Thursday, December 17, 2009

"Younger Well-Dressed Law Prof Notes Clothing Generation Gap"

A December 17, 2010 article in the ABA Journal Online, by Debra Cassens Weiss, talks about something of a male generation gap of style and fashion:

"Fashion observers are noting something of a clothing generation gap between baby boomer men given to wearing sloppy dressed-down duds and the younger generation of men who are embracing cutting-edge fashion.

Among the observers is Samuel Rascoff, a 36-year-old law professor at New York University who sports a tie and dress suit in the photo for his law school bio. “The fashion gene skipped a generation,” he tells the New York Times.

The Times notes that the hippie movement took pride in shunning the corporate look. “Now the tie is on the other neck,” the story says. “Today the well-off 55-year-old is likely to be the worst-dressed man in the room, wearing a saggy T-shirt and jeans. The cash-poor 25-year-old is in a natty sport coat and skinny tie bought at Topman for a song.”

* * *

To read the rest of the article, go here.

Nassau County Bar Association Bridge the Gap CLE

The Nassau County Bar Association and its Academy of Law presents:

Bridge-The-Gap: From Classroom Theory…to the Practice of Law

Saturday & Sunday, January 23 & 24, 2010
at the Nassau County Bar Association, 15 & West Streets, Mineola, NY

Tuition (includes breakfast and lunch)
• Recent law school graduates, attorneys admitted less than 2 years, law student: $245
• NCBA members admitted over 2 years: $375
• Non-members admitted over 2 years: $485
(single sessions are available)

For additional information, please call (516) 747-4464.

The 2010 Patent Law Interview Program

The 2010 Patent Law Interview Program will be held on Thursday, July 29 and Friday, July 30 at the Embassy Suites Chicago – Downtown/Lakefront at 511 North Columbus Drive in Downtown Chicago. This program is geared to students who are interested in large law firms throughout the country which practice exclusively in or have a large department in patent law.

STUDENT REGISTRATION

Student registration will begin online on Monday, February 15 and end on Monday, March 8. During that time, students will see a Register Now button on the student information page of the Program's website here. It is very important to register by the deadline, as late registrations will not be accepted under any circumstances.

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

The 2010 Patent Law Interview Program will be accepting registrations from:

JD students graduating in May/June 2011 (3Ls)
JD students graduating in May/June 2012 (2Ls)
JD students graduating in December 2010/January 2011 (3Ls)
JD students graduating in December 2011/January 2012 (2Ls)
Students in Intellectual Property LLM programs with anticipated graduation dates in 2011 and 2012 (LLMs)

Students who will graduate before the program is held in July 2010, and students who plan to graduate after May/June 2012, are not eligible for the 2010 Patent Law Interview Program.

IMPORTANT DATES

Keep these dates in mind for the 2010 Patent Law Interview Program:

Monday, February 15, 2010 - Student Registration Begins
Monday, March 8, 2010 - Deadline for Student Registration

Monday, April 19, 2010 - Students receive Symplicity passwords/bidding instructions
Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - Student Bidding Begins
Thursday, May 6, 2010 - Deadline for Student Bidding

Monday, June 21, 2010 - Initial interview schedules available on Symplicity

Monday, June 21
to Wednesday, June 23, 2010 - Interview Cancellation Period

Friday, June 25, 2010 - Final schedules available on Symplicity

Thursday, July 29
& Friday, July 30, 2010 - Patent Law Interview Program in Chicago

Again, the website for the Program is here.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Free Podcast: Networking During the Holidays

The American Bar Association Law Student Division presents:

Business Law and Young Lawyers:
Networking During the Holidays

A free podcast.

Before you head home for the holidays or hit the holiday party circuit, learn how to make the most of social events and family gatherings in advancing your career prospects.

Some of the questions covered:

• How can I most effectively follow-up with contacts I meet at holiday events and happy hours?
• What is the best way to subtly ask a family member for a job?
• When should I arrive at holiday functions, and how long should I stay?
• How can I express my interest in a new position while not speaking badly of my current one?
• What is the best way to transition a conversation from social topics to a more targeted job/internship focus?
• What is the best way to find out about networking and holiday events in my home town?
• What is the most appropriate way to contact those people in my network during the holiday season – should I send a gift, a holiday card, an email, etc.?
• How should I best prepare myself to attend networking functions during the holidays?
• How do I politely decline invitations to events?

To listen to the program, go here.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

NYSBA Program: Navigating the New Economy - Career Strategies for Lawyers

The New York State Bar Association presents:

The Fourth Annual Career Development Conference

conducted during the NYSBA 2010 Annual Meeting.

This year's topic:

Navigating the New Economy: Career Strategies for Lawyers

Monday, January 25, 2010
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Hilton Hotel
Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY

This is a free program.

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

Pre-registration is required.
You must register by January 20, 2010 here.

Join leading career and psychology experts as they discuss how to stay positive and focused on a job search in the current economy. An interactive and lively Q & A session is anticipated!

Moderator:

Rachel J. Littman
Assistant Dean for Career Development and External Relations Pace Law School

Panelists:

Lauren J. Wachtler, Esq.
Partner, Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, LLP
Chair, NYSBA Committee on Lawyers in Transition

Dr. Leslie Seppinni
Doctor of Clinical Psychology, Dr. Leslie’s “Excuse Free Living” philosophy focuses on “The 4 C’s: Curiosity, Conviction, Courage and Commitment”

Kelly Hoey
President, 85 Broads (www.85Broads.com)

Bruce Blackwell
President, Career Strategies International, Inc (www.careerstrategiesinternational.com)

Elena F. Kaspi, JD, MSW, CMC
President and Founder of LawScope Coaching, LLC (www.lawscopecoaching.com)

Free Networking Reception Following the Program
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

2010 Summer Fellowships in Labor Law

The Peggy Browning Fund provides unique opportunities for law students to work for economic and social justice. The Fund accomplishes this goal through a variety of activities, including the sponsorship of legal fellowships and workers' rights conferences for law students. In so doing, it is their belief that law students who are exposed to these positive experiences will have an increased understanding and appreciation for the issues facing workers and what representing working people is all about.

