Pitt Law Works: Volume 4 Issue 3 - September 12, 2008
FEATURED CITY: Charlotte, North Carolina
Carolina Blue Skies and fantastic facilities put Charlotte on top of the list for sports fans and those in need of a little recreational fun. From the excellent parks throughout the county to more than 50 beautiful golf courses, Charlotte's climate is conducive to sports and recreation year round.
Charlotte is the largest city between Washington, D.C. and Dallas, TX and the second largest banking center in the country. Top employers include Wachovia Corporation, Carolinas Healthcare System, Bank of America Corporation and Duke Energy Corporation. Recognized as a leading cultural capital, Charlotte continues to build on its reputation as a world-class city through arts, science and historical attractions drawing nearly 2.9 million people in attendance annually. The Mecklenburg County Bar Association comprises over 3500 attorneys who practice throughout Mecklenburg County, which includes the city of Charlotte. The Young Lawyers Section of the Bar regularly meets with junior and senior high school students to teach them about various aspects of the law.
Pitt Law alums in NC are engaged in all types of law, including business transactions, corporate law, commercial real estate, banking, government, products liability, toxic torts, environmental law, family law, elder law, IP, computer and technology law, bankruptcy, estate/business/tax planning. These alums also work in a wide range of environments, such as government, solo practice, large firms and in-house. Check out Lexis, Westlaw or Martindale Hubbell to find out more about them, their practice areas and the legal community!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
ACBA Family Law Section • CHILDREN'S ISSUES SUB-COMMITTEE
8:00 a.m. • Tuesday September 16 • Academy Room, ACBA Conference Center, 9th Floor City County Building
- Independent mental health professionals' perspectives on critiquing custody evaluations and reports performed by court-appointed evaluators.
ACLU Presents: Voices of Freedom - The Personal Side of Civil Liberties
Thursday, September 18, 2008, 5:30-7:30 • Frick Fine Arts Building, Schenley Drive
- FREEDOM OF SPEECH: Muslim Rocket Scientist removed from his position for criticizing US government's treatment of Muslims
- STUDENTS' RIGHTS/FREE SPEECH: High School students suspended for showing support for gay and lesbian friends
- RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: Newlyweds denied marriage license for not having clergy perform their ceremony
- PRIVACY/DUE PROCESS/RIGHT TO PARENT: Young Mother had her newborn taken from her after being secretly tested for prenatal marijuana use
RSVP by calling 412-681-7736 or emailing VoicesOfFreedom@aclupgh.org
HANDLING INTERVIEW SMALL TALK
"So, what did you think of the baseball game last night?"
Beware: These types of questions aren't just small talk. They're part of the interview - and they're more important than you think.
When interviewers initiate conversations about the weather or your commute, they're not just interested in ice on the expressway. They're also trying to get a feel for your personality and temperament.
For example, saying something like "That game was awful, and I hope those (bleeping) refs got jumped in the parking lot" gives the impression that you're negative, vulgar and possibly violent.
Casual conversations let interviewers get to know the candidates beyond their prepared answers and work experience. The employer tries to create a relaxed environment so the candidate will relax and stop screening any of his or her answers. These conversations are also a great way for a job seeker to show they're friendly people who will fit in well within the organization. Here are some tips to help you come out on top:
1. Don't let your guard down.
It's fine to relax a little and become more casual. But still always be in control of everything you say: be courteous, polite and friendly at all times.
2. Make a connection with your interviewer.
Try to find something in common with your interviewer and build rapport with him or her and make a lasting, positive impression. When you enter the interviewer's office, scan the room for pictures or other items that might help you pick up on his or her interests; however, take care when asking about photographs - inadvertently asking about the interviewer's late husband could cast a black cloud over the interview.
3. Listen more than you speak.
Try to speak just 20 percent of the time and encourage the interviewer to speak 80 percent of the time because the more you speak, the more likely it is that a faux pas will occur. Keep all of your responses brief and direct, at about one to three minutes each.
4. Be positive.
Whether you're talking about a difficult former boss or commenting on the blizzard outside, avoid any use of negativity - you don't want the employer's only memory of you to be a negative one.
One interviewer had this to say: an interviewee began the conversation with a story about driving to the meeting in a downpour and searching for a parking spot for 30 minutes. "On the train ride back to my office, I summarized the background of the attendees. There was one person whose name, area of expertise and company were a complete blank, except for the horrendous drive he had that morning."
5. Know when to move on.
Don't forget: You're not at the interview to make friends. You're there to persuade the interviewer that you're the best person for the job. After a few minutes of chatting, steer the conversation back on track by referring to your accomplishments and experience.
THE CALLBACK
WHAT IS A CALLBACK INTERVIEW?A callback is usually conducted after a short screening interview during which the employer has determined you may be a good fit. The callback interview may last several hours or even an entire day during which you will meet with several attorneys to assess "fit." You will also be able to better determine if the firm is right for you.
