How to Negotiate Your Starting Salary

By Mo Chanmugham, Esq.

During the job search, the salary question can come up in many forms, it can be part of an online application process, or the employer can ask that you include it in your cover letter or resume, or it can be asked during the interview process. In any case, it is good for you to know what your number is before going into any salary negotiation.

Know Your Market

So how do you determine what your starting salary should be? You need to know your market and take into account the following input factors:

- Your level of experience (0-3 years)

- Your industry (Public or Private Sector)

- Work setting (Small firm, Medium firm, In-house, Government Agency, Public Interest, etc.)

- Geographic area (rural area, big city)

- Competition (i.e. How saturated is the market?)

These factors all contribute to what your salary should be in a given market, for example an entry level attorney in a small private practice law firm in a town in western Massachusetts will not be paid the same amount as an entry level attorney in a small private practice law firm in downtown Boston. A small town lawyer can expect to get paid less than an attorney in a major city.

Online Salary Research

Now that you know what factors go into determining a salary you can go online to research estimated salaries in your area. Here is a list of some of the best websites for salary research:

- www.salary.com

- www.indeed.com/salary

- www.nalp.org/salariescompensation

- www.roberthalf.com/legal/lawyer-salary-center

A search for “entry level attorney” in “Boston, MA” on salary.com or indeed.com reveals that the median salary is in the range of $68K-$89K. However, this does not take into account the industry or office setting, meaning we don’t know if they are talking about private sector law firms or public sector government agencies. According to NALP’s starting salary research for the class of 2011, small firm salaries ranged from $50K-$70K nationwide. Robert Half Legal’s 2015 Salary guide shows that First Year Associates in a small firm in Boston made between $71K-$100K. As you can see the range goes from as low as $50K to as high as $100K. While these searches provide a general range it is necessary to do further research based on your industry or specific office setting in order to get a more accurate number. For example, in Boston, the starting salary for a public defender is $40K and for an Assistant District Attorneys it is $37,500.

Know Your Floor

Once you get an idea of the range of salaries that you can expect for the position that you are applying to, you should determine your floor, which is the least amount you could be paid and still be happy with. This requires you to do a budget and calculate your expenses so that you have an idea of what would be acceptable for you. When an employer asks for your salary range, you will make sure not to go below your floor when giving a range. When answering the salary question give a range of about $10K; for example, $50K-$60K or $70K-$80K.

Answer Without A Number

Ideally it is best to observe the golden rule of salary negotiations and get the employer to give you their number first. Common ways to respond to the "What is your salary requirement?" question without giving a number are:

- In a cover letter, "My salary requirements are compatible with the market rate for someone with my level of education and experience."

- In an interview, "I'm sure what you have budgeted is consistent with the market rate and I would be happy with any reasonable offer that you provide. What did you have in mind?"

The goal here is to get them to give you their number first so that you can evaluate where it falls in the range of your predetermined floor and ceiling. For example, you may be prepared to go as low as $50K and their bottom is $60K. You don't want to leave money on the table if you can help it!

Consider All The Benefits

Salary is only one part of the employer's whole compensation package. Other parts to consider are benefits such as health insurance, vacation days, 401K matching programs, flexible hours, working from home, and a transportation stipend. If your employer can't give you a higher salary you can negotiate for some of these other benefits to be added to your compensation package.

Employers Expect You To Negotiate

While you may feel vulnerable about the fact that you are looking for a job, the reality is if the employer wants to hire you they expect that you will want to negotiate your salary. In a survey by Careerbuilder.com employers said that they expect a salary negotiation and build that into their initial offer. 

BONUS: How To Calculate Your Hourly Rate

Certain employers, like small law firms, may not be able to offer full-time employment but can hire an associate on an hourly basis. If you are asked to suggest an hourly rate, you can calculate your rate by using this simple formula: Salary / Hours in a year = Hourly Rate

The average employee works 40 hours a week in a 52 week year, resulting in 2,080 hours/year. Take your expected annual salary and divide it by 2,080. For example, if the expected annual salary for this position would be $55,000, your hourly rate would be $55,000/2,080, or $26.44/hr. 

5 Tips for Job Hunting Over Winter Break

Whether you are seeking your summer internship or looking for post-graduate employment, the winter break is a good time to organize your job search campaign. 

1. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Be sure to add any clinic experience or leadership activities you participated in this past semester. For help on updating your resume and LinkedIn profile, you can download the Resume Tips handout and the LinkedIn for Law Students Guide by visiting Symplicity > Job Search Handouts > Document Library section and doing a keyword search using the name of the document. The Career Services Office will be available to review resumes and cover letters starting January 6. 

2. Set up an informational interview. Use this time to research alums or other attorneys in your practice area and city of choice and set up an informational interview. Use the Contact Alumni tab in Symplicity or the LinkedIn Alumni search to find attorneys to contact in order to set up an interview either in person or on the phone. Also download the CSO Informational Interview Guide which is a helpful resource that will walk you through the process.