The Fund's Fellowship Program provides students with an opportunity to work for non-profit labor-related organizations. Their office works closely with participating law schools in soliciting qualified and committed students for their programs. Additionally, they provide networking and other support services to the selected Fellows. Each year the Fund brings the Fellows and their supervisors from the mentor organizations together for a half-day workshop. The mentor organizations present worker rights/labor issues facing their clients; students outline the work projects accomplished during their respective fellowships.

In 2010, The Peggy Browning Fund will support over 50 funded Summer Fellowships in labor-related organizations throughout the United States. The Summer Fellowship stipends are for a minimum of $4,500 per student for a ten-week employment period. In many cases Mentor Organizations will supplement the stipend.

Students interested in applying must submit applications both to the listed organization and to The Peggy Browning Fund. Applications must be received no later than Friday, January 15, 2010. The Fund aims to notify students selected for these positions in mid to late February.

For more information about these summer fellowships, go here.

Monday, December 7, 2009

The ABA's Fund for Justice and Education Project Fellows Program

During these challenging economic times, the ABA Commission on the Impact of the Economic Crisis on the Profession and Legal Needs and the ABA Fund for Justice and Education (FJE) have collaborated to create the FJE Project Fellows. The FJE Project Fellows program will provide meaningful volunteer experience for recent law school graduates who may be unemployed, underemployed or deferred and who would like to engage in substantive law-related activities. The experience of volunteering for these public service programs will allow Fellows to build their resumes, work with well-known lawyers and make professional connections, and produce substantive work for the public good. Substantive tasks may include editing newsletters and magazines, conducting research, assisting in planning conferences and panels, and outreach to direct beneficiaries of programs, among others. Fellows will be supervised by the staff director of the project for which they are volunteering. It is anticipated that Fellows will work remotely using their own computers, although it may be possible for Fellows located in Chicago or Washington, D.C. to volunteer in the ABA offices on occasion if space is available.

Prospective Fellows are asked to complete a short application, indicating preference for one of five categories of substantive public service programs supported through the FJE: 1) Access to Justice; 2) Children and the Law; 3) Public Education; 4) International Justice; and 5) Professionalism and the Profession. Through a matching process coordinated by the FJE with entity staff directors, Fellows will be assigned to a project. Every effort will be made to assign projects that align with stated preferences.

To register for this program, go here.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Nassau County Bar Association: Holiday Party

The Nassau County Bar Association has generously invited Touro Law Center students (whether or not you are a Bar Association member) to attend its annual holiday party on December 10, 2009. Any student who is interested in attending this fun and food-filled event, which is a great way to meet and network with attorneys, should email Director of Student Activities Marie Koch.

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Monday, November 30, 2009

Legal Services of New York City: Annual Recruitment Open House

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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

New York City Bar Association Career Search Support Group

On December 2, 2009, the New York City Bar Association will host Dr. Sylvan Schaffer and his career search support group. Dr. Schaffer has a unique approach that will help members cope with the emotional and psychological blocks related to job loss and job search. The support group will:

• Provide a forum for members to discuss the impact of job loss and job search on their daily lives

• Provide insight for members to overcome hurdles to job search, e.g., negative thinking, feelings of shame and diminished self-esteem, depression

• Address the "myths" of what a lawyer can or cannot do, e.g., temporary work, contract work

• Help members refocus their energy on a new venture before abandoning the profession

Dr. Schaffer will present some instructive material, coaching and skills training. There will be ample opportunity for the participants to discuss their particular needs and feelings regarding their situation. There is no fee to attend the group, but registration is required and is ONLY open to New York City Bar Association members.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 12 - 1 PM
House of the Association, 42 West 44th Street
Registration: This program is free of charge, however registration is required.

Interested in Criminal Law? Free CLE on Transgender Issues in the Criminal Justice System

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Monday, November 23, 2009

PSLawNet.org: The Essential Facts

PSLawNet is an incredible job search resource that contains a comprehensive database of over 12,000 public interest organizations, public interest law firms, and government agencies located throughout the United States and the world. Touro Law Center subscribes to the service and, as a result, Touro students and alums may access the database free of charge. Job seekers log on to the PSLawNet website and self register to create their own profile.

The database has two search features: (1) “organization searches,” which yield lists of organizations and agencies which focus in a particular practice area in a particular state, city, or metropolitan area; and (2) “opportunity searches,” which yield current postings for summer and school year internships, post-graduate jobs, and fellowships. In addition, the site contains numerous publications with career advice, summer funding sources, and a guide to federal legal employment opportunities.

We recommend starting with an organization search in order to find organizations that practice the kind of law and are located in the geographical areas in which you are interested. You may search by practice area, type of job (internship, fellowship, attorney), type of employer (public interest organization, government agency, etc.), and city, state or metropolitan region. The list that is generated from your search will contain information about the organization and a contact person to whom to address a cover letter. You will also see a link for each employer’s website.

While an opportunity search will yield actual job postings, not all organizations actively post jobs. Rather, they wait for resumes to come to them. Accordingly, you should apply to an organization even if no active job listing is posted on the website.

Please see Tom Maligno or any counselor in the Career Services Office for more information about PSLawNet.

Friday, November 20, 2009

A New Bar Exam Study Game: "Passing the Bar"

Touro Law Center alum Caryn Pincus (Class of 2006) has created a new board game to help those studying for the Bar Exam (and really anyone studying the Multistate Bar Exam practice areas). The game is called "Passing the Bar" and it is receiving national exposure.

Caryn is licensed to practice law in New York, New Jersey, and Florida. She graduated cum laude and received CALI Awards for Academic Excellence in Contracts II and Disability Law. She interned with the New York Appellate Division, First Department, the Suffolk County Attorney's Office, and Nassau-Suffolk Law Services. After graduation, she worked at a matrimonial and criminal law firm and subsequently with a commercial litigation firm.

Passing the Bar includes hundreds of flashcards on Multistate Bar Exam and legal trivia questions which players answer as they role the die and move their game pieces around the board to be the first person to reach the Admission Ceremony and get sworn in. Prior to being sworn in, however, a player must answer three professional responsibility questions. Additional flashcards may be purchased separately. The game looks like a lot of fun and a great addition to the more traditional ways to study for the Bar Exam.

