assistance to staff organizers; involvement in policy and legislative initiatives; attendance at SEIU and labor law conferences; and participation in SEIU’s political program.

Fellowship openings are in Los Angeles, CA and possibly Washington, D.C. Fellowships are for one year, with an option to renew for a second year (with the mutual agreement of the fellow and SEIU). Full vacation and health benefits are provided, and salary is commensurate with experience. Recent law graduates, judicial clerks, and third-year law students are welcome to apply. Applicants should have excellent research and writing skills, a demonstrated commitment to workers’ rights and a desire to practice union-side labor law. SEIU is an equal opportunity employer.

To apply for the Fellowship, send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, law school transcript and two letters of recommendation to:

Norm Gleichman
Deputy General Counsel
SEIU
1800 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
norm.gleichman@seiu.org
fax: 202-429-5565

Application deadline: December 1, 2009. Applicants must submit one set only of all materials at the same time, by hard copy, e-mail, or fax.

Monday, November 16, 2009

ROBIN NASH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

The Barton Child Law and Policy Clinic at Emory University School of Law has a one year post graduate fellowship for recent law school graduates to work with the clinic on issues of child neglect and abuse. The fellowship honors late Juvenile Court Judge and former Barton Clinic Director, Robin Nash, and focuses on building the next generation of influential attorneys, judges, and community leaders specializing in juvenile law. The Robin Nash Fellowship will begin mid-August 2010 and continue through August 2011.

The mission of the clinic is to promote and protect the well-being of neglected, abused, and court-involved children in the state of Georgia, to inspire excellence among the adults responsible for protecting and nurturing these children, and to prepare child advocacy professionals. The clinic provides multi-disciplinary, child focused research, training, and support for the practitioners and policy makers charged with protecting Georgia's children.

The Robin Nash Fellow will work under the supervision of the clinic director and faculty on a variety of projects that will include, as a minimum, the following:
* Assist with supervision of clinic students with weekly and on-going assignments.
* Research and write one law review article suitable for publication or another approved writing project on a topic relating to child neglect and abuse.
* Collaborate with clinic faculty on research and policy papers.
* Participate in on-going advocacy efforts in the Georgia General Assembly and with state agencies.
* Assist with teaching the law school course Child Advocacy: The Law, the Policy, and the Players.

Qualifications: law school graduate within three years of graduation, extensive computer skills, research and writing skills, and proven commitment to public service in the area of child advocacy.

To apply: E-mail a resume, cover letter, statement of interest and commitment to long term child advocacy, transcript, (3) references, and writing sample to the address below.

Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled. (Position posted November 2, 2009.)

Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience. Emory University offers a competitive benefits package.

For additional information or to apply, contact:

Sherry McPeeks, Administrative Assistant
Barton Child Law and Policy Clinic
Emory University School of Law
1301 Clifton Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30322
Phone: (404) 712-4643
Fax: (404) 727-7851
E-mail: smcpeek@emory.edu
Web: www.childwelfare.net

Monday, November 9, 2009

Expert Advice on How to Find a Job During Difficult Times

The Legal Career Guide: From Law Student to Lawyer, Fifth Edition
By Gary A. Munneke and Ellen Wayne

The Legal Career Guide is designed as a hands-on manual to assist you in finding a job. It will help you to identify specific goals and evaluate opportunities as they arise, reflect on changes in your personal situation that affect your aspirations, and assess new trends within the profession that will impact your chosen practice. Divided into four parts that address legal career planning, career assessment, job searching, and understanding the marketplace, you will learn:
• How to perfect your resume
• How to build a network
• How to successfully study and evaluate the market and utilize a step-by-step guide for your job search
• How to get from start to finish in the career choice process
• How to honestly and effectively assess your personal and professional skills
• How to understand employment trends and studies, principles and standards for law placement and recruitment, and other valuable resources in the comprehensive appendices
• And much more!

Interested in Working in the Alachua, Marion or Columbia County area upon graduation?

UF Law will be sponsoring a reception on Thursday, December 10th from 5:30-7:30 in Gainesville for area alums and the local bar associations. The Office of Development and Alumni Affairs graciously is permitting a number of interested students to attend this networking reception.

Alumni receptions provide an excellent opportunity to hone your networking skills, meet members of the local legal community and make potentially valuable professional contacts.
• Business attire required.
• Space is limited and preference will be given to 3L’s interested in remaining in the area.
• If you would like to attend, email careers@law.ufl.edu indicating your class year by Monday, November 30th . All responders will receive email notification of their status by December 2nd.

Practicing Law in a Virtual World

SL Bar Association Mini-Conference
Event Date: Saturday, November 14, 2009

Session 1: 12:00 pm – 12:55 pm SLT (Pacific Std Time in Nov.)
Session 2: 1:00 pm – 1:55 pm SLT
Mixer: 2:00 – 2:30? pm SLT

Location: Frederick G. Levin College of Law, University of Florida
Gator Nation Island (123, 77, 25) in Second Life®

RSVP: The Conference is Free, but the location requires a visitor pass.
Please RSVP with your Avatar name to receive your pass and with any questions to: slbaconference@gmail.com
or in-world IM: Michele Jigsaw.

Conference Format:

The sessions will be panel discussions lead by attorneys practicing in Second Life or advising clients on Virtual Worlds issues. Each panelist will provide a brief story or presentation demonstrating the issues faced in practicing law in a virtual world. These brief presentations will be followed by a question and answer session with the attendees.

Session 1: Practice Issues Unique to the Virtual World Setting

Practicing law in an environment where either your client or the person they are dealing with are not located in a specific physical jurisdiction raises unique issues in practicing law. In addition, Second Life and other virtual worlds have their own local cultures. This session discusses these and other practice issues unique to representing companies and individuals in a virtual world setting.

Session 2: Substantive Issues in a Virtual World

Copyright violation is a common complaint in a virtual world setting, but there are many interesting topics that are unique to practicing in a virtual world. How can I have an enforceable contract in a world with no “law”? If another person’s avatar attacks my avatar in a non-warring world, is it a crime? Or a breach of the user agreement? Find out what issues virtual worlds attorneys and their clients face in this session on substantive issues in a virtual world.

Mixer: Panelists and conference attendees will have a chance to talk with each other informally.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Florida Bar Young Lawyer Division Upcoming Events

Date: Thursday, November 12, 2009
Event: Judicial Breakfast (Circuit Civil/Probate/Criminal)
Location: Duval County Courthouse, Room 505 (Old Jury Room)
Time: 8:00am to 9:00am
RSVP: To Elizabeth Howard (ehoward@rtlaw.com) by 11/5/09

Date: Thursday, November 19, 2009
Event: Movie Night
Location: 5 Points Theatre
Time: 6:00pm to 9:00pm (Happy hour starts at 6:00pm. Movie to follow beginning at 6:45pm)
RSVP: To Christian George (cgeorge@lgcglaw.com) by 11/12/09
***What movie would you like to see? Please forward your requests to Christian.***

Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Event: Judicial Breakfast (County/Family/Juvenile)
Location: Duval County Courthouse, Room 505 (Old Jury Room)
Time: 8:00am to 9:00am
RSVP: To Elizabeth Howard (ehoward@rtlaw.com) by 2/24/10

Date: Saturday, April 3, 2010
Event: YLS 5K Run to Benefit the Florida Skin Cancer Foundation
Location: TBD
Time: 5:30pm
Info: Run for Cover! is one of several races around the state of Florida that are run in memory of Alan C. Sundberg, Jr., who died of skin cancer in 1998 at the age of 33. Alan is the son of former Florida Supreme Court justice Alan C. Sundberg, and the brother of Tallahassee lawyer Bill Sundberg, who is one of the founding members of the Florida Skin Cancer Foundation. Founded in 1996, the Florida Skin Cancer Foundation is dedicated to educating Floridians about the dangers of prolonged exposure to the sun. Free skin cancer screenings will be offered to everyone (runners, volunteers and spectators) by local dermatologists. As usual, YLS is partnering with 1st Place Sports to put on this great event. If you would like to run, please see the attached registration form, go to your nearest 1st Place Sports store or visit them online at www.1stplacesports.com. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Christian George at cgeorge@lgcglaw.com.

