Alumni Newsletter. Office of Career Development and Public Service

Transcription

1 February 21, 2012 Office of Career Development and Public Service Alumni Newsletter This is the Alumni Newsletter, a bi weekly newsletter you will receive from the CDO for the next year. The purpose of the Alumni Newsletter is to keep recent graduates informed about job opportunities and programs of interest, pass along interesting news on legal trends, and to provide on the go career advice. If you have any feedback or suggestions for content you'd like featured in future Alumni Newsletters, the CDO would love to hear from you. So that we can serve you better, please let the CDO know where you are working or will be working if you have not already. You should also join BU Law Connection, an online database that allows BU Law alumni and students to easily and quickly connect with one another. With nearly 1500 students and alumni currently registered, it is a great resource for identifying and contacting alumni working in practice areas and geographic locations in which you may be interested. Whether you are searching for permanent employment or preparing to start a clerkship or a new job, the CDO is here to help. We have recently added an Alumni Resume Handbook to our website that is geared toward issues unique to alumni,including updating a resume after graduation, career transitions, and alternative careers, including examples. (Due to the holiday yesterday, the Alumni Newsletter is being sent today. We will resume with the Monday schedule for the next newsletter, on March 5, 2012.) Contents Still Seeking Work? Job Opportunities for Late 2012/Early 2013 Advising on the Go - Asking Questions in an Interview Looking Ahead Articles of Interest Still Seeking Work? If you're still seeking a permanent post graduate position, do not despair! There are still opportunities out there. Here are a few that recently came across our desks. Continue to check Symplicity, as opportunities are added every day. The postings below represent only a small fraction of those posted on Symplicity right now for recent grads. We ask that you please keep these job opportunities within the BU Law community. Ficksman & Conley, LLP, Boston, MA Associate attorney wanted for small firm specializing in defense of significant personal injury cases. 0-2 years experience required.

2 Reply to: Matthew R. Connors Ficksman & Conley 98 N. Washington St suite 500 Boston, Massachusetts United States Lambert Coffin, Blue Hill, ME We are looking for an attorney with some real estate and/or probate experience to help staff our Blue Hill office. A commitment to becoming an active and visible member of the greater Blue Hill community and growing the local practice is required. This could be the best of both worlds the opportunity to live and work in one of the most beautiful parts of the State, with the support, smarts and collegiality of a talented group of Portland based attorneys. Reply to: Jonathan T. Harris Lambert Coffin Portland, Maine (207) jharris@lambertcoffin.com Quarles & Brady LLP Quarles & Brady LLP seeks a junior level associate, entry level to three years of experience, to specialize in health law with our growing, dynamic national health care practice in any of the firm's following offices: Phoenix, AZ; Chicago, IL; or Milwaukee or Madison, WI. The attorney should have an understanding of the regulatory aspects of health care law and should preferably have experience in advising pharmacies, drug / device manufacturers and distributors, hospitals, physicians, health systems and other health care providers or payors on federal and state law regulatory issues affecting the health care industry. In addition to holding a license to practice law, the attorney should have a demonstrable interest in regulatory health law and possess at least one of the following: (1) a background in health care, including prior work experience in the industry; (2) an LLM in health care; (3) a masters in health administration; or (4) commensurate practical experience. The candidate must have a strong academic record paired with the skills, enthusiasm and commitment to become a partner at this firm. The successful candidate must have a very strong academic record paired with the skills, enthusiasm and commitment to become a partner at this firm. Qualified applicants please submit your resume, cover letter, writing sample and law school transcript. Apply online: Swiggart & Agin, LLC, Boston, MA Wanted: Recent graduate of top tier law school with excellent grades sought for first year associate's position by AV rated, Boston law firm for bankruptcy, corporate, intellectual property and litigation work. Would start immediately. Excellent analysis, problem solving and communications skills required. Competitive salary, bonus and benefits offered. Please contact jrl@swiggartagin.com with cover letter and resume. Heafitz & Sullivan, Brighton, MA Boston civil litigation law firm concentrating in construction/contract litigation seeks full time, entry level