For more information about the game and to place your order, go here.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

The 2009 Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements

The American Bar Association and the National Conference of Bar Examiners publishes the annual Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements, which sets out the rules and practices of all U.S. jurisidictions for admission to the Bar. This valuable resource can be downloaded for free here.

So, you passed the Bar Exam. Change your resume!

The July 2009 New York State Bar Examination results were recently announced, so it is time for those who passed the exam (woohoo!) to do a little resume updating.

Create a new section between your name/address header and the education section on your resume as follows:

BAR ADMISSIONS New York State (awaiting admission)

The "awaiting admission" designation lets employers know that you have passed the Bar Exam and are awaiting to be formally admitted to the Bar. In addition, include the fact that you are awaiting admission to the New York State Bar in the first sentence of your cover letter. Do not use "Esq." or any other honorific which might lead an employer to think you are actually admitted.

Please feel free to email your updated resume to a Career Services Office counselor to have it reviewed.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Be Aware: Some NYU Job Fair employers capping number of resumes they receive

Last year, many employers at the NYU Public Service Job Fair were inundated with resumes, with several employers receiving close to 2,000 applications for interviews. This year, a cap of 500 resumes will be enforced for those employers who request it. Accordingly, for capped employers, applications will be accepted from only the first 500 students who apply to the employer. The online system will work on a first come, first served basis. Once a capped employer has received 500 applications through the system, the system will tell a student seeking to apply to that employer that the employer is full and will not permit additional applications.

Accordingly, it is very important for a student who has a strong interest in an employer to register for the Job Fair and upload a resume to that employer as soon as possible. Registration for the Job Fair is now open.

To date, the employers listed below have requested to receive no more than 500 applications this year:

Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law
Federal Defender of New York for the Eastern District of New York
New York Attorney General’s Office
New York County District Attorney’s Office
Legal Aid Society — Criminal Practice
Legal Aid Society — Civil Practice
Legal Aid Society — Juvenile Rights Practice
Spivak Lipton

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

NY County District Attorney's Office Resume and Interview Workshop

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Tuesday, November 3, 2009

NYC Bar Program - Resume and Cover Letter Writing: Telling Your Story, Selling Yourself

The New York City Bar Association presents:

Resume and Cover Letter Writing: Telling Your Story, Selling Yourself


Monday, November 16, 2009, at 8:30 a.m.
at the House of the Association, 42 West 44th Street, NYC

featuring our own Margarett Williams, Director of Employer Relations.

In this competitive job market, your resume must be flawless. If you are looking to switch practice areas, or transition into a quasi-legal position, or simply need to update an old resume, come to this two-part program and listen to our panel of experts offer advice on general resume rules, crafting resumes for transition periods, and avoiding common mistakes. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to ask your own individualized resume questions in a breakout group led by one of our expert panelists. You will also receive guidance regarding cover letters and how to use them with e-mail submissions. You will leave this program with lots of ideas for improved and enhanced materials that will better tell your story and sell your talents.

Moderator:
PATRICIA MORRISSY, Chief Legal Recruiting Officer, Sullivan & Cromwell

Speakers:
GIL ALLISON, Senior Vice President, Right Management;
BRUCE BLACKWELL, President, Career Strategies International;
JESSICA SILVERSTEIN, Principal, Attorney’s Counsel;
JULIA HERR SMITH, President, Esquire Prep, LLC;
MARGARETT M. WILLIAMS, Director of Employer Relations, Touro Law Center

The fee is $15 for members, $25 for non-members.

To register, go here.

Monday, November 2, 2009

If It’s November, Think NYU Job Fair

Beginning November 1, students can register online for the NYU Public Service/Public Interest Job Fair. The Fair takes place in early February at NYU and hosts over 100 government and public interest employers offering both summer internships and post-graduate jobs. Registration is free and required to participate in the Fair. There is no penalty for registering for the Fair and then deciding not to participate, so you should register to reserve your right to participate. Once students have registered, they can upload resumes to specific employers and check interview schedules online.

The Fair is a public service job fair in the broadest sense. In other words, any employer who touches upon the public service – be they public interest organizations, government offices, or private law firms that do public interest work – can be at the Fair.

All first-year students are encouraged to register for the fair, as almost every employer that participates would provide excellent legal experience for a first-year law student. Remember, first-year students are looking for summer opportunities that are supervised by an attorney and provide legal research and writing or client advocacy work. The actual practice area engaged in by the employer is a secondary concern at this point in your legal career. There will be plenty of time over the next couple of years for you to focus your resume on particular practice areas in which you become interested.

Upperlevel students, particularly those interested in careers in public interest or government, should seriously consider registering for the Fair. Even “law firm bound” students should think about the Fair, as many of the participating employers could provide useful skills in many different practice areas.

To register for the Fair, go here.

Pursue Your Dreams, Manage Your Expectations

How many times does a person have to hear, “You can’t do that, don’t even bother” before he or she begins to believe it? Probably not as many times as we would like to think. In any event, it is not the kind of thing you should hear when you are planning your career, and you should not and will not hear it from a counselor at CSO.

Many students come to law school with certain dreams of a particular kind of legal career. Some of you may want a government career, others a career in a small to mid-size law firm on Long Island, some seek to open their own firm, others see themselves practicing in New York City at large law firms or with a different kind of employer, some seek to practice out of state entirely, while still others dream of being public interest lawyers. These dreams should be nurtured by a Career Services office, not ridiculed or, worse, destroyed.

When you meet with one of us, we will talk with you to develop a plan to obtain your dream job. We will talk about how best to prepare yourself while in law school, and we will discuss the kinds of opportunities that are out there after you graduate. We will strive to leave you with a clear idea of what you have to do to get yourself in a good position to accomplish your goal.

Effective career counseling does not end there, however, particularly in an economy which is, well, difficult. While we will plan with you the most direct path to your dream job, we will also talk about expectations and how to manage them. Like a doctor explaining the likelihood of success of an operation, you should be able to plan your life based upon real world facts. Therefore, once we plan the most direct path to your dream, we will talk about alternative roads to the same goal. This Plan B, Plan C, and maybe even Plan D will help you just in case Plan A does not work out. We should not take our eyes off the prize, but we will talk about different paths to obtain it.