*** Name & Logo Competition*** The YLS is looking for a new name and logo for our annual run. If you are interested in submitting a logo, please contact Christian George at cgeorge@lgcglaw.com. The winner will receive a free entry in to the race!

The Charles G. Koch Spring Internship Program

Applications are due by December 4, 2009.

The Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation Internship Program was established to develop the next generation of liberty-minded leaders and entrepreneurs. Over the course of the program, Interns engage in key Foundation projects, while learning and applying Market-Based Management®.

The project assignments cover fascinating areas including policy research, leadership and talent development, grassroots education, marketing, and network development. This hands-on experience gives interns the chance to explore the non-profit sector, while applying the management philosophy they are learning from the Foundation, and allows them to build a network of like-minded friends and associates.

Each Intern is assigned a Foundation mentor for the duration of the program. The mentor will guide the Interns through assignments, assist them in learning the management framework and applying it to their non-profit work, and encourage them to become effective entrepreneurs for social change.
Spring internships are part-time and flexible, but Interns must be available at least 20 hours each week, including all day on Tuesdays. Spring Interns do not work on Thursdays and are paid an hourly rate of $12.00. Unfortunately, housing is not provided.

The spring Koch Internship Program is a unique, paid opportunity for students and recent graduates to work in Washington, D.C. The Foundation is currently looking for candidates who not only have a commitment to free-market principles and individual liberty, but also demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit in and outside of the classroom.

Details about the Koch Internship Program:
• Runs from January 19 to May 7, 2010
• Offers part-time flexibility
• Pays an hourly rate of $12.00
• Allows interns to gain real-world experience working in a think thank or policy institute
• Equips interns with the management training and professional development necessary to be successful and effective at advancing liberty
Please review the flyer at
http://cl.exct.net/?qs=789f5e42c142439c72d1e717b599b14da3de6c4b5de8e5aab17ed11b4d7e5a2f and visit the Foundation's website at
http://cl.exct.net/?qs=fd924101e2c8d5fed108dabd672a5f398b12f4518c48d9b9d48f10aec5c8b103 to find out more information. If you have any questions about the Koch Internship Program, contact recruiting@cgkfoundation.org.

Monday, October 26, 2009

AFL-CIO Fellowship-Program

The Legal Department of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations ("AFL-CIO") is offering a one-year fellowship beginning in September 2010. The fellowship offers an excellent opportunity for recent law school graduates to work with experienced union-side lawyers on a wide variety of issues.

The AFL-CIO is a voluntary federation of 56 national and international unions which represent 11 million working women and men in the United States. The AFL-CIO works on a variety of fronts to improve the lives of working families, to secure social and economic justice in the United States, and to protect the interests of working people in the global economy. The AFL-CIO and its affiliates have been instrumental not only in negotiating good pay and benefits for union members, but also in the enactment and enforcement of laws that protect important rights for all workers, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act.

The Legal Department works on a wide range of litigation, policy, regulatory and legislative matters, and assists with organizing campaigns, corporate governance issues, and other AFL-CIO initiatives. The Legal Department also administers the Lawyers Coordinating Committee, a national organization of union-side attorneys, which issues various publications and holds educational conferences on a regular basis.

The AFL-CIO Fellow will work with lawyers in the AFL-CIO Legal Department and with other union lawyers around the country on a wide range of activities. The Fellow will assist experienced lawyers working on cases and regulatory matters that affect the labor movement and the rights of workers. The AFL-CIO’s litigation caseload includes cases in the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Courts of Appeals, the NLRB and a small number of state appellate suits. In addition, the AFL-CIO Legal Department frequently presents the views of the labor movement on federal regulatory initiatives affecting workers. Whenever possible, the Fellow will be given the opportunity to participate in meetings with union lawyers and to attend oral arguments. The AFL-CIO Fellow will also participate in Lawyers Coordinating Committee activities, including preparation for attorney conferences, outreach to new labor lawyers and law students, and regular opportunities to attend LCC meetings and conferences. The fellowship salary is in the range of $55,000 to $60,000 depending on experience. Benefits include excellent medical and dental insurance plus paid vacation.

Recent law graduates, judicial clerks, and third-year law students are welcome to apply. Applicants should have excellent legal research and writing skills and enjoy legal research and appellate work. Applicants should also have a commitment to workers’ rights and a desire to practice union-side labor law. The AFL-CIO is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified applicants to apply.

To Apply: Applicants should mail a cover letter explaining their interest in the fellowship, a current resume, a transcript, a short writing sample, a letter of reference and a list of two additional references to the AFL-CIO's Office of the General Counsel ATTN: Fellowship Position, 815 Sixteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006. The application process is rolling and will remain open until the successful candidate is selected. Telephone inquiries are discouraged.

Monday, October 19, 2009

NYSBA Career Development Conference 2010

Sponsored by the Law Practice Management Committee and the Committee on Lawyers in Transition

Monday, January 25, 2010

Hilton, Avenue of Americas
New York, NY
518-487-5596

Free - Must register prior to January 20, 2010

For more information: www.nysba.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Events1&Template=/Conference/ConferenceDescByRegClass.cfm&conferenceID=3736

Agricultural Law Update Course

The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Committee, The General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section, the Agricultural Law Committee and the Environmental & Land Use Law Section present:

Agricultural Law Update
Course Classification: Intermediate Level
November 20, 2009

Florida Farm Bureau Federation Building • 5700 SW 34th Street
Gainesville, FL • 352-374-1504

CLE Credits: 5.0 General credit hours
Certification Program:
Labor & Employment Law: 1.0 hours
State & Federal Gov't & Administrative Practice: 5.0 hours
Wills, Trusts & Estates: 1 hour

To register on-line, go to: www.floridabar.org/CLE

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

"Beat the Dawgs" Reception in Jacksonville


JACKSONVILLE: Alumni Reception 10/29

Attend the annual "Beat the Dawgs" alumni reception in Jacksonville on Thursday, October 29th from 5:30-7:30 at the River Club (The Florida Room) on the 35th floor of the Modis Building. To join Dean Bob Jerry and other UF Law Alumni please RSVP at http://www.law.ufl.edu/alumni/events/beat_the_bulldogs_reg.shtml
Thank you to our current sponsors: Law firms: Volpe, Bajalia, Wickes, Rogerson & Wachs; and Harris, Guidi, Rosner, Dunlap & Rudolph, P.A.; Individuals: W.C. Gentry, Joe Milton, Matthew N. Posgay and Evan J. Yegelwel.

BBQ - Oct. 16th

Centennial Homecoming Barbecue Oct. 16

Reconnect with your UF Law family and be our guest during the UF Law Centennial Celebration following UF’s Homecoming Parade Friday, Oct. 16, from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. in the Marcia Whitney Schott Courtyard. Enjoy barbecue chicken, pulled pork, baked beans, cole slaw, dinner roll and tea. Gator fans, large and small, will enjoy special appearances by Gator mascots Albert & Alberta. Barbecue dinners are free for UF Law alumni, students, faculty and staff. All food is on a first-come, first-served basis and registration in advance is necessary for complimentary meals. Walk-up and/or extra-guest dinners are $8 each. RSVP to rsvp@law.ufl.edu. For more information contact Lindy Brounley at 352-273-0655 or brounley@law.ufl.edu.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

6th Annual Law Practice Management Symposium Jumping in and Staying Afloat in Your Solo or Small Firm Practice

Thursday, November 5, 2009 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

* Attend valuable workshops for start-ups and growing firms

* Explore the ways to expand your client base

* Attend exhibits by vendors who serve Small Firms

* Network at the breakfast, luncheon and late-afternoon live-music reception as well as in our "Seasoned Solo" Drop-In Center

* Do not miss the sessions on Escrow Accounts, On and Offline Marketing and Networking and the NYC Bar’s Legal Referral Service

* Meet representatives from companies providing products and services specifically for the small law firm attorney.