3 associate who has passed the MA Bar and has an engineering degree or similar technical background. Qualified applicants must be organized, experienced in research (both traditional and computer) and computer literate. Apllicants with practical construction management work experience will also be considered. Apply by regular mail to: Heafitz & Sullivan 56 Chestnut Hill Avenue Brighton, MA LegalZoom.com, Glendale, CA Our legal department is looking for a junior attorney with 1 3 years of experience. This is a rare opportunity to join a legal team that not only serves as a traditional corporate legal department but is also integral to product development. The staff attorney will work on a wide variety of matters and aspects of the business. Principal Responsibilities: Legal research and analysis Provide junior level legal support for product development and maintenance Draft, review and revise certain aspects of policies related to online business and specific products and services Assist with the development, implementation and enforcement of legal compliance programs Contract management and processing Draft, review and revise contracts, initially under the direction of senior attorneys Assist with other legal department matters, as needed Basic Qualifications: Member in good standing with any US State Bar (California preferred). Outstanding legal research skills. 1 3 years of recent experience with robust legal research, writing, and analysis is strongly preferred. Exceptional attention to detail and communication skills. In particular, ability to distill legal analysis clearly and succinctly in both written and oral form. Strong interest in gaining contract management, drafting, review and negotiation skills. Self motivated with the ability to develop and execute project plans to questions or problems, often without detailed directives. Ability to adapt to changing goals and priorities. Flexibility and desire to work on a wide variety of legal matters. Excellent interpersonal skills, dynamic and highly team oriented. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple matters in a time sensitive environment. Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, including the work and communicate effectively with all levels of management. Send your resume to: employment@legalzoom.com Job Opportunities Starting in Late 2012/Early 2013 O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Law Fellow The O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law is seeking exceptionally qualified candidates to serve as O'Neill Institute Fellows. Housed at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, DC., the O'Neill Institute is a leading research institute for health law. For more details about the Institute and its ongoing work please visit Fellows are based at the Law Center and report to the O'Neill Institute Director and to the Faculty Director. Law fellows work on academic legal research and scholarship projects. Duties include working closely with

4 faculty to produce scholarly works for publication, in some cases leading to joint publication. Allocation of time is mainly determined by O'Neill Institute Faculty needs and taking into account fellow preferences; additionally, some time may be allocated to O'Neill projects. Fellowships are for one year with possible extension for two years, and will begin in July Fellows will receive an annual salary of $66,747 with great benefits. Candidates should have a J.D. degree (or the equivalent), exceptional academic credentials, including publications, and health law related research interests in areas like public health law, global health law, domestic health care law, empirical studies, regulatory impacts of health, health and human rights, etc. Successful candidates will have knowledge and/or experience in aspects of national and or global health law and ethics. A post graduate degree (MPH, LL.M.), health degree, or significant work experience may be preferred. Applications should be submitted electronically at the following website fellowship.html and must include: CV, cover letter, writing sample, professional references, official law school transcript, and other graduate school transcripts (if applicable). The application deadline is Friday, February 29, Any questions about the position should be directed to oneillinstitute@law.georgetown.edu. Engelberg Center on Innovation Law and Policy at New York University School of Law, Privacy Research Fellowship The Information Law Institute of NYU's Engelberg Center on Innovation Law and Policy is accepting applications for one or more one year fellowships in the area of privacy law and policy to begin in Fall The fellowship is open to law school graduates or PhDs in relevant disciplines with excellent credentials. Additional legal or policy experience is a plus, particularly if in a related field. While in residence at NYU School of Law, the fellow will be expected to devote time to joint projects, pursue his or her own privacy related research agenda. and help with programming of topical events. Joint research may be supervised by Florencia Marotta Wurgler (Professor of Law), Helen Nissenbaum (Professor of Media, Culture, and Communication), Katherine Strandburg (Professor of Law), or Ira Rubinstein (ILI Senior Fellow). The fellow will have the opportunity to participate in Information Law Institute activities, including the multidisciplinary Privacy Research Group, to interact with other faculty associated with the ILI and Engelberg Center, and to take part in many other activities at NYU School of Law. Further information about the ILI and our associated Privacy Research Group is available at Applications for the fellowship should be sent by to ILI assistant Nicole Arzt, nicole.arzt@nyu.edu, and should include:a cover letter, curriculum vitae, copies of or links to any relevant publications, and the names and contact information of three references. We will begin reviewing applications on March 10, 2012 and continue until the position is filled. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Federal Judicial Clerkship Opportunities The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) anticipates approximately six (6) law clerk vacancy in the fall of FERC regulates all interstate aspects of the national energy (electric, natural gas, oil pipeline) industry. FERC administrative law judges are, in effect, the trial judiciary of that industry. They operate in much the same fashion as Federal District Court Judges presiding over complex civil, non jury cases. FERC judges preside over all cases set for hearing at FERC, issuing initial decisions on which the Commission bases its final orders. In addition to decisions there are many orders issued on motions, often after oral argument. FERC judges also serve as mediators in many cases. The normal procedure followed by a judge in working with a law clerk on a decision or order is to discuss the