So, the next time you meet with a CSO counselor, be sure to express yourself about your dream job. We will work on Plan A through Plan D so you are prepared to get to your goal, one way or another.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Happy Halloween!

The Court of Federal Claims Bar Association Law Student Writing Competition

The Court of Federal Claims Bar Association is pleased to announce the creation of its Law Student Writing Competition. All students enrolled in law school are eligible to participate in this competition. The winning entries will receive cash prizes and an opportunity to be published via the Association’s website. Entries may address any topic that lies within the procedure, substance, or scope of the jurisdiction of the Unites States Court of Federal Claims. The rules of the contest are posted here (scroll down). Entry deadline is December 31, 2009.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

"So You Want to Go Solo? You Sure?"

The November 2009 issue of the ABA Journal has an interesting article, written by Deborah L. Cohen, about "the tasks you need to master to live the shingle life." A portion of the article is reproduced below. Go here to read the entire article, and don't forget to read the comments for a few additional pearls of wisdom.

"As of 2005, some 62 percent of attorneys in private practice work as solo or small-firm practitioners, according to the most recent data avail­able from the American Bar Association. Those numbers likely have swelled and will continue to do so as law firms reorganize and re-evaluate their professional staffing needs.

What was once a calculated career decision has become a matter of survival for many. But wheth­er a lawyer can cut it as a solo is not necessarily a sure thing, experts say. Not all lawyers have what it takes.

There is no magic formula for building a successful solo practice. It takes planning, persistence, long hours, sweat equity and personal sacrifice.

So whether you’re in for the long haul or just staving off the bill collectors, here are some useful tips from experts and newly minted solos to help ease the transition."

New York City Bar Association Career Search Support Group

Due to demand, the City Bar is continuing to hold support groups for its members who have been affected by the current economic climate. The group will be led by practicing attorney, psychologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Einstein Medical School, Sylvan Schaffer. The meetings are not self-contained but continuous and progressive, so the participants should try to come for multiple sessions.

Dr. Schaffer has a unique approach that will help members cope with the emotional and psychological blocks related to job loss and job search. The support group will:

Provide a forum for members to discuss the impact of job loss and job search on their daily lives

Provide insight for members to overcome hurdles to job search, e.g., negative thinking, feelings of shame and diminished self-esteem, depression

Address the "myths" of what a lawyer can or cannot do, e.g., temporary work, contract work

Help members refocus their energy on a new venture before abandoning the profession

At each meeting Dr. Schaffer will present some instructive material, coaching and skills training. There will be ample opportunity for the participants to discuss their particular needs and feelings regarding their situation. The group will meet on Wednesdays from 12-1 PM at the House of the Association on the following dates: November 4, November 11 and December 2. There is no fee to attend these groups, but enrollment is restricted to NYC Bar Association members (so join), and registration for each date is required.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Law Students Should Participate in Legal Writing Competitions

Writing competitions are wonderful things. They motivate you to sharpen your research and writing skills on a topic of law you care about, and they allow you to show an employer that you have the discipline and skill necessary to do outstanding written legal work. In addition, should you happen to win, your paper is typically published in the journal of the organization that sponsored the competition, you are often invited to attend annual awards banquets on the house, and, of course, there are the cash prizes. Yes, cash money, sometimes running into thousands of dollars.

There are dozens and dozens of annual writing competitions sponsored by just as many organizations and covering a plethora of practice areas. In other words, there is a writing competition for just about everyone. Rather than reinvent the wheel and post them all here, a simple Google search yields good results. For example, you can go here and here. You also can visit bar association websites, such as the American Bar Association, to find other competitions.

We strongly encourage you to search out these writing competitions and dive into them. Winning papers create star power on a resume, and the coin you may receive for winning is, well, enriching.

Forward Thinking for Upper Division Law School Students

Sometimes, at about this time of year, upper class students ask assistant deans for career services where the summer and post-graduate jobs are. It’s a natural question, after all. I mean, fall on-campus interviewing usually concludes right about now and results in the hiring of relatively few students nationwide. So what about everyone else?

There is a natural tension between the needs of employers and the desires of law students. Only the largest of employers, employers with the resources to plan 6-9 months ahead, are in a position to hire summer interns and grads now. All other employers tend to put off hiring until they realize that they cannot afford to delay any further. Law students, of course, would like to move the issue of a summer or post-graduate job off their plate early, so they can focus on other matters, such as final exams or studying for the bar.

Historically, the equilibrium that is reached ends up yielding the following results: the vast majority of summer clerks and interns and a good-sized plurality of graduating students obtain their positions anywhere between February and July. In addition, depending upon the kind of work they are seeking, many graduating students will find jobs after graduation, the bar exam, or on learning that they passed the exam. Take it from me, who worked for a smaller law firm for more than 10 years, some law firms simply cannot afford to hire graduating students until they know the grad will soon be admitted.

So, what does all this mean? I’ll tell you what it means. It means that, at this time of year, patience is a virtue. There are plenty of things for you to be doing now to plan ahead, but actually applying for jobs is not one of them. Make an appointment to see a counselor before the end of this semester or early next semester to discuss your job search plan. Most of the problem during this time of year is the anxiety that accompanies not knowing when you are going to get a job. Talk to us and send the anxiety packing!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

"Writing Your Résumé: Tips from Leading Litigators"

The website of the Section of Litigation of the American Bar Association lists many very useful tips on resume writing from the litigators of the Section.

"Your résumé is often the first point of contact between you and your prospective employer. Writing an effective resume is a challenging task, but it need not be intimidating. We've compiled advice from leaders in the Section of Litigation who have risen through the ranks and have learned a thing or two about effective résumés along the way.

General Tips

* Nothing will hurt your employment chances more than a typographical error in your résumé. Lawyers have to be able to keep track of the little details.
* Be especially careful about your use of plurals and possessive as spellcheck won’t catch improper use.
* Although “memorandums” it not technically incorrect, the common usage in the legal field is “memoranda.”
* Your personal email address says something about you. If it is not a professional choice, such as your name, consider choosing a new email address.

