Foley & Lardner / IT-Lex Technology Law Writing Contest

IT-Lex, a technology law educational and literary not-for-profit, is seeking submissions for its inaugural writing competition, sponsored by the law firm of Foley & Lardner!  Write about any issue within the areas of electronic discovery, privacy, social media, security, or wherever your technology interests lie.  Your 10-15 journal page (approximately 5,000-7,500 word) papers will be read by a distinguished panel of articles editors, and the top three entries are guaranteed publication in the IT-Lex Journal, though other meritorious papers may also be published.  

Deadline

Entries must be submitted online at our website (URL below) by May 1, 2013.

Prizes

• First place will receive $5,000.00
• Second place $1,000.00
• Third place $500.00

Plus, the winners will receive invitations to become Members of IT-Lex and to join the IT-Lex Law Review.  

Registration/Rules/Requirements

Go to http://www.it-lex.org, sign up to be our Friend – it’s free – and check out the full rules and requirements at http://it-lex.org/writing-contest/.

Contact

 If anyone has any questions about the writing contest, or IT-Lex more broadly, please direct them to:

Samir Mathur
Managing Director/General Counsel
ITLEX Incorporated
samir@it-lex.org
407-244-3267
http://www.it-lex.org

Minority Law Student Job Fair - Cook County Bar Association

Attention Minority Law Students in the Classes of 2014 and 2015:

You are cordially invited to participate in the:

Cook County Bar Association

30th Annual

Minority Law Student Job Fair

Date

Friday, August 16, 2013 (SAVE THE DATE)

Location

Embassy Suites Chicago – Downtown/Lakefront

511 North Columbus Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60611

Employers

Anticipated States Represented by Employer Participants Include: Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin

Anticipated Employer Participants Include: Large, Medium, and Small Law Firms, Corporations, and Government Agencies

Anticipated Number of Employer Participants: 150

Advocates for Life Legal Writing Competition

Advocates for Life, the law student initiative of Americans United for Life, is conducting its first ever legal writing competition. This year’s prompt involves new legal opinions of the landmark case Roe v. Wade.  

Awards:

Monetary prizes will be awarded to the top three authors, and the first-place entry will be published in Human Life Review. 

The prompt and full contest rules are available at:

http://www.aul.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Legal-Writing-Contest-Rules-2.pdf. 

Due Date:

Entries are due on September 20, 2013.

Advocates for Life is the law student outreach program of Americans United for Life, the nation’s leading pro-life public interest law firm.  Advocates for Life and Americans United for Life are non-partisan and non-sectarian.

They invite members of the student body to take part in this exciting opportunity. 

Contact:

Kelsey Hazzard

Legal Fellow, Americans United for Life

Advocates@aul.org

Post-Grad Considerations: Student Loans

In addition to the prevalent post-graduate responsibilities of preparing for the bar exam and searching for a job, recent graduates must navigate a new responsibility: student loan repayment. While you should continue to use the Financial Aid office at the law school as a local in-person resource, there are also outside resources to aid with understanding this complex area. Heather Jarvis is a national expert with all things related to student loans; her website alone provides a great deal of helpful information to begin evaluating repayment options and federal programs for loan forgiveness. Check out her site at http://www.askheatherjarvis.com/.

Heather also recently published a very useful Student Loan Timeline for graduating students on the American Bar Association website. See that article HERE.

Being informed about your options and responsibilities in regard to student loan repayment is important as you embark on your journey to post-graduate life. Take advantage of Heather's knowledge and expertise!

Ohio Young Professionals Weekend & Leadership Conference

The Ohio Young Professionals Weekend & Leadership Conference is a two-day leadership development and professional networking event in Columbus.

Conference Dates: April 26 - 27, 2013

The conference is hosted by the Columbus Young Professionals Club (CYP CLUB), http://www.cypclub.com/, and co-hosted by the Ohio Young Professionals Network.

From the conference website:

On Friday, attendees have a chance to listen to local and regional leaders, network and learn during exciting workshops and activity sessions, and in many cases, teach each other. There will be a team-building charity competition (recreational athletic, creative, and downtown scavenger hunt) on Saturday morning where teams from corporations, YPOs, and cities have the chance to win a significant donation in their name to one of 10 local charities of their choice.

Although the event is technically non-legal, it provides a great chance to begin building a professional network if you intend to practice in Columbus after you graduate from CapLaw. Columbus Young Professionals Club (link above) also provides a number of professional networking and social events around Columbus throughout the year. 

For more information about the conference, go to: http://www.ohioyoungprofessionalsweekend.com/

OACTA 2013 Law Student Diversity Scholarship

OACTA's annual Law Student Diversity Scholarship program is open to incoming second and third-year African American, Hispanic, Asian, Pan Asian and Native American students enrolled at Ohio law schools. Incoming second and third-year female law students enrolled at Ohio law schools are also eligible regardless of race or ethnicity.  Other criteria for the scholarship include:

• Academic achievement in law school;
• Professional interest in civil defense practice; and
• Service to community and to the cause of diversity;  

Up to two (2) scholarships in the amount of $1,250 each will be awarded to successful applicants.  Applicants are required to submit an application, law school transcript and a cover letter addressing the following:  academic, personal and professional accomplishments, and why they should be selected as a recipient of the scholarship.  Applicants may submit up to three letters of recommendation.

