Programming

Throughout the year, the Center for Professional Development organizes trainings, panel discussions, and networking receptions that will assist in developing effective professional skills as well as provide opportunities to build your network in the legal community. These programs provide a perfect compliment to your classroom learning, supplying practical information that you'll use throughout your career.

The events focus on helping you decide on a suitable practice area and career path as well as facilitate access to practicing attorneys who can serve as valuable resources and mentors. The skill based training focuses on training students to be excellent networkers, interviewers, and leaders in the profession.

Seminars and CPD Information Sessions

Interviewing Seminar

You've probably heard us say it before: interviewing is an art. Great interviewees are not born, they're made. In this seminar, you will learn the principles of effective interviewing, including how to prepare, crafting strong answers that highlight your capabilities and experiences, and things to think about when formulating questions that you will be asking of your interviewer. Please reserve your spot to attend a seminar by signing up in Simplicity.

Thursday, September 3, 2:00-3:30 p.m., Room 327
Wednesday, September 16, 2:00-3:30 p.m., Room 110
Thursday, October 15, 4:30-5:50 p.m., Room 327

Networking Seminar

Networking is critical in the legal community. You can learn about specific job opportunities, meet people who have career paths that inspire you, and learn about a particular practice area. Yet, many people are not comfortable with the mechanics of the networking process. In this seminar, CPD staff will address the importance of networking, environments in which networking is appropriate and fruitful, and ways that you can effectively and efficiently continue building your professional network. Please reserve your spot to attend a seminar by signing up in Simplicity.

Wednesday, September 9, 2:00-3:30 p.m., Room 110
Tuesday, September 15, 12:00-1:30 p.m., Room C1
Thursday, October 1, 4:30-5:50 p.m., Room 327

Public Interest Seminar

The public interest arena is a vastly rich and varied legal avenue. Whether you have a firm idea of what you want to do in serving the public good, or are exploring your options, this seminar will give you information in determining what is right for you and how you can pursue that career path. Particularly covered in this seminar are methods of navigating the competitive landscape of public interest jobs and fellowships, ideas for experiences to pursue today so you are a competitive candidate in the future, and an overview of fellowships and the fellowship application process. Please reserve your spot to attend a seminar by signing up in Simplicity.

Thursday, September 17, 4:30-5:50 p.m., Room 327

PIJF Info Session

What's table talk? How do I make the best impression when I meet an employer? Is it worth it to go to the Fair if I don't get any interviews? (The answer to the last one is yes!) Come learn how to effectively prepare for and work the Northwest Public Service Career Fair. This meeting is crucial if you want to get the very most from the fair and nail your interviews.

1L Diversity Programs Events

If you are considering applying to one or more of the diversity summer opportunity programs, make sure to attend the information sessions and networking events related to these opportunities.

Diversity 1L Student Reception

Puget Sound Area Minority Clerkship Program Information Sessions

Individual Firm Diversity Fellowship Meet & Greet

Mock Interview Programs

Practicing attorneys in a variety of fields will be on campus to do mock interviews and provide individual feedback. This is a great opportunity to network and practice your interview skills with attorneys in a non-competitive, no-stress atmosphere.

Clerkship Info Session

If you missed the info session in April but are interested in post-graduate clerkships beginning fall 2010, please make an appointment to discuss the ins and outs of the clerkship application process with Erin Fullner. Whether you plan to apply across the country or solely in Seattle, the application process is complex. We'll help you sort out when, how, and to whom to apply and walk you through it each step of the way. You'll also sign up for clerkship updates and receive a step-by-step guide for the clerkship application season covering the next six months.

10 Dos and Don'ts of Summer Associate Practice

Viewing your summer associate position as a 10 week job interview can keep you on your toes, but it can also have you hiding under your desk intimidated. In this seminar, we will cover some of the most important rules for making a good impression this summer and locking up a job offer. From practice pointers to etiquette, social graces to business essentials, we want to help you make the most out of the opportunity you have secured. Being a practicing attorney is very different from being a law student, and can also be very different from working in another type of office. Whether you are planning to be in a two person office or a two hundred person office this summer, this seminar will cover simple guidelines designed to keep you both careful and confident.