Admission includes exhibition hall, workshops, networking breakfast and lunch, plenary sessions, and wind down reception with live music.
$25 for City Bar Members
$50 for Non-Members
Space is limited, please register by October 27. We can not provide refunds after November 5.

For more information or to register online,
please visit: http://www.abcny.org/EventsCalendar/show_event.php?eventid=1208

Florida Bar Young Lawyer Division Upcoming Events

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Date: Tuesday, October 20 - December 29, 2009
Event: YLS Sports League / Co-Ed Kickball League
Location: Fishweir Elementary
Registration: Contact Charlie Jimerson (cjimerson@jimersonlawgroup.com)

Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Event: Happy Hour
Location: St. Joe Building
Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Sponsor: Jackson Lewis
Charity Fundraising: $5.00 donation collected at the door for Breast Cancer Foundation

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009
Event: JBA Ask-A-Lawyer Pro Bono Project
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
To Participate: Please contact one of the following: Michael Fox Orr (mforr@mforrlaw.com), Kimberly Killian Law (kimberly.law@hklaw.com) or Melanie Griffin (mgriffin@deanmead.com).

Info : The Florida Bar YLD is working in conjunction with JALA to provide a Pro Bono day on 10/24. This date falls squarely within the ABA's Celebrate Pro Bono Week, during which the JBA is planning many pro bono-related activities. One of the activities planned is the JALA Ask-A-Lawyer Project. The Jacksonville Bar Association is aware that for many in our community, legal representation is cost prohibitive. Jacksonville Area Legal Aid and many pro bono attorneys assist with representing low-income clients in their legal matters, but the need far exceeds the legal resources. In some cases, legal representation may not be required and in some cases brief counsel and advice from a licensed attorney may be all the assistance a person needs. The JBA would like to offer "Ask-A-Lawyer" opportunities in low-income neighborhoods in the Fourth Circuit. These forums will be staffed by pro bono attorneys. Neighborhoods will be identified by members of the Jacksonville City Council. The forums may take place in community centers and may be held in conjunction with other neighborhood events. Residents who participate will sign statements verifying that they understand that the interviewing attorney will not be opening a case, but is simply there to provide some legal guidance and information on additional community resources. For matters that may require full representation, residents may be referred to Jacksonville Area Legal Aid or to the Jacksonville Lawyer Referral Service. The Jacksonville Bar Association is committed to bringing legal assistance to our low-income and under-served residents.

Date: Thursday, November 12, 2009
Event: Judicial Breakfast (Circuit Civil/Probate/Criminal)
Location: Duval County Courthouse, Room 505 (Old Jury Room)
Time: 8:00am to 9:00am
RSVP: To Elizabeth Howard (ehoward@rtlaw.com) by 11/5/09

Date: Thursday, November 19, 2009
Event: Movie Night
Location: 5 Points Theatre
Time: 6:00pm to 9:00pm (Happy hour starts at 6:00pm. Movie to follow beginning at 6:45pm)
RSVP: To Christian George (cgeorge@lgcglaw.com) by 11/12/09
***What movie would you like to see? Please forward your requests to Christian.***

Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Event: Judicial Breakfast (County/Family/Juvenile)
Location: Duval County Courthouse, Room 505 (Old Jury Room)
Time: 8:00am to 9:00am
RSVP: To Elizabeth Howard (ehoward@rtlaw.com) by 2/24/10

Date: Saturday, April 3, 2010
Event: YLS 5K Run to Benefit the Florida Skin Cancer Foundation
Location: TBD
Time: 5:30pm
Info: Run for Cover! is one of several races around the state of Florida that are run in memory of Alan C. Sundberg, Jr., who died of skin cancer in 1998 at the age of 33. Alan is the son of former Florida Supreme Court justice Alan C. Sundberg, and the brother of Tallahassee lawyer Bill Sundberg, who is one of the founding members of the Florida Skin Cancer Foundation. Founded in 1996, the Florida Skin Cancer Foundation is dedicated to educating Floridians about the dangers of prolonged exposure to the sun. Free skin cancer screenings will be offered to everyone (runners, volunteers and spectators) by local dermatologists. As usual, YLS is partnering with 1st Place Sports to put on this great event. If you would like to run, please see the attached registration form, go to your nearest 1st Place Sports store or visit them online at www.1stplacesports.com. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Christian George at cgeorge@lgcglaw.com.

***Logo Competition*** The YLS is looking for a new logo for our annual run. If you are interested in submitting a logo, please contact Christian George at cgeorge@lgcglaw.com. The winner will receive a free entry in to the race!


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YLS SPORTS LEAGUE SCHEDULE / 2009 - 2010

10/20/09 - 12/29/09 Fall Co-Ed Kickball
1/5/10 - 2/18/10 Winter Co-Ed Basketball (4 on 4)
2/23/10 - 4/13/10 Spring Co-Ed Flag Football
4/1/10 - 5/28/10 Spring Co-Ed Golf
4/20/10 - 6/1/10 Spring Co-Ed Ultimate Frisbee
6/1/10 - 8/3/10 Summer Co-Ed Basketball
8/30/10 - 10/5/10 Fall Co-Ed Softball
10/12/10 - 12/14/10 Fall Co-Ed Kickball

To register a team, contact Rick Britton (brittonlaw@bellsouth.net) or Charlie Jimerson (cjimerson@jimersonlawgroup.com).

JACKSONVILLE BAR ASSOCIATION CO-ED KICKBALL LEAGUE

Game start date: October 20th, Tuesday evenings
Cost: $140 per team
Location: Fishweir Elementary

For registration, contact
Rick Britton or Charlie Jimerson ASAP at:
brittonlaw@bellsouth.net
cjimerson@jimersonlawgroup.com
(904) 389-1994 or (904) 389-0050

Highlights:
• Min 4 females on field
• Games every Tuesday
• 10 players on the field
• 7 inning games
• End of the season tournament

Friday, October 9, 2009

Applications Accepted for 2010-2011 EJS Judge Constance Baker Motley Civil Rights Fellowship

The Equal Justice Society is accepting applications for its 2010-2011 Judge Constance Baker Motley Civil Rights Fellowship, named after the first African American woman to serve on the federal bench. Applicants for the one-year paid fellowship should be recent law school graduates with up to five years of work experience after law school. The application deadline is December 7, 2009.

EJS is a national strategy group heightening consciousness on race in the law and popular discourse. As heirs of the innovative legal and political strategists of Brown v. Board of Education, the organization broadly models its programmatic efforts after the late Honorable Constance Baker Motley and the Brown litigation team. Using a three-prong strategy of law and public policy advocacy, cross-disciplinary convenings and strategic public communications, EJS seeks to restore race equity issues to the national consciousness, build effective progressive alliances, and advance discourse on the positive role of government.

Motley Fellowship applicants should demonstrate experience in civil rights advocacy and a strong commitment to racial justice. The Fellow will work under the supervision of staff attorneys for a 12-month period. During the fellowship period, the Fellow may lead new research, advocacy, coalition building, and public education efforts related to transforming anti-discrimination law and policy. The Fellow will be a full participant in office events and activities, including staff meetings and strategic planning sessions.

Location: San Francisco, California

Period: October 1, 2010 - September 30, 2011 (flexible)

Deadline: December 7, 2009 (application must be received in our office, not postmarked, by the date listed)

Requirements: Applicants should be recent law school graduates with 0-5 years of work experience after law school. Bar passage is not required.
Candidates will be evaluated based upon criteria including:
• Demonstrated commitment to racial and social justice.
• Demonstrated interest in civil rights law and policy.
• Excellent research and oral /written communication skills.