The completed application and all other requested material must be received by April 19, 2013.  Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Winners will be announced in June 2013.  Scholarship recipients will be recognized at the OACTA Annual Meeting in November.  

Download Scholarship Application

 

The Rewards of Networking

One the most important skills a job finder should develop and hone is the skill of networking. The ability to connect with others and to build relationships is key to success.

In a recent email to the Office of Professional Development, a current law student shared his experiences with recent networking activities.

For the longest time, I had been holding off on networking, mostly because it is not the most natural thing for me to do. I've never really been comfortable doing it, but now I am getting really good at it. I started off by talking to someone I knew who offered to take me to a Columbus Trial Lawyers meeting. From there I set the goal of meeting 2 people. One of the individuals I met referred me to someone at the Public Defender's Office and from there I got a paid internship... which has been amazing. I had zero interest doing criminal law, but I wanted to be close to the courthouse to gain insight to how the court works.

Note how a referral led to a job. But his pursuit didn't end there.

During lunch one day, I wandered into a DUI case at the courthouse and was amazed at the process and the science behind it. To make a long story short, I mustered up the courage and called the NACDL's [National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers] DUI Committee Chair and asked if I could have 20 minutes to talk with him on the phone about his practice. We had a great conversation and he provided me with attorneys to call in Columbus. 

One the most important ways to connect with new people is to get others to introduce you or to recommend individuals to contact. Such referrals can lead to interesting connections and opportunities. 

Along the way I learned about a DUI Defense CLE [Continuing Legal Education] in Key West, so I decided to fly down there for 3 days last week. The CLE had national experts and was full of the big Ohio DUI lawyers. While there I was offered 2 law clerk positions and one of the big local DUI attorneys wants my resume. They mentioned that in 7 years I was the only law student to ever attend their CLE, not even one student from the University of Miami. 

Most professional associations welcome law students to events with open arms. Some offer travel assistance or free registration. Not only can you continue to network but you can learn even more about the profession.

As our dedicated student tells us, it just takes patience and initiative.

Back to the big picture, all of this happened within the course of 2 months. My networking confidence has increased 10 fold during this time frame, this is a product of simply setting a weekly goal of calling so many people. I've even gotten to the point where when I am in court doing arraignments I will go up to the cameramen and local photographers and introduce myself to them. My logic is that these guys are career and will be around for a long time and will be a good source of information down the road. The best advice I would give to students is to look at networking like a swimming pool... you can put your toe in to test the water, but eventually you should just jump in because once you do it is fine. The trouble I had the first 2 years was that instead of looking at networking like a swimming pool, I was looking at it like a volcano to be avoided.

If you want to learn how to be an effective networker, feel free to schedule an appointment to speak with the OPD.  We want to make sure you're ready to make similar inroads like our student above. 

Lexis Advance® ID Unlimited Summer Access

Unlimited Access to Your Lexis Advance® ID this Summer for Work and Academic purposes

Your law school Lexis Advance ID will remain active during the summer and you will have unlimited access for academic use,  as well research or other work you perform on the job as a summer associate or internship/clerkship. Whether working in a firm, government agency, any of the courts, or brushing up on your cost effective research skills, you will have unlimited access to Lexis Advance for the months of June, July and August.  You simply need to be registered for Lexis Advance.

Registering for Summer Access

• If you're already a registered Lexis Advance user, you don't need to do anything else to get Summer Access. Your current ID is all you need.
• If you aren't a registered Lexis Advance user yet (or aren't sure), click here for assistance from your Account Executive.

Support throughout the Summer
Your school's LexisNexis® Account Executive is available to you during the summer for training and support. Feel free to contact him or her early to let them know your summer research goals.
You also have access to 24/7 customer support for help with Lexis Advance, summer access or research questions at 1-800-45-LEXIS (53947).

Enjoy your "All Access Pass" to Lexis Advance this summer!

2013 IndyBar Diversity Job Fair

Mark Your Calendars Now! 

The Indianapolis Bar Association is thrilled to announce our 6th annual Diversity Job Fair offering great employment potential. What sets us apart: THE RESULTS! 

In 2012:

• 20% of interviewing students received and accepted job offers.
• 27 firm, government, court and corporate legal employers interviewed students from law schools around the country.
• Barnes & Thornburg presented a $2500 scholarship to an interviewing student during the keynote luncheon.

The Indianapolis Bar Association (IndyBar) seeks candidates who represent all aspects of diversity, who are looking for a one-of-a-kind legal community in a Midwestern city that has both cosmopolitan style and small-town charm. We cordially invite students who will be, in Fall 2013, full-time 2L law students (graduating May 2015) or part-time 2L and 3L law students (graduating 2015/2016) to participate in the IndyBar Diversity Job Fair.

Student Registration Information

Student registration opens on April 1, 2013!

