Stress exists in academia; there is no real way around that. But stress can be managed: it is best to harness its motivating potential so that it can encourage, rather than overwhelm, you.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Monday, November 4, 2013
Worried About Your Pro Bono Requirement?
Many students are concerned about fulfilling their 50 hour pro bono requirement. For a quick and easy resource to help find pro bono opportunities, please visit Probono.net.
Monday, October 21, 2013
When It Comes to Networking, Use What You Have
Networking isn't solely an exercise in chatting people up at
cocktail receptions or academic conferences. Networking can come in many forms;
you may have already established networking channels without having realized
it. The environment you create for yourself – be they in the classroom, study
groups, the workplace, or other extracurricular settings – can provide the
potential space to compare notes and explore opportunities. Although it is
always important to remain vigilant for new networking prospects, taking a “use
what you have” mentality towards networking can help you establish a base, and lead
you to realize that networking doesn't have to be an extremely daunting project.
Many networks endemic to the basic elements of your educational experience –
especially in the classroom – may go unnoticed and unexplored.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Deadlines
Higher education presents a time wherein academic and professional responsibilities are no longer mutually exclusive. Internships, practical experience, classes, conferences, and journals are all relevant to establishing yourself. These discrete components of education and employment may have different benefits for your career, but they all have one thing in common: a time frame. Deadlines are a crucial component of nearly every aspect of academic and professional life. Although deadlines are occasionally flexible, students and professionals negatively impact both themselves and others when they do not submit a paper, hand in a résumé, or RSVP for an important event in a timely manner. A few things to consider when dealing with a deadline:
Monday, September 23, 2013
How to Respond to an Email
By: Kandice Thorn
This may seem like a very rudimentary topic for a blog post, but I see (and, yes, occasionally even make) enough mistakes in this area that I think it is worth the reminder. In professional settings these days, email is our go-to mode of communication, whether we are setting up meetings, negotiating contracts, or applying for jobs. Thus, it is extremely important that our email communication always be professional, concise, and clear.
This post addresses common mistakes that people make when they respond to an email or email chain. You can use this list as a checklist until the concepts become habitual for you.
This may seem like a very rudimentary topic for a blog post, but I see (and, yes, occasionally even make) enough mistakes in this area that I think it is worth the reminder. In professional settings these days, email is our go-to mode of communication, whether we are setting up meetings, negotiating contracts, or applying for jobs. Thus, it is extremely important that our email communication always be professional, concise, and clear.
This post addresses common mistakes that people make when they respond to an email or email chain. You can use this list as a checklist until the concepts become habitual for you.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Facebook Follies
By: Kandice Thorn
As Google searches become a routine aspect of the interview process, it has become crucial for job seekers to know and control what information employers will be able to access about you. In particular, Facebook profiles seem to land a lot of candidates in hot water - virtually everyone has a Facebook account, and Facebook's ever-shifting privacy policies make your "private" information difficult to control. In this post, I will discuss some common "Facebook Follies," and then I will discuss how you can avoid them.
As Google searches become a routine aspect of the interview process, it has become crucial for job seekers to know and control what information employers will be able to access about you. In particular, Facebook profiles seem to land a lot of candidates in hot water - virtually everyone has a Facebook account, and Facebook's ever-shifting privacy policies make your "private" information difficult to control. In this post, I will discuss some common "Facebook Follies," and then I will discuss how you can avoid them.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Resume Drafting: It's All About the Details
By: Kandice Thorn
What is the purpose of a resume? Most people would answer that the purpose of a resume is to convey your credentials to a potential employer. While this is true, the purpose is actually much broader than that. Your resume is also a sample of your very best work.
An employer who reads your resume is not just looking at the content, but is also looking at the resume's composition for attention to detail, organization skills, and professional judgment. Having a resume that demonstrates these skills can land you an interview even if your background is not a perfect fit for the position; likewise, even if you have the ideal credentials, sloppiness can land your resume in the "no" pile. Think of it like interview attire: if you show up to an interview in your pajamas, it doesn't matter what you say in the interview, you aren't getting the job!
What is the purpose of a resume? Most people would answer that the purpose of a resume is to convey your credentials to a potential employer. While this is true, the purpose is actually much broader than that. Your resume is also a sample of your very best work.
An employer who reads your resume is not just looking at the content, but is also looking at the resume's composition for attention to detail, organization skills, and professional judgment. Having a resume that demonstrates these skills can land you an interview even if your background is not a perfect fit for the position; likewise, even if you have the ideal credentials, sloppiness can land your resume in the "no" pile. Think of it like interview attire: if you show up to an interview in your pajamas, it doesn't matter what you say in the interview, you aren't getting the job!