Application: To be considered for the Judge Constance Baker Motley Civil Rights Fellowship, please send a cover letter, resume, list of four (4) references and a writing sample (preferably on a racial/social justice topic) to info@equaljusticesociety.org with the subject line "Motley Fellowship Application."
OR mail hard copies to:
Motley Fellowship Applications
Equal Justice Society
260 California Street, Suite 700
San Francisco, CA 94111

Applications must be received in the office, not postmarked, by the dates listed above.

First Task for Law-Firm Hires: Finding an Interim Job First

(By DANA MATTIOLI OCTOBER 6, 2009 Wall Street Journal article at A18)

When Rosemary McKenna completed a summer associate job with Blank Rome LLP in Philadelphia, she was happy to receive an offer of full-time employment. But instead of starting her new position last month as planned, Ms. McKenna, who graduated from Temple University's Beasley School of Law in May, will be working as a hostess at a local restaurant.

Law firms are asking new hires to defer their employment start dates, an unprecedented step for many firms that have weathered previous economic downturns without wide-scale postponements. Large firms such as Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP have delayed the start dates for their new associates for a full year or more. Summer internships -- usually the surefire way to land a job -- produced fewer offers than ever before, law firms and students say. And because law firms budget for hiring a year or two in advance, law-school classes of 2010 and 2011 face an equally difficult environment.

To cope, some would-be attorneys are seeking pro-bono fellowships, while others are taking jobs ranging from temporary work for their alma maters to waitressing or bartending. And law school career-service officials are advising students to take whatever work they can find to pay their bills.

Ms. McKenna has been working two hostess jobs at restaurants in Philadelphia to make ends meet. The 26-year-old was told she will be able to start work at the law firm in January.

Unlike some deferred attorneys, Ms. McKenna won't be paid a stipend to help compensate for the loss of income. At many firms, those stipends -- given in exchange for working on pro bono assignments in the nonprofit sector -- range from $45,000 to $90,000, a respectable salary in many fields, though as little as one-third of what a first-year lawyer typically earns at a large firm.
Some deferred law-firm hires manage to land jobs that draw on their education. Five days before graduating from William & Mary Law School, Jenny Case found out she had been deferred from an associate position with Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP, a midsize firm in Charlotte, N.C., for an entire year. After hearing the news, William & Mary hired the 26-year-old, who was president of the Student Bar Association and an editor of the law review, as assistant director of the legal skills program. "I do kind of see it as a blessing in disguise," says Ms. Case of her delayed law-firm start. "I have an opportunity that not many people have."

Sean McConnell was offered a spot with Dechert LLP in Philadelphia after completing a summer associate position with the firm. The 27-year-old was slated to start this fall, but in April he learned that he, like many of his law school friends at Villanova University, would be deferred until fall 2010. The firm helped Mr. McConnell find pro bono work with the Homeless Advocacy Project for the year, and he will be given a stipend of about half of what he would earn as an associate. Still, he is worried about paying his student loans of around $60,000 and providing for health insurance in the meantime.

With options limited, some law school career offices advised their graduates to take on any job they can find until the hiring picture improves. "I told them they need to do anything to keep from putting their rent on their credit cards, and they should not feel ashamed about that," says Melissa Lennon, assistant dean for the office of career planning at Temple's law school.

Some law firms are developing plans to help deferred associates find interim work. When Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, which has nearly 1,000 attorneys in 21 offices world-wide, decided to defer 46 of its 79 U.S. hires from the class of 2009 until January 2011, Rene Kathawala, firm-wide pro bono counsel, gave deferred associates names of nonprofit organizations and advised them on applying for jobs. During the course of their yearlong fellowships, the delayed starters will receive a $75,000 stipend from Orrick, about half of what they would have earned in salary over a 15-month period at the law firm.

While there is a risk some deferred lawyers will find other jobs, law firms say the risk of losing talented graduates is limited in a weak economy. So far, most firms are honoring employment offers once the deferral periods end, though a few firms have rescinded offers.

There are indications that delayed starts will become more common for future classes -- and those deferrees might not get stipends, says Abbie Willard, dean of career services and policy initiatives for the University of Chicago Law School.
Law firm White & Case LLP, which employs 2,100 attorneys world-wide, has alerted its 2010 class in the firm's New York and Washington offices that they will be deferred, but hasn't specified how they will be compensated. "We told them that we would make a decision on a stipend early next year and that it would be market-competitive," says Owen Pell, partner and chairman of White & Case's career development and recruiting committee.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Tallahassee Bar Association Upcoming Events

RSVPs are now being accepted for any and all of these events; email arrantk@tallahasseebar.org or call 222-3292.

1. October 6, 2009 (Tuesday) – TBA Monthly Meeting
2. October 22, 2009 (Thursday) – 2.5 Hour CLE
3. November 3, 2009 (Tuesday) – TBA Monthly Meeting
4. November 13, 2009 (Friday) – 4 Hour CLE

October 6, 2009 (Tuesday) – TBA Monthly Meeting
6:00 p.m. FSU College of Law Student Reception – 1 Complimentary Drink ticket will be provided to FSU Law Students/Faculty
7:00 p.m. Dinner/ Program:
The Florida Bar President Jesse Diner
The Florida Bar Foundation President Adele Stone
The Honorable William Van Nortwick
Capital City Country Club
$22 for dinner (includes 1 drink ticket) Cash bar available

October 22, 2009 (Thursday) – 2.5 hour CLE
The Basics – Marketing Your Firm Online
11:30 lunch served
12:00 noon – 2:15 p.m. CLE
Aloft Hotel, 200 N. Monroe St.
FREE to TBA Members
Sponsored by FindLaw (a Thompson Reuters business)

November 3, 2009 (Tuesday) – TBA Monthly Meeting
6:00 p.m. Networking with Commercial Realtors, Mortgage Bankers and CPAs
Hotel Duval
$25 per person (includes appetizers and 1 drink ticket) Cash bar available
$5 Valet Parking

November 13, 2009 (Friday) – 4 hour CLE
Family Law Legislation Update
8:00 a.m. Registration/Continental Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CLE
Capital City Country Club
Presenters will include local Judiciary
More details to come.

YLD LUNCH & LEARN CLE SEMINAR

BEING A YOUNG LAWYER: THINGS I WISH I KNEW BACK THEN…
CLE APPROVED: 1.0 general, 1.0 ethics hours

Presented by: Philip J. Bonamo, Esquire President, Volusia County Bar Association

-Issues Facing New Attorneys: What they didn’t teach you in law school!
-What the Judge is REALLY Looking For
-Law Office Management: Importance of office environment & its dynamics
-Ethics & Professionalism: What’s the difference?

Friday, November 13, 2009
747 Office Suites, 747 S. Ridgewood Avenue

Seminar will begin promptly at 12:00 noon – lunch will be set up at 11:30. Boxed lunches: $10 for VCBA YLD Members & $15 Non-members. RSVP: volusiabar@bellsouth.net -- Please include your sandwich preference: ham, turkey or vegetarian.


Kathie Selover
Volusia County Bar Association
Executive Director
PO Drawer 15050
Daytona Beach, FL 32115
386-253-9471
volusiabar@bellsouth.net

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Business and Professional People For The Public Interest - Polikoff Gautreaux Fellowship

Business and Professional People for the Public Interest ("BPI") offers the Polikoff-Gautreaux Fellowship, an exceptional fellowship opportunity for a recent law or public policy graduate. One of the country’s foremost public interest law and policy centers, BPI seeks out and addresses compelling issues of social justice and quality of life in the Chicago region. Currently, BPI works to transform segregated public housing, revitalize economically disadvantaged communities, improve Chicago’s public schools, and increase the availability of affordable housing throughout the metropolitan region.

Fellows receive an attractive salary and benefits (including school loan repayment assistance, based on need).

Applications for the 2010 Fellowship are due October 16, 2009. Interested applicants may also consult the website, www.bpichicago.org, for more information on BPI’s programs.

