Category Archives: General

The 7th Annual Starting Line!

For the 7th year, the CSD will be hosting an event exclusive to 1Ls called “The Starting Line” in the Atrium on Thursday, November 15th from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Attorneys from the academic, corporate, judicial, government/public interest, private practice and alternative sectors will be in attendance to visit with students in a table talk format regarding their careers, areas of practice, and the hiring criteria used by their specific firms/organizations.

Please note that this event is not designed as a venue for employer recruitment. Rather, The Starting Line is an educational event for 1Ls, which we hope will demonstrate the versatility of the Juris Doctor degree and provide you with an opportunity to speak with a diverse group of attorneys about their own career paths in the law. Business dress is required and your resume will serve as your ticket for entry.  Make sure to drop off your resume to our CSD staff and do not bring one with you into the event!  For more information about what to wear and bring, visit our website at http://fcsl.edu/startingline. All 1Ls must RSVP on Symplicity by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 13th.  Remember that all students are already registered in the Symplicity system, you simply need to log in using your regular FCSL login information. We look forward to seeing 1Ls on Thursday for this fun and informative event!

Having Trouble Accessing Symplicity? Trying to Register for a New Account?

All current students have the ability to log into Symplicity using your Florida Coastal account information (C-number e-mail address and FCSL account password).  You can complete your profile, log Pro Bono hours and sign up for events.  In order to apply for OCIs and job postings, view employer profiles, take surveys, and schedule an appointment with our office, you will need to have completed your 1L CSD Curriculum during your second semester of law school. Students and alumni cannot re-register for an account, as you are already registered in the system! 

If you have questions about Symplicity, please contact us.  If you still need to complete your Curriculum, you can log onto D2L and watch the videos and take the quizzes at any time.  In order to pass the Curriculum, you must complete each quiz with a 75% or above.  Once you have done so, please contact Tara Block at tblock@fcsl.edu to gain full access into Symplicity. 

First Semester 1Ls will have the opportunity to complete the Curriculum beginning in mid-November.

1L CSD Orientation

First Semester 1Ls, your Career Services Orientation is quickly approaching on November 1st and 6th!  In order to schedule an appointment with one of our counselors, you must attend this mandatory Orientation.  During Orientation, you will be introduced to the CSD team, learn about the 1L event we hold in mid-November exclusively for your class called “The Starting Line,”  as well as find out about the timeline for taking the CSD Curriculum and accessing Symplicity.  We will also provide you with the all-important CSD Handbook, an extremely handy resource throughout your law school career.  Session days are listed as follows and all take place from Noon to 1:00 p.m. with lunch provided. 

Thursday, November 1
Section A – Room 365
Section B – Room 425
Section C – Room 465

Tuesday, November 6
Section D – Room 455
Section E – Room 250
Section F – Room 550

If you have a conflict with your scheduled Orientation time, please contact careerservices@fcsl.edu to reschedule.

Special Alumni Webinar: Federal Hiring Practices

All alumni are welcome to join us on Wednesday, October 10th at 12:00-1:00 pm as Government & Public Interest Counselor Jennifer Hall Turney discusses federal hiring practices.  In this federal hiring webinar we will discuss specifics on how the federal hiring process works, as well as tips and tricks for successfully using USA Jobs to apply to federal positions.  We will also cover federal hiring flexibilities that may apply to you.  

You can register for this webinar by clicking the following link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/206410953

Sarasota County Bar Association Diversity Scholarship Program

The Sarasota County Bar Association in partnership with the Community Foundation of Sarasota County is accepting applications for its Diversity Scholarship Program to provide scholarships of up to $5,000 to qualified law students of diverse backgrounds. Students are selected from Florida law schools by the SCBA Diversity Committee. Click on the above link to view the brochure.

Eligibility is based on need, merit and qualifying criteria. Candidates interview with area law firms and/or governmental agencies that have agreed to employ the students for 10-week summer internships. Once approved, successful applications are referredto the Community Foundation who awards the scholarship to the student’s law school to further his/her legal education.

The Diversity Committee is available to provide information about housing for students that do not have ties to the community.  To learn more and obtain an application, visit www.sarasotabar.com or www.cfsarasota.org. Copies of the application are also available in the information racks at the front of the CSD office. If you have questions, feel free to contact Amber Williams at arwilliams@fcsl.edu.

 

ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS – Register Now To Get Your Certified Legal Intern (CLI) Clearance!

The number one attribute that employers are looking for on law graduates’ resumes is Practical Legal Experience.  Don’t miss out on the opportunity to become a CLI and get that valuable hands-on experience.  Remember, you cannot even be considered for a CLI without first obtaining your Clearance through the Florida Bar.  It is critical that you apply for your Clearance as early as possible and preferably your first semester of law school.  It typically takes 4 or 5 months to complete your Character and Fitness Clearance, but it can take up to a year or two.  Even if you do not plan to practice in Florida, you should get your Clearance.

If you have questions or need assistance with your application, go to Academic Success or the Clinic.

Need to Schedule an Appointment with Career Services?

Did you know that you can schedule an appointment with a career counselor online? If you completed your 1L CSD Curriculum and have full access to Symplicity or are a graduate with full access to Symplicity, youhave 24-hour access to easily schedule anappointment with our counselors on Symplicity: on the home page, under the right-hand column, click on “Request an Appointment” under the Career Tools and Advising header. You will be taken to the counseling appointment page where you can select the type of appointment you would like, the counselors who are available, and the date that you would like to schedule the appointment for. Once you click on the date, time and counselor, it will populate the fields under “3. Submit Your Request” and once you click “Submit Request” you will receive a confirmation e-mail about your appointment. It’s that easy!

Questions? Call us at 680-7744 or e-mail careerservices@fcsl.edu.

CSD Coffee Wednesday

Stop by the CSD table in the atrium for snacks and coffee from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm every Wednesday! Counselors will be available to answer quick questions! You can also pick up:

  • The latest CSD Handbook
  • Job Search Time Lines (2L & 3L)
  • Symplicity training manual

You will also be able to RSVP for upcoming events and make appointments with the CSD Counselors.

Although first semester 1Ls are not allowed to seek counseling from the CSD, you are welcome to come and get a coffee!

1L Curriculum Reminder

Second Semester 1Ls: Please be sure to complete your mandatory CSD Curriculum before the upcoming deadline!  You can do so by logging onto Desire2Learn to watch the videos and take the quizzes.  This Curriculum will provide you with an overview of our services and resources, guide you on application materials and job search strategies and show you important details such as how to dress for an interview.  Once you have completed the Curriculum with a grade of 7.5 or above on each section, you will be provided with full access to Symplicity.  The deadline to complete the Curriculum is Friday, September 14, 2012.

All Second Semester 1Ls who complete the Curriculum by the deadline will automatically be entered into a drawing to receive 1 of 2 professional leather portfolios!