3. Reconnect with old contacts and establish new ones. The holidays are a perfect time to connect with former employers and colleagues in order to wish them well and update them on your academic and career progress. This article provides great networking tips for the holidays.  Use holiday parties to update old friends, relatives, and neighbors with your interests and where you would like to practice. You never know who has valuable contacts that could lead to opportunities.

4. Apply to jobs and research potential employers to contact directly. Use Symplicity to search for jobs by going to the “Job Postings” tab and selecting “CSO JobNet”.  Search through other websites listed on our Job Search Resources handout and utilize our handout Targeting Small to Medium-Sized Law Firms using Martindale to do a targeted search for firms and organizations in your geographic area and field of interest. 

5. Relax. Focus on a little rest and relaxation so that you will feel rejuvenated upon your return next semester: sleep in, catch up on your favorite TV shows, do some non-law school related reading, and spend quality time with your family and friends.

Have a happy and productive winter break, from your friends in the Career Services Office!

How to Answer “Tell me about yourself” in Your Next Interview

Do you ever wish you could walk into an interview feeling totally prepared and confident, knowing exactly what you want to say? How great would it be to know what questions the interviewer is going to ask you ahead of time?

Well luckily you can ace your next interview by preparing your answer to this one important question every employer will ask in some form or another. How well you answer this question may make the difference between having a short job search or a long one.

Create Your Professional Story

Since you made it to the interview, it is safe to assume that you have already impressed them with your cover letter and resume. They already think you have the right skills and experience for the job and now they want get to know you a little better.

The problem is this question tends to throw most people off because it is so vague and open ended. Where do you start? Do they really want to hear your whole life story? No. In the context of a job interview, the employer wants you to fill in the background details that your resume can’t tell them.

Your professional story should not only include “who” you are and “what” you have done, but more importantly why you chose to do those things and what you learned along the way that ultimately led you to this employer. Your story should leave the employer feeling positive about you, the skills and experience you bring, and your ability to fit in with their organization.

Use the “Present, Past, Future” Formula

According to career expert Lily Zang, the formula looks like this; first start with the present, meaning a snapshot of where you are right now. Then move into your past explaining what you have done and what you learned from those experiences. Finally end with the future by summarizing why you are really excited and clearly a good fit for this new opportunity with the employer. The right answer, shows how well you know what the employer is looking for and how well you know what your strengths are.

For example, if you are a third year law student and you are interviewing for a post graduate position with a criminal defense firm, you could say:

Present: “Currently I am a 3L in my final semester at New England Law | Boston.”

Past: “I came to law school to become, a criminal defense attorney because I believe it is important to protect the rights of people who can’t otherwise protect themselves. Last summer I interned with the Public Defender’s office in their Youth Advocacy Division where I was 3.03 certified and was able to have my own case files, meet with clients, and represent them in court. The experience showed me how vulnerable people are against the prosecution if they do not know their rights as a citizen and reinforced my desire to be a criminal defense attorney.”

Future: “It is because of this experience that I am looking forward to continue my work in criminal defense and am excited about this opportunity with your firm.”

Use this formula as a guide and include what is relevant to our story. Part of your story may include personal stories about where you grew up, what you studied in undergrad, and/or any work experience you had prior to law school.

Why this Formula Works

By using this formula you give the employer the exact information they are looking for in a clear and concise statement that shows them that you are confident, enthusiastic, and well prepared. It also helps you avoid giving a long, unfocused answer that would reveal your lack of understanding about what they are looking for and why you are a good fit.

How to Prepare

Step 1. Take out a piece of paper and make three columns.

Step 2. In column 1, titled “Job Description”, review the job description and write down all the skills, duties,  responsibilities, and requirements that are included in the description.

Step 3. In column 2, titled “Work Experience”, look at all the work experience on your resume and write down the skills and duties that are an exact match for what the employer is looking for or can be seen as a transferable skill. For example, all criminal defense attorneys must be able to “present arguments in front of the court”.

Step 4. In column 3, write out your "Past, Present, and Future" statement using the details in column 1 and 2 and practice saying it out loud to a friend. Ask your friend for feedback and continue to practice it until it makes sense and you feel comfortable and confident saying it.

5 Things to Do Over Winter Break

Whether you are seeking your first legal job for the summer or looking for post-graduate employment, the winter break is a good time to organize your job search campaign.

1. Reconnect with old contacts and establish new ones. Send a holiday card to former employers and colleagues updating them on your academic and career progress. Use the networking section of the Symplicity site to contact alumni in the area and ask if they are available to meet after the New Year. Check the LinkedIn Alumni feature to identify and establish connections with fellow graduates from your undergraduate school who are practicing law.