Please feel free to contact Kate Pomper at (312) 641-5570, or via email at kpomper@bpichicago.org with any questions about the fellowship, BPI or the application process.

Fried Frank Fellowship Program (3L and Recent Graduates, Including Judicial Clerks)

Fried Frank has joined with two of the country's leading civil rights advocacy organizations, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. ("LDF") and the Mexican-American Legal Defense and Educational Fund ("MALDEF"), to create unique programs that effectively bridge the worlds of private law firm litigation and public service law . The LDF and MALDEF fellowships each give an entry-level lawyer the opportunity to spend two years as a Fried Frank litigator, and then two years as a staff attorney with LDF or MALDEF. At the end of their four-year commitment, the Fellows are encouraged to interview to return to Fried Frank or, in some cases, they may continue on the staff of their civil rights organization.

Third-year students and recent graduates, including judicial clerks, are eligible to apply for the Fellowship Program. To apply, students must submit the following documents: (1) resume, (2) two letters of recommendation (one each from a law school faculty member and an employer); (3) a legal writing sample; (4) a 500-word essay, and (5) a law school transcript. For the essay, students must select one or two civil rights issues of interest to them and briefly explain why the issues are important to them and how they feel the fellowship can serve as a vehicle to effect change in those areas, including how their experiences and/or skills may contribute to such change.

Students must submit the completed application packet by U.S. Mail or e-mail to:
Diversity and Inclusion
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
One New York Plaza
New York, NY 10004
fellowship@friedfrank.com

**The application deadline is November 1, 2009.

Learn more at www.friedfrank.com

Monday, September 28, 2009

Deadline Tomorrow for MPRE Exam Application

Tomorrow (Sept 29th) is the deadline for applications for the November 7th MPRE Exam.

To access the online MPRE registration website, please visit http://www.act.org/mpre/.

Online registration must be received before 12:00 midnight Central Time on the deadline.

For applications received on or before the regular receipt deadline, the fee for the MPRE is $60. For those who apply after the regular receipt deadline but before the late application receipt deadline, the fee is $120. Please note that the registration fee is non-refundable
Survival Tips for Small Firms:
How to Manage Your Overhead


Presented by Judith Equels, LOMAS Director
and Jerry R. Sullenberger, LOMAS Practice Management Advisor

Thursday, October 8, 2009
Halifax River Yacht Club, Daytona Beach
11:45 a.m. $15 per person


RSVP: volusiabar@bellsouth.net
Please include lunch preference:
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad or Beef Stroganoff with Noodles & vegetables

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

AIPLA 2009 CAREER FAIR INFORMATION

Registration is open! The 2009 Career Fair will be conducted and administered through the AIPLA Career Center. This is our 19th Annual Fair and is always held on the last day of our Annual Meeting. Please note that we've changed the process for this year by adding a trade show component and providing a more open recruitment process.

The Career Fair will be held in person on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC, from 11:00 am and continue throughout Saturday afternoon until 4:00 pm.

The Career Fair offers an excellent opportunity for firms and companies to market themselves to potential candidates even if they do not currently have any positions available. Firms or companies may collect resumes from interested candidates for hiring at another time. The Career Fair will also bring together those who have positions available and those who are seeking employment, to conduct interviews and recruit employees. The 2008 Job Fair was very successful. Nearly 40 firms/corporations participated and more than 140 members were selected for interviews.

TO REGISTER as either a Job Seeker or an Employer for the AIPLA Career Fair, Click HERE or copy and paste the following link in your Internet browser: http://careers.aipla.org. This page will provide a link to more detailed information and the actual registration button. We provide a lot of information regarding the rules and responsibilities for job seekers and employers. Please be sure to read all of the information provided. IMPORTANT: All Job Seekers must be current members in good standing, with their 2009-2010 dues paid.

For Employers, please post your Career Fair positions no later than Friday, October 2, 2009 to ensure that our job seekers have time to prepare and submit their applications. Please identify candidates you would like to interview no later than Tuesday, October 6, 2009. Job Postings for the Career Fair will be identified with a "JF" () icon next to it. You will be responsible for scheduling interviews for your selected candidates. For more information click HERE or copy and paste the following link into your browser.
<http://www.aipla.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Student_Center/Career_Fair/Information_for_Participating_Firms_and_Corporations/Information_for_Participating_Firms_and_Corporations.htm>

For Job Seekers, there is no fee to participate, although advanced registration is required by creating an account and posting a resume through the Career Fair. When creating your account please remember to click yes for active member and include your member identification number. If you already have an existing account under the Career Center will need to update your account settings. Log into your account through the Career Center and click on the My Account tab, then, there is a quick link titled 'Edit Account Settings’ which will allow you to enter in your membership ID #. This will mark the account as a member and allow you to register for the Career Fair.

You must be a member of AIPLA in good standing. Please submit your job applications and post your resume online no later than Monday, October 5, 2009. For some helpful hints on how to use the Career Fair once you've completed your registration click HERE or copy and paste the following link into your browser.
<http://www.aipla.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Student_Center/Career_Fair/Helpful_Hints_for_Job_Seekers/Helpful_Hints_for_Job_Seekers.htm>

Space is limited. We encourage you to register early to avoid being closed out of the AIPLA Career Fair. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact AIPLA at (703) 415-0780.

Friday, September 4, 2009

SPECIAL INVITATION FROM: ORANGE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION

2009 OATH ADMINISTRATION AND RECEPTION:

The Orange County Bar Association's Young Lawyers Section’s annual Oath Administration and Reception will take place on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2009. This ceremony allows newly-admitted members of The Florida Bar to be sworn-in by members of the judiciary. This year, administration of the oath will take place promptly at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall which is located at 400 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32801. We request that all new attorneys arrive at 5:30 p.m. in order to check-in. Immediately following, we will have a cocktail reception in the City Hall Rotunda. Guests are invited attend. However, we request that you please RSVP to committee co-chair Bridget Labutta at BLabutta@addmg.com no later than September 28, 2009 and include the number of guests that will be attending with you.


Video Conferencing Available!

UF Law is a member of Law School Connect (LSC), a nationwide remote interviewing network providing videoconferencing services to law schools for legal recruiting through law firm sponsorships. LSC’s membership includes law schools, law firms, legal non-profits, public service agencies and courts.

For interviews with non-local employers, you may now be able to use videoconferencing. While there are times when an in-person interview is preferable, videoconferencing may provide a potential employer with an additional option. This is particularly relevant in the case of judicial clerkship interviews because judges have free access to the network.

If you are interested in using this no-cost service for your interviewing needs, please contact Wanda Chapman in the Center for Career Development for more information.

Clearwater Bar Association Upcoming Events

9/3 - Economic Survival CLE - Part 1 (FREE)
9:00-11:30am at Harborview Center
RSVP Bar Office: 727-461-4869

9/3 - Economic Survival CLE - Part 2 (FREE)
1:30-4:30pm at Harborview Center
RSVP Bar Office: 727-461-4869

9/10 - Young Lawyers Division
5:30pm Ozona Blue, Ozona
RSVP Colleen Carson 727-572-4545

10/2 - Swearing In For News Attorneys
3:00 Criminal Justice Center
RSVP Bar Office: 727-461-4869

10/8 - Young Lawyers Division
5:30pm Rumba's, Clearwater
RSVP Colleen Carson 727-572-4545

10/24 - Family Picnic & Softball Game
12:00pm - 4:00pm Philippe Park, Safety Harbor
RSVP Bar Office: 727-461-4869

10/30 - Wild Wild West Bench & Bar B-Que
12:00pm-6:00pm Stetson School of Law
RSVP Bar Office: 727-461-4869
Professionalism - Judges and Lawyers: A Two-Way Street

An Overview of Professionalism Guidelines, Comparison &
Contrast with Ethics Standards & Enforcement

Honorable Robert K. Rouse, Jr.
CLE Approved: 1.0 General Hour, 1.0 Professionalism Hour
September 18, 2009 - DeLand Courthouse - 11:45a.m.
VCBA Member Price: $10.00 Nonmembers: $15.00
Boxed Lunch Provided

To register, fax your name, phone number, and email address to 386-255-3360 or email it to volusiabar@bellsouth.net

Missing Out on Valuable Contacts and Experience?

