- How do I choose employers? What criteria should I consider? Your decision whether to submit materials to an employer should be based on careful research of the employer. Review the employer's website, read attorney biographies, use Google, Westlaw, or Lexis to read articles about the employer, etc. If you are interested in an employer and you do not necessarily meet the required or preferred hiring criteria requested by the employer, submit your materials anyway. You have nothing to lose. Let the employer do the prescreening.
- Do I have to submit materials to all employers? No. We suggest that you submit materials only to employers in which you have a genuine interest in interviewing with for a summer job.
- If my class rank is not what the employer is seeking, may I still participate? Yes. The Office of Professional Development does not prescreen for employers.
- May I submit a cover letter even though one isn't requested by the employer? No. You may only submit the materials requested by an employer.
- Should I include my GPA and class rank on my resume? Yes. We recommend that you also include your percentage ranking. For example, if you rank 25/205, do the math and indicate the percentage ranking of "top 12 percent." This will allow employers to compare you to other Capital students and students from other law schools. Because schools use various methods of determining grade point averages, a class rank is a better indicator of your placement in a class of candidates.
- What kind of writing sample should I submit? When requested, you should submit a writing sample that is the best example of your legal writing work product. It should be free of errors, well formatted, and persuasive. You may use a document that you drafted for your first-year Legal Research and Writing course or a document you drafted at work. If you wish to use a writing sample from work, check with your supervisor for permission. Be sure to redact names and other information to avoid breaking confidentiality or violating the attorney-client privilege.
- An employer I am interested in requires a writing sample of less than eight pages. All of my writing samples are more than ten pages. What should I do? When an employer requests a writing sample that is shorter than one you have available, you may submit an excerpt from the analysis section of a larger piece. Start the document with an introduction or attach a cover memo that explains that the writing sample is an excerpt and which puts the excerpt into context.
- If an employer asks for references, does this mean a list of references or actual letters of recommendation? No. You should provide a list of individuals who are familiar with your legal skills and your work ethic. Provide each individual's name, title, employer, mailing address, phone, and email (all work-related). This should be a list of professional, not personal, references. If an employer wants a letter of recommendation, it will be explicitly stated.
- If an employer requests a transcript, should I submit an official transcript? Unless the employer specifically lists "Official Transcript" in the list of requested materials, you do not need to submit an official transcript. To access you unofficial transcript, log in to WebAdvisor. Either copy and paste to a Word document or print and scan; then upload to Symplicity.
- I am interested in a particular firm that is participating in OCI at which an acquaintance works. Should I apply directly to my contact or to the contact the Office of Professional Development provides? You should submit your materials through the Office of Professional Development at Capital and address any requested cover letters to the individual listed with the employer. You can follow-up by contacting your connection with the employer and informing him or her that you have applied for an interview through Capital's Recruiting Program.
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