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Network Launched to Unite Military Spouses With Law Degrees

By on June 23rd, 2011

Attorney spouses of military members face significant challenges maintaining their legal careers while supporting their spouse’s military career. Many families find balancing a military career with a legal career too difficult. In those cases, either the legal profession or the military loses a valuable member.

The Military Spouse JD Network (“MSJDN”) was formed by two military spouses who have maintained successful legal careers through frequent transfers with their spouses. The MSJDN focuses on:

  • advocating for provisional bar membership and admission in each state;
  • educating the community about the benefits of hiring military spouses with law degrees; and
  • providing a network for attorney spouses to connect with and support each other.

With the support of co-founder Mary Reding, Ohio is considering providing provisional bar membership to qualified military spouses. The MSJDN urges each state to review its bar admission requirements to ensure they are reasonable for military spouses who typically move every two to four years. The MSJDN also supports the uniform bar exam.

The MSJDN will highlight to employers the benefits of hiring military spouses. In addition, the network allows attorney spouses to share career advice, such as identifying legal careers that are portable and consistent with being a military spouse.

“No organization previously existed to connect attorney military spouses,” according to co-founder Hon. Erin Wirth. “Spouses navigated bar admissions and employment searches without any support or advice. This network provides a way to identify military spouses with law degrees; document our diverse career paths, challenges, and achievements; and to address our unique needs.”

The MSJDN includes spouses from all five branches of the United States Military: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy. The network is also open to active duty military members, spouses of retired service members and reservists and community members who support the network’s mission.

The Military Spouse JD Network is dedicated to eliminating barriers to the practice of law and making the legal profession a portable and viable career option for military spouses.

For more information, please visit the MSJDN website or email the organization directly.

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Participate in the USLAC – Mentorship Program

By on June 23rd, 2011

The U.S. Lawyers Practicing Abroad Committee is actively supporting the ABA Section of International Law in establishing a Mentorship Program. USLAC is spearheading a part of the program dedicated to placing U.S. lawyers and students who have an interest in practicing abroad in contact with mentors who are practicing or have practiced in the jurisdictions of interest. As members of the USLAC, they bring a unique perspective and can offer practical insight into living and working outside of the United States – insight which might be invaluable to someone first embarking on an expatriate career.

Sound interesting?  If you are practicing, or have practiced, outside of the United States, and have an interest in serving as a mentor, please contact Christine Castellano, incoming Vice-Chair of the Committee.  The time commitment is minimal, generally a phone call or two, and perhaps, a chance for mentors and mentees to meet in person if you are planning to attend any of the upcoming Section meetings.

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The Florida Bar’s Business Law Section and the Dade County Bar Association’s Business Law Committee Present:

By on June 17th, 2011

The Florida Bar’s Business Law Section and the Dade County Bar Association’s Business Law Committee present “Auditor Responsibility Related to Fraud.” This event will be held on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 from 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. The 1.0 hour Florida CLE will be presented by William Blend of Moore Stephens Lovelace, P.A. You may attend this event either in person or by telephone conferencing.

For those attending in person, the session will be held at:

Akerman Senterfitt
One SE Third Avenue
26th Floor
Miami, Florida 33131 

Lunch will be served to those that RSVP in advance courtesy of Moore Stephens Lovelace, P.A. 

Dial-in instructions will be e-mailed to all telephone participants one day prior to the course. Please mute your line for the duration of the call, unless you wish to speak or ask a question.

Law students are encouraged to participate in this event. 

Space is limited. Please RSVP (and indicate whether participating in person or telephonically) to Alan Aronson by July 8, 2011.

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Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis in Nashville is Launching a New Apprenticeship Program

By on June 16th, 2011

Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, Nashville’s oldest and largest law firm, is launching a new apprenticeship program designed to provide rising 3L students with specific associate job openings. Schola2Juris is an intensive, practice-specific fall apprenticeship that provides students a unique opportunity to gain practical law firm training while earning a $10,000 scholarship. The apprenticeships that are offered to students are actual job openings with Waller Lansden that, depending on individual performance, will lead to employment after graduation.  The Class of 2012 will be able to apply for a Schola2Juris Apprentice position starting on July 5th, 2011. 

Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis will be accepting apprentice applications from third-year law students for the following practice areas:

  • Corporate
  • Finance and Restructuring
  • Healthcare Regulatory
  • Intellectual Property
  • Labor & Employment
  • Real Estate
  • Tax
  • Trial & Appellate

Apprentices will work closely with an associate and partner mentor in the assigned practice area.  Students will work on a training module that is specifically designed to lead them through the life cycle of a client matter.  Each group’s hypothetical contains different components specific to that particular area of law and provides a unique look into real client work.  The majority of the training will take place via a virtual conference center and students will be given a laptop with the appropriate software and video equipment necessary to participate.  Work should not exceed 15 hours each week.

In addition to the practice specific training, our apprentices will be expected to go to the firm’s Nashville office September 23-26 for practice group job shadowing, business of law courses (including Law Firm Economics and Business Development), firm parties and entertainment.

Students accepted into the program will receive a $10,000 scholarship to be paid the spring semester of the third year of law school and be eligible for a full time position after graduation.

Program Dates:

  • Application process begins – July 5th
  • In-house Interviews – August 8-12th
  • Apprentice Selections Announcement – August 15-17th
  • Schola2Juris Program Begins – September 2nd – students will meet with their advisors and get hypothetical assignments
  • Waller Lansden Fall Apprentice Retreat – September 23-26th
  • Job Offer Day – October 14th

Requirements:

  • Rising third year law students from an ABA-accredited law school
  • Excellent law school grades
  • Moot Court, Law Journal, or similar experience preferred
  • Strong research and writing skills
  • Strong teamwork ethic
  • Strong intellectual curiosity
  • Prior work experience preferred

How to Apply:

Students should prepare a cover letter, resume, transcripts and writing sample. Applications will be accepted on the firm website beginning July 5, 2011.

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Lawyers’ Committee on Civil Rights for the San Francisco Bay Area Fellowship Sponsorship Opportunities

By on June 16th, 2011

FELLOWSHIP SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2012-2014 FELLOWSHIP CYCLE

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area (“LCCR”) is a civil rights and legal services organization that advances, protects and promotes the rights of communities of color, immigrants and refugees, with a specific focus on low-income communities and a long-standing commitment to African Americans.  LCCR with the assistance of hundreds of pro bono attorneys–provides free legal assistance and representation to individuals in the areas of racial justice, immigrant justice, and voting rights. In addition, LCCR handles impact cases that focus on important civil rights issues.  

LCCR is interested in sponsoring applicants for fellowships through the Skadden and Equal Justice Works Fellowship Programs for the 2012-2014 cycle.  LCCR is particularly interested in potentially sponsoring projects in the following areas: 

  • addressing disproportionate special education and/or discipline of minority students, including the over-designation of African-American students by schools as “emotionally disturbed;”
  • challenging at-large voting systems pursuant to the California Voting Rights Act and addressing possible gerrymanders arising from redistricting;
  • addressing legal barriers faced by immigrant microentrepreneurs who are starting or developing for-profit businesses, including legal assistance on business law, health care, employment law, and language access issues; and/or
  • other projects in the areas of racial justice, voting rights, and/or immigrant justice.

If you are interested in pursuing a fellowship with our organization and will be a third year law student or a judicial clerk this coming year, please send a resume, writing sample, a list of three references, and a cover letter that briefly describes your interest in a project by June 24, 2011 to:

Silvia Contreras
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights
131 Steuart Sreet, Suite 400
San Francisco, CA  94105
www.lccr.com
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The Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL) Seeks a Legal Fellow

By on June 15th, 2011

Legal Fellow – Announcement

APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 27th, 2011

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full time

TIME RESTRICTED POSITION: 6 months

STARTING DATE: Immediately

The Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL) seeks a bilingual (Spanish/English) legal fellow to provide support for their legal defense team with their current litigation of human rights cases before the Inter-American System for the Protection of Human Rights. This position will be based in Washington, DC. Established in 1991 by a group of prominent Latin American human rights defenders, CEJIL is a regional organization that works to promote human rights throughout the Hemisphere through the effective use of the Inter-American System. For more information about the organization, please visit their website. 