Attend a local bar luncheon or join a local bar committee or the Young Lawyers Division in the location where you would like to work. Local bar associations welcome recent law graduates and frequently offer reduced membership fees or will permit you to attend a meeting or two as a their guest. Their Young Lawyers Section also will be very pleased to have you get involved with them.

Check out the local bar event calendar in your area. Perhaps they need volunteers to help with their Law Day, or working on a Habitat for Humanity site on a Saturday or doing advanced directives outreach at a Law in the Mall session to provide forms and information to the public. Working side-by-side with attorneys away from the pressure of the office can be not only insightful but also rewarding.

You can gain essential contact with local attorneys who can tell you about their practice areas, share their career paths and provide you with perspectives on the local job market. These contacts may lead to other referrals and information on openings in town.

If your schedule permits you to join a committee, you will not only gain wonderful networking connections, but experiences that you can include on your resume to demonstrate an interest in the area. If an attorney is writing an article or compiling materials for an upcoming CLE program –offer to perform research. Offer to make phone calls to other committee members to help organize an upcoming event. Then the “attention getting” second line of your cover letter when you later are performing your job search can begin with, “ We spoke in August when I was helping to organize the Law Week Panel for the Tallahassee Bar Association.”

Also consider getting involved in specialized bar organizations such as:

local chapter of the Federal Bar Association

local chapter of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers http://www.fawl.org

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Florida

Catholic Lawyers Guild

Bankruptcy Bar Association

Hispanic Bar Association

Asian Pacific American Bar Association

local Chapter of the National Bar Association

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Christian Lawyers Association

An exhaustive list is available on the Florida Bar website under www.flabar.org “voluntary bars”.

Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association Upcoming Events

OCTOBER 1ST - OCTOBER LUNCHEON

Guest speaker Doug Wilder of "Wilder Success" will give a presentation on Marketing for Lawyers. Please bring a Halloween costume for the children at Community Connection.

Location: River City Brewing Company, Noon - 1:00 pm


NOVEMBER 12TH - NOVEMBER LUNCHEON

Guest speakersTravis Cox and Kevin Baldwin of T & K Protection Equipment will give a presentation on the use on the legal use of tasers.

Location: River City Brewing Company, Noon - 1:00 pm

Jacksonville Catholic Lawyers Guild Upcoming Events

Sept. 8: Luncheon meeting at noon at the University Club

Oct. 15: Red Mass at 5:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church

Nov. 10: Luncheon meeting at noon at the University Club

Jan. 12: Luncheon meeting at noon at the University Club

March 9: Luncheon meeting at noon at the University Club

May 11: Luncheon meeting at noon at the University Club


(Elizabeth R. Ondriezek, president, 396-3900 or eondriezek@ondriezeklaw.com)

Jacksonville Bar Association Upcoming Events

Sept. 16: Members luncheon at the Hyatt with guest speaker Mayor John Peyton. Noon-1 p.m.

Sept. 16: Elder Law Section meeting at the JBA office

Sept. 25: Comprehensive Child Support Seminar at Florida Coastal School of Law

Oct. 15: Members luncheon at the Hyatt with guest speaker Florida Supreme Court Justice R. Polston. Noon-1 p.m.

Oct. 15: IP Law Section CLE

Oct. 22: “Maximizing Your Client’s Business Appraisal Dollars” seminar at the JBA offices.

Nov. 19: Members luncheon at the Hyatt with guest speaker Florida Bar President Jesse Diner.

Nov. 19: Family Law CLE at the Hyatt.

Dec. 10: Annual Bench and Bar party at the Aetna Building


(Susan Sowards, executive director, 399-4486 or www.jaxbar.org. Dan Bean, president, 798-7294 or daniel.bean@hklaw.com)

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Equal Justice Works Conference & Career Fair

Washington, D.C. October 24-25

BIDDING NOW OPEN!!!

Government & Public Interest Employers

70+ Employers are seeking resumes from alumni & deferred associates!

To get started, you will need to create an Equal Justice Works Symplicity account.

  • Create a Symplicity account at https://ejw-csm.symplicity.com/students/. NOTE: This is a different system than your UF Law Symplicity account.
  • Confirm your email address by clicking on the link that is emailed to you.
  • Update your profile information
  • Upload a cover letter and résumé
  • Register to attend the Career Fair under “Events.” You must register in order to be admitted into the Conference and Career Fair. A Symplicity account does not constitute as registering.
  • Submit applications
  • If you are interested in cost sharing (sharing rides/hotel rooms with other UF Law students), please email CCD counselor Kristen Bryant at bryantk@law.ufl.edu.
You can find more information, including timelines & lists of previous employer attendees at: http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/events/ccf/student#tips

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Four Tips for Reluctant Networkers
by Debra L. Bruce, president of Lawyer-Coach.com
appeared in The Legal Intelligencer.

The tips are designed to make that essential networking activity more enjoyable, or at least less painful, for the reluctant networker. She even provides starter questions such as:
• In your opinion, what makes a great ______? (Fill in whatever they are: real estate lawyer, CEO, engineer, salesperson, parent, etc.)
• How is the economy affecting you (or your business, industry or company)?
• The practice of law is changing. What do you think it will be like 10 years from now?

For the full article, go to

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Public Interest Perspectives — An Introductory Training for Private Sector Attorneys Entering Public Interest Placements:
September 9, 2009 at 1:00 pm Eastern Time

The Association of Pro Bono Counsel and NALP are pleased to announce a free national training for attorneys beginning volunteer public interest placements. Complimentary online registration is now open at: http://tinyurl.com/meggy8.

The program is intended for private sector attorneys who are beginning public service placements with legal aid and other nonprofit legal organizations. It will provide an overview of the differences in law firm and nonprofit practice settings, insight on working with low-income clients, and background on the economic challenges presently being confronted by the public interest community. While the training focuses particularly on practice in civil legal services organizations, the information is relevant to most public interest settings.

The two-hour program will be offered on September 9, 1:00 pm Eastern Time. It can be accessed from any computer and phone line.

Questions: If you have any questions or for more information, please contact Kelly Tautges at ktautges@chicagobar.org or 312-554-8356.


U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Legal Honor's Program


HUD’s Legal Honors Program for graduating law students, graduate law students, and judicial law clerks serves as the Department’s only recruitment program for entry-level attorneys. Subject to appropriations, approximately 10-20 legal honor positions are available annually in Headquarters and Field offices. Successful candidates begin work in August or September and participate in a 14-month appointment that may lead to a permanent position, pending bar acceptance. During the program, Legal Honors are assigned mentors, are given the opportunity to rotate to other offices within OGC, and participate in additional training and monthly discussions to enhance their program experience and develop their legal abilities. The program is highly competitive and candidates are selected on the basis of merit. Selection considerations include many factors, such as academic achievement; law review and other publication work; extracurricular activities such as moot court competitions and legal clinics; employment history; and participation in activities related to HUD’s mission. The Department provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. It is the policy of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to promote the maximum employment and job advancement for qualified disabled veterans, similar to its policy, goals, and objectives with reference to all persons with disabilities. All applicants for employment with the Department of Housing and Urban Development are judged without regard to their race, age, sex, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or familial status.

All application materials, as described above, must be postmarked by Friday, October 16, 2009 and submitted to the following address. We regret that we cannot accept applications electronically or by facsimile (fax).

• Return the completed application materials (original and two copies) to:
LEGAL HONORS PROGRAM
Director: Administration Management and HR Division
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Office of General Counsel
Room 10245
451 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, DC 20410

While applicants may submit informal copies of their resumés and applications to HUD staff at job fairs and on campus interviews, these copies are not a substitute for the official submission to the address above.

