Friday, January 29, 2010

The Wellstone Fellowship

The Wellstone Fellowship for Social Justice aims to advance social justice through health care advocacy by focusing particularly on the unique challenges facing communities of color. Through this fellowship, established to honor the memory of the late Senator Paul D. Wellstone, we hope to expand the pool of talented social justice advocates from underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups.

The ideal candidate must demonstrate an interest in health care policy and racial/ethnic health disparities. Additionally, the organization is looking for an individual who displays the potential to contribute to social justice work after their year of hands-on experience as a fellow.

The application deadline for the Wellstone Fellowship is February 5, 2010. You can find more information, including a downloadable application form, on the organization's web site at www.familiesusa.org/about/wellstone-fellowship.html.

If you have any questions about the Wellstone Fellowship for Social Justice or would like to request hard copies of the application brochure, please contact wellstonefellowship@familiesusa.org.

Both fellowships are year-long, full-time, salaried positions at the office in Washington, DC. Each year, one candidate will be selected for each fellowship. Selected fellows will receive a compensatory package that includes an annual salary of $38,000 and excellent health care benefits.

The Olin Searle Fellows in Law for 2010 - 2011

The Program
The Olin/Searle Fellows in Law program will offer top young legal thinkers the opportunity to spend a year working full-time on writing and developing their scholarship with the goal of entering the legal academy. Up to three fellowships will be offered for the 2010-2011 academic year.
A distinguished group of academics will select the Fellows. Criteria include:


• Dedication to teaching and scholarship
• A J.D. and extremely strong academic qualifications (such as significant clerkship or law review experience)
• Commitment to the rule of law and intellectual diversity in legal academia
• The promise of a distinguished career as a legal scholar and teacher

Benefits
Stipends will include $50,000 plus benefits. While details will be worked out with the specific host school for the Fellow, in general the Fellow will be provided with an office and will be included in the life of the school. Fellows are not expected to hold other employment during the term of their fellowships.
Applications
All those who feel they fit the criteria are encouraged to apply. Applicants should submit the following:

• A resume and law school transcript;
• Academic writing sample(s) with an approximately 50-page limit on the total number of pages submitted (i.e. two 25-page pieces are fine, two 50-page pieces are not);
• A brief discussion of their areas of intellectual interest (approximately 2 pages);
• A statement of their commitment to teaching law; and
• At least two and generally no more than three letters of support. These should come from people who can speak to your academic potential and should generally include at least two letters from law professors. If you are doing interdisciplinary work a letter from someone who can speak to your work in that area is also helpful. You may also include additional references with phone numbers.
Applications must be received no later than March 15, 2010. Applicants will be notified in early May 2010.

Please submit applications to:
Olin/Searle Fellows in Law Program
ATTN: Barrett Youngc/o The Federalist Society
1015 18th Street, N.W., Suite 425
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 822-8138

Or send an email to Barrett.Young@fed-soc.org with "Olin/Searle Fellowship" in the subject line.

Interview Strategies: Handling Mealtime Interviews With Aplomb

The lunch (or breakfast, or dinner) interview is ideally suited to reveal characteristics about the candidate not easily discovered otherwise, and can be useful from the job seeker's point of view for similar reasons. Handled well, the social ritual of breaking bread together can cement a relationship. Conversely, handled poorly, one interview meal alone can destroy a candidate's chances of getting a job offer. Furthermore, you will be judged on how you might handle yourself in similar situations in the future when clients (or potential clients) are present.

MIND YOUR P'S AND Q'S

Remember that this is an interview, not a social occasion. Although it's a more relaxed setting, don't let your guard down. What you eat, how you eat, what you say and how you act all will be scrutinized. Above all, MIND YOUR MANNERS! If you are unsure of your etiquette, stage a dress rehearsal. Ask a good friend or loved one to dine with you and honestly (and constructively) critique your mealtime technique. We'll give you some of the basics below, but you can also study up online, read Emily Post or take a brush-up etiquette course to polish any rough spots.

GET OFF TO A GOOD START

Scrutiny begins from the moment you enter the restaurant. Your cell phone should already be turned off. Be polite to the maitre d' and all wait staff. Follow your host to the table and allow her to indicate where you should sit; don't just grab a seat. When asked for your beverage order, ask for water, iced tea or soda, but not an alcoholic beverage, even if your host does so. (If the interview is at dinner, and you are encouraged to order an alcoholic beverage, stick to wine -- and just ONE glass!) Put your napkin on your lap right away. Remember that the bread and butter plate to your left, and the glasses on the right, are the ones you use. Offer the bread basket to others at the table before helping yourself.

WHAT TO ORDER?

Don't be indecisive. Choose a menu item you know and like; this is not the time to try something new. Keep logistics in mind: no sloppy sandwiches, stringy pizza, unpeeled shellfish or bony ribs. Avoid foods that drip, spatter or get stuck in your teeth. Good bets are easily cut meat, fish, or poultry, chopped salads, or small pastas (that you don't have to twirl around your fork and risk spraying sauce). You may also want to keep spicy or garlicky foods to a minimum if you are going to continue the interview afterwards. You don't want to smell of food, suffer from indigestion, or worse!

Take a cue from your host when choosing your meal. Notice whether or not she orders an appetizer, soup, salad, or after-meal coffee and/or dessert. Keep your host's time constraints in mind, and don't linger unless your host wishes to do so. Never order the most expensive item on the menu; choose something in the same range as the dish your host orders. Order something similar to what your host chooses, or ask her for a suggestion.