2. Let everyone know that you are looking for a job. Use holiday parties to update old friends, relatives, and neighbors with your interests and where you would like to practice. You never know who has valuable contacts that could lead to opportunities. Listen to a free podcast by the ABA for more tips on holiday networking.

3. Update your resume. Be sure to add any clinics you are taking during the spring semester. Re-read previous blog posts on resume writing for frequently asked questions and resume suggestions. The Career Services Office will be available to review resumes and cover letters starting January 6.

4. Apply to jobs and research potential employers to contact directly. Search job postings on the JobNet and other websites listed on our “Job Search Resources” handout available on the Symplicity site. Utilize our handout “Targeting Small to Medium-Sized Law Firms Using Martindale-Hubbell” to do a targeted search for firms and organizations in your geographic area and field of interest.

5. Relax. Focus on a little rest and relaxation so that you will feel rejuvenated upon your return next semester: sleep in, catch up on your favorite TV shows, do some non-law school related reading, and spend quality time with your family and friends.

Have a happy and productive winter break, from your friends in the Career Services Office!

Getting the Most Out of the Alumni Career Forum

There are two purposes to the Alumni Career Forum taking place this Wednesday, April 3rd:

Network: You’ve heard this before - - people often find a job through people they know! The Alumni Career Forum is designed to help you get to know practicing attorneys. While the  Forum is not a job fair (resume exchanges are not allowed), students often gain employment through meeting alumni and following-up with them on their own. The alumni participating will be ready and waiting to meet you.

Exploration:  Over 40 areas of law will be represented at the Forum. This is an excellent time for you to explore many different practice areas of the law and learn about different career paths. You will find out what areas are growing and which are declining and changing. You will gain practical information and realistic insights as to what you can do NOW to prepare for gaining legal experience/employment in the future. You will also learn how New England Law alumni found their first job(s) and how they came to work in their practice area.

The Do’s:

1. Do: Dress in appropriate business attire. This event is taking place after work hours, and the alumni volunteers are coming straight from work in their business attire. You want to impress these individuals. Dress professionally.

2. Do: Be on time. Give yourself the full two hours to attend the event if possible. There will be lots of people for you to meet. Give yourself enough time to make the most of this opportunity.

3. Do: Be aware of how much time you are spending with one person. At this event, 5-10 minutes is enough time to talk with someone. Be mindful of other students who may be waiting behind you to talk with the alum you are talking with.

4. Do: Be open minded in choosing who you speak to. You may receive excellent advice on how to get a job from someone who is practicing in an area that you have no interest. You may also become interested in areas that you haven’t yet explored!

5. Do: Collect business cards from participants. After you have talked with an alum, ask for his/her business card. Try following up with an email, letter or phone call.

6. Do: Be prepared. Review the Participant Biographies booklet before the event and know something about the alumni you would like to meet before you attend the event. Try to think of questions that you would like to ask that person about their career so that you will be well prepared to make the most of this opportunity.

The Don'ts:
1. Don’t: Bring a resume to this career forum. Collect business cards to follow-up with the alumni in the future.

2. Don’t: Ask for a job! This is not a job fair. Focus on building new professional relationships, gathering information for your career plans and making valuable contacts, rather than focusing on the job you hope to gain.

3. Don’t: Limit your questions. There is no such thing as a stupid question. For example, there are many aspects of practicing business/corporate law. The simplest question of: “What does a corporate attorney do?” is a great way to start a conversation.

4. Don’t: Limit who you are willing to meet. Look around and see who is by themselves at their table. Go to them and strike up a conversation. Even if you are positively sure you have no interest in their practice area, they may be full of great job search information, or you may learn of a new area of interest or they may know someone to connect you with.

5. Don’t: Feel like you are “schmoozing” people. Attorneys love to share their story. You are allowing them a chance to do so. Also, alums remember what it was like to be a student and they want to help you!

Networking Etiquette and Sample Questions:

Introductions and Closings

1. First, introduce yourself and give the alum relevant information such as your class year, your interests, work experience, student associations/memberships and organizations.

2. Shake hands firmly.

3. Use the list of questions below to help get the conversation started.

4. Be aware of the time. Try not to spend more than 5 minutes with someone if there are students waiting.

5. Towards the end of your conversation, ask for a business card from the participant.

6. Thank the alum for his/her time and coming to meet you.

Suggestions of Questions to Ask
What is a typical work day for you?
What types of cases/projects are you currently working on?
How is what I am learning in school different from what it will be like practicing [insert practice area]?
What does an [insert practice area] lawyer do?
How did you become a [insert practice area] attorney?
If I am interested in [insert practice area], what can I do to make myself an attractive candidate for employment by the time I graduate?
Can you recommend any professional organizations that might be useful for someone interested in [insert practice area] law?