For more information, please reference the following link:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/ogc/

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

The Department of Homeland Security General Counsel's 2010 Honors Programs

The General Counsel’s Honors Program serves as the cornerstone for entry-level attorney hiring by the Department of Homeland Security. This program offers highly qualified third-year law students; graduate law students (applying in the fall of the last year of their graduate law study); and judicial law clerks the opportunity to start their legal career by addressing some of the most critical and controversial issues facing our nation today.

Honors Program Attorneys will be hired for a two-year term, and during that time will have the opportunity to work in the headquarters Office of the General Counsel and other participating component legal offices within the Office of the General Counsel. These include legal offices within the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Secret Service, Customs and Border Protection, Transportation Security Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the United States Coast Guard. All of the offices in which Honors Program Attorneys will serve during their two-year term are located in the Washington D.C. area. Honors Program Attorneys who achieve satisfactory performance ratings will be eligible for full-time positions at the conclusion of their two-year term, depending on the Department’s needs and availability of funding.

The Honors Program is highly competitive. The Department selects candidates based on multiple factors including academic achievement, writing skills, law review participation, moot court experience, legal aid or clinical experience, and employment history. We also consider specialized academic studies, post-graduate studies, as well as extracurricular activities that directly relate to the work of the Department. We seek candidates with a well-rounded background, demonstrated intellectual and analytical abilities, and excellent judgment.

The responsibilities of the Department offer Honors Program Attorneys experience in a variety of practice areas. These include, but are not limited to, litigation, administrative law, commercial law, procurement law, legislative and regulatory drafting, maritime law, immigration law, enforcement law, and national security law. Honors Program Attorneys working for the Department can expect to be given a significant amount of responsibility early in their career, often handling highly visible or legally significant cases on an accelerated basis. Honors Program Attorneys will also participate in a program designed to familiarize them with the operating components within the Department and other federal agencies.

Applications for the Honors Program will be accepted online from August 15, 2009 to September 21, 2009. Candidates interested in the 2010 Honors Program should submit a resume, cover letter, references and a current law school transcript to OGCstaffing@dhs.gov . Final selections for the Honors Program are expected in the beginning of November 2009. Subject to budgetary or security clearance issues individuals selected for the Honors Attorney Program can expect to commence employment with the Department in the fall of 2010. Additional information may be available on our website at www.dhs.gov.

If you have additional questions please contact Craig Raynsford, Legal Advisor, DHS Office of the General Counsel at 202-447-3303.

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.

Public Interest Perspectives - An Introductory Training for Private Attorney's in Public Interest Placements

Save the Date: September 9, 2009 at 1:00pm Eastern Time

The Association of Pro Bono Counsel and NALP are pleased to announce afree national training for attorneys beginning volunteer public interestplacements. Please pass this on to interested parties.

What: A free national web-based training for attorneys who arebeginning extended public service placements with legal aid and othernonprofit legal organizations. The training will provide an overviewof the differences in law firm and nonprofit practice settings, insighton working with low-income clients, and background on the economicchallenges presently being confronted by the public interest community.

Who: The training is designed for all attorneys taking temporary,extended public interest placements. While the training focusesparticularly on practice in civil legal services organizations, theinformation is relevant to most public interest settings. A coalitionof public interest leaders from the legal aid community and the privatebar designed and will present this training.

Why: As a result of the current economy, many attorneys, especiallynewer attorneys, who expected to be in private practice are beginningextended placements in legal aid and other public interestorganizations. This training aims to provide a bridge program forassociates transitioning into a practice setting with which they may beunfamiliar. By providing this preliminary training, we hope to bestprepare these attorneys to engage in this unique opportunity tocontribute to and learn about the public interest legal community.

When: This 2 hour program will be offered on September 9, 1:00pmEastern Time.

Where: This training can be accessed from any computer and phone line.In many cities, organizers are planning a central location (barassociation, law firm, etc.) so attorneys may participate in thetraining together. Following these sessions, a discussion on issuesrelevant to fellowships will follow the long-distance training. Weencourage attorneys to attend the live session with their colleagues.Details will follow from local organizations.

Register: If you are able to participate in this training, pleaseregister now: http://tinyurl.com/meggy8.

Questions: If you have any questions or for more information, pleasecontact Kelly Tautges at ktautges@chicagobar.org or 312-554-8356.

Program Faculty:

* Margaret C. Benson, Executive Director, Chicago Volunteer LegalServices* Tiela Chalmers, Executive Director, Volunteer Legal ServicesProgram of the San Francisco Bar Association
* Steven Grumm, Director of Public Service Initiatives, NationalAssociation for Law Placement (NALP)* Bruce Iwasaki, Senior Partner, Lim Ruger & Kim, LLP; and formerExecutive Director, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles* Harlene Katzman, Pro Bono Counsel, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett,LLP* David Lash - Managing Counsel of Public Interest and Pro BonoServices, O'Melveny & Myers, LLP; and former Executive Director, BetTzedek* Steven H. Schulman, Pro Bono Partner, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer &Feld, LLP* Jonathan Smith - Executive Director, Legal Aid Society of theDistrict of Columbia* John Tull - former Executive Director, Southern Arizona LegalAid; and former Vice President for Programs, Legal Services Corporation* Angela Vigil - North American Director, Pro Bono & CommunityService, Baker & McKenzie; and former Director, Children's Law Pro BonoProgram, Northwestern University School of Law

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

GOOD LUCK
We would like to wish all our Gators taking the Bar exam today the best of luck from the Center for Career Development!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

LexisNexis Lend a Hand Program

New LexisNexis Program offers FREE Marketing Services, Networking, and Employment Resources to Laid Off Attorneys

LexisNexis® has launched the Lend a Hand program to provide free marketing services, networking, and employment resources to attorneys who have been laid off in recent months due to economic hardship facing their former firms. The program is offered through the LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell® business and is available to all U.S.-based attorneys who recently worked for a large law firm with over 50 attorneys and are currently unemployed. The Lend a Hand program is a free service created to help attorneys promote their personal brand, build and leverage a trusted professional legal network, and access jobs and employment resources available via Martindale-Hubbell.

The program runs through the end of August. For more infomation please visit: www.lexisnexis.com/lendahand.

D.C. Job Search


Looking for the Right Legal Job in a Volatile Climate: How to Make Yourself Attractive to Potential Employers


When: Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Time: 12:00-2:00 pm
Where: Henrichsen Siegel, PLLC 1150 Connecticut Ave, NW, Suite 900 Washington, DC 20036
Price: Free - BADC members / $10 non-members / $5 students


Finding a job in today's legal market can be intimidating, but there is hope. Bring your lunch and get tips on how to make yourself a stand-out job candidate from D.C.'s most knowledgeable recruiters and practitioners.
Join us for this brown bag lunch event with the following panelists: Arthur Polott, Esq., Legal Recruiter, Gateway Legal Placements Anjuma Goswami, Esq., Solo and Small Firm Practitioner, BADC YLS Board Member Bonnie Horowitz, Legal Recruiter Deborah Katz Solomon, Esq., Executive Coach for Lawyers, Acuity Legal Consulting Moderator: Natalie Koss, Esq., Chair, Solo and Small Firm Practice Committee, BADC YLS Board Member

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Second Career


Tips for your Second Career


Here are some tips that may help you with your transition:

  • Determine how your prior experience will make you a better lawyer, manager, researcher, etc. For example, do you have better writing, presentation, organizational or interpersonal skills.
  • Bring up your prior experience and why it makes you a better candidate for the job even if the employer does not.

  • Have a thoughtful answer to the "Why law school?" questions.
  • Help interviewers make sense of your prior job shifts.