Qualifications Needed:

  • Law Degree (Masters preferred but not required)
  • Two years of work experience in the field of human rights, preferably at the international level
  • Strong analytical skills and the ability to develop convincing legal arguments
  • Bilingual English-Spanish, with outstanding Spanish writing skills and oral fluency
  • Ability to work on own initiative and work with others as part of a team
  • Strong organizational skills, ability to handle complex litigation, ability to work under pressure and on various projects at once
  • Willingness to travel and work in a multicultural environment

Responsibilities:

  • Support the litigation of cases before the Inter-American Commission and Court of Human Rights as well as other international bodies, in conjunction with CEJIL legal staff
  • Investigate facts and law of cases to determine causes of action and to prepare cases
  • Prepare legal arguments and compile evidence in coordination with CEJIL’s Directors
  • Identify appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles, and other materials that are relevant to assigned cases
  • Design and support training sessions, workshops, and materials about the Inter-American System or international human rights law
  • Completing institutional responsibilities, such as writing reports and work plans, among other things
  • Assisting with general administrative tasks
  • Other duties as may be assigned from time to time

 Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume no later than June 27th, 2011 by email only (subject: 2011 Fellow Search). Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. 

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Short-listed applicants will be interviewed in Washington, DC or by phone. Final candidates will eventually be asked to submit a writing sample in Spanish and write a legal brief on a topic relevant to the Inter-American System.

NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.

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The Human Rights Clinic at the University of Miami School of Law Seeks Applicants for a Practitioner-in-Residence/Lecturer

By on June 15th, 2011

The Human Rights Clinic at the University of Miami School of Law seeks applicants for a Practitioner-in-Residence/Lecturer position. The application deadline is June 30, 2011. 

Position Title:               Practitioner-in-Residence/Lecturer 

Start Date:                      Summer/Early Fall 2011 (flexible)

Duration:                        2 years, renewable for 1 additional year

Miami Law invites applicants for the position of Practitioner-in-Residence/Lecturer in its Human Rights Clinic (HRC).  The Practitioner-in-Residence/Lecturer will have the opportunity to join the vibrant and supportive clinical community at the School of Law.  Together with the HRC’s Director, the Practitioner-in-Residence/Lecturer will help run the HRC, including assisting in the teaching of clinic classes, supervising students, managing cases/projects, and representing clients. The position is designed for a lawyer with at least three years of practice experience who is interested in human rights law and advocacy at the domestic and international levels and has an interest in pursuing a career in law school clinical teaching.

The Human Rights Clinic includes a critical and a skills-based seminar on human rights law and practice.  The Clinic is engaged in human rights projects and cases before the United Nations, the Inter-American Commission and Court of Human Rights, and other domestic and international tribunals, as well as other forms of advocacy including human rights documentation/fact-finding, report-writing, legislative initiatives, and community organizing campaigns. 

Qualifications: J.D. and/or LL.M. degree from a U.S. law school is required. Applicants must have at least three years of legal practice experience. Applicants should have significant experience in human rights and cross-cultural lawyering; enthusiasm for clinical teaching, student development and training; a demonstrated commitment to social justice and public interest law; the ability to work independently and as part of a team; excellent legal, analytical, organizational, and written and oral communication skills; and ability to travel with and without students. English fluency is required; high proficiency in Spanish and/or Haitian Creole is preferred. Experience in creative and community-driven advocacy, clinical education, project management, supervision of student interns is a strong plus.

Responsibilities: Job responsibilities include:

  • Developing, implementing, managing, and supervising all aspects of student work on Clinic cases/projects. The Practitioner-in-Residence/Lecturer will have the opportunity to develop new projects that are connected with the Clinic’s objectives.
  • Co-teaching Clinic classes on human rights law, advocacy, and practice.
  • Assisting with administrative and operational aspects of the Clinic, including outreach activities to publicize the Clinic’s work; student recruitment and professional counseling; responses to public inquiries regarding the Clinic; participation in strategic planning; liaising with student and community groups; providing content for the Clinic’s website; assisting with the Clinic application process; and providing support for development activities, including grant writing and fundraising.
  • Covering cases/projects during the summer and between semesters. Depending on student interest and other needs, the Clinic may run through the summer, in which case the Practitioner-in-Residence/Lecturer would be solely or primarily responsible for teaching and supervising students and cases/projects. 

