Wednesday, October 27, 2010

National Resources Defense Council 2L Summer

Application deadline is November 15; hiring is done on a rolling basis, so please don't delay.

Summer legal internships in SF, LA, CH, NY or DC with one of the nation's most prominent environmental advocacy firms.

See www.ndrc.org/jobs for details and application instructions.

Nov. 3 State Department Summer Intern Deadline

The State Department Summer Intern Program application deadline is 8:59 p.m. Pacific Time on November 3. Job description and application instructions may be found at:

http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=90717417

This program is attractive to lawyers and non-lawyers alike. Openings are available both domestically and abroad. Get your foot in the door at State, get international experience, build up your international professional credentials.

It takes some time to fill out the application and specify location preferences and make other selections, so please don't delay.

Monday, October 25, 2010

ABA Mendes Hershman Student Writing Contest

The ABA Business Law Section is sponsoring its 25th Annual Mendes Hershman Student Writing Contest to encourage and reward law student writings on a business law subject of general and current interest.

Awards
- First Place: $2,500
- Second Place: $1,000
- Third Place: $500

All winners will be invited and subsidized to attend the Section Spring Meeting 2011 in Boston, MA to receive their award.

Submission Process
Papers will be judged on research and analysis, choice of topic, writing style, originality, and contribution to the literature available on the topic. Papers submitted are normally 20-30 pages long, but should not exceed 100 pages of double-spaced typed text, including footnotes. Students need not be members of the Business Law Section to participate.

All entries must be submitted electronically by January 14, 2011. For more information click here.

ABA Business Law Diversity Clerkship Program

The Business Law Diversity Clerkship Program encourages students to pursue business court clerkship opportunities and to consider careers in the practice of business law. In considering a student's diversity, the Section will give special consideration to individuals who have overcome social or economic disadvantages such as physical disability, financial constraints, or cultural impediments to becoming a law student.

The objectives of the Program include:
• To encourage more diverse law students to apply for clerkship positions
• To foster relationships between business court judges and diverse law students
• To provide students with a foundation in various aspects of business law

Up to nine interns will be given a summer stipend of $6,000 and placed in business court clerkships in the Philadelphia Commerce Court or the Delaware Court of Chancery.

All application materials must be received on or before Friday, January 21, 2011.

For more information about the Business Law Diversity Clerkship Program click here.

Friday, October 22, 2010

IPLS Speed Networking Event

Join us for an evening of speed networking. We are inviting IP attorneys from a variety of backgrounds to join us for this event. This is a fantastic way to connect with local practicing attorneys.

Wednesday, January 19th, 5:30 -7:30 p.m.

Space is limited. RSVP in Symplicity.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

SEC Honors Program for Summer: 1L & 2L

The SEC is stepping up hiring in its Honors Program. Apply now through November 15!

The Summer Honors Law Program gives law and JD/MBA students the opportunity to become acquainted with the regulation of the securities markets and careers within the Commission.

Students have the opportunity to work for ten weeks during the summer at the Commission's Washington, D.C., headquarters or in one of its 11 regional offices nationwide including: New York, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco.

Selection for employment is based on many elements of a candidate's background including academic achievement, law review or moot court experience, legal aid and clinical experience, and summer or part-time legal employment.

Please consult with Laura Murphy in CPD about your SEC resume. Your private sector resume almost certainly does not do what a federal resume needs to do to prove your qualifications.

For more information about the SEC Honors Program, see www.USAJOBS.gov announcement number 10-387192-NW.

Application instructions may be found at https://sec.futurestep.com/Opportunities/SEC71021



Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Robert L. Carter Fellowship

The Opportunity Agenda, a project of Tides Center, seeks candidates for the Robert L. Carter
Fellowship, for a 2-year term beginning no later than September of 2011. The Opportunity
Agenda is a communications, research, and advocacy organization dedicated to building the
national will to expand opportunity in America.

The Fellow will participate in legal research and legal advocacy; work with coalitions on framing
and messaging concerns; and collaborate with local and national public interest organizations
and policymakers on policy and communications efforts. The Fellow will focus on promoting
equal opportunity and protecting human rights in sectors such as economic opportunity and
immigration policy. Activities are likely to include research and writing of legal and policy
briefs; creating communications strategies and tools; and engaging in policy advocacy. This
work will be done in close collaboration with The Opportunity Agenda’s legal, research, and
communications staff, providing opportunities for social science research and media experience,
as well as legal work.