Breaking into Certain Fields
How did you get your first job in [insert practice area] after law school?
Did you work while you were a student? Where? Did it help you get into [insert practice area]?
I have had two experiences within [insert practice area]. Should I continue to work in this practice area, or is it better for me to try a different practice area?
How did you get into a “solo/small/medium/large sized” firm? What do they look for in attorneys?
How important are grades to get my first position in a “solo/small/medium/large sized law firm or government agency/clerkship” opportunity?

The Alumni Career Forum will take place at the Revere Hotel on Wednesday, April 3rd, 4:00pm - 6:00pm, and is open to all current New England Law | Boston students. To attend, please RSVP with the CSO!

5 Things to Do Over Winter Break

Whether you are seeking your first legal job for the summer or looking for post-graduate employment, the winter break is a good time to organize your job search campaign.

1. Reconnect with old contacts and establish new ones. Send a holiday card to former employers and colleagues updating them on your academic and career progress. Use the networking section of the Symplicity site to contact alumni in the area and ask if they are available to meet after the New Year.  Check the LinkedIn Alumni feature to identify and establish connections with fellow graduates from your undergraduate school who are practicing law.  

2.  Let everyone know that you are looking for a job. Use holiday parties to update old friends, relatives, and neighbors with your interests and where you would like to practice. You never know who has valuable contacts that could lead to opportunities. Listen to a free podcast by the ABA for more tips on holiday networking.

3. Update your resume. Be sure to add any clinics you are taking during the spring semester.  Re-read previous blog posts on resume writing for frequently asked questions and resume suggestions.  The Career Services Office will be available to review resumes and cover letters the first week of January.

4. Apply to jobs and research potential employers to contact directly. Search job postings on the JobNet and other websites listed on our “Job Search Resources” handout available on Symplicity site. Utilize our handout “Targeting Small to Medium-Sized Law Firms Using Martindale-Hubbell” to do a targeted search for firms and organizations in your geographic area and field of interest. 

5. Relax. Focus on a little rest and relaxation so that you will feel rejuvenated upon your return next semester: sleep in, catch up on your favorite TV shows, do some non-law school related reading, and spend quality time with your family and friends.

Best of luck with your exams and have a happy and productive winter break, from your friends in the Career Services Office! 

New Pro Bono Mandate for the New York Bar

A recent New York Law Journal article provided details on the new 50-hour pro bono requirement for applicants to the New York bar. Beginning January 1, 2015 every applicant to the New York state bar will be required to fulfill this mandate. If you are a current first- or second-year law student planning to take the New York bar upon graduation, you have up to 34 months to complete qualifying pro bono work. Current third-year students are exempt. 

What is qualifying pro bono work? Law-related work for persons of limited means, non-profit organizations, and public service in the judiciary and state and local government would meet the New York bar pro bono rule. The work must be supervised by an attorney in good standing, judge, or law school faculty member. Participation in a law school clinic or work performed for recognition in the school's Public Service Transcript Notation Program would also qualify. The work may be completed anywhere in the country or abroad.

Upon completion of the pro bono work, applicants will need to complete the Form Affidavit of Compliance available on the New York State Court's website. All pro bono work must be completed before submitting an application for bar admission. 

More complete information, including answers to frequently asked questions, is available on the New York State Court's website. Applicants with further questions on the new requirement should contact ProBonoRule@nycourts.gov or call 1-855-227-5482.

For more information on pro bono opportunities available at New England Law | Boston, read our Pro Bono and Volunteer Opportunities Guide which provides information on pro bono opportunities at the school and includes a directory of public interest organizations in Massachusetts. Additional directories for public interest organizations in the New England area as well as in California, New Jersey, and New York are available in the handouts section of Symplicity. 

Complete Your LinkedIn Profile

For Boston.com's Innovation Economy blog, Boston Globe Columnist Scott Kirsner recently asked area recruiters, CEOs, and human resources professionals what job seekers should do on social media to improve their chances of getting a job. A running theme in each of the responses was that all candidates should have an updated and complete LinkedIn profile. If you signed up for a LinkedIn account but got no further than filling out your name and where you went to school, you can follow these simple steps to complete your profile.

Step 1: Upload a Profile Picture
Use a recent picture of yourself from the shoulders up that clearly shows your face.  This picture will most likely be different than the one you use for Facebook and should convey a professional image. If you do not have a picture that fits that criteria, put on a suit and ask a friend to take a head shot of you standing in front of a blank wall.

Step 2: Create a Headline
Your headline will be the first thing LinkedIn users will read about you, so use this space to differentiate yourself from the crowd. If you are a current student you may want it to include your year in law school and a leadership or internship position you currently hold, for example: "Judicial Intern at MA Superior Court,  Second-Year Law Student at New England Law | Boston".  Practicing attorneys may want to include their areas of specialization followed by where they work or where they are seeking work. Also remember to update your headline as your experience changes. There are many recent law graduates on LinkedIn who still describe themselves as current law students.

