3L StrategiesHow to Get a Job with Your JD

Confront The Brutal Facts Facing Global War on JobsLaw Firm Model ChangeGovt/PI Budget IssuesHiring Freeze/Downsizing in Business & Higher EducationIncreased Job Competition Accept What You Cannot Change

Control What You Can - YourAttitude & Effort

Career Planning is A Process

Re-Assess Your VIPSRethink Your Job SearchRedefine Your Immediate GoalsReload Your Professional Tool KitBuild and Utilize Your Network

Step 1 Re-AssessmentWhat do you want to do?Where do you want to go?What are your VIPS?The more clarity you have, the better able you will be to conduct your job search, set realistic goals and empower your network to assist you

Strengths = Transferable SkillsLegal research, writing, analysis, strategic thinking, oral advocacy, negotiation, mediation, contractsAdaptive listening, problem-solving, work ethic, professionalism, initiative, time management, resilience, judgmentTechnical computer proficiency, foreign language, web development, undergrad degree or work experience

Step 2 - Job ResearchWhat are all of my options?

How can I best utilize my legal education, skills and experience right now?

What is the best fit for me?

Where can I get the best training, mentoring and experience?

Major Job CategoriesLaw FirmsGovernment/MilitaryPublic InterestBusiness/CorporationAcademiaJudicial ClerkshipsOther (Non-Legal)

Law FirmsOCI never was the only game in town Check Symplicity regularlySmall-medium firms still hiring, but many opportunities not advertisedIdentify target firmsMartindale, Westlaw, Indiana Legal Directory, Bar Associations, Google, etc.Check web sites and contact directly phone calls v. emails

Government/Military273,000 Federal jobs to be filled by 2012#3 Enforcement and Compliance 31,000#4 Legal 23,500www.usajobs.govPresidential Management FellowsGovernment Honors HandbookFinal Semester in DCStates > OCPD Online ResourcesVolunteering leads to Full-Time Jobs!

Have you consideredCrane Naval Surface Warfare Centerhttp://www.crane.navy.mil/defaulthome.aspContract SpecialistsEnvironmentalLogisticsOtherGovt contracts not boring and lucrative!

Public InterestOCPD Online ResourcesPSLawNet.org Orgs vs. OpportunitiesVolunteer with Public Defender, Legal Aid or Non-Profits to build upon existing skills and/or learn new onesVolunteer to clerk for a judge, ideally where you want to practice, after graduation

Business/CorporationFinance/TaxHuman ResourcesSupply Chain/ProcurementLogisticsRegulatory CompliancePublic Relations

Academia

Higher education - IU, Ivy Tech, local community collegeswww.higheredjobs.comInstitutions w/o law schools Chronicle of Higher EducationPrivate high schools and college prep schools

Other Post-Graduate Options Fellowships EJW, IU Grad Grant CenterResearch AssistantsContract/Temp Legal WorkCheck OCPD Online Resources for a list of temp firms (register for multiple firms)Individual Project WorkOther Contract/Temp WorkChamber of Commerce in desired location

Step 3 Goal SettingSet realistic, attainable goals viable options

Get organized - give yourself action steps and deadlines Be persistent and patient

Finding a job is a full-time job!

Step 4 Re-ToolRevise cover letter tell your storyUpdate resume = marketing brochure Practice interviewing convey genuine interest and enthusiasmSolicit letters of recommendation and references (esp. former employers)Business cards are essential see OCPD

STEP 5 - Networking

You are in the relationship business!

Communication is KeyPeriodically update contacts with new, relevant information about you:Articles/notes writtenHigh grades & related courseworkInvolvement with CLEs & symposiumsSummer work and clinical experienceOther volunteering, leadership roles or personal accomplishments

Check-in with former/prospective employers to remind them of your interest, availability and enthusiasm

Develop/manage productive professional and personal relationships with a diverse audience

Out of Sight = Out of Mind !!

Expand Your NetworkNetwork with alumniIndiana Law and IUAAAre you a member of the alumni association at your undergrad (Masters, PhD) school?Job shadowInformational interviewVolunteerJoin local and/or state bar associations

AdviceLet OCPD help you develop/implement your personal strategyDont be a well-kept secret - get out there and meet peoplePersistence and patience trumps talentDo what Lawyers do and make the best of the situation!GOOD LUCK!