We encourage applications from attorneys with 5-10 years of legal experience in relevant fields
such as economic security and immigration who are interested in incorporating framing and
messaging strategies into their work. Law students graduating in 2011 and judicial law clerks
completing their clerkships in 2011 are also eligible. We are particularly interested in candidates
with a background in the social sciences, journalism, and/or communications. Candidates must
have a strong interest in working with advocates and communities in the field, and a
demonstrated commitment to social justice. The Opportunity Agenda is an equal opportunity
employer. We value a work place that is diverse in terms of gender, race, class, geographic
origin, sexual orientation, and other differences that enrich our society.

Please see the Symplicity posting for details and application instructions.
Application Deadline is January 31, 2011.

Upcoming Speed Networking Events

Don't forget to sign up for the upcoming Speed Networking Events. These are wonderful ways to connect with practicing attorneys in your field. Sign up in Symplicity - space is limited.
  • WSAJ Speed Networking Event - October 28th
  • Family Law Speed Networking Event - November 10th
  • KCBA/YLD (Young Lawyers Division) Speed Networking Event - November 17th
  • IPLS Speed Networking Event - January 19th

KCBA/YLD Speed Networking Event

Join us for an evening of speed networking. The KCBA/YLD (Young Lawyers Division) provides professional development opportunities and information resources to lawyers who have been in the profession for five years or less or who are 36 years old and under. YLD also delivers law-related services to the general public, including community education and information as well as advice and consultation through the Neighborhood Legal Clinics.

YLD has a board of 16 volunteer trustees. The Board oversees YLD's member services and community programs.

Wednesday, November 17th, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Second Floor Gallery.

RSVP in Symplicity - Space is limited.

The Appalachian Public Interest Environmental Law (APIEL) Conference

The Appalachian Public Interest Environmental Law (APIEL) Conference
University of Tennessee College of Law
Knoxville, Tennessee
November 19-21
Register Today!

Registration is now open for the 1st annual Appalachian Public Interest Environmental Law (APIEL) conference at the University of Tennessee College of Law. APIEL welcomes law students, attorneys, activists, scientists, and community members to the UT College of Law for a weekend of workshops and panels focused on exchanging information and fostering collaboration between activists and attorneys addressing the most critical ecological issues of our time.

Topics Include:
• The Basics of Mountaintop Removal and Strip Mining
• Utilizing the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act in the Appalachian region
• The Endangered Species Act and its potential for impact in the Southeastern U.S.
• Lawyering for Environmental Justice: The Broadform Deed
• NEPA and the Precautionary Principle
• Forest Protection and Ecological Restoration
• “Know your rights” as activists and as the attorneys who represent them

With the assistance of lawyers, grassroots activists, keynote speakers and presenters, the first APIEL conference hopes to both energize lawyers and create a common ground for community organizers and their legal support to communicate, educate each other and have fun.
For a complete list of workshops and panels visit www.apiel.org.

Cost
The attendance fee for the conference is $45 for Friday through Sunday, which includes pizza on Friday night. All other meals, transportation and lodging are the responsibility of the participant. Participants who are only attending part of the conference may pay by the day.


For More Information and to Register for APIEL
Visit the APIEL website at www.apiel.org
Or visit our Facebook event page:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=101827116534567&ref=mf

Questions?
Email us: apielconference@yahoo.com
Call: (865) 257-4029
Fax: (888) 201-1104

Monday, October 18, 2010

You Are Invited to a Talk with Judge Rosselle Pekelis: The Evolution of an American Attorney

“The Evolution of an American Attorney” is presented by the King County Chapter of Washington Women Lawyers.

Please join KCWWL for a cocktail hour discussion with former Washington State Supreme Court Justice Rosselle Pekelis on Thursday, October 28 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Blueacre Restaurant, 1700 7th Ave. S. (7th and Olive) in Seattle. $20.00 includes wine, appetizers, tax, and gratuity.

Judge Pekelis will share an account of her personal journey from Europe to the courtrooms of America, personal anecdotes, practical advice, and her observations about the experiences of women attorneys in today’s legal environment.