Step 3: Write a Summary
Use this section to describe your experience and goals as well as anything that may not appear on your resume. Remember to also list your skills in the "Specialties" sub-section. You may be tempted to skip this section but completing it increases your chances of appearing in key word search results!

Step 4: Update your Education and Experience Sections
Since LinkedIn will suggest connections based on where you went to school and where you worked, the more information you provide in this section, the more opportunity you will have for building your network.  The experience section does not need to be as detailed as your resume but it should include the same basic information. If you choose to include everything on your resume, LinkedIn also has the option to import your complete resume onto your profile. As with everything else listed in your profile, remember to update this section as your job and education changes.

Step 5: Connect with People
Begin by connecting with your friends, family members, former and current classmates, professors, and co-workers. You can connect LinkedIn to your email contacts to make it easier to find people you know.  LinkedIn will also suggest people you may know based on mutual connections. There is also more opportunity to extend your network by joining "Groups" such as those created by your undergraduate or law school. Note: Be sure to personalize the generic LinkedIn invitation to connect by saying hello to an old friend or reminding a business contact how you met. This is a piece of advice that is frequently given but rarely used! By taking the time to send a personal note, you are distinguishing yourself even more from the crowd.

Once your profile is complete you will be ready to actively use LinkedIn to network, promote your professional experience, and search for jobs.

Want to learn more? Attend our upcoming CSO workshop:

LinkedIn 101

Wednesday, February 15th, 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Room 301
Open to all current NEL|B students.

For further reading: 

Social Media Advice for Job Seekers from
CEOs, HR Execs, & Recruiters (Innovation Economy Blog)
LinkedIn: Facebook for Lawyers (NALP e-Guide)
10 Ways to Use LinkedIn to Find a Job (Applicant.com)
Ellis, Amanda The 6Ps of the Big 3 for Job Seeking JDs:  60+ Ways to Get Hired Using Social Networking. Something Different Publishing, Inc. 2010 (Available in the CSO.)

5 Things to Do Over Winter Break

Whether you are seeking your first legal job or looking for post-graduate employment, the winter break is a good time to organize your job search!

1. Reconnect with old contacts and establish new ones. Send holiday cards to former employers and colleagues updating them on your academic and career progress. Use the "Contact Alumni" section of the Symplicity site to find alumni in the area and ask if they are available to meet after the New Year.

2. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job. Use holiday parties to update old friends, relatives, and neighbors with your interests and where you would like to practice law. You never know who has valuable contacts that could lead to job opportunities!

3. Update your resume. Be sure to add any clinics you are taking during the spring semester. Re-read previous blog posts on resume writing for frequently asked questions and mistakes. The CSO will be available to review resumes and cover letters beginning January 4th.

4. Apply to jobs listed on the JobNet and research potential employers to contact directly. Utilize our handout "Targeting Small to Medium-Sized Law Firms Using Martindale-Hubbell" to do a targeted search for firms and organizations in your geographic area and field of interest.

5. Relax. Focus on a little rest and relaxation so that you will feel rejuvenated upon your return to law school next semester: sleep in, catch up on your favorite TV shows, do some non-law school related reading, and spend quality time with your family and friends.

Best of luck with your exams and have a happy and productive winter break, from your friends in the Career Services Office!

For further tips on networking over the holiday season:
Listen to a free podcast on holiday networking tips!

Top 5 Reasons to Join a Bar Association

What does joining a bar association have to do with my job search?
Many law students and recent graduates do not realize that participation in a local or specialty bar association is an important part of any job search. Becoming a bar association member and participating in events (i.e., committee involvement and continuing legal education classes) is an excellent way to make connections with the local legal community, build a network, and learn more about a particular practice area. Here are five reasons to join one today.

1. Build your network. Now, more than ever, networking is a key component to finding a job. If you do not come from a family of lawyers, are new to the area, or are just looking to meet attorneys who specialize in a particular area of law, a bar association is a perfect place to make connections. Bar activities such as section meetings, mentor programs, and social events provide excellent opportunities to meet lawyers and get your name circulating in the legal community.
2. Expand your knowledge. Bar associations offer a variety of educational programs including round table discussions, symposiums, panels, and free or discounted continuing legal education (CLE) classes. Participating in these events is also another opportunity to network and show future employers you are sincere about your interest in a particular field.
3. Gain access to members-only resources. Many bar associations offer student members access to their bulletins, membership directories, job postings, and other resources not available to non-members. Benefits to becoming a member also include discounts on a wide variety of services – anything from car rentals to CLE courses.
4. Stay informed. Newsletters, symposiums and other bar association activities keep you up to date on the latest news and developments within the legal community. If you are searching for a job out of state, joining a local bar association is a great way to learn more about that state’s legal community and any growing fields of practice particular to the area.
5. Show your professionalism. Joining a bar association as a law student or recent graduate demonstrates your commitment to becoming lawyer. Becoming active in sections or other activities not only builds your leadership skills but also increases your visibility as a responsible member of the legal community – something that will pay off for years to come.