. . ."

To read the remainder of this very good article, go here.

The ABA Section of Litigation Summer 2010 Judicial Internship Program

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Monday, October 26, 2009

Intellectual Property Legal Writing Competition

The Virginia Journal of Law and Technology, in conjunction with Altacit Global, is holding its 1st Annual Intellectual Property Law Writing Competition. The Topic for 2009 is “The varying treatment of patentable subject matter” (the paper should be a scholarly analysis of the topic and not just a global survey of patentable subject matter). Go here for for detailed information and to submit your article.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Career Planning for Evening Students

As an evening student, you may feel like there are not enough hours in the day to do all you have to do. We understand that balancing full- or part-time work, family and friends, community service activities, recreational activities, and school is not an easy task. The fact that you do it, and do it well, says a lot about your perseverance, strength, and skills.

Along with everything else on your plate, you should make time to evaluate your legal career objectives and begin implementing a career strategy. We have found that the sooner you implement a Personal Career Plan, a plan which you and your counselor work on together, the greater the likelihood of success in finding a fulfilling legal career upon graduation.

For those of you who have non-legal jobs, the first question you should ask yourself as you evaluate your career objectives is whether to leave your current position in pursuit of legal experience, or whether to keep your position and seek alternative ways to gain legal experience. For many, this is a very difficult decision, as you presently may be in a well-paying position with responsibilities that are challenging and satisfying.

Sometimes, a legal position you take while in law school will be lower paying, may have reduced fringe benefits (health insurance, life insurance, etc.), and may give you less responsibility than your current position. Keeping the non-legal job may keep the paycheck higher, but it may reduce your marketability when you graduate. Taking a legal job now may mean taking a pay cut short term, but it will increase your options upon graduation.

We have found that a good balance between these competing considerations is to attempt to make a transition from non-legal to legal employment at the beginning of your third year. In that way, you will have two years of legal experience, just as full-time students have that opportunity (since they do not generally work during their first year of law school).

However, such a transition will prove impossible for some. In that case, other avenues to gain legal experience must be explored with a counselor. Here are a few ways evening students can develop practical legal experience:

Examine Your Skills: Evaluate your skills, experiences, and expertise in your current non-legal position that may be transferable to the practice of law.

Law-Related Projects in your Present Position: Your employer may have a legal department that may be willing to assign you a short-term project involving legal research or writing. If your company does not have a legal department, consider whether there are other ways you could participate in legal-related projects, such as contract review or due diligence. Contact the person in your company in charge of legal matters to discuss this possibility.

Bar Association Activities: Become an active member of the Suffolk County, Nassau County, New York City, or other bar association in the geographic area in which you are interested in practicing (see links for these bar associations on page one). As an active committee member, you can network and work collaboratively with attorneys.

Volunteer/Pro Bono: One excellent way to obtain legal experience is through volunteering with a public service organization or government agency.

Law Journal and/or Publish: Writing a law-related article reflects your research and writing abilities. Write publishable papers on subjects that interest you, especially in areas that you want to specialize in later. Legal employers will recognize the time and commitment that goes into writing an article. You should also consider: Moot Court, serving as a Research Assistant, participating in clinical programs and/or externships, networking, conducting informational interviews, attending career panels, and joining student organizations.

Evening students need to make a special effort to consider how to gain legal experience before graduation. If you presently have a legal job, talk to a counselor to discuss if it is the right one for you to keep until graduation. If you do not have a legal job, consider making a transition at the end of your second year of law school. You need to stay in touch with your counselor to discuss these and other issues that arise during the course of your law school career.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Free Public Relations and Marketing CLE for Attorneys

On November 5, The Public Relations and Marketing Group (PRMG) will hold its “PR and Marketing for Lawyers” lecture at Trio Restaurant, located at 700 Patchogue-Holbrook Road in Holbrook. The lecture is from 12:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. and is free of charge for attorneys. Attorneys will receive one (1) Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit for ethics and professionalism for this three-hour program. The course is appropriate for both newly admitted and experienced attorneys.

The CLE lecture will be presented by PRMG’s Founder and President, John Zaher, an attorney. It will cover marketing; advertising; press conferences and press releases; public relations; practice development techniques; relationships with existing clients; Web site design, marketing and optimization; professionalism requirements, including an update on New York’s advertising rules; and the impact of Web 2.0 concepts — such as blogs and social networking — on lawyer marketing.

This program will provide attorneys with strategies to grow their practice while conforming to ethical requirements. In addition, those in attendance will gain practical tips for choosing marketing methods that are suited to their practice, personality and their means.

Registration and lunch will begin at noon. Please note that this lecture is open to attorneys only. Seating is limited to the first 35 persons.

To register, call (631) 207-1057, or e-mail: johnzaher@theprmg.com.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

You've Survived Your First Year of Law School: Now What? A Roadmap for Students

The New York City Bar Association presents:

Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 6:30 - 8 PM
House of the Association, 42 West 44th Street
Registration: This program is free of charge, however registration is required.

You’ve made it through the Socratic method, mandatory classes, outlining, and first-year finals. Now what? Come hear panelists discuss the ways in which you can continue to develop your skills and make yourself marketable. Panelists will cover topics such as important classes to take, the Bar Exam and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Test, internships, externships, clinics, study abroad programs, and Bar Association membership. A reception will follow and light refreshments will be served.

Speakers:

ANDREW CHAPIN, Director of Counseling and Public Interest Scholars, Fordham University School of Law

STUART D. SMITH, Director of Legal Recruitment, New York City Law Department

No fee required. To register, please RSVP to Jodi Savage at lspchairman@yahoo.com

Sponsored by:

Committee on Law Student Perspectives, Jodi Savage, Chair

Members of the Association and their guests are all welcome. The program is free.

Wonderful PSLawNet Resources in Public Interest/Service Law

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ABA Recession Tools for Students/Alums

The American Bar Association has dedicated a portion of its website to various resources for law school alums (and students) to deal with the economic downturn. The resources include Job Search/Networking, Career Transitioning, Practice Management, Professional Development, Stress Management, and others.