5 case with the law clerk, advise him/her of the decision and approach to be taken, as well as to discuss the style in which the decision or order is to be written. The law clerk then independently conducts the necessary research and prepares the draft decision or order for the judge's review. Outstanding critical analysis and writing skills are therefore essential. Law clerks will have the opportunity to sit in on parts of trials, oral arguments and mediations. It is highly preferable for candidates to have taken the bar exam prior to commencing their clerkships. Appointees commencing work prior to passing the bar exam are designated by the Office of Personnel Management as "Law Clerk" a designation that cannot under any circumstances exceed 14 months and cannot be extended. This means that the appointee must pass the bar exam before the 14 month period ends. Once admitted to the bar of any state, the appointee's designation is converted to "Attorney Advisor." The FERC law clerk position requires a firm two year commitment. The energy field is highly technical and requires substantial training to achieve competence. Once achieved, however, this competence affords our attorney advisors highly coveted and otherwise unavailable employment opportunities, both within the agency and in prestigious private law firms throughout the country. FERC law clerks typically receive multiple job offers within weeks of becoming eligible to interview (after twenty two (22) months of service). As a general rule the starting grade for law clerks at FERC is GS 11, currently starting at $62,467, where one or more of the following apply: (1) Top third of law school graduating class. (2) Member, Law Review. (3) Member, Order of the Coif. (4) Winner of moot court competition; member of law school moot court team. (5) Full time or continuous participation in a legal aid program. (6) Significant summer law office clerk experience, particularly in the economic or energy regulatory fields. (7) Other equivalent evidence of superior achievement. Law clerks also receive such annual cost of living increases as may be approved by the Congress each January. In addition, if performing at the fully successful level at the end of the first year, the law clerk will be eligible for promotion to GS 12, currently starting at $74,872 (plus any cost of living increases). Interested candidates should submit an updated resume, two (2) writing samples, and law school and undergraduate transcripts, and an optional two references to: Office of Administrative Law Judges Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street, NE, Suite 11 F Washington, DC ATTN: Susie J. Waller, Administrative Officer Susie.Waller@ferc.gov PSLawNet Fellowship, Washington, DC Application deadline: February 29, 2012 The PSLawNet Fellow is the principal manager and administrator of the PSLawNet website. PSLawNet, which is housed at the NALP, is the nation's largest public interest law jobs database, and also includes detailed information on thousands of public interest and government employers, as well as a library of resources to aid job seekers. The Fellow has responsibilities for: development of online educational content, management of student interns, basic technology and data management, co editing the PSLawNet Blog, using social media to promote PSLawNet, interacting with NALP members, delivering presentations about the public interest job search, and

6 other tasks as they arise. Just before the PSLawNet Fellow begins work, NALP will launch a new version of PSLawNet. The fellow will play an integral role in marketing the new website, improving its functionality, and orienting website users to new features. The fellow reports to NALP's director of public service initiatives. The PSLawNet Fellowship provides a wonderful opportunity for a public interest minded law graduate who also has an interest in nonprofit administration and technology. Further, the fellowship offers a bird's eye view of the public interest arena for law graduates on public service career paths. Performance Expectations Content and Responsibilities of the Position Program Administration takes primary responsibility for day to day management of PSLawNet functions Supervises part time data entry staff (3 6 part time interns each semester), coordinates schedules and daily assignments Manages website content continuously updates substantive content, reviews work for accuracy and form, and performs some data entry as needed Oversees data management, including the maintenance of job listings and employer organization profiles on PSLawNet Responds to support requests from PSLawNet users, via telephone and Maintains relationships with administrators at law schools which subscribe to PSLawNet Technology Management Recommends and implements enhancements to website content and functionality Implements substantive and stylistic changes to PSLawNet web pages Interacts with PSLawNet's outside web development contractor to address website operation problems Manages PSLawNet's social media platforms, including The PSLawNet Blog as well as PSLawNet's presence on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn Education and Resource Development Plans the content and logistics for NALP's annual Public Service Mini Conference Produces NALP's Federal Legal Employment Opportunities Guide Researches and produces new PSLawNet content, and edits existing content Delivers presentations to law students, law school administrators, and public interest employers at job fairs, conferences, on campus events, and other events Submits original content for publication in NALP's monthly Bulletin Travel may be required 2 5 times during the fellowship. Qualifications The fellowship candidate will be a recent law school graduate with a demonstrated commitment to public service and should have: the ability to interact well with legal and other professionals at law schools and public service employer organizations; strong computer/electronic media skills (a basic understanding of HTML, web design, and database management or a background that would allow for quick learning in these areas is highly desirable); experience in the public service legal arena (strongly preferred); highly developed organizational and writing abilities; and