Students will register for the IndyBar Diversity Job Fair via Symplicity’s web site.  After the student submits his/her registration, an automatically-generated password will be provided, which will enable him/her to use the system throughout the next few months. The student registration deadline is July 7, 2013.

Hotel Registration

The IndyBar Diversity Job Fair interviews will be held at the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel and Suites, 120 West Market Street, Indianapolis, IN on August 7-8, 2013. Overnight room rates for students are $129. Students will be responsible for making their own travel and lodging arrangements. Contact the hotel directly at 317-972-0600 to reserve a room. Make sure you reference the IndyBar Diversity Job Fair to receive our group rate. If you need special accommodations, please contact Caren Chopp (cchopp@indybar.org or 317-269-2000). The hotel’s reservation deadline to receive the special rate is July 16, 2013.

Schedule of Events

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

5:30-7 p.m. Student Registration, Skyline Club, One America Square

5:30-7 p.m. Welcome Reception, Skyline Club, One America Square

Thursday, August 8, 2013

8 a.m. Registration Re-opens, Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites

9:00.-11:40 a.m. Interviews held in private suites, Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites

12:00-1:15 p.m. Keynote Luncheon, Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites

1:20-4:00 p.m. Interviews held in private suites, Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites

Interview Process

Each full day employer schedule contains 14 candidate interviews.  Twelve interviews are with students selected by the employer from among interested students, while the remaining two interviews are assigned based on student interest alone.  Students will participate in a maximum of 7 interviews throughout the day, based upon employer and student interest and availability. All interviews will take place at the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites in individual private suites.

About Indianapolis

Indianapolis has so much to offer law student candidates.  Our collegial yet sophisticated legal community provides a great platform to network, develop practice area expertise, and become involved in a number of exciting programs and causes.  Our city provides cosmopolitan urban attractions, along with the affordability and hospitality that are hallmarks of the Midwest. Check out these web sites!

Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association: www.indy.org/

Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce: www.indychamber.com/

Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of REALTORS: www.mibor.com/

Indianapolis Bar Association: www.indybar.org

Indiana State Bar Association: www.inbar.org

The official Web site of Indianapolis and Marion County: www.indygov.org

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook or keep up-to-date through the IndyBar Diversity Job Fair at www.ibadiversityjobfair.com

2013 CMBA Diversity Job Fair

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association is pleased to invite your organization to participate in the 2013 CMBA Diversity Job Fair. The Job Fair offers Employers the opportunity to interview quality applicants from a diverse candidate pool for summer and/or full-time employment. In addition, new and seasoned attorneys, and eligible law students are offered the opportunity to interact with potential employers. 

The Job Fair offers employers the opportunity to interview quality applicants from a diverse candidate pool for summer and/or full-time employment. In addition, new and seasoned attorneys, and eligible law students are offered the opportunity to interact with potential employers. Eligible law students must be (a) currently enrolled in a Juris Doctor program and (b) a member of the class of 2014 (current 2Ls/rising 3Ls) or 2013 (current 3Ls) (c) at an Ohio law school or a law school at a historically Black college or university.

When: March 28, 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Where: Cuyahoga County Courthouse (Old Courthouse), One Lakeside Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44113

Parking is available at the Huntington Garage under the courthouse (space is limited).

Law Students may attend the Job Fair for free.

Job Seekers interested in registering should send an e-mail to jobs@clemetrobar.org.  The email should contain your name, email address, telephone number, mailing address, year in school, and whether you will attend the welcome reception on March 27, 2013.  Attached your resume to the same email.  Register by March 18, 2013.

Schedule of Events

• The Job Fair will begin with a panel discussion featuring prominent attorneys from a variety of industries and practice areas.
• Following the panel, Job Seekers will begin speed interviewing, structured as an informational table-talk event.  Job Seekers will meet with employers in five-minute intervals.
• Following speed interviewing, some Job Seekers may be selected for an in-depth interview at an appointed time.

DRI's Law Student Diversity Scholarship

DRI's Law Student Diversity Scholarship Now Accepting Applicants  Application Deadline is Friday, April 19, 2013 DRI is now accepting applicants for its annual Law Student Diversity Scholarship open to incoming second- and third-year African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American students. The goal of these scholarships is to provide financial assistance to two worthy law students from ABA accredited law schools in order to promote, in a tangible way, the DRI Diversity Statement of Principle. Incoming second- and third-year female law students are also eligible, regardless of race or ethnicity. Incoming second- and third-year law students who also come from backgrounds that would add to the cause of diversity, regardless of race or gender, are eligible to apply.  To qualify for this scholarship, candidates must be full-time students. Evening students also qualify for consideration if they have completed one-third or more of the total credit hours required for a degree by the applicant's law school.  Two scholarships in the amount of $10,000 each will be awarded to applicants who best meet the following criteria:  Demonstrated academic excellence  Service to the profession  Service to the community  Service to the cause of diversity Applications must be received by DRI no later than Friday, April 19, 2013.  Click here for complete scholarship details and how to apply.  Scholarship winners will be notified in advance and will be officially announced at the 2013 DRI Diversity for Success Seminar, May 30-31, in Chicago.