To access these recession tools, go here.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Doing Nothing is Not an Option - NYSBA Lawyer Assistance Program

To help lawyers better manage their careers during this tough economy, the New York State Bar Association Committee on Lawyers in Transition is continuing its series of free, live webcasts to guide attorneys as they search for new jobs, revise resumes, brush-up on their interview skills and contemplate career changes.

The 2009 Career Development live webcasts are free to all attorneys, but pre-registration is required. If you miss a session, the recorded archive of the program can be viewed on demand here.


Doing Nothing is Not an Option -
NYSBA Lawyer Assistance Program


Thursday, October 15, 2009
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. (ET)

Presented by:

Larry Zimmerman, Esq.
New York State Bar Association
Lawyer Assistance Committee Chair

Hon. Sallie Krauss
Brooklyn Bar Association
Lawyer Helping Lawyer Committee Chair

Eileen Travis, LSW
New York City Bar Association
Lawyer Assistance Program Director

Patricia Spataro, LMHC, CEAP
New York State Bar Association
Lawyer Assistance Program Director

The current economic crisis is causing lawyers tremendous concern and stress. Stress can trigger or exacerbate mental health problems. Even without the additional stress of hard times attorneys tend to be more prone to alcoholism and depression than the general population. Taking care of your emotional well-being as well as your financial well-being is critical. Prevention and early intervention are vital to dealing with this widespread crisis in the legal profession. It is important to understand the signs and the symptoms of emotional problems as well as deal with stress. Identifying effective strategies for confronting the risks will help prevent the addiction and mental health issues that plague lawyers.

Register online here.

Are you in the NYC area? Attend in person.

If you are in the New York City area, and would like to attend the live sessions in person, please contact Kathy Suchocki, Staff Liaison to the Committee on Lawyers in Transition at (518) 487-5590 or ksuchocki@nysba.org. The sessions are broadcast live from Mitchell, Silberberg & Knupp LLP, Office of Committee Chair, Lauren J. Wachtler, Esq. Live attendees are asked to arrive by 11:30 a.m. A light lunch will be provided. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Register here.

Monday, October 12, 2009

NYC Bar Association Program on Solo and Small Firm Practice

The New York City Bar Associationis holding a full day Symposium on Small Firm Practice on November 5, 2009, entitled “Jumping in and Staying Afloat in Your Solo or Small Firm Practice”. Its focus is on how solo and small firm practitioners can start up, maintain and grow their firms most efficiently during a tough economic climate.

The Symposium will be held at the House of the Association at 42 West 44th Street in NYC. It will last from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. The workshops, which will be divided into two tracks, will include information on office space, entity choice, tech support, equipment, marketing and networking “on and offline” and finance. There will be workshops on how to properly maintain escrow accounts, achieve a work-life balance and join the Legal Referral service at the New York City Bar. In addition to attending the sessions aspiring solos and small firm owners can get advice from the Small Business Administration, discuss their office needs with vendors who cater to small law firms, and brainstorm with experienced solo practitioners in our “Seasoned Solo” Drop-In Center.

Most of the workshops will last 45 minutes and will provide participants with helpful handouts and checklists to use in their practice. The cost of attendance is $25 for New York City Bar members ($50 for nonmembers) and includes admission to all workshops, exhibit hall, breakfast, lunch and the music reception. To register, go here.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

The 12th Annual Entertainment Law Initiative Writing Competition

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION GRAMMY FOUNDATION presents

The 12th Annual Entertainment Law Initiative
Writing Competition


Co-Sponsored by
The ABA Forum on the Entertainment and Sports Industries
with additional support from Westlaw

The ELI Essay Competition invites law students focusing on the entertainment practice to write a 3,000-word paper on a compelling legal topic facing the music industry today. The contest culminates with the winning student authors presenting their essays at the prestigious ELI luncheon on January 29, 2010.

Awards:
First Place Winner Receives $5000
Four Semifinalists Receive $1,500

All Winners receive:
One GRAMMY Awards Show Ticket
Round Trip Airfare to the GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles
Hotel Accomodations
Ticket to The MusiCares Person of the Year Tribute Dinner

Submission deadline is Jan 4th, 2010
Winners will be announced on January 22, 2010

For a complete listing of competition rules, and ELI Writing Competition Workshops go to the Entertainment Law Initiative page on Facebook.com. Simply search for "The Entertainment Law Initiative" or just go here.
If you are not a Facebook user simply send an e-mail to eli@grammy.com

The GRAMMY Foundation's Entertainment Law Initiative (ELI) was conceived as a means to recognize and further develop the bond between the legal profession and the recording community with the goal of resolving issues confronting the music industry. One of the premier educational initiatives of ELI is the national legal writing contest and scholarship program, which is co-sponsored by the American Bar Association. Law students from across the country are invited to research, analyze and submit essays regarding important issues facing the industry.

Minority Corporate Counsel Program - Law Student Volunteers Needed

This program presents a great opportunity to network with attorneys who work in general counsel offices of corporations.

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Tuesday, October 6, 2009

How to Apply for Jobs with the NYC Legal Aid Society

We received the following information from the New York City Legal Aid Society regarding the procedures students should use to apply for positions with this organization.

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Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Federal Government Agencies Inundated with Applications from Law Students

The Government Honors and Internship Handbook provides listings of federal and other government agencies and their summer and post-graduate legal hiring needs and application procedures. In an economy which has put a crimp in larger firm hiring, government agencies have been overwhelmed with applications for semester, summer, and post-graduate jobs.

Recently, we received an email from someone in-the-know about how at least one federal agency has felt the crush. That email is paraphrased below:

The Department of Health & Human Services Office of General Counsel in the Children, Families and Aging Division has been inundated with student applications -- not only for Spring but looking ahead to Summer (deadline for Summer would have been December 31st ). The Office has pulled its entry from the Handbook even though its previously stated deadline has not yet arrived. In addition, the Federal Trade Commission has taken similar actions. It appears that some federal employers may be unprepared to handle the large number of applications they will receive this year, due to reduced hiring in the private sector. They may also be surprised by the number of students willing to commit this early in the year for a Summer position. Which leads to an issue students should remember: they are as honor-bound by a commitment to a government employer as they would be when accepting a job offer from a law firm.