OCI Info Sessions

In the fall, firms and organizations come to campus to interview mostly 2Ls and some 3Ls for summer and full-time positions. The information session will briefly introduce the process of applying for firms through Simplicity, discuss how to properly prepare, and answer any questions you may have. If you are considering participating in OCI, please make sure to attend one of these sessions.

Networking

Business Law Section Panel Event

The Business Section of the WSBA has asked that the October 22 Speed Networking event be changed to a Panel and Reception event. The Section has asked several local business lawyers, representing a diverse range of practice types, to come to Seattle University Law School and discuss how to get into and develop a career in Business Law, and growing and emerging areas of practice for business lawyers. They regret any inconvenience this change may cause, but they are excited about working with the law school now and in the future on events involving students and practicing lawyers. Please join us for a panel discussion and to meet the members of the panel. Please sign up through Symplicity.

Thursday, October 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Second Floor Gallery

Family Law Speed Networking Event

Come and meet are attorneys focusing in the area of family law. Spend the evening socializing with practicing attorneys in the field and hear about their experiences. This is a wonderful way to make contacts with local firms. Space is limited to 40 students. Sign up through Symplicity.

Thursday, November 5th, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Second Floor Gallery

Annual Washington Defense Trial Lawyers (WDTL) and Law Student Speed Networking Event

This is an ideal opportunity to learn about litigation from the perspective of the mid sized firm corporate attorney and build relationships and mentors that will be an asset to you during law school and beyond. The program will be limited to 40 students and every seven minutes you'll connect and meet with one of fifteen attorneys who practice in a variety of areas and firms. This program was very favorably received last year and is critical to your networking success. The perfect way to meet 15 practitioners in a laid back setting. Appetizers will be served.

PILF 15th Anniversary Auction

Come support the Public Interest Law Foundation and their Summer Grant Program while having a great time bidding on some amazing auction items. Judges, practicing attorneys, faculty, and staff will be celebrating the 15th Anniversary of PILF and working to create more funding resources for SU summer interns working in public interest! Professor John McKay will be the Keynote Speaker!

Annual Washington Trial Lawyers Association (WSTLA) and Law Student Speed Networking Event

Fifteen trial attorneys from small firms who represent the plaintiff side will attend the event and provide insight into the excitement, challenges, and satisfaction of advocating for the little guy. The members of this organization are very collegial and rely heavily on a supportive network of colleagues. Attend this event to learn and equally important build relationships that will benefit you throughout your career. Not to be missed. Appetizers will be served.

Career Fairs and Conferences

Public Interest Job Fair

The Northwest Public Service Career Fairs are hosted by the Northwest Consortium Law Schools. These are the premier career fairs for public interest summer hiring in the Pacific Northwest. This is a great way for first year law students to get substantive legal experience. Check out the Web site for more information and be sure to visit the Web site often, as we are still adding new employers. Many of the organizations will be doing interviews.

Annual Solo, Small, and Mid-Size Firm Fair

In the spring, CPD will host the Fourth Annual Solo, Small, and Mid-Sized Firm Information, Networking, and Career Fair. Last year, thirty-five employers participated and 1, 2, 3, and 4Ls secured jobs, found mentors, learned about specific fields of law, and connected with members of the bar in a relaxed setting. This year, we expect to have fifty employers attend. During the fair, employers will meet with students to discuss their practices and how to effectively develop opportunities within the profession. Whether you already have a job or not, this fair is not to be missed. The fair provides a unique opportunity to connect with members of the bar in a casual setting and develop relationships with attorneys practicing in a diverse variety of specialties.

Choices Career Exploration Conference

Co-sponsored by PILF and the Center for Professional Development, the Choices Career Exploration Conference is designed to educate students about non-traditional legal careers. The event will feature attorneys from the corporate and sports law sector, the political arena, as well as those practicing criminal, immigration, environmental, international, labor and employment, health, and Indian law. See the Choices page for more information.

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