Monday, August 26, 2013
The 50-Hour Pro Bono Requirement for the New York Bar
by: Kandice Thorn
UPDATE: The same day that this post was written, the Court of Appeals updated it's guidance with respect to the timing of the 50 hours for LL.M. students. See "Can I Complete it Before Beginning the LL.M. Program?" below for the updated information.
As most of you know, the New York Court of Appeals recently approved a new rule that requires all applicants to the New York bar to complete 50 hours of pro bono service prior to admission. I hope this post will alleviate some of the confusion surrounding this new requirement.
UPDATE: The same day that this post was written, the Court of Appeals updated it's guidance with respect to the timing of the 50 hours for LL.M. students. See "Can I Complete it Before Beginning the LL.M. Program?" below for the updated information.
As most of you know, the New York Court of Appeals recently approved a new rule that requires all applicants to the New York bar to complete 50 hours of pro bono service prior to admission. I hope this post will alleviate some of the confusion surrounding this new requirement.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Goal-setting for the New Year
By: Kandice Thorn
The beginning of a new school year is always an exciting time. Like at the start of the calendar year, I remember making "resolutions" at the beginning of each academic year. This will be the year that I would keep up on all my assignments! I will start outlining for each class in October! I will get involved in lots of extracurricular activities! It was a new beginning and I could become the perfect student I had always wanted to be.
The beginning of a new school year is always an exciting time. Like at the start of the calendar year, I remember making "resolutions" at the beginning of each academic year. This will be the year that I would keep up on all my assignments! I will start outlining for each class in October! I will get involved in lots of extracurricular activities! It was a new beginning and I could become the perfect student I had always wanted to be.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Graduation, Bar Results, and Summer Break
By: Kandice Thorn
Whew! This year has flown by, and I can't believe summer is already upon us. This will be my last blog post of the academic year, as I will be taking a break from blogging over the summer. Keep your eyes open in August, though, when I promise I will return to delight you with more nuggets of career-advising wisdom! And if you get really itchy for more advice while I'm gone, I urge you to explore the blog and read past posts that may be of interest.
For my final blog post of the year, I have messages for three different groups of people: (1) students who will be graduating on Sunday, (2) alumni who have just found out their February bar results, and (3) students who are currently finishing up this semester and will be returning to us in the fall.
Whew! This year has flown by, and I can't believe summer is already upon us. This will be my last blog post of the academic year, as I will be taking a break from blogging over the summer. Keep your eyes open in August, though, when I promise I will return to delight you with more nuggets of career-advising wisdom! And if you get really itchy for more advice while I'm gone, I urge you to explore the blog and read past posts that may be of interest.
For my final blog post of the year, I have messages for three different groups of people: (1) students who will be graduating on Sunday, (2) alumni who have just found out their February bar results, and (3) students who are currently finishing up this semester and will be returning to us in the fall.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Should I Accept a Position as a Paralegal?
By: Kandice Thorn
"Should I accept a position as a paralegal?"
This is a question I get a lot from students and alumni looking to get a foothold in the challenging U.S. legal job market. Job seekers realize very quickly how competitive attorney positions are, and those who are especially intent on staying in the U.S. begin to look for ways to broaden their job search. In this context, the question of paralegal positions often comes up.
"Should I accept a position as a paralegal?"
This is a question I get a lot from students and alumni looking to get a foothold in the challenging U.S. legal job market. Job seekers realize very quickly how competitive attorney positions are, and those who are especially intent on staying in the U.S. begin to look for ways to broaden their job search. In this context, the question of paralegal positions often comes up.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Dream Jobs, Match Jobs: How to Conduct an Efficient Job Search
By: Kandice Thorn
In the U.S., when we apply to college, we are told to look at three kinds of schools: "Dream Schools," "Match Schools," and "Safety Schools." Dream Schools are, of course, the schools we really really want to go to, but have basically no shot at getting into. Safety Schools are those that we can be reasonably certain to be admitted into with no problem. Match Schools are those that are a good match for our credentials, and thus we have a reasonable chance of admission. Students are told that they should apply to a small number of Dream Schools and at least one or two Safety Schools, but that the majority of their efforts should be focused on Match Schools.
While there are obvious differences between the college application process and the job search process, I do think there are some parallels to be drawn that may be helpful in formulating a successful job search.
In the U.S., when we apply to college, we are told to look at three kinds of schools: "Dream Schools," "Match Schools," and "Safety Schools." Dream Schools are, of course, the schools we really really want to go to, but have basically no shot at getting into. Safety Schools are those that we can be reasonably certain to be admitted into with no problem. Match Schools are those that are a good match for our credentials, and thus we have a reasonable chance of admission. Students are told that they should apply to a small number of Dream Schools and at least one or two Safety Schools, but that the majority of their efforts should be focused on Match Schools.