Most bar associations encourage student involvement and offer free or heavily discounted membership fees to students and newly admitted attorneys. 2012 students should also note that New England Law has partnered with the Boston Bar Association (BBA) to provide all students in the Class of 2012 with a one-year membership to the BBA.

Massachusetts Bar Assocations:
Local:
Boston Bar Association
Student Membership: $65; Free to Class of 2012
Essex County Bar Association
Student Membership: $45, Open to students who either reside or work in Essex County only.
Massachusetts Bar Association
Student Membership: $35
Norfolk County Bar Association
Worcester County Bar Association

Specialty & Diversity Associations:
Asian American Lawyers Association of Massachusetts
Student Membership: Free
Boston Patent Law Association
Student Membership: $105
Massachusetts Association of Hispanic Attorneys
Student Membership: Free
Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association
Student Membership: Free
Massachusetts Lesbian and Gay Bar Association
Student Membership: Free
Real Estate Bar Association for Massachusetts
Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts
Student Membership: $25

Additional local and specialty bar associations may be found on the Massachusetts Bar Association website.

Searching for a job outside of Massachusetts? Find an out of state bar association.

Networking to Find Post-Graduate Employment

By now you have heard about the importance of networking in any job search. But what exactly does networking entail? In their “Beating Unemployment” series, the Lawyer Mentor defines the networking process in a few basic steps:

• Meeting people, online and in person;
• Making real connections with those people (not just collecting names and business cards);
• Collecting information about those people and keeping that information updated;
• Maintaining contact with those people; and
• Helping people as much as possible, and thanking them appropriately when they help you. [The Lawyer Mentor]

So, where do you start? There is no one-size-fits-all strategy to networking. Below are a number of the different resources for making contacts within the legal community. Decide which outlets work best for you and begin to incorporate them into your job search today.

Past Employers – Even if you know they are not hiring, contacting past employers can still be beneficial. As graduation approaches, update former colleagues and supervisors of your progress. Let them know what areas and fields you are interested in, send them an updated copy of your resume, and ask them for advice about your search.

Alumni – Use the “Contact Alumni” tab in Symplicity to contact alumni working in your area of interest and ask for advice. To search for additional law school connections as well as alumni from your undergraduate school use an on-line legal directory such as Martindale-Hubbell.

Bar Associations – A bar association is a perfect place to make connections. Bar activities such as section meetings, mentor programs, and social events provide excellent opportunities to meet lawyers and get your name circulating in the legal community. Most young lawyers divisions include attorneys who have been in the field for up to ten years, so don’t assume you will only be meeting new graduates who are also seeking employment.

LinkedIn – Use LinkedIn to highlight your accomplishments while connecting with fellow classmates, old friends, professors, family, former colleagues, and law professionals. Also join “Groups” to widen your network even more. For tips on how to create a professional profile and make yourself standout, read NALP’s e-guide “LinkedIn: Facebook for Lawyers”.

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) – CLEs not only broaden your education in a particular area of law or legal issue, but they also provide easy opportunities to meet leaders in the field. Most CLE programs also provide needs based scholarships to assist with the program costs.

Volunteering/Pro Bono – Connect with your local bar association for on-going volunteer and pro bono opportunities. Volunteering in the community and providing pro bono assistance is an excellent way to meet fellow attorneys in the field while also building your own experience.

The hope is that the more connections you make (and maintain) the more likely you are to hear of job opportunities. There is also the possibility that the people you meet through this process may act as recommenders when applying for future positions.

Still have questions about networking? For further reading:

Other Networking Articles on Our Blog
Beating Unemployment: Networking in Person (The Lawyer Mentor)
Tips to Finding a Job After Graduation (Lawline)
LinkedIn: Facebook for Lawyers (NALP e-Guide)

Spotlight on Judicial Clerkships

Judicial clerkship positions are an excellent opportunity for recent law school graduates to extend their legal education and gain invaluable practical skills by working for a judge on the state or federal court level. The following is a brief overview of judicial clerkships and the application process.

What is a judicial clerkship?
Judicial clerkships are typically one- to two-year post graduate positions working for a judge in federal and state courts of general and limited jurisdiction, at both the trial and appellate levels. By working closely with a judge, clerks gain valuable behind-the-scenes perspective while being exposed to a wide range of issues and cases.

What are the job responsibilities?
While some job duties vary depending on the judge and court, a judicial clerkship is largely a research and writing position. Clerks perform research, prepare issue or case summaries, draft internal documents, observe oral arguments, and sit in on conferences. Judicial law clerks will also have the opportunity to discuss cases with the judge and draft opinions.