7 public speaking experience. S/he should also have demonstrated abilities to: work independently and be self directed; pay very close attention to detail; handle multiple tasks and deadlines; manage part time personnel (prior supervisory experience is preferred); and maintain friendly working relationships with colleagues Salary The salary range for the fellowship position is $48,000 50,000, annually, depending on qualifications. Benefits include medical and dental coverage, paid holidays and vacation. This one year fellowship will run from approximately mid August 2012 through mid August 2013, with a possible option to renew. Only candidates who can commit to a full year should apply. Application Instructions: a cover letter and resume to Steve Grumm at sgrumm@nalp.org Please write "ATTN: PSLawNet Fellow Search" in the 's subject line. The cover letter should detail experience in public interest work and with Web based technology/social media. Feel free to contact Mr. Grumm by phone/ with questions about the position. Candidates selected for further consideration will be asked to submit a writing sample and at least two professional references. The application deadline is February 29, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Constitutional Litigation Fellowship, Washington, DC Americans United for Separation of Church and State the nation's leading church state advocacy organization is accepting applications to join our seven attorney legal team for a one year or two year term as a Litigation Fellow starting in September We have a diverse litigation and amicus curiae practice addressing a wide variety of constitutional questions regarding religious activities in the public schools, government sponsored religious displays, and public financing of parochial schools and religious social service providers. Most of our cases are litigated in federal court and involve novel, cutting edge First Amendment questions. A Fellow's primary responsibility is to participate in all aspects of litigation before federal and state courts across the country, at the trial and appellate levels. Tasks may include conducting research, drafting pleadings and discovery, taking depositions, and writing trial level and appellate briefs; presenting oral arguments, questioning witnesses, and introducing evidence at the trial court level; working closely with clients and interviewing witnesses; communicating with co counsel and opposing counsel; participating in settlement negotiations; and screening incoming complaints and assisting with identifying new cases. Over the course of their term, a Fellow receives intensive training in trial and appellate litigation under the close supervision of our three experienced litigators. Eligibility and Requirements: Third year law students and recent law school graduates are eligible to apply. Applicants must have strong research, writing, and analytical skills and an interest in First Amendment litigation. Compensation: $52,000 to $55,000, depending on experience; excellent medical and other benefits. Please mail a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, writing sample, and the names of three references to:

8 Thelma Scott Legal Department Americans United 1301 K St. NW, Suite 850E Washington, D.C You may also e mail an additional copy of your application to legaljobs@au.org. No faxes or telephone calls please. Deadline: Open until filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply no later than February 29, For more information about Americans United's legal program, please access our website at Advising on the Go Asking Questions in an Interview An interview for a position is almost always broken down into the same three basic sections: greetings and introductions; substantive questions about the candidate; and questions for the interviewer. Candidate questions almost always end an interview. They are particularly important because they are how you can communicate sincere interest in the position and serve as the last impression that the interviewer will have of you. According to one local hiring director, the attorneys in her firm assume that a candidate is not interested in a position if they do not fill remaining interview time by asking questions. When developing questions for an interview, consider the following: Avoid questions that are easily answered in public information sources including the job posting or marketing materials Ask open ended questions ("what"/"how" not "why") Ask the interviewer's opinion about the employer including what drew them to the employer, what keeps them there and/or what they like most/least Ask follow up questions Ask questions that demonstrate your depth and breadth of knowledge about the organziation, practice or interviewer Ask questions that will get the interviewer talking, particularly about their own work as a lawyer For public interest and government employers, ask mission related questions Some examples of good interview questions specific to new attorney positions include: What types of assignments do your junior attorneys work on and how are assignments distributed? What is the process by which new attorneys are reviewed? How frequently are they evaluated? Could you tell me a little about how you ended up here? What are some of the cases on which you have recently worked? What types of assignments are your current new attorneys working on? Looking Ahead The Looking Ahead section will be updated each issue with information about upcoming CDO programs and other programs and events of interest to recent graduates and upcoming deadlines for fellowships or other opportunities for which you may be eligible. Upcoming Government Deadlines: For a table outlining a number of government opportunities available to recent grads and their respective deadlines, check the Arizona Government Honors and Internship Handbook for (username: snicker, password: doodle). The table can be found here:

9 12/Table5.cfm. Upcoming Fellowship Deadlines: The following list is not exhaustive. You should also regularly be checking PSLawNet for opportunities, including those with deadlines later in the fall. 2/22/2012 California Senate Fellows California State Senate 2/22/2012 California Executive Fellowship Program Center for California Studies 2/22/2012 Capital Fellows Program Center for California Studies 2/22/2012 Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship Program Center for California Studies 2/22/2012 Judicial Administration Fellowship Program Center for California Studies 3/1/2012 Fellowship Sponsor New York Civil Liberties Union 3/12/2012 Bernard L. Schwartz Legal Program New America Foundation 4/1/2012 LSC Legislative Fellowship Ohio Legislative Service Commission 4/2/2012 Steel Fellowship Pride Law Fund Upcoming Programs: BBA Trusts & Estates Series Through this series, the BBA subcommittee will identify and educate new practitioners about potential traps and pitfalls in estate planning. This will include a basic overview of legal technical knowledge required to be competent in this area as well as law practice tools, management and marketing concepts to build a successful Trusts & Estates practice over time. The series will provide a foundation so that, with interest and experience, new attorneys and attorneys in transition can benefit from other programming opportunities of the Trusts & Estates Section. The series is free and open to BBA members. 3/7/ & 709 Preparation: Practical suggestions on how to prepare the Gift and Estate tax return forms with highlights of common pitfalls and insights on how best to liaise with CPA's. 4/4/12 Death Bed Planning: Traps for the Unwary. 5/2/12 Retirement Benefits: Paying Attention to Beneficiary Designation Assets. 6/2/12 TBD Boston Bar Association New Lawyers Section Happy Hour Social February 23, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Howl at the Moon, 184 High Street, Boston, MA It's Happy Hour Somewhere.. and this February, please join the New Lawyers Section for their happy hour social at Howl at the Moon in the Financial District. When you arrive at the door, say you are with the BBA, New Lawyers Section, and you will get a wrist band which includes drink specials, free buffet, and the opportunity to enjoy a dueling piano show! One catch, you have to get there before 8pm to receive free admission. See you there! Contact: Patricia Johnson pjohnson@bostonbar.org Get Your Educational Loans Forgiven: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (webinar) February 23, 2012 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. For recent graduates with jobs in government or at a nonprofit, this webinar explains how to make sure you immediately begin fulfilling requirements to qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness so that your educational debt will be forgiven as soon as possible.

10 You will learn about: The importance of having the right kind of Federal Loans What you need to do to qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness How long it will take to have your educational debt forgiven Go here to register: 5th Annual Young Bar Meets Bankruptcy Bench Program March 12, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the BBA, 16 Beacon Street, Boston, MA Join the New Bankruptcy Lawyers Committee of the Bankruptcy Section at the 5th Annual "Young Bar Meets Bench" Event. Panelists from the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts will offer suggestions to the newest members of the bankruptcy bar. The panel will be followed by a cocktail reception. Speakers include the Hon. Frank J. Bailey, Hon. William C. Hillman, Hon. Melvin S. Hoffman, Hon. Joan N. Feeney and James M. Lynch, all of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Go here to register: details?id=9919 Online Reputation Management for Lawyers March 13, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the BBA, 16 Beacon Street, Boston, MA It's sound business advice to get online, and to market your practice. But, what happens if people start to say some not so nice things about you? How do you protect your online reputation against those who would assail it? This presentation will review the current online landscape, including an uncovering of the ways in which potential clients and others access negative information about you and your business. Most importantly, various strategies for managing negative online information will be addressed, including: creating and maintaining an effective web presence and utilizing search engine optimization techniques. Go here to log in to attend: details?id=8386. MBA Member Appreciation Reception March 29, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Citizen, 1 Exchange Street, Worcester, MA Join the Massachusetts Bar Association and Worcester County Bar Association at a Member Appreciation Reception and Networking Event from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Citizen, 1 Exchange St., Worcester. This event will feature passed hors d'oeuvres. Cash bar available. Space is limited; R.S.V.P. today at programs?p=2710. Boston Bar Association Solo & Small Firm Meet & Greet Every second Friday, from 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. at the BBA Solo and small sized firms do not hire on the traditional firm timeline or model, so they often need help from recent grads on a temporary or permanent basis. Meeting some of these practitioners is a great "in" to working in a firm of this type. Articles of Interest There's a Bloomberg Rising Interesting blog article about the Bloomberg's rise in the legal research industry. Foreign Law Firms Rush Into Korea Trend of U.S. based law firms opening offices in Korea, spurned by new trade agreements.