While there are obvious differences between the college application process and the job search process, I do think there are some parallels to be drawn that may be helpful in formulating a successful job search.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Finals Versus Networking
By: Kandice Thorn
Anyone who has ever met with me for career advising (and anyone who reads this blog) knows that my #1 piece of career advice is to build your professional network. Network in your professional life! Network in your personal life! Network in your sleep! Never stop networking!
Apparently, I have been successful in getting this message across, because several students have come to me recently to ask a very reasonable question: How can I network and study for finals at the same time?
Anyone who has ever met with me for career advising (and anyone who reads this blog) knows that my #1 piece of career advice is to build your professional network. Network in your professional life! Network in your personal life! Network in your sleep! Never stop networking!
Apparently, I have been successful in getting this message across, because several students have come to me recently to ask a very reasonable question: How can I network and study for finals at the same time?
Monday, April 8, 2013
Careers in Compliance
By: Kandice Thorn
Compliance has always been considered an "alternative" career for lawyers. Indeed, compliance positions generally do not require a law degree, however, because of the complex laws and regulations involved, a law degree is extremely helpful and many compliance professionals do have law degrees and law practice experience.
Because compliance is a field that is growing rapidly, even as the number of "lawyer" positions in the U.S. have decreased, compliance is quickly becoming a very attractive career for lawyers. Additionally, unlike most legal department positions, which are filled almost exclusively with lawyers coming from large law firm practice, compliance department positions hire from a broader spectrum, and even hire for junior and entry level positions (also unlike legal department positions, which tend to begin at a more senior level).
Compliance has always been considered an "alternative" career for lawyers. Indeed, compliance positions generally do not require a law degree, however, because of the complex laws and regulations involved, a law degree is extremely helpful and many compliance professionals do have law degrees and law practice experience.
Because compliance is a field that is growing rapidly, even as the number of "lawyer" positions in the U.S. have decreased, compliance is quickly becoming a very attractive career for lawyers. Additionally, unlike most legal department positions, which are filled almost exclusively with lawyers coming from large law firm practice, compliance department positions hire from a broader spectrum, and even hire for junior and entry level positions (also unlike legal department positions, which tend to begin at a more senior level).
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Informational Interviews, Part IV: How to Botch an Informational Interview (Don't Let This Happen to You)
By: Kandice Thorn
Rounding out our four-part post on informational interviewing, I thought it would be appropriate to address some of the common mistakes that people make in informational interviewing, so that you can avoid making them yourself.
Below, I give you the top seven ways to botch an informational interview.
Rounding out our four-part post on informational interviewing, I thought it would be appropriate to address some of the common mistakes that people make in informational interviewing, so that you can avoid making them yourself.
Below, I give you the top seven ways to botch an informational interview.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Informational Interviews, Part III: How to Conduct an Informational Interview
By: Kandice Thorn
The past few weeks, we have been discussing informational interviewing. As mentioned in these posts (see Part I and Part II), informational interviews are an incredibly useful and efficient networking tool. In the previous weeks, we discussed myths associated with informational interviewing and how to set up an informational interview. This week, we will discuss how to conduct the actual interview.
The past few weeks, we have been discussing informational interviewing. As mentioned in these posts (see Part I and Part II), informational interviews are an incredibly useful and efficient networking tool. In the previous weeks, we discussed myths associated with informational interviewing and how to set up an informational interview. This week, we will discuss how to conduct the actual interview.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Informational Interviews, Part II: Setting Up an Informational Interview
By: Kandice Thorn
Last week's post, Informational Interviews, Part I: Myth Busting, debunked some common misconceptions about informational interviewing. This week, we will discuss how to land an informational interview, including targeting people you would like to interview and setting up the interview.
Last week's post, Informational Interviews, Part I: Myth Busting, debunked some common misconceptions about informational interviewing. This week, we will discuss how to land an informational interview, including targeting people you would like to interview and setting up the interview.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Informational Interviews, Part I: Myth Busting
By: Kandice Thorn
Networking is arguably the most important thing you can do in your job search, and informational interviewing is an often overlooked, but extremely useful networking tool.
What is an informational interview? An informational interview is an interview set up for the purpose of information gathering. You are the interviewer, and the objective is to learn from your interviewee about the job market or about practice in a particular area of law, industry, or practice setting.
The one-on-one nature of informational interviewing has several advantages over forms of networking that involve large groups of people:
Networking is arguably the most important thing you can do in your job search, and informational interviewing is an often overlooked, but extremely useful networking tool.
