1.  Hope–The firm to which you are applying wants to know about your skills and abilities, not what you are hoping will happen.  Instead of “I hope to be able to contribute my skills to your firm”, switch it up to “I look forward to speaking with you about my qualifications”.

2.  Hone–I am guilty of this.  But it admittedly is overused.  Intead of “during my internship I honed my skills”, write how your experience “developed” or “sharpened” your skills, or how your “research culminated in a report to your supervising attorney which was used during trial”.  Stated this way, there is no doubt of your abilities.

3.  Drawn–You can be drawn to a person, but a firm wants to know that you are a match for the type of work they are producing and that your mindset is similar to theirs, not that you are drawn to their firm for their reputation or location.

4.  Feel–Notice the difference:  I feel the relationship management skills I built while working at the Public Defender’s Office are a match for The Jones Firm’s commitment to outstanding client relationships.  OR  The relationship management skills I built while working at the Public Defender’s Office are a match for The Jones Firm’s commitment to outstanding client relationships.  The second example is more powerful and creative and will be more apt to get your cover letter noticed. 

Write strongly and with conviction and you will give yourself an edge.

 

]]> http://fcsl.edu/blogs/pp/2013/04/17/registration-ending-for-semjf/feed/ 0 http://fcsl.edu/blogs/pp/2013/04/15/legal-diversity-career-fair/ http://fcsl.edu/blogs/pp/2013/04/15/legal-diversity-career-fair/#comments Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:41:19 +0000 lcrouch http://fcsl.edu/blogs/pp/?p=1438

Vault.com and the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA) are hosting the 8th Annual Legal Diversity Career Fair in Washington DC and you are invited to attend!

This is a great opportunity for 2Ls who have not yet committed to a firm or other employer for summer 2014, laterals interested in new positions, and rising 3Ls seeking entry-level associate positions to meet with top legal employers from firms and organizations committed to diversity. There are no fees associated with participation at the career fair and all students and laterals are welcome to attend.

For more information and to register please visit:  http://www.vault.com/legaldiversity

Date: Friday, August 2, 2013  

Location: Capitol Hilton, 1001 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036     

Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm

•Registration is required and must be completed online by July 31, 2013. After such time candidates can register on-site at the hotel.

•Employers have access to resumes in advance of the career fair and may schedule one on one interviews during exhibit hall hours. In such cases employers will contact candidates directly to arrange these meetings.

•There is no bid process to attend the career fair.

 •Candidates should come prepared with copies of their resumes, transcripts and any other writing materials to share with employers.

•Lunch is complimentary.

 •Dress code is business attire.

The Florida Coastal Alumni Association invites you to save the date for Alumni Weekend 2013 on April 19-20! 

Alumni from across the country will be back on campus to reconnect with each other, participate in CLE courses, tour the school and meet our students.   Don’t be left out!  Come take advantage of the CLE courses offered on Friday, April 19 hosted by Natalie Tuttle, Sarah Sullivan, Rod Sullivan and graduates Renee Maxey and Christine Bell.  Visit the Alumni Weekend homepage for more information or to register online.

We hope to see you next month!

Registration for SEMJF began on April 3, 2013 and will end on April 19, 2013. Registration is FREE! Students will be able to register in the Atrium during Coffee Wednesdays, on Symplicity, or by email. To register via email contact Amber Williams at arwilliams@fcsl.edu.

Job Fair Details

 When:            Friday, July 26 & Saturday, July 27, 2013

Where:           Hyatt Regency Suites Perimeter Northwest in Marietta, Georgia

 Log on to http://www.semjf.org/Home_Page.html to learn more about the job fair. Should you have additional questions, feel free to contact Amber Williams at arwilliams@fcsl.edu

 Join members of the Public Interest Research Bureau to learn more about what they do and how you can be a part of this rewarding organization.  Make a difference in the lives of the poor, develop critical legal skills, and acquire essential writing and research experience.  An information session will be held Thursday, March 21st at noon, in Room 250.  During the sessions, you will learn how to become a member of the Research Bureau.  Applications will also be distributed.  If you have any questions, please contact Brandy Natalzia at Brandy.Natalzia@law.fcsl.edu.