Pitt Law Works: Volume 4 Issue 6 - October 3, 2008

.GOV FEDERAL CAREER DAY 2008

October 29, 2008 at the William Pitt Union

This is an annual career fair, with over 80 government agencies represented, for candidates interested in government careers.*   On Career Day, federal employees will provide insider tips for tailoring resumes, applications, interviews etc. to securing jobs in government. The details are at http://pfcd.erecruiting.com/er/security/login.jsp Please register at the website to assist with employer planning. Participation in this event is FREE!

Who:                         Employers include:  

• Commonwealth of PA - State Civil Service Commission
• Defense Information Systems Agency
• Department of Defense, Civilian Personnel Management Service                      
• Department of Energy
• Department of Health and Human Services
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Federal Correctional Institution
• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
• Federal Reserve Board
• Food and Drug Administration
• Internal Revenue Service  
• NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
• National Institutes of Health  
• National Labor Relations Board
• National Nuclear Security Administration /Future Leaders Program
• National Science Foundation
• Naval Audit Service  
• Naval Supply Systems Command
• NAVSEA - Carderock    
• New York State Public Management Institute
• NIOSH/Pittsburgh Research Laboratory
• Office of Inspector General, Nat'l Science Foundation
• Office of Inspector General- EPA
• PA Department of Environmental Protection                              
• Peace  Corps  
• Philadelphia Passport Agency
• Portsmouth Naval Shipyard  
• Social Security Administration
• Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Admin. (SAMHSA)
• The Office of Personnel Management
• U.S. AID, Office of Inspector General    
• U.S. Census Bureau
• U.S. Department of State-Bureau of Diplomatic Security
• U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
• U.S. Small Business Administration  
• United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations
• United States Air Force Personnel Center  
• United States Department of Justice - Antitrust Division
• United States Postal Service
• United States Probation and Pretrial Services Office
• US Department Of Education  
• US Dept of Health & Human Services, Inspector  Gen.
• US Department of Homeland Security, Secret Service  
• US Dept of Homeland Security, U.S. Border Patrol
• US Department of Labor, Wage & Hour Division
• US Department of Treasury, Thrift Supervision
• US Department of Veterans Affairs - Pittsburgh Regional Office

When:               October 29, 2008 9am-3pm

Where:                                             University of Pittsburgh William Pitt Union

Why:                             To provide students with networking opportunities, insider tips on the hiring process and some job opportunities

How:                             Contact the CSO for more information; but students can just show up on the day of the event.   (Don't forget to dress in business casual and to bring copies of your resume, writing sample and unofficial transcript.   To make the most of this opportunity, do some research before the event and come prepared with questions for the employers.)            

*   As in past years, not all employers will be lawyers.   However, all employers will be able to provide advice on hiring trends in regions across the country and with the agencies they represent.   They also are likely able to put you in touch with attorney-practitioners who work at their agencies.   Perhaps most importantly, they can help you navigate the often daunting hiring process.

FEATURED ATTORNEY:   LISA FREELAND*

Current job:  Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Pennsylvania.   There are 80 Districts in the U.S. with Federal Public Defenders. The Western District office also has a First Assistant Federal Public Defender, a Senior Litigator, Assistant Federal Public Defenders, Research and Writing Attorneys, Investigators and Paralegals.

Types of cases include:  tax cases, bank robberies, fraud, drug cases, possession of child pornography, gun crimes, arson, habeas corpus cases (including capital cases, which are state court death sentence cases), etc.   Many of the violent crimes used to be prosecuted solely by state authorities; however, over the years and due to the changing political climate, many of these crimes have been federalized.   Over the last two decades, Congress has passed numerous laws as part of a "tough on crime" platform, and the penalties for these federal crimes often provide for mandatory minimum sentences that are significantly higher than the penalties available in state courts.   A variety of state cases make their way to the Federal Public Defender because even when defendants lose in the state system, they still have the right to claim that their federal constitutional rights have been violated.

Past jobs:  Since graduating from Columbia University School of Law in 1994: Staff Attorney with the Office of the Appellate Defender (a private non-profit organization formed as a response to a lawsuit filed by prisoners in the State of New York); Legal Writing Instructor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law; Law Clerk for the Honorable Timothy Lewis, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit.

Biggest work challenges:   Not only is the law unfavorable to federal defendants, the federal government prosecutes only the cases it chooses to pursue and believes it can win. So, it is difficult defending a client when there are so few options and so many doors are closed - even to the most creative lawyers.   An additional challenge for Attorney Freeland is watching numerous young African American men be prosecuted and incarcerated for long periods of time and she feels helpless to change the socio-economic conditions which lead to much of the lawlessness and/or change people's views about the harsh mandatory minimum sentencing laws now in effect.   (Attorney Freeland is 1 of 5 - out of 80 total - African American Federal Public Defenders in the country; she reports that diversity remains a problem in the assistant defender ranks as well.)