What is an informational interview? An informational interview is an interview set up for the purpose of information gathering. You are the interviewer, and the objective is to learn from your interviewee about the job market or about practice in a particular area of law, industry, or practice setting.
The one-on-one nature of informational interviewing has several advantages over forms of networking that involve large groups of people:
- the absence of distractions provides an ideal setting in which to make a meaningful connection with someone;
- you have the time and opportunity to make a positive impression on the person with whom you are interviewing; and
- you can learn quite a bit about the field/job market you are seeking to enter.
In short, informational interviewing gives you a lot of networking bang for your buck. This blog post will respond to some myths about informational interviewing. Next week, I will discuss how to go about setting up an informational interview and the following week I will discuss how to conduct the interview itself.
Monday, February 25, 2013
What's Your Story? Mastering the "Elevator Pitch"
By: Kandice Thorn
"What do you do?"
"Tell me about yourself."
"What brings you to this [conference]?"
"Why are you interested in [international law]?"
All of the above questions, which may be asked in various settings, including interviews, networking events, or even more casual settings such as social gatherings, are a prompt for you to pull out your "elevator pitch."
"What do you do?"
"Tell me about yourself."
"What brings you to this [conference]?"
"Why are you interested in [international law]?"
All of the above questions, which may be asked in various settings, including interviews, networking events, or even more casual settings such as social gatherings, are a prompt for you to pull out your "elevator pitch."
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Set a Goal: Perfect Your Resume Before Spring Break
By: Kandice Thorn
If you haven't already done it, now is the time to get your resume polished and perfected!
Opportunities come up suddenly and often require a quick response. When someone says "send me your resume," you should be able to send it ASAP. If you aren't able to respond with your resume immediately, the person could think you are either uninterested or disorganized and you might miss out on a valuable opportunity.
If you haven't already done it, now is the time to get your resume polished and perfected!
Opportunities come up suddenly and often require a quick response. When someone says "send me your resume," you should be able to send it ASAP. If you aren't able to respond with your resume immediately, the person could think you are either uninterested or disorganized and you might miss out on a valuable opportunity.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Careers in International Public Interest Law
By: Kiran Chahal
For students interested in international public interest law, there is a breadth of rewarding opportunity. These opportunities exist at international organizations, international courts and tribunals, nongovernmental organizations, nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Should You Consider a Contract Attorney Position? Part II
By: Kandice Thorn
Last week, we discussed the pros and cons of contract attorney positions. This week, we will look at how to go about getting a contract attorney position if you decide to pursue this type of work.
Last week, we discussed the pros and cons of contract attorney positions. This week, we will look at how to go about getting a contract attorney position if you decide to pursue this type of work.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Should You Consider a Contract Attorney Position? Part I
By: Kandice Thorn
You have multiple law degrees. Good grades. Some relevant work experience back home. Yet, like so many others, you graduate and find that employment opportunities in the U.S. are very hard to come by, particularly for attorneys who do not hold J.D. degrees from U.S. law schools.
But then you hear of an opportunity: a large law firm is looking for contract attorneys with language skills in your native language. The pay is decent and you'll be working in the office of a prestigious firm. Sound too good to be true? Maybe.
You have multiple law degrees. Good grades. Some relevant work experience back home. Yet, like so many others, you graduate and find that employment opportunities in the U.S. are very hard to come by, particularly for attorneys who do not hold J.D. degrees from U.S. law schools.
But then you hear of an opportunity: a large law firm is looking for contract attorneys with language skills in your native language. The pay is decent and you'll be working in the office of a prestigious firm. Sound too good to be true? Maybe.
Monday, January 14, 2013
New Year's Resolutions
By: Kandice Thorn
It's never too late to make a New Year's resolution, is it? With the new semester starting, it may be a good time to consider some career-related New Year's resolutions.
The best way make your New Year's resolutions stick is to make your resolutions doable--small steps that will lead you to your ultimate goal, rather than lofty objectives that leave you wondering where to begin. Below we have taken some New Year's resolutions that don't work and reformulated them into achievable resolutions you can start doing today.
Hopefully the resolutions below will inspire you to create your own achievable resolutions.
It's never too late to make a New Year's resolution, is it? With the new semester starting, it may be a good time to consider some career-related New Year's resolutions.
The best way make your New Year's resolutions stick is to make your resolutions doable--small steps that will lead you to your ultimate goal, rather than lofty objectives that leave you wondering where to begin. Below we have taken some New Year's resolutions that don't work and reformulated them into achievable resolutions you can start doing today.
Hopefully the resolutions below will inspire you to create your own achievable resolutions.
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