Please contact us for more tips or if you need any assistance in your career search.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Labor Statistics


U.S. Department of Labor
Bureau of Labor Statistics

Do you need more information on an occupation? View the Career Guide to Industries (CGI) an online tool which will help you determine:
  • Occupations in specific industries


  • Training and advancement


  • Compensation


  • Expected job prospects


  • Working conditions

This website provides very valuable information if you are considering moving to another state, for example you can check local unemployment rates, employment cost trends, local compensation and even international employment trends.

(Click on the each underlined word for more information)

Tuesday, June 30, 2009


Is your Professional Image Recession-Proof?

Katy Goshtasbi


It takes only seven seconds for people to decide whether they want to work with you.


Mrs. Goshtasbi states in an article for the ABA that a successful legal image is not about appearance alone. "Appearance is certainly a big factor. However, a lawyer's overall image is the sum of his or her appearance, behavior and communication.


Behavior as a component of a successful legal image encompasses understanding your clients—their expectations and preferences—then tailoring your behavior to suit your clients. How you treat your colleagues and support staff is also important, as your behavior speaks to the image you seek to create.


Communication is vital too. As a component of a successful legal image, how you communicate matters. Your intonation, body language and word selection influences what people think of you. Specifically in terms of clients, your communication style can improve or damage client relationships. Good communication involves good listening skills as well as relating to clients as human beings, not business transactions. Remember important events and dates, and communicate with clients regularly"




Monday, June 29, 2009

Graduate School

GRE® Program Offers Test Fee Reduction for People Who Are Unemployed

In an effort to expand graduate school opportunities in the current economy, the Graduate Record Examinations® (GRE®) program is offering a limited number of GRE fee reductions to individuals who are unemployed, Educational Testing Service (ETS) announced today.
The program will allow currently unemployed workers to register for the GRE General Test for $75. The regular registration cost is $150.

The GRE Fee Reduction Program for the Unemployed is intended to complement existing GRE test fee reduction programs in light of current economic conditions. The program specifically targets individuals who are currently out of work and receiving unemployment benefits. “Financial challenges often dissuade students from pursuing opportunities to advance their education,” says Maurice C. Taylor, Vice President for University Operations at Morgan State University. “As Chair of the GRE Board, I am pleased that ETS and its GRE program have decided in these very difficult economic times to expand the existing GRE fee reduction program to those who are unemployed.”

The GRE is often the first step in the pursuit of an advanced degree. And because a graduate education can be the key to greater career and financial opportunities, ETS Vice President and COO David G. Payne says the time was right to expand the program to those who are unemployed.

“We understand how tough it is out there right now,” explains Payne. “And if offering a GRE fee reduction to unemployed individuals helps them to take that step, we’re happy to do our part to try to make a difference.”

Eligibility Requirements

  • You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien, age eighteen (18) or older, who is currently unemployed and has become unemployed within the past 6 months.
  • You must be planning to take the computer-based GRE General Test in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam or U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • You must be able to submit a copy of an Unemployment Benefits Statement from the past 90 days as proof of unemployment.


For more information about the program, visit ets.org/gre/unemploymentoffer.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Orange County Bar Association

Are you thinking of opening up your own practice?
July 28th 12-5pm Cost: $35
Location: OCBA Center, 880 N. Orange Ave. Orlando

Now that you have a couple of years of experience, you may be thinking of opening up your own law practice. If so, you should make sure to get as much information as possible in order to avoid costly mistakes.

The OCBA Solo & Small Firm Section Committee will host an exciting and informative seminar to help you be successful in starting your own practice. CLE: 5.0 (including 2.5 ethics)

This “must have” information can aid you in running an efficient and effective office. You will hear the latest information on:

1. Deciding on Type of Business Entity – Meenakshi A. Hirani, Meenakshi A. Hirani, Esq.

2. Tools for creating documents, organizing notebooks and locating people Thomas Sinclair, Westlaw
3. Creating an Effective and Professional Online Presence – Joe Rodriguez, Findlaw

4. Marketing Your Practice – Peggy Hoyt, Law Offices of Hoyt & Bryan, LLC

5. Annual Law Office Check-Up – Judith Equels, The Florida Bar’s Law Office Management

Wine & Cheese Reception to follow.

RSVP by July 26 to marieb@ocbanet.org. Seating is limited!

For more information visit: http://www.orangecountybar.org/MC30/event_view.asp?EID=168&ID=4&cTYPE=1&month=7&year=2009&cate=

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Young Lawyers Division



How to Get Experience When You Can't Get Hired

By Tiffany Davison


You have just passed the bar exam. All you need now is your first job, but you have no job offers. What do you do now? How do you get experience? Do what many other attorneys have done: work for free. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
First, volunteer to work for an experienced attorney. Submit a copy of your résumé to a solo practitioner or small firm you know needs help, just as you would to a potential employer. Offer to do research, write routine motions, and file court documents. Suggest anything that might get your foot in the door and get you the experience you need.
Perhaps now you are thinking that this sounds great in theory, but in reality you cannot afford to work for free. But remember that you are building your career, so you need to be creative. Ask if the solo attorney or firm will pay for your transportation costs, even if only in part; if you can come up with enough money, you may be in business. Treat your work as a job, and always be conscientious because the person you work for may become a reference or may be willing to hire you permanently.
Next, seek out pro bono work. There are plenty of organizations looking for people to volunteer no matter what level of legal experience they have. Visit your local bar association Web site for ideas, and do your research first; some of these organizations may be willing to provide you with training and malpractice insurance. Not only will you be helping people and gaining legal experience, you likely will make valuable business contacts in the process.
Lastly, take advantage of every opportunity. Most of us have family members or friends that have legal questions. For some reason, nonlawyers sometimes assume that all lawyers are equipped to handle anything from traffic cases to felonies. While that is not true, do not be afraid to handle a relatively simple issue in any area of law. For example, consider taking a traffic case involving a speeding ticket or a driver without insurance. Take the legal experience when and where you can get it—as long as you are not in over your head. Each opportunity you pursue helps build your résumé and increases your chances of getting hired.
This article can be accessed at: http://www.abanet.org/yld/tyl/nov07/davison.html

Economic Recovery Resources


Exploring Alternate Careers for Lawyers
by Kathleen Brady

People tend to be motivated by what they like not by what makes sense. Yet, most people allow obligations and external forces to be the driving force behind their career choices. Think about this, if you tap into your passions you will energize your career development.

Step 1 Know what you Truly want
Step 2 Focus on your strengths, assets and talents, not your shortcomings
Step 3 Do not accept conventional wisdom unconditionally.
Step 4 Develop an action plan (Set Goals)
Step 5 Make course corrections
You can view more articles in the Career Transitioning section at: http://new.abanet.org/economicrecovery/careertransitioning.aspx

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Tax Fellowship

ABA SECTION OF TAXATION PUBLIC SERVICE FELLOWSHIP

THE ABA SECTION OF TAXATION PUBLIC SERVICE FELLOWSHIP
ENHANCE YOUR LEGAL CAREER –
BECOME A PUBLIC SERVICE FELLOW!
WHAT IS THE PUBLIC SERVICE FELLOWSHIP?


WHAT IS THE PUBLIC SERVICE FELLOWSHIP?

The ABA Tax Section developed the Public Service Fellowship to help non-profits fill the need for tax legal service assistance around the country, and to foster an interest in tax-related public service for young lawyers. The Section awards up to two Public Service Fellowships each year to recent law school graduates or judicial clerks, to serve in tax-related public service positions for two years. Applicants secure employment with 501(c)(3) organizations, and the Section provides salary and benefit reimbursement directly to those organizations.
WHERE WILL YOU WORK?

The proposed employment must involve taxation or administration of tax law and must be with a public-interest, non-profit section 501(c)(3) organization (the “Sponsoring Organization”). Each Fellow commits to serve a two-year term with the Sponsoring Organization. The applicant must identify and secure a position with a Sponsoring Organization before applying for the Fellowship (although the position may be contingent upon award of the Fellowship).