SCHEDULING THE CALLBACKContact the recruitng coordinator within 24 hours of receiving the callback to accept or respectfully decline. It is ok to decline a callback if you know you do not want to work at that particular firm--it may be an opportunity for another student to receive an interview. Make sure you know how much time to allot to the callback and do not schedule any other activity shortly before or after it. If the callback is located outside of the area, discuss with the recruitment coordinator how travel arrangements will be handled. Most large firms, will pay for reasonable expenses for interviews outside of your geographic location, but make sure you discuss this with the recruiting coordinator as to how the firm handles such matters. If you are traveling to a city for more than one callback, let the firms know, as then they may split your travel costs between them.
PREPARING FOR THE CALLBACK INTERVIEWBy now, the employer has already decided that you have the credentials to work at the firm, and wants to know whether you will fit into the firm's unique culture. Your personality, interests, and rapport will determine whether or not you will ultimately be given an offer. Conduct comprehensive research on the firm and the attorneys you will be meeting with. Don't limit yourself to the firm's brochure or website; look at a firm's cases and clients as well. Additionally, talk to friends, associates or alumni that work there or have worked there. This will allow you to ask intelligent questions and let the firm know you are knowledgeable and interested in their practice.
LIKELY CALLBACK SCENARIOYou will first meet with the recruitment coordinator of the firm. This person is part of the interview, as are support staff you may meet along the way. Be kind, courteous, and professional as they likely have a say in the hiring decision. Moreover, on the job, support staff can ‘make or break' you so make the best possible first impression. After an initial introduction, you will meet with the attorneys who will interview you. You may meet them one at a time or several attorneys at once. Commonly, the recruiting coordinator will provide you with your schedule/interviewer roster in advance. Each interviewer will make their own assessment about you, so maintain your enthusiasm and interest in the firm throughout the process. Your personality will distinguish you from other candidates being interviewed. You may then be taken to lunch or dinner with the firm's attorneys; this is a part of the interview as your social skills and out of office behavior are being assessed.
POST-INTERVIEWPromptly send thank you notes expressing your interest and gratitude for the opportunity to meet with the firm. Make sure letters are concise, well composed and without typographical errors.
QUICK TIPS FOR THE CALLBACK- Be punctual, (no more than 10 minutes early.) Of course, never be late.
- Bring extra copies of your resume, writing sample(s), transcript, and references.
- Get the names and correct spellings of all interviewers so you can write thank-you notes.
- You may find yourself answering the same questions asked by different attorneys. Do not assume that this attorney should know your answer to the question because you have answered it before-this is this particular interviewer's first time hearing it. Always display enthusiasm and interest in the interviewer and your interview answers.
- Have at least 5 or 6 questions to ask your interviewers. You can ask the same questions to different attorneys, as you may receive different responses, thereby giving you a broader understanding of the firm and whether that environment is for you, should you receive an offer.
- Be aware of your body language and that of your interviewer. Be careful not to interrupt the interviewer; know when it is appropriate to elaborate your answers. Think about your responses and answer the questions asked.
FELLOWSHIP CORNER
K&L Gates Public Interest Fellowship Program
The Pittsburgh Foundation and K&L Gates LLP are proud to offer this Fellowship which was established to offer law students the opportunity to assist public service organizations located in Pittsburgh. Each summer the program awards up to three successful candidates a fellowship that enables them to spend four weeks of their summer working at one of four designated public interest organizations; Allegheny Conference on Community Development; Education Law Center; KidsVoice; Neighborhood Legal Services Association.
For more details, please see http://www.klgates.com/careers/publicservice/fellowship/
How to Apply:
Mail completed application, resume and unofficial transcript (applications available on table in front of Career Services Resource Center), to The Pittsburgh Foundation.
c/o Deborah L. Turner, Scholarship Coordinator, The Pittsburgh Foundation, Five PPG Place, Suite 250, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-5414 by October 3, 2008
Hiring Criteria:
Subject to the approval of the Board of Directors of The Pittsburgh Foundation, an Advisory Committee will recommend the fellowship winners based upon academic merit, demonstrated commitment to public service and other information provided through the application process and interviews with finalist candidates.
Compensation Details:
Each recipient will be paid a stipend of $1000/week (less applicable taxes).
CSO PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT APPLICATION SKILLS WORKSHOP
Thursday, September 18, Room 107*
1:00-1:45pm
This workshop is for students who are applying for federal government positions. We will review resume requirements and tips for crafting effective KSAs (essays) and discuss strategies for completing an effective application. Please note that deadlines for many of the Federal Honor's Programs and Summer Programs fall in September and October. For detailed information on opportunities please see the Government Honors & Internship Handbook accessible via the Extranet in the "Job Search Sites" section. This year's Handbook contains information concerning 179 different hiring programs for law students and recent graduates, being offered by 48 federal and 42 state and local government employers.
*Please note that this workshop was also run on August 28th.
WEBSITES OF THE WEEK
Interested in working as prosecutor? This site sponsored by the Eaton County Prosecuting Attorney provides links to District Attorneys, Prosecuting Attorneys, Attorneys General and US Attorneys nationwide.
http://www.nlada.org/
The National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA) champions effective legal assistance for the poor and serves as a collective voice for both civil legal services and indigent defense services throughout the nation. The site provides a wealth of information on these fields and also allows students to search for public defender and legal services opportunities by state.