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It’s More Than Presents and Overeating: How to Make Winter Break Work You

December 11, 2018 by Leave a Comment

It’s More Than Presents and Overeating: How to Make Winter Break Work YouPlease welcome back Mark Livingston, guest writer and 3L, to talk about some strategies for making the most of your job search during winter break.

As we approach the pain of finals and the euphoria of the end of the semester, it’s time to think about the big picture. Of course, you have earned some R & R (rest & relaxation) after a challenging semester, but don’t miss the opportunity to make some invaluable connections and start positioning yourself for work during and after law school. It’s time to push away from that sticky-figgy pudding and start networking over the winter break.

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What To Do If You Start 3L Year With No Job – Advice From a Fellow 3L

October 23, 2018 by Leave a Comment

What To Do If You Start 3L Year With No Job – Advice from a fellow 3LPlease welcome back guest writer and current 3L Shirlene Armstrong to discuss some options if you find yourself in your 3L year without a job offer.

You did it. You finally get to your last year of law school and you are already looking forward to never going back to classes. You are excited about the next step in your journey and can’t wait until this last year is finished. All you need to do is survive this year, study for the bar exam and sit for everyone’s favorite two-day exam then you will be on your way to becoming an attorney. (Right??) However, something else lingers in the distance: you have to get a job. It is great to have that “Esq.” after your name, but you have to find some sort of placement beyond law school to utilize it to its full extent. But what happens if you don’t have a job when you start your 3L year? Should you panic? What should you do to make sure you snag a position for after graduation? Here are some tips from a fellow 3L in order to help you in your job search at the beginning of your 3L year. [Read more…]

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Can I Be an Introverted Attorney in a Profession that Seems Made for Extroverts?

September 5, 2017 by 4 Comments

Being an introvert in a profession that seems made for extrovertsToday we welcome back Christen Morgan, guest writer and foreclosure attorney, to discuss how to handle the legal profession as an introvert.

In a culture that’s permeated by visuals of “the outspoken attorney,” we’ve developed a concept that all attorneys should aspire to be the Johnnie Cochran, Robert Shapiro or Perry Mason type. It has been drilled into our minds that attorneys at the very least must be outgoing in an effort to fight the good fight and win the toughest legal battles within the courtroom. So if you’ve always been a quiet, reserved and overall introverted individual, it’s understood if you feel intimidated about pursuing this career. You may be passionate about the law, but you don’t see yourself arguing a major case before a judge and a jury. Also, while you can envision yourself communicating with clients on a one on one basis, you could never see yourself heading a client meeting with several attorneys and staff members involved. If you’ve experienced these thoughts at some point or another, I implore you to not give up on your attorney dreams just yet. Being introverted is by no means an indicator that you’re not a good lawyer. The stereotypes that we’ve been fed about this profession are simply just stereotypes and is in no way an indicator of a dominant attorney personality trait. The legal profession is filled with individuals from different backgrounds, personalities, and mindsets. I assure you that as an introvert, you are not alone. [Read more…]

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Bouncing Back from Rejection

April 4, 2017 by Leave a Comment

rejection confidence

Today, we’re excited to welcome back Gabriella Martin, 2L guest writer, to talk about the inevitable and always unpleasant rejection and how to recover without breaking your stride.

Rejection sucks. Honestly, I don’t think there will ever come a time where you get rejected—from a job, a date, whatever—and your first thought will be, “Huh, I’m so glad that happened.” Yes, you may get there eventually, but when you first hear that, “thanks, but no thanks,” you feel upset and, to some degree, unsteady. Why? [Read more…]

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What’s Your Brand?

March 21, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Interview stand out personal brand

Please welcome back Keri Clapp, professor and tutor for the Law School Toolbox and Bar Exam Toolbox, to discuss establishing, developing, and promoting your personal brand in a competitive legal environment.

Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts? Lexis or WestLaw? Washington Post or Wall Street Journal? You probably have a quick response to each of these questions based on not just on specific experiences, but also on how you identify the brand of each of these products.

Take coffee, for example. Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts both sell coffee, but have distinct and differentiated brand attributes. These successful businesses have spent a lot of time and money deciding on their target customer profile; their marketing efforts—from packaging to product to location—are primarily directed to what that customer base will appreciate. This type of strategy doesn’t get derailed because some people will get coffee at home or at the gas station convenience store; a well-differentiated brand does not try to be all things to all people.

In a competitive legal market, spending some time creating and marketing your personal brand is a strong move. What qualities do you want to project when you meet someone? What attributes do you want to jump out on your resume? In sum, what do you want people to associate with you when they hear your name? [Read more…]

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Finding Your Path: A Business Coach Weighs In

August 11, 2015 by Leave a Comment

Crystal MarshPlease welcome Crystal Marsh, former attorney and career business coach. She is the owner of Crystal Marsh Coaching — a where she helps millennials define success and fulfillment for themselves and then land their dreams jobs or start their new businesses. Today she is sharing answering questions and sharing her insight on law school, the first years and finding your path.

Welcome, Crystal!

I’m getting ready to start law school, and I’m not at all sure I should go. I think I’d be good at law, but I’m not sure it’s my passion. Is this a terrible idea? What should I be thinking about as I make this decision?

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What Should You Be Learning in Law School?

May 7, 2015 by 2 Comments

Michele PistonePlease welcome Professor Michele Pistone to the blog. Michele is a professor of Law and teaches the Clinic for Asylum, Refugee and Emigrant Services (CARES) at Villanova School of Law. She’s also created LegalED, an online resource where students can learn the law via videos from leading law professors and lawyers. She’s here today to share some insights about law school and what her day looks like. Welcome, Michele! [Read more…]

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Interested in Entertainment Law? An Interview with Sports & Entertainment Lawyer Jaia Thomas

October 1, 2013 by 1 Comment

Jaia Thomas - Entertainment LawyerGiven that I was on the board of the Arts & Entertainment Law Society in law school, I’m thrilled to welcome Jaia Thomas, a Los Angeles-based sports and entertainment lawyer, to answer some questions for us!

Without further ado…

I’m a 3L without a job, and I’m thinking about starting a solo practice when I graduate. Do you think this is feasible, and what tips do you have for successfully getting it off the ground?

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