Public Interest Checklist

Equal Justice Works has provided an excellent resource for students considering Public Interest Work. Click HERE to access the Loan Forgiveness For Public Service Employment Checklist. This extremely helpful Checklist provides information and resources for determining if your loans qualify for loan forgiveness. Other information includes resources for determining your loan balances and options for repayment.

Federal Staff Attorney Positions

If you are interested in working for the federal government, what better training then working for a federal judge? Opportunities for federal staff attorney positions are located nationwide and provide credible and meaningful opportunities for law students. For more information including contact information for Staff Attorneys By Circuit, click HERE.

Interesting In Interviewing?

Army JAG will be on campus next week and YOU may have an opportunity to interview. Army JAG will hold an informational session on Wednesday, January 21st and will interview first and third year students on Thursday, January 22nd. If you are interested in being considered, you must act quickly. Send an email to Lisa with a copy of your resume. Don't miss out!

Internship In Washington, DC

NALP seeks a law or graduate student to work full-time as its PSLawNet Summer Publications Coordinator, editing and producing NALP’s PSLawNet Comprehensive Fellowship Guide during the summer of 2009. The paid term of the employment period is approximately 10 weeks. The position is ideal for a law or graduate student who has editing experience and is interested in public interest law and/or nonprofit administration. The Publications Coordinator serves as an integral part of the PSLawNet team.

To continue reading more about this great opportunity, click here

Applications are due on March 30, 2009

Looking For A Job or Internship?

Law students looking for internships or jobs in the public interest and government sectors have a busy semester in 2009. A recent article in The National Law Journal, Resolutions for Job-Seeking Success, by William A. Chamberlain discusses ten tips students should keep in mind in 2009. The top ten pieces of advice are listed below and the the full list with descriptions can be accessed HERE.

1. Be persistent

2. Be creative

3. Be optimistic

4. Be patient

5. Be flexible

6. Be a good listener

7. Help others with (non-legal) issues in their lives

8. Use your analytical problem-solving skills

9. Establish and maintain connections

10. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, take care of yourself

Every month, the Washington Council of Lawyers publishes the Public Interest Jobs Clearinghouse, a monthly newsletter of public interest jobs in Washington, DC and across the nation. This month's postings include positions with

Office of the Attorney General, Tahirih Justice Center, Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Immigrant Rights Advocate, American Civil Liberties Union, Kids in Need of Defense, ABA Commission on Domestic Violence, Women Empowered Against Violence, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and others …

To access the full list and for more information, acess the document through the Symplicity Document Library or by stopping by the CSD.

Be Popular - Do Pro Bono Work

According to ALB Legal News, pro bono work is becoming increasingly popular as a way for lawyers to spend their time giving back to the community while staying busy during the slow times. Why not start the trend while in law school by volunteering some of your time to help the underrepresented or underserved? Completing pro bono work provides legal experience, hours towards graduation recognition and networking opportunities . . . all while helping others. Get involved today.

For more information about pro bono opportunities at Florida Coastal, click HERE.

The Experts Agree ... Network, network, network

Three professionals** recently commented on job search strategies for attorneys in today's economy. Their opinions are definitely worth a read including the emphasis on networking as the BEST way at obtaining a great position.

Networking is always first. I recommend that the majority of their time is spent in considering networking sources and actually networking. Especially in this market, it can be the most fruitful strategy. (Experts tell us that 70% + of all positions come through a contact.) Meetings can be helpful, but be selective. It is tempting for many people to spend the majority of their time on the job boards. This is a passive job search strategy and may only represent a strategy that leads to 10 - 15% of positions... to continue reading click HERE

**Kathleen Brady (Brady & Associates Career Planners, LLC)

Dr. Rachelle J. Canter (President of RJC Associates)

Marcia Pennington Shannon (Shannon & Manch)

The full ABA article is also available HERE.

Your New Year's Resolutions

With the New Year officially here, now is a great time to be thinking about how to approach your summer or full-time job search in 2009. Below are a 3 quick hints for resolutions to help you formulate your own personalized job search strategy.

In the New Year . . . I promise I will

1. Make an appointment with a Counselor in the CSD by emailing HERE. Remember, January and February are very busy months. Make it a priority to have your appointment EARLY.

2. Apply for the 2009 Legal Services Summer Fellowship Program. The deadline will be here VERY SOON (January 22, 2009)

3. Ensure that my intern and job searches are priorities in my life and will take full advantage of the resources offered from the CSD. (Hint: Symplicity is a great place to start!)

Sarasota Networking Opportunity For Law Students

Are you interested in interning or working in Sarasota? Mark your calendars for An Afternoon At The Courthouse sponsored by the Young Lawyer's Division on January 30th from 3-5PM. This FREE event includes information about the 12th Judicial Circuit as well as an opportunity for networking with local attorneys. What a great way to learn and meet people in the community where you want to practice! For more information including RSVP instructions, click HERE. Space is limited so sign up today.