The principal supervisor for the position will be HRC’s Faculty Director, Professor Caroline Bettinger-Lopez.  The Practitioner-in-Residence/Lecturer will have the opportunity to develop and work on a scholarly agenda and participate in the academic life of the law school and in relevant academic and advocacy conferences.  

Starting annual salary is competitive and depends on experience; position also provides benefits and access to university facilities. Additional compensation may be available for summer teaching. 

To apply, please email a resume, cover letter, writing sample, law school transcript, and names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references by June 30, 2011.  Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. For questions, please contact Rose Dominguez .

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FunCheapSF.com is a Great Resource for Students Spending Their Summers in the Bay Area

By on June 13th, 2011

FunCheapSF.com is a San Francisco-based website which features recommendations of upwards of 50 affordable, fun and unique Bay Area events each week. It was started as a yahoo group in 2003 by two San Franciscans to find out fun things to do that wouldn’t cost too much.

Please visit the site for additional information.

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Sidley Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship

By on June 13th, 2011

Sidley Austin LLP has been one of the most prominent and progressive proponents of law firm diversity. Sidley’s mission is to attract and retain outstanding lawyers of varied backgrounds who reflect the global marketplace that Sidley serves. Through the leadership of its Diversity Committee and Committee on Retention and Promotion of Women, Sidley aspires to make sustainable progress in its journey toward becoming a more diverse organization. To further promote diversity within the legal profession and within the firm, Sidley offers a Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Initiative for Second Year Law Students. Sidley will grant a $15,000 Sidley Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship to a limited number of deserving second year law students who join Sidley’s summer program. Some information regarding the application process is summarized below.  

Selection Criteria

  • Have a demonstrated ability to contribute meaningfully to the diversity of the law school, the firm and the legal profession
  • Be a second year law student; preference is given to students at schools where Sidley conducts on-campus interviews (OCI) or participates in resume collections
  • Have demonstrated academic achievement and leadership qualities

Expectations of Scholarship Recipients

  • Join Sidley’s Summer Associate Program following the second year of law school
  • Use the Sidley Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship award to defray the costs of his/her legal education
  • Participate in Sidley’s ongoing dialogue regarding ways to improve diversity and inclusion

Application Timeline

The application process begins in June, and will remain open until September 30. Students interested in the Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship may apply before interviewing with the firm during OCI. Students attending law schools where Sidley does not conduct OCI are also encouraged to apply early. Awardees will be notified of the decision during the course of the recruiting season. The Scholarship application is not an application for employment. Applicants must separately apply for a summer associate position.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit an application, including resume, official law school transcript, legal writing sample and personal statement to Jenny Connelly  or at Sidley Austin LLP, One South Dearborn, Chicago, Illinois 60603. The application can be opened or downloaded (right click and select “Save Target As…”) using this link.

Optional – Letter of recommendation from a professor (law school or undergraduate), employer or personal acquaintance who can meaningfully comment on Applicant’s academic and intellectual strengths, demonstrated commitment to diversity, and/or ability to contribute to Sidley’s diversity efforts.

About Sidley Austin LLP

Sidley Austin LLP, with approximately 1700 lawyers in 17 offices, is one of the world’s largest full-service law firms. The firm offers its clients extensive experience in transactional, regulatory and litigation matters spanning virtually every area of substantive law. Sidley is committed to achieving greater diversity not only within the firm, but also within the legal profession as a whole. For more information about Sidley, please visit Sidley Austin’s website.

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Big Apple, Small Budget: Making the Most of Your NYC Public Interest Summer

By on June 13th, 2011

Are you a student interning in New York City this summer on a public interest stipend? There are many articles out there to help you maximize the educational value of your internship. Check out the tips on how to flourish while being frugal! 

While New York City has a reputation for being expensive, it also boasts numerous cheap outdoor eats, entertaining inexpensive or even free activities, and great outdoor events. NYU School of Law has compiled a “Guide to Living in New York on a Public Interest Salary” that has lots of great advice. 

To see the ten tips from the Guide on how to enjoy NYC while saving your cash (selected especially for folks who are here on summer internships) please visit PSLawNet. 

Although this article is about New York City, some of the tips may be helpful for anyone on a tight budget no matter where you are living.