To RSVP or ask questions about the event, please contact Natalie Findley-Wolf or Meg McCann.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Federal Hiring Update

The Washington Post reports that the federal government will hire an estimated 125,000 new, full-time employees during this fiscal year. About two-thirds of them will replace approximately 82,000 retiring employees. If economic conditions improve, the estimate of retirees likely will increase.

NB More than 77% of FY 2010's new hires were in Homeland Security, Defense, Veterans Affairs and Justice.

Resume/Cover Letter Seminar

What makes a legal resume different from a business resume? How can I set my cover letter apart from the rest?

These are not uncommon questions, and just a couple of the points that will be covered in this seminar. Learn how to properly craft your application materials to speak to your strengths.

  • Wednesday, November 17th, 12:00-12:50 p.m., C5
  • Tuesday, January 18th, 12:00-12:50 p.m., C5
RSVP in Symplicity.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

CPD 1L Orientation

What is the best way to start my career development? Have I missed any important application deadlines? What is the best way to build up my resume during law school?

These and many other questions will be answered during the 1L Orientation. Come and learn about everything that CPD offers and what you should be doing at this point in your professional development.
  • Monday, October 25th, 3:00-4:00 p.m., Courtroom
  • Wednesday, October 27th, 12:00-1:00 p.m., Room 110
  • Friday, October 29th, 10/29 12:00-1:00 p.m., Room 109
  • Tuesday, November 2nd, 5:00-6:00 p.m., C1
  • Wednesday, November 3rd, 10:00-11:00 a.m., Room 109
  • Friday, November 5th, 10:00-11:00 a.m., Room 109
RSVP in Symplicity.

Federal Resume Seminar

Get that federal job interview! Join us for a demonstration of how to build a federal resume. Learn how to communicate your skills and experiences in ways that will attract the attention of federal recruiters.

Wednesday, November 3rd, 12:00-12:50 p.m., C5.

RSVP in Symplicity.

Partnership for Public Service: Students & New Grads

The Partnership for Public Service is seeking current students or recent graduates to become Public Service Fellows.

• Are you a student or recent graduate of an undergraduate or graduate program?
• Are you passionate about public service?
• Are you looking for an opportunity to develop your skills and gain valuable experience?
• Are you looking for a paid position in the heart of Washington, D.C.?

Then we want to hear from you! We anticipate spring fellows beginning work in mid-January, but start dates are flexible based on teams. Full-time fellows with an undergraduate or graduate degree will receive a $1000 per month stipend. Full-time fellows who are currently undergraduate students will receive an $800 per month stipend.

The application deadline is October 29, 2010. To learn more and to apply, please visit http://apps.ourpublicservice.org/fellows/default.aspx. If you have questions, please email fellows@ourpublicservice.org or call (202) 775-9111.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

State Dept. Extends Application Period

The State Department is extending the application period for Foreign Service General Services Officer positions. The new deadline is November 1, 2010. For details, go to State's website:

http://careers.state.gov/specialist/opportunities/genserv.html

Symplicity Postings

Be sure to keep checking Symplicity regularly. We have had a variety of postings added this week, including summer positions, fellowship positions, and current positions with local firms.

Study Law in Alaska

Study Law in Alaska - 1Ls and 2Ls: Have you ever wanted to go to Alaska? How about this summer? Come learn more about our Study Law in Alaska Program at our information session on Tuesday, October 26 from NOON- 1:00 p.m. in the Courtroom. Students who have participated in the program during previous summers will also be there to share some of their experiences.

Students earn four course credits, gain significant legal experience, and spend the summer in beautiful Alaska. This innovative and very popular program provides internship and externship opportunities and the nation’s only substantive law course titled, “Alaska Natives and Environmental Law”.

• For more detailed information, please see the Study Law in Alaska Program website at: See what students who have participated in the program have to say on the testimonials page of the website. Please see below for an example of some of the places where interns and externs have worked in the past. We are currently in the process of adding more opportunities for this coming summer. Past employers for internships opportunities have included:

• Alaska Immigration Justice Project
• The Alaska Labor Relations Agency and the Alaska Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission
• Fortier & Mikko, P.C.
• The Native American Rights Fund
• The Municipality of Anchorage
• Judicial Clerkship with Judge Colleen Ray
• Judicial Clerkship with Judge Patrick McKay
• Judicial Clerkship with Judge Stephanie Joannides
• Judicial Clerkship with Judge Eric Aarseth
• Law Office of Robert D. Stone, LLC

For more information, please contact Stephanie Nichols at: nicholss@seattleu.edu.