Accordingly, if you are interested in federal government employment, the best advice is to apply as soon as possible, as there is no guarantee that a federal agency will keep its application period open for the time it has previously announced.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

American Immigration Lawyers Association Symposium in NYC

The American Immigration Lawyers Association, the premiere national association of immigration lawyers, will be holding its 12th Annual NY Chapter Law Symposium on December 1, 2009 at the NY Marriott Marquis. This one day program, entitled “Setting the Stage for a New Era in Immigration Law Practice”, is designed to benefit the seasoned immigration practitioner, new graduates seeking to enter the field, and law students (there is a special symposium rate for law students). John T. Morton, Assistant Secretary, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has been invited to provide the morning keynote address to attendees.

Morning panels include discussions of local and national updates, the new NY ethics rules, and tax/financial issues. The afternoon will be split in two tracks. The first will focus on practice management and specific immigration issues, covering topics like using social media to advance your practice, starting a solo practice, employer compliance and criminal issues in an immigration context. Track two consist of a series of workshops, covering Notices to Appear, difficult consular issues, PERM updates and a mock adjustment interview. For more information, go here.

Any law student who is serious about immigration law should be a member of this organization.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Free Webcast: Think Small! Learning About and Locating Positions in Small Law Firms

The New York State Bar Association presents a free live webcast:

Think Small!
Learning About and Locating Positions in Small Law Firms

Wednesday, September 16, 2009
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Presented by:
Ronald W. Fox, Esq.
Legal Career Counselor
Career Planning for Lawyers

For many years, if not decades, there has been an intense focus on large law firms as if they represent the entire legal profession. The lack of openings within large law firms makes this a most appropriate time for lawyers and law students to realize that there are many options in small law firms.

This program is targeted to lawyers who are dissatisfied, underemployed, unemployed, and recent graduates and law students who are planning their careers.

During this two hour workshop you will:

* learn the fundamental principles of career planning, especially the importance of knowing one’s goals and values;
* discover the options, diversity and benefits of practice in small law firms;
* understand the difference between applying for jobs and searching for openings;
* learn to draft a targeted resume/brochure; and
* gain techniques to successfully market and promote oneself.


While the program is free, pre-registration (ASAP) is required here.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

New York Bar Foundation Fellowships

The New York Bar Foundation has fellowships available for law students. The fellowships will take place in 2010 at public service or other nonprofit organizations in New York State.

Although an organization must apply for a grant to fund the fellowship, law students should contact a qualifying organization to encourage it to submit a grant application and to discuss participating in the fellowship if funding would become available. The deadline to submit grant applications is October 15, 2009.

Guidelines for The Joan L. Ellenbogen Memorial Fellowships, The Intellectual Property Law Section Fellowships, and The Real Property Law Section Minority Fellowship are here. The Board of Directors of The New York Bar Foundation will review applications and determine grant awards at its January 30, 2010 meeting.

Student Health Law Conference Explores Career Opportunities

The American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics (ASLME) is holding its Third Annual Student Health Law Conference hosted by Seton Hall University School of Law in Newark, New Jersey, on Friday, October 16, 2009 from 8:30am to 5:00pm.

This conference, which is attended by law students from law schools throughout the country, seeks to expose law students to the myriad career paths for attorneys in health and life sciences. The conference provides an introductory session on health law, panels on a variety of employment opportunities in health law, and a networking reception with the conference speakers. In the past, over 180 law students from dozens of law schools as far as the west coast have attended the conference. Career paths that will be represented include academia, compliance, private firms, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, drug and device companies, health insurers, and hospitals. Our speakers for this year's conference have been chosen for their health law expertise. They know the hiring process both as prospective employees and as employers. They are well suited to provide support and guidance to the next generation of health attorneys during these tenuous economic times.

For more information about the conference, go here.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

2010 Presidential Management Fellow Application Deadline

The Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) Program is a premier program for federal government leadership development and provides two-year Federal Government Fellowships. Graduate students from all academic disciplines, including law, who expect to graduate between September 1, 2009 and August 31, 2010 are eligible to be nominated by their schools for the upcoming 2009 application period. The application for the PMF Class of 2010 is expected to open October 1, 2009 and close October 15, 2009. However, if you are interested in being nominated, you must submit a resume and a one page statement of interest for the position to Erica Edwards-O’Neal in the Career Services Office no later than Thursday, September 17, 2009.

For more information, learn about the program here.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Student Debt Relief Webinars Online

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Monday, August 31, 2009

Equal Justice Works Job Fair: Student Registration from August 31 - September 11

The Equal Justice Works Public Service Career Fair will be held on October 24 and 25, 2009, in Washington, D.C. The Fair (and associated conference) provides a remarkable opportunity for students (first-year students may not interview) and alums to interview and network with scores of public service legal employers.

Student Sign Ups Open Monday, August 31!

Students interested in attending the 2009 Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair may sign up for a Symplicity account and submit their cover letter and resume beginning Monday, August 31.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the registration instructions and tips.

Signing up for a Symplicity account is free. Most student registrations to attend the Conference and Career Fair will be free. To sign up:

1. Create a Symplicity account here. This registration is separate from your JACOB account at Touro.
2. Confirm your email address by clicking on the link that is emailed to you.
3. Update your profile information under "Profile."
4. Upload a cover letter, résumé and transcript, if applicable. Please note that you may not upload writing samples into the system. Bring these to the interview with you.
5. Register to attend the Career Fair under "Events." You must register in order to be admitted into the Conference and Career Fair. A Symplicity account does not constitute as registering.
6. Submit applications to employers through Symplicity.
For more information and for tips on how to have a successful Conference and Career Fair, visit Equal Justice Works' website here.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

100 Great Interview Questions

Monster’s SalesHQ.com site, a community for sales professionals, has published a list of 100 interview questions which candidates should be prepared to answer. While not all of these questions would be appropriate in a legal interview, knowing how you would answer them will help you answer other questions you might be asked and also keep you more comfortable and confident during an interview.