Most  interesting courtroom moment:  Ms. Freeland's first oral argument before the Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit was before a panel of three judges.   After making her opening argument for the appellant, the presiding judge claimed she didn't understand anything Ms. Freeland said during her argument; however, this judge was the only judge who ruled in her favor, in a dissenting opinion.   Later, Attorney Freeland was invited to participate as an amicus curiae in an argument before the entire court on the same issue and the judge who had chastised her was very supportive.  It was a very vindicating moment.

What do you like best about your current job?  Federal Public Defenders play a very important role in the judicial system.  Attorney Freeland finds it very fulfilling to be charged with protecting individual rights.   Many of her clients have never had anyone take an interest in their education, development, job prospects, or future.   It is extremely rewarding when clients show appreciation for efforts made on their behalf.   Attorney Freeland hopes it helps to restore their faith in other human beings.

What's the best advice you could give to law students?  If you want to be a courtroom lawyer, being an advocate is extremely important, which means that you have to be an excellent persuasive speaker and writer, whether you're working for a private law firm or as a public defender.     It is also important to have experience working with people because good people skills are critical when dealing with clients, judges, and other lawyers.

*This was first printed in 2005

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DON'T GET THE JOB

You just got the call. You didn't get the job.

"We appreciate you coming in," the interviewer says, "but we've decided to go with someone else."

Your natural inclination may be to scream or sob or just quietly hang up the phone and head for the nearest bar. But if you hang in there, the next few minutes on the phone with the interviewer could help you immensely.   That's because gaining insight into why you were not selected could help you get the next job you seek.

So, here is a sample of a conversation you might have with the interviewer. (Note:   While you have the interviewer on the phone is NOT the time to lose your temper or act unprofessionally. The legal market is very small; additionally, many employers hire year after year.   There is no sense burning your bridges by yelling, "Well, it's your loss you didn't pick me! Who needs you anyway?")

It is appropriate to express disappointment, but also, ask for feedback on how you can improve, particularly if the interviewer notices that you need work on some specific skills. So, say something like: "Thank you for calling and letting me know. Do you mind me asking why I wasn't chosen?"

You could continue by asking "Would you have any suggestions about the skills I should develop to secure such a position in the future?"   Alternatively, you could ask "If you were me, what would you do next?"

Let the interviewer see that even under stressful circumstances you don't lose your cool, and that you remain committed to improving yourself. That alone could stand out in the interviewer's mind should another position become available.  
 
Remember: the person who handles disappointment professionally - and turns it into a positive experience for those involved - will stand out in the future as mature, dependable and reliable. And those are the folks who ultimately get picked up by the right employer.

CSO PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Thursday, October 9th • 1:00-2:00pm Room G-12

PLI Patent Practice Center's Senior Editor, Eugene Quinn, will be at the Law School on October 9th to talk with students about Patent Practice.     PLI (http://www.pli.edu/), is a non-profit organization, and is often looked to as a reference source in patent practice.  Mr. Quinn will speak about Patent Practice, the patent bar exam, where the jobs are in this field/salary, answers general questions and give out scholarship applications to PLI programs and web casts.   Mr. Quinn is a patent attorney, partner in the law firm of White & Quinn, P.C. the founder of IPWatchdog.com, and the Chief Editor for PLI's patent practice center and blog. His areas of expertise are patent, copyright and technology transfer law, with particular emphasis on business method and computer related technologies.  

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

WBA Happy Hour at Storms • October 16th from 5-7 pm.  

This is a great opportunity to meet attorneys new to Pittsburgh.   Please RSVP to mpierson@zoominternet.net by October 13th.

"Pennsylvania's Uniform Environmental Covenants Act: New Responsibilities for Landowners Affected by Environmental Cleanups"
The ACBA Environmental Law Section will sponsor a brown bag lunch 'n learn program on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the PBI Professional Development Center on the 7th floor of the Heinz 57 Building at 339 Sixth Ave.   Cost:   $20.   For a registration form, click here. Please RSVP by Friday, October 17.

Speakers include Don Bluedorn, Esq. of Babst, Calland, Clements, and Zomnir, P.C. and Michael Buchwach, Esq. of the DEP.   Howard Wein, Esq. of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, PC will moderate.

"What You Need to Know:   The Mysteries of Career Advancement"

Presented by the Women in the Law Division of the ACBA and PNC Wealth Management Group

October 29, 2008 (Wednesday) City-County Building, 9th Floor ACBA Auditorium, 11:30-1:30pm

Being a successful lawyer - or having a successful law firm -is about more than hard work.   It is about building relationships within the legal community and your potential client base.   Strategic Planning is an often overlooked, but critical component, of that success.   And the path to success may vary for women and men.
 
Sandra Solomon, of Sandra Solomon Associates, Inc., will lead a lively and interactive program that will help provide lawyers and law firms with a road map to success.     Sandra brings over twenty years of experience as an Executive and Business Coach with financial service organizations, law firms and accounting firms to this process.

