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Tips for Law Students
Resume Tips
Interview Tips
Summer Associate Tips
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)
Include a cover letter, if possible
Keep it short (one page maximum)
Do not repeat your resume
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
Give clear and concise descriptions of experiences along with the corresponding time period for each experience
Provide detail of IP experience, if any
List additional experiences if there is room
Make certain your resume is a truthful reflection of your background and skills
Be aware that everything on your resume is open to inquiries
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 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 web sites
Look up the bios of the attorneys with whom you are meeting on the firm's website as well as third party resources
Search for press releases about the firm
Research trade journals
Ask those who work within the IP 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 IP boutique differ from a general practice firm?
Where do you see this organization going in the next year?
Things to Do 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 them to be more specific
If the interviewer remains vague, use the opportunity to highlight your strengths as they relate to the position
Things to NOT Do During the Interview
Talk excessively
Fidget or squirm
State everything you have learned about the firm
Say anything negative about past employers
Ask about money or benefits on your first interview
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 interviewers' names correctly
Do not excessively contact the recruiting coordinator
Summer Associate Tips
First Day Advice
Pay attention to the recruiting coordinator
Available resources (third party web sites, copying, word processing etc.) will be reviewed
Important staff is introduced
The coordinator controls work flow as well as 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
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 go to a social event
Do not try to juggle more projects than you can handle
Complete the following steps when project is finished:
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 the attorney is satisfied and nothing else is needed
Get feedback from the attorney and address any criticism professionally
Apologize and volunteer to redo a project if a mistake was made
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
Seek advice from the recruiting coordinator if you have a misunderstanding with an attorney rather than talking about it to all
Questions to Ask Yourself About the Firm's Fit for You
Do you want to work with these people?
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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Firm History
