Tips for Law Students
Recruiting Contact
Mary Kate Driscoll
312.321.4200
Cover Letter Tips
Resume Tips
Interview Tips
Summer Associate Tips
COVER LETTER TIPS
Overall Presentation of Cover Letter
Include a cover letter, if possible.
Keep it short (one page maximum).
Do not repeat your resume within your letter.
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RESUME TIPS
Overall Presentation of Resume
Conservative is best.
Use black ink on a good quality paper.
Limit the number of fonts.
Steer clear of adding pictures or graphics to your resume.
Avoid overuse of emphasis (bold, italics, etc.).
Limit your resume to one (preferable) or two pages.
Use proper grammar and spelling (especially for technical terms).
Necessary Resume Information
Keep contact information up to date.
Include your current and permanent addresses.
Provide your grade point average.
List relevant technical and legal experiences, as well as publications you have authored.
Give clear and concise descriptions of experiences along with the corresponding time period for each experience.
Provide details of intellectual property experience, if any
List additional experiences if space permits.
Make certain your resume is a truthful reflection of your background and skills.
Do not pad or embellish.
Be aware that everything on your resume is open to inquiry.
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INTERVIEW TIPS
Before the Interview
Research the firm.
Check for published cases.
Search third party resources for published cases.
Note attorneys who worked on the cases.
Understand the factual backgrounds and legal arguments for each case.
Know the history of the firm.
Look into the firm's practice to see if the firm practices primarily litigation, prosecution or both.
Attempt to determine the firm's major cases and clients.
Utilize websites.
Look up the bios of the attorneys with whom you are meeting, using the firm's website and third party resources.
Search for press releases about the firm.
Research trade journals.
Ask those who work within the intellectual property field.
Anticipate potential questions.
Are there gaps in your resume? If so, why are they there?
What do you have to offer the organization in terms of your greatest strengths?
How did you overcome particular challenges in the past?
Prepare Questions
How much contact will I get with clients?
How does an intellectual property specialty firm differ from a general practice firm?
Where do you see this organization going in the next year?
Things to Do before and during the Interview
Dress in a conservative suit.
Arrive on time (or early).
Be yourself (show your sense of humor), but keep it professional.
Remember, lunch is part of the interview.
Demonstrate your social skills by engaging the interviewer.
Ask questions and listen to the answers.
Ask follow-up questions.
Ask questions of everyone who interviews you.
Respond to the question being asked.
If it's a vague question, ask the interviewer to be more specific
If the interviewer remains vague, use the opportunity to highlight your strengths as they relate to the position.
Things NOT to Do during the Interview
Do not talk excessively.
Do not fidget or squirm.
Do not state everything you have learned about the firm.
Do not say anything negative about past employers.
Do not ask about money or benefits on your first interview.
Do not dwell on your negative qualities or experiences.
After the Interview
Promptly send personalized thank you notes to key interviewers.
Make sure to spell the firm and all interviewers' names correctly.
Do not excessively contact the recruiting coordinator.
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SUMMER ASSOCIATE TIPS
First Day Advice
Pay attention to the recruiting coordinator.
Realize that available resources (third party websites, copying, word processing, etc.) will be reviewed.
Expect important staff to be introduced.
Be aware that the coordinator controls work flow and feedback to the hiring committee.
Meet your co-interns.
Multiple heads are better than one, from remembering where the copier is to getting help on an assignment.
The ability to work successfully in a group is a key factor in hiring decisions.
How to Successfully Complete Assignments
Write the assignment down.
Be knowledgeable about the assignment before you leave.
Understand that only the assigning attorney really knows what he or she wants.
Do not be afraid to ask questions.
Go back for clarification, if necessary.
Understand how much time you should spend and what resources you are able to use.
Identify the applicable authorities.
Obtain an example if possible.
Know the deadline.
If you are going to miss the deadline, inform the attorney ASAP.
Do not miss a deadline to attend a social event.
Do not try to juggle more projects than you can handle.
Complete the following steps when project is finished
Follow the rule of IRAC: Issue, Rule, Analysis, Conclusion.
Reread for logical analysis.
Shepardize.
Edit, edit and edit.
Make sure the attorney obtains the completed assignment.
Follow up with the attorney to make sure that he or she is satisfied and nothing else is needed.
Get feedback from the attorney and respond to any criticism professionally.
In the event of having made a mistake, apologize and volunteer to redo the project in whole or part.
General Guidelines
Work during business hours.
Dress and act professionally at all times (including social events, when applicable).
Act mature and do not gossip.
Treat the staff better than the attorneys.
Meet mid-level and senior associates as well as members of the hiring committee.
Volunteer for projects.
Report to the assigning attorney, unless otherwise directed.
If you have a misunderstanding with an attorney, seek advice from the recruiting coordinator rather than talking about it to others.
Questions to Ask Yourself about the Firm's Fit for You
Would you be comfortable working long-term with the people you have interacted with thus far?
How happy are the associates? The shareholders?
Do you enjoy the work?
What training and mentoring does the firm offer?
Are there pro bono opportunities?
Will you get the responsibility you are seeking?
Can you and your family live happily where the firm is located?
Can you afford the cost of living?
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© 2009 Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione. All Rights Reserved.