ABA John J. Curtin, Jr. Justice Fund Summer Internship

Applications are now being accepted for the Curtin Justice Fund Legal Internship Program.

The Curtin Justice Fund Legal Internship Program is managed jointly by the ABA Commission on Homelessness and Poverty and the Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defendants. The Program will pay a $2,500 stipend to three law school students who spend the summer months working for a bar association or legal services program designed to prevent homelessness or assist homeless or indigent clients or their advocates. The Legal Internship Program will provide much-needed legal assistance to organizations serving the under-represented and give students direct experience in a public interest forum. Through this, it aims both to help homeless clients and to encourage careers in the law that further the goals of social justice.

Details can be found on Symplicity. Applications will be accepted through March 25, 2011.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Addressing Cover Letters

Avoid sending a cover letter addressed to "To Whom It May Concern." If the job announcement instructs that resumes be sent to William Smith, address the letter to "Mr. William Smith" and, in the salutation, write, "Dear Mr. Smith:". Example:

Mr. William Smith
Jones, Jones & Jones
123 A Street
Anytown, WA 90000

[indent] Re: Legal Internship, Summer 2011

Dear Mr. Smith: [that's a colon, not a comma]

If there is no name given, take the time to look up the name of the General Counsel or call and ask the receptionist for the name of the Hiring Partner at the firm.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

InfoSpace: Part-Time Now & Full-Time Summer

InfoSpace is hiring a work-study eligible Corporate Legal Intern. Work part-time (up to 19 hours per week) during the schoolyear, and work full-time in the summer.

Check out their job posting on Symplicity, and apply ASAP.

Goldmark Internship Deadline

Just a reminder - the deadline to apply for the Goldmark Internship is quickly approaching. All materials must be submitted by Friday, October 15th.

Program details and application instructions can be found at the above link and on Symplicity.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Presidential Management Fellowship

Applications are now being accepted for the Presidential Management Fellowship program with the federal government. Applications must be submitted between October 1 and October 15, 2010.

If you plan to apply, please schedule two CPD appointments: (1) Before Oct.15: with Laura Murphy to ensure your federal resume meets federal hiring standards; (2) Before Oct. 20: with Shawn Lipton, the SU Law nominating official (a personal interview is required if you are to be nominated by SU). Contact Emily Von Seele today to get on their calendars: vonseele@seattleu.edu For application information, see: www.pmf.opm.gov

Announcing The John R. Justice Loan Repayment Program

A student financial aid program designed to promote careers in public interest law is now available to Washington lawyers through the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB).

The John R. Justice Loan Repayment Program promises to forgive a portion of the outstanding student debt incurred by lawyers who make a three-year commitment to work as prosecuting attorneys or public defenders.

For the program’s first year, the HECB is accepting applications from eligible attorneys through Nov. 30, 2010.

The John R. Justice program was passed by Congress in 2008 as a way to encourage more lawyers to pursue careers as public prosecutors and defenders. Because of educational debts, many attorneys forego such career options for more lucrative opportunities in the private sector.
The program is open to licensed attorneys working full-time as prosecutors in state or local agencies, and to public defenders in state, federal or non-profit offices. It also is open to attorneys who have accepted employment in any of those categories. Under the law, federal prosecutors are not eligible for the program.

For fiscal year 2010-11, qualified recipients will be eligible for an award of $8,905, assuming their outstanding student debts are not less than that. Awards will be granted subject to available funds, and the HECB has adopted rules for determining how loan reimbursements will be awarded under the program.

Application forms and additional information about the John R. Justice program is available on the HECB website.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Cascade Land Conservancy: Real Estate & Land Use Internship

The Cascade Land Conservancy is hiring a part-time legal intern to draft documents and perform legal research in areas such as land use policy, contract law and various aspects of land transactions for conservation. This is an excellent opportunity to work alongside an experienced land use attorney, in support of the CLC’s considerable land conservation efforts. See Symplicity for application details.