If you have special dietary requirements, quietly choose something that meets your needs, without discussing the details with your host. Nearly every menu has selections to accommodate vegetarian and other dietary preferences. It's acceptable to request dressing on the side, or for cheese or sauce to be omitted, but don't make a big deal about it. Minimize substitutions or exceptions to the menu. Remember: you want to keep the focus on YOU, not the food. (If you are strictly kosher, however, inform your host beforehand so an appropriate restaurant can be selected.)

TABLE MANNERS

When the food arrives, don't gobble it down. "Mirroring" is often a valuable technique when trying to get someone to be comfortable with you. During an interview meal, this could mean talking and eating at a similar speed, resting your forearms (never elbows!) on the table, or leaning back in your chair, and so forth, in a similar -- but not copycat -- fashion as your host.

At the risk of sounding like your mother, here are some of the basics:

• Your napkin belongs on your lap, not on the table nor tucked into your collar. Should you have to leave the table during the meal, leave the napkin, loosely folded, on your seat or on the table to the left of your plate.

• Use your silverware, not your fingers.

• If you are eating at a restaurant where chopsticks are provided and you are not an expert, ask for a fork!

• The general rule regarding silverware is that you start with the utensil placed on the outside, and work in towards your plate for successive courses. Review your etiquette book or check online beforehand if you are unsure.

• Cut your food into small bites and eat slowly.

• Don't chew with your mouth open or talk with your mouth full.

• Put down your utensils between bites to continue the conversation and pace your eating.

• Don't gesture with your silverware.

• Keep your hair and sleeves out of your plate.

• Don't smoke before, during or after your meal, or anywhere your host can see you.

• Don't play with your hair and don't pick your teeth. (If you've got something stuck in your teeth, excuse yourself and deal with it in the restroom. Do not use your fingernails or a toothpick in public.)

POLITE CONVERSATION

In addition to being on your best behavior, watch what you say. Don't discuss inappropriate, controversial or personal matters; keep the conversation on business or neutral subjects. Don't use slang, profanity or too-casual language, and don't tell off-color or discriminatory jokes. You may, however, use this opportunity, while your host is more relaxed, to inquire about issues at the prospective employer's organization such as firm culture, business development, lateral integration and the like.

DOGGY BAG DILEMMA

Leaving leftover food is wasteful, but it is not recommended to ask for a doggy bag at a business meal. (Note: We are great proponents of doggy bags in other settings, however.) Instead, try to order what you think you can eat. If you are not very hungry or can't manage the large portions many restaurants serve, look to the appetizer/salad sections of the menu. Order an appetizer or two instead of a main meal, just let the waiter know that you want them served at the same time as the other diners receive their entrees. If you just can't finish your meal, don't force yourself. Just quietly place your fork and knife together on the right-hand side of the plate to indicate that you have finished eating and continue with the conversation. Leave your napkin in your lap until everyone is getting up to go.

BE A GRACIOUS GUEST

Remember that your host selected the restaurant. Therefore, do not complain about the food or service, even if it was substandard. Of course, sincere compliments always are appropriate. Don't reach for the check even if it is placed near you, or offer to pay your share. Just let the check sit there, smile and graciously thank your host for the meal. If all goes well, this should be just the first of many occasions to break bread together.

Valerie Fontaine and Roberta Kass are senior legal search consultants with Seltzer Fontaine Beckwith, based in Los Angeles. Valerie Fontaine is the author of "The Right Moves: Job Search and Career Development Strategies for Lawyers" (January 2006, NALP). They can be reached at (310) 839-6000, or visit www.sfbsearch.com.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Volusia County Bar Association Events

SHOW ME THE MONEY! CLE SEMINAR
Essentials of Executing a Judgment
Friday January 22, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

747 Office Suites, 747 S. Ridgewood Avenue, Daytona Beach
3.0 CLE Hours Approved - $45.00 per person


BENCH & BAR RECEPTION
honoring 50 year members and members of the judiciary
Thursday January 28, 2010
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Museum of Arts and Sciences, 352 S. Nova Road, Daytona Beach


ELDER CARE SERVICES IN VOLUSIA COUNTY
(CLE Approved: 1.0 general hours)
-Update on guardianship procedures
-What services are available in Volusia County?
-Learn how to recognize personality and/or behavior changes in your client.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 11:30 - 1:00pm
Complementary buffet lunch available at 11:30am, CLE seminar begins at 12:00pm.
Council on Aging, 160 North Beach St, Daytona Beach

To RSVP, go to http://www.volusiabar.org/ or email volusiabar@bellsouth.net

Interested in Practicing in the Central Florida Area?

The UF Law Alumni Association is hosting a Gator Law Reception at the Florida Bar Mid-year Meeting at the Hilton Orlando on Destination Parkway on Thursday, January 21, 2010 from 6:00-8 p.m.

Career Development will be able to invite 10 students to attend this networking event with Gator practitioners and judges. If you are interested in attending and will be able to be in Orlando on this Thursday night, email careers@law.ufl.edu by Wednesday, January 13th at 4:00 p.m. Please indicate your class year as preference is given to 3L's. You will be notified on 1/14/10 if you are selected to attend.

YLS Events for 2010

Date:Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Event: YLS Happy Hour
Location: Golftec (4372 Southside Blvd, Suite 306)
Time: 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Date:Saturday, January 16, 2010
Event: Holidays in January
Location: Family Support Services
Time: 11:00 am to 1:00pm
Volunteers Needed: Contact Fraz Ahmed at fa@kubickidraper.com

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!

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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).

________________________________________
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Thank you.

Rogers Towers, P.A. (904) 398-3911

Susan Gainen's Blog's

Susan Gainen, a recent guest speaker for the Center of Career Development, has two blogs that might be of interest to UF Law grads.

http://passthebaton.biz/blog/blog.html

http://www.passthebaton.biz/blog/2010/01/feeling-trapped-5-steps-toward.html