This Program will focus on:  
• Detecting unwritten rules that lead to leadership success           • Building strategic relationships

• Connecting with Mentors and Sponsors Driving a planned approach to advancement

Cost:   $15.00 (program and lunch).     To register, contact Marlene Ellis at 412-402-6611 or mellis@acba.org.

ABA's China Committee Membership Opportunities:

Membership in the International Law Section and in ABA China Committee is free for law students -- and that student membership in the ABA is only $25 per year. The ABA, and the International Law Section in particular, are fantastic vehicles for career development, networking, and for advancing your knowledge in crucial areas.   For students interested in all things international, we invite you to join the ABA, our section, and our Committee.

Finding jobs in international law is tough - tougher even than finding purely domestic jobs.   The International Law Section has a tremendous variety of areas in which you can get involved and begin meeting friends and career contacts.   China especially is emerging as one of the most vitally important places to global commerce and international affairs.   The opportunities for US lawyers with respect to China are now significant - whether you're interested in working in the US or in China, or in the public or private sector.   Our Committee has substantial China-related resources at your disposal - beginning with its global network of people in the US, China, and elsewhere.

To become a member of the ABA, go to http://www.abanet.org/join/ and select the student option.   If you'd like to get involved with the International Law Section or the China Committee, contact Justin Evans at juwevans@alumni.iu.edu.

PBI SPONSORED CLEs

To register for the following CLEs, please visit the PBI website.

• E-mails & Blogs: Employer Liability, Policies and Prevention from 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., October 22*
• 12th Annual Family Law Update from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., October 22*
• A Day on Health Law from 8:30 a.m. to 3:40 p.m., Simulcast - October 28

*Programs held at PBI Professional Development Conference Center, Heinz 57 Center, 339 Sixth Ave., 7th Fl.;

FELLOWSHIP CORNER

The Loyola Law School Center for Juvenile Law and Policy W.M. Keck Summer Fellowship Summer 2009

Loyola Law School's Center for Juvenile Law and Policy will award   two summer fellowships made possible by the W.M. Keck Foundation,   to law students who have demonstrated a commitment to public   interest law, criminal defense and children's issues.   The  fellowship provides a generous stipend for two months beginning  June 1, 2009.

The summer fellowship will be a unique opportunity for law  students to practice law under the supervision of clinical faculty  at the Loyola Law School Center for Juvenile Law and Policy.    

Fellows will provide case management for our active clients and  will be responsible for all other aspects of legal representation.   Summer fellows will be required to appear in court on behalf of  our clients and, as such, must be certified by the California Bar  in order to provide legal services under the supervision of an  attorney.   Candidates must have completed civil procedure and  evidence prior to the appointment.   Fellows can expect to be exposed to a broad range of juvenile justice issues and will be  expected to participate in initiatives that the Center undertakes  during the summer.

Applications are to be submitted to the Center for Juvenile Law and Policy at Loyola Law School, 919 Albany Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015, by 5 p.m., November 18, 2008.   Faxed applications will  not be accepted.   The application should include: a cover letter, a copy of the applicant's resume, an official law school  transcript through Fall 2008, and one letter of reference.   The  reference letter should be sent directly to the Center from the  author.   The cover letter should describe the candidate's interest  in juvenile criminal defense practice and how the fellowship fits  into the candidate's future professional interests.

For information on certification by the State Bar of California please go to: http://calbar.ca.gov/state/calbar/calbar_generic.jsp?cid=10169&id=1342>http://calbar.ca.gov/state/calbar/calbar_generic.jsp?cid=10169&id=1342

UPCOMING CONFERENCES

2nd Annual Student Health Law Conference: Taking the Health Law Career Path

October 17, 2008 University of Pittsburgh School of Law

The conference is an outreach program that aims to involve law students in ASLME and to expose students to various careers available in the field of health law.   Topics covered will include:

• What Do Health Lawyers Do?                                                                       • Starting You Own Firm
• How to contact Prospective Employers - The Logistics of the Health Law Job Search
• Health law in government, trade associations, nonprofits, consulting firms, insurance, and small firms
• Nontraditional Jobs for Health Lawyers                                         •Telecommuting

Featured Speaker: Donna Gerson, author of Choosing Small, Choosing Smart, Job Search Strategies for Lawyers in the Small Firm Market

Click here to view the Conference Panels.   For general information on conferences and events at the American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics, click here

Advancing the Consensus: 60 Years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Conference

Emory School of Law in Atlanta October 16th-18th.

The program will include two Nobel Peace Prize Laureates keynote speakers, over 35 panelists and workshop presenters discussing current human rights issues, and 400 conference attendees with whom to network!
For more information:   www.law.emory.edu/advancingtheconsensus

To register:   http://www.law.emory.edu/current-students/student-organizations/epic/conference/registration.html