What does a judge look for in a judicial clerkship candidate?
Hiring criteria can vary from judge to judge. In general, an application for a judicial clerkship should reflect the candidate's strengths in research, writing, and analytical and communication skills. Judges also look for candidates who show good judgment, leadership, and the ability to work with a team. Judicial clerkships with federal or state supreme court judges are more competitive than other clerkship positions and are based largely on academic credentials and law review experience.

What is the application process?
The usual application for a clerkship consists of a cover letter, resume, official law school transcript, letters of reference from law school faculty and legal employers, and a legal writing sample. Procedures vary by judge, court, and state.

For Federal Judicial Clerkships:  OSCAR is the central online resource for federal law clerk and appellate court staff attorney hiring. The web-based system allows applicants to file complete applications and recommenders to file letters of recommendation online. While many federal judges now use this system to post openings and collect applications, others still require applicants to apply directly. BNA's Directory of State and Federal Courts, Judges, and Courts (available in the CSO) provides information on federal and state court structures as well as the contact information for judges at all levels.

For State Judicial Clerkships: The Guide to State Judicial Clerkship Procedures provides information on clerkship opportunities and procedures in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Contact the CSO for username and password information.

When are the deadlines for judicial clerkships?
Federal judges are not supposed to accept applications from graduating students until the Tuesday after Labor Day of the candidate's final year of law school. However, students are encouraged to contact federal judges directly to confirm clerkship openings and deadlines. State judges have various deadlines, some as early as the May before the candidate's final year of law school. For this reason, students interested applying for a judicial clerkship should begin preparations the spring semester of their 2L Day or 3L Evening year.

Are there opportunities to work for a judge as a law student?
Absolutely. New England Law offers two judicial internship opportunities for students: the Honors Judicial Internship Program and the Summer Internship Program. Click here for more information. Students may also contact judges and courts directly using the BNA's Directory of State and Federal Courts, Judges, and Courts (available in the CSO).  For a list of court websites by state, visit the National Center for State Courts website.

Interested in learning more about the judicial clerkship experience?
Judicial Clerkship Information Session
Tuesday, April 12th, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Cherry Room
Sponsored by the Faculty Judicial Clerkship Committee

Spotlight on Post-Graduate Fellowships

The following is a blog post originally posted in February 2010. 
 
For many law students looking for public interest work after graduation a fellowship can be the best way to gain an entry-level position with a nonprofit. While many public defender offices and legal services agencies hire new attorneys each year, many other public interest organizations do not. Fellowships typically last for one or two years and may not lead to permanent positions within the organization, however they provide new attorneys excellent training and exposure to a particular field which will make them better qualified for other positions within the public interest arena.

In general, fellowships fall into two categories: organization-based or project-based. An organization-based fellowship is sponsored by the organization for which the fellow is working. A project-based fellowship is sponsored by an outside organization and allows the fellow to work within a host organization on a specific project within a particular area of law or serving a particular community. PSLawNet provides an informative overview of public interest fellowships and is also the best resource for finding positions and sponsoring organizations.

For further information on applying for a post-graduate fellowship attend the CSO/PILA program Fellowship Application Tips, Wednesday, October 27th, 5:00pm - 6:00pm in the Cherry Room.

Frequently Asked Questions About Judicial Clerkship Applications

A judicial clerkship is not only a unique opportunity to view behind-the-scenes legal proceedings and see the law from the judge's perspective but it is also a chance to develop valuable professional contacts that can aid in your future job search. If you are currently applying to judicial clerkships and have questions beyond those listed below, please contact our office.


Where can find I find information on judges and clerkship openings?
There are a number of online and print resources available to help you learn more about federal and state judges and courts.

For Federal Judges: 

1. OSCAR is the central online resource for federal law clerk and appellate court staff attorney hiring. The web-based system allows applicants to file complete applications and recommenders to file letters of recommendation online. While many federal judges now use this system to post openings and collect applications, others still require applicants to apply directly. 
2. The Federal Judiciary website provides biographical information on all past and present federal judges. The site also contains information and links to all the federal courts.  
3. BNA's Directory of State and Federal Courts, Judges, and Courts (available in the CSO) provides information on federal and state court structures as well as the contact information for judges at all levels. 

For State Judges:

1.  The Guide to State Judicial Clerkship Procedures provides information on clerkship opportunities and procedures in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Contact the CSO for username and password information.
2. Most state court websites provide the names and contact information of judges assigned to each court. For a list of court websites by state, visit the National Center for State Courts website.  
3. BNA's Directory of State and Federal Courts, Judges, and Courts (available in the CSO) also provides information on federal and state court structures as well as the contact information for judges at all levels. 

How should I address my cover letter? 
If the state or court you are applying to uses a centralized application process, check with the hiring contact for the best way to address your letter. When in doubt, use "Dear Honorable Justices".