Go here for all 100 questions, but a few of the more interesting/challenging/are you kidding me? questions are reproduced below.

Tell me about yourself. (I know, not really a question, but still.)

Why do you want this job?

What are you most proud of?

How would you describe your work style?

What can you do for us that other candidates can’t?

How do you want to improve yourself in the next year?

Can you describe a time when your work was criticized?

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in school?

Sell me this pencil.

If I were your supervisor and asked you to do something that you disagreed with, what would you do?

What kind of goals would you have in mind if you got this job?

List five words that describe your character.

If you had to choose one, would you consider yourself a big-picture person or a detail-oriented person, and why?

Back to School—Another Degree May be the Key to Your Career?

The New York City Bar Association Presents:

Back to School—Another Degree May be the Key to Your Career
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 6:00 PM

Registration:
NYC Bar Member Price : $15.00 Register
Non City Bar Member Price : $25.00 Register

"Many attorneys either have another degree they aren’t using in their current practice or have thought about going back to school for an additional degree. While there are good reasons to pursue another degree and such additional education can be the source of career inspiration, it is not the right path for everyone in every case. Come hear panelists who have earned degrees in other disciplines share their experiences and views on when it makes sense to go back to school and which types of programs (full-time, part-time, online, certificate programs, etc.) may be right for you and your circumstances. The panel will also address the impact that additional non-legal education can have on your career, including targeting a job search, enhancing your effectiveness as an attorney, or changing careers entirely."

Moderator:
ELENA KASPI, President, Lawscope Coaching

Speakers:
STEPHANIE L. JONES, Vice President and General Counsel, WEA Enterprises, Inc.

FRANK LORD, IV, Herrick, Feinstein LLP

STEVEN J. RIZZI, Foley & Lardner LLP

New Grads: A perfect opportunity to expand your network of contacts

The New York City Bar Association is commencing its program series for law school grads and new lawyers with its annual Young Lawyers Connect Kickoff Reception. Here's the Bar Association's description:

"Please join us to celebrate the launch of the second annual First Thursdays Series – the monthly social events where young attorneys can build their personal and professional networks. Meet fellow attorneys, CPAs, and other young professionals while enjoying beverages from Heartland Brewery, Glenrothes, and Root:1 wines, hors d'oeuvres, and the chance to win great door prizes."

Thursday, September 10, 2009 6:30-8:30 PM

$15 for City Bar Members
$30 for Non-Members

Click here to register online for this event.

For more information about the Bar Association's Young Lawyer's Connect series of programs, go here.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Five Impediments (to Overcome) When Working a Room

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NYS Loan Forgiveness Program Now Extends to Public Interest Lawyers

Previously, this program only applied to attorneys working in a District Attorney's office.

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For more information about the program, go here.

To apply for the program, go here.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Touro Professor Jonathan Ezor's Webinar: "Twitter from a Law Prof's Persepctive"

Touro Law Center Professor Jonathan Ezor's Webinar, "Twitter from a Law Professor's Perspective," is now available free online here.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Fordham Law School Bans Reed Smith from OCI for Five Years

Fordham Law School has banned the megafirm Reed Smith from interviewing on campus for five years for withdrawing from its commitment to interviewing students after students had submitted applications and the interview schedule had been prepared.

More from the National Law Journal:

"... Fordham University School of Law Dean William Michael Treanor found the timing of Reed Smith's decision to pull out of on-campus interviewing at the school to be unprofessional. And, in response, he banned the firm from interviewing on the campus for five years. The Legal Intellingencer obtained a copy of the memo, sent to students Wednesday, from the law school.

According to the memo, Reed Smith informed Fordham that it would be pulling out of recruiting after the school had already issued its interview schedule to students. That meant some students used up a valuable interview slot. Treanor said Reed Smith still planned to have a 2010 summer program but was withdrawing from interviewing at a few schools.

* * *

Treanor began his memo by talking about how ethics and professionalism are at the heart of the legal profession. He concluded the memo by writing that the school expects its students to act with the utmost professionalism and it expects employers to do the same.

Michael B. Pollack, global head of strategy at Reed Smith, said this certainly isn't a situation the firm was looking for and he suspects the ban isn't a good situation for the firm or the students. He said he hopes Treanor would reconsider."

For the full article, go here.

NYS Bar Partners with Courts to Create Pro Bono Clerkship Program

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Monday, August 17, 2009

The Nassau County Bar Association WE CARE Diversity Law School Scholarship

The Nassau County Bar Association is providing the WE CARE Diversity Law School Scholarship to a deserving Touro Law student scheduled to graduate in May 2010.

Please submit a resume and one page essay explaining how you plan to promote diversity as you come into the profession in Nassau County. The essay is due on August 28, 2009. Please send the essay as a Word document to Touro's Director of Student Services and Scholarship Aid Marie Koch at mkoch@tourolaw.edu or deliver a hard copy to the Office of Student Services, room 302.

*Prior recipients are not eligible for this scholarship.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Student Debt Relief Webinars

Connecticut Changes Bar Exam (NYers no longer can take it at the same time)

The Connecticut Bar Examining Committee recently voted to change the essay portion of its Bar Examination.

Beginning in February 2010, up to half of the essay portion of the exam will be drawn from the Multistate Essay Examination as produced by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. As a result, the CT Bar Examination will no longer be administered on Wednesday and Thursday, but will instead be administered on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Thus, it will no longer be possible to sit for certain bar exams concurrently with CT, such as NY; however, individuals will now be able to sit concurrently in other jurisdictions where this was previously impossible, such as MA. More information can be found here.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

New York Bar Foundation 2010 Law Student Fellowships

The New York Bar Foundation is pleased to announce fellowships available for law students. The fellowships will take place in 2010 at public service or other nonprofit organizations in New York State. Although an organization must apply for a grant to fund the fellowship, law students should contact a qualifying organization to encourage it to submit a grant application and to discuss participating in the fellowship if funding would become available. The deadline to submit grant applications is October 15, 2009.

Guidelines for The Joan L. Ellenbogen Memorial Fellowships, The Intellectual Property Law Section Fellowships, and The Real Property Law Section Minority Fellowship are listed here.