When addressing a cover letter to an individual judge, use the following guide:
Federal or State Chief Judge
Address Block: The Honorable [full name], Chief Judge
Salutation: Dear Chief Judge [last name]

Federal or State Judge
Address Block: The Honorable [full name]
Salutation: Dear Judge [last name]

Senior Judge
Address Block:  The Honorable [full name], Senior Judge
Salutation: Dear Judge [last name]

State Chief Justice
Address Block: The Honorable[full name], Chief Justice
Salutation: Dear Chief Justice [last name]

State Justice
Address Block: The Honorable[full name], Associate Justice
Salutation: Dear Justice [last name]

Federal Magistrate or Bankruptcy Judge
Address Block: The Honorable [full name], [Title]
Salutation: Dear Judge [last name]


Who should write my letters of recommendation? 
Generally, judicial clerkship applicants should have three letters of recommendation. At least one letter should be from a law school professor. Letters from past legal employers are also preferred.

What should I use as a writing sample? 
Your writing sample should be a memorandum or brief that showcases your ability to research, analyze, and  explain legal  issues. Your sample should not be more than ten pages long and can be from a past legal employer as long as you obtain permission to use it and redact any confidential information. See our previous blog entry for more extensive information on writing samples.

For further reading:
Insight and Inside Information for Select State Court Clerkships (NALP)
Ten Tips to a Top Clerkship (from www.judicialclerkships.com)

Frequently Asked Questions About the Fall Recruitment Program

Q: What is the Fall Recruitment Program? 

A: The Fall Recruitment Program (FRP) includes a variety of public interest, government, law firm, and judicial employers seeking 2011 summer and post-graduate associates and clerks. FRP begins in August and will continue throughout the Fall semester. 

Q: How do I apply for the Fall Recruitment Programs?

A: If you are applying for an on-campus interview, resume collection, or the New Hampshire Legal Interview Program, apply through the CSO’s Symplicity site. If you are applying for the National Recruitment Program, or the Government and Public Interest Interview program, apply through the Massachusetts Law School Consortium’s (MLSC) site. For detailed, step-by-step instructions, please refer to the Fall Recruitment Instructional Packet, which was emailed to your New England Law account, and can also be found in the Document Library on the CSO’s Symplicity site.

Q: When I’m in Symplicity, and I click on the “OCI” tab, it says something about a summer survey and I can’t find the participating employers. Where do I go from here?

A: All 2LD/3LEs and 3LD/4LEs are required to complete summer surveys and update their profiles including the Transcript Waiver and Interview Policy Acknowledgement before they are able to view the OCI section. When prompted to complete the summer survey, click “Add New” and fill in the required survey fields. After you submit your survey, you should automatically be taken to the OCI section. 

Q: How do I calculate my class rank percentage? 

A: If you are in the top 33% of the class, we suggest you put your class rank, and percentage, on your resume. Your GPA, class rank, and class rank percentage must be accurate to be included in the resume packets being sent to employers. To calculate your class rank percentage, do the following:

1. Divide your class rank by the total number of people in your class;
2. Count to the fourth digit to the right of the decimal point, and if it is 5 or higher, round up the third digit; and 
3. Repeat for the third digit, and if it is now a 5 or higher, round up the second digit. 

Note: If you applied for any upcoming Fall Recruitment Programs, and find that your percentage is not calculated according to the formula above, please "Withdraw" your application on Symplicity, upload your updated resume with the correct percentage, and re-apply.


Q: My grades aren't great. Should I even bother applying to big firms?

A: You should be realistic when applying to large firms. They typically are very strict about their grade requirements and most likely will not interview students who do not meet the standards which they have set. That said, occasionally there are exceptions to that general rule when a student exhibits better than average grades with special skills or highly relevant experience.

Q: I will be taking a clinic in the Fall. Can I include it on my resume, even though I haven't started it yet?

A: YES! Include all future clinics, journals, and law review. When listing something that is going to happen in the future, use "Fall 2010" as your date, and "Responsibilities will include..." or "Anticipated job duties will be...". Use the employer's job posting and your knowledge of what you might do as a basis for your description. After you start your clinic, update your job description with elaborated duties and change to the present tense. Bring the updated resume to your interview.

Q: To whom should I address my cover letter?

A: Always make sure to include the recipient's name and address on your cover letter. You can find this information on Symplicity by searching under "OCI" and clicking "Review" to the left of the employer.

Q: If the employer doesn’t specifically ask for a cover letter, can I send one anyway?

A: No. When applying to employers participating in FRP, only include what has been requested. The employers who have elected not to collect cover letters have done so for a reason. Sending a cover letter will merely show an inability to follow directions.

For more Fall Recruitment application tips, read: 
What are Memorandums? Frequent Resume Mistakes and Questions
Frequent Resume Mistakes and Questions, Part II
Tips for Writing the Perfect Cover Letter
Frequently Asked Questions About Writing Samples