Monthly Archives: September 2014


Thursday, September 25, 2014 – Employment, fellowship, and internship opportunities update:

For more information and to apply to the opportunities below, please visit Symplicity @: law-fiu-csm.symplicity.com/students/

 

♦ Please be sure to CHECK PRIOR BLOG POSTS for additional opportunities previously posted with deadlines that have not yet expired!  You can narrow your search by utilizing the “Blog post categories” widget at the ride sidebar and select accordingly to view posts regarding: (1.) Career planning networking events, (2.) Employment, fellowship, and internship opportunities, (3.) Scholarships, and/or (4.) Writing competitions ♦

 

PRESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT FELLOWS (PMF) PROGRAM [APPLICATION WINDOW: OCTOBER 1-15, 2014]

The PMF Program Office invites interested applicants to join them for two upcoming webcasts, conducted through Adobe Connect, to provide information for the Class of 2015 PMF application.

  • Tuesday, September 30, 2014 from 3 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. (ET):  A one-time Applicant Information Session that will focus on a general overview of the PMF Program, the 2015 PMF application, and a panel of current Fellows offering their advice and experiences.  There will also be an opportunity to ask questions throughout the presentation.
  • Wednesday, October 8 from 1:30 P.M. – 3:30 P.M. (ET):  A Q&A session where applicants may submit questions regarding the 2015 PMF application cycle.

These webcasts will be conducted on-line through Adobe Connect and will have dedicated PMF Program Office staff to answer questions.  Applicants can connect @ opm.adobeconnect.com/pmfapplicantchat/ and select “Enter as a Guest.”  Please note, the audio from the webcasts will be provided through your computer/device audio output.

Adobe Connect computer capability can be tested beforehand by going to opm.adobeconnect.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm.  Adobe Connect is also supported on mobile devices.  For more information, please visit adobe.com/products/adobeconnect/mobile-meetings.html.

*As a reminder, these webcasts are intended for applicants planning to apply to the 2015 PMF application.

Additional information: To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, please review the “Become a PMF” section on the PMF website @ pmf.gov (the 2015 PMF Assessment Preparation Guide has been published to the website)

[For additional details, check Thursday, September 11 Blog Post and view at Symplicity]

 

FALL 2015 NADINE STROSSEN FELLOWSHIP – AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION FOUNDATION (ACLUF) NATIONAL SECURITY PROJECT, NY [DEADLINE: OCTOBER 15, 2014]

Overview: The National Security Project is part of the ACLU’s Center for Democracy, which works to strengthen democratic institutions and values, and advocates for government transparency and accountability, and to reinforce the United States’ commitment to human rights and the rule of law.  The Center for Democracy includes, in addition to the National Security Project, the Human Rights Program, and the Project on Speech, Privacy, and Technology.

The National Security Project is dedicated to ensuring that U.S. national security policies and practices are consistent with the Constitution, civil liberties, and human rights.  We believe that our nation’s core democratic values are the foundation of its strength and security, and that our government’s response to national security concerns must comport with those values.  Through our litigation and advocacy strategies, we not only respond to specific government measures, but strive also to educate the public and shape the law so that the courts, Congress, and citizenry can serve as an enduring check against abuse.  The National Security Project’s litigation and advocacy focuses on issues including: targeted killing, detention, torture, discrimination, government surveillance, censorship, and secrecy.

The Nadine Strossen National Security Fellowship was established in recognition of Nadine Strossen’s outstanding leadership as ACLU President for over 18 yearsAs the first woman to lead the ACLU, Nadine Strossen has been an important trailblazer for the ACLU and civil liberties. The Fellowship was established through special gifts from longtime civil liberties activist and ACLU National and Affiliate Board leader H. Stewart Dunn, Jr. and other donors.

Roles & Responsibilities: The Nadine Strossen Fellow functions as an integral part of the ACLU’s National Security Project. The Fellow’s responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following:

  • Conduct legal research and analysis and develop theories to support new litigation projects
  • Draft legal memoranda, pleadings, affidavits, motions, and briefs
  • Interview witnesses and potential clients
  • Participate in discovery and trial practice
  • Draft and edit public education and non-litigation advocacy materials
  • Provide support to ACLU affiliates
  • Help manage summer legal internship program and supervise student interns
  • Engage in public speaking and attend meetings and/or conferences as needed

Who: The Fellow is selected from 3L law students or recent graduates

Where: The ACLU National office in New York City

When: 2 years beginning in September 2015

Requirements:

Skills: Applicants must possess:

  • J.D. degree or J.D. expected by the Spring of 2015
  • A demonstrated commitment to public interest law
  • Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills
  • A demonstrated ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work independently as well as within a team
  • The initiative to see projects through to completion and to be a self-starter
  • Knowledge of and interest in civil liberties issues related to national security is preferred, but not required

Submission components: (1) Cover letter, (2) resume, (3) 2 letters of recommendation, and (4) at least 1 legal writing sample (preferably unedited by anyone other than the applicant)

Send to: hrjobsNSP@aclu.org (reference [LGLF-61] in the subject line and please indicate in your cover letter where you learned of this opportunity)

Complete details: Available @ aclu.org/job/fall-2015-nadine-strossen-fellowship-acluf-national-security-project-ny

 

 

◊ If you have any QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, OR FEEDBACK about the Blog, please do not hesitate to utilize the “Contact Us” menu at the top of the site –
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SCHOLARSHIP update: 1

THE ELECTRONIC DISCOVERY INSTITUTE (EDI) 2014 SUMMIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM [DEADLINE: OCTOBER 1, 2014]

EDI is a non-profit organization dedicated to resolving electronic discovery challenges by conducting studies of litigation processes that incorporate modern technologies. The explosion in volume of electronically stored information and the complexity of its discovery overwhelms the litigation process and the justice system. Technology and efficient processes can ease the impact of electronic discovery.

EDI’s annual Leadership Summit is set to take place at the Ritz-Carlton in Fort Lauderdale from Wednesday, October 15th to Friday, October 17th and they are looking for law students (1Ls, 2Ls or 3L’s) who live in close proximity to Fort Lauderdale to take part in our Summit Scholarship Program.

The Summit includes:

  • A welcome reception at the Bonnet House from 7 P.M. to 10 P.M. on Wednesday, October 15th, that offers the perfect opportunity for networking and breaking the ice for relationships to be developed over the course of the Summit.
  • Thursday, October 16th and Friday, October 17th will offer a full day of sessions with breakfast, lunch, snacks/beverages.   Thursday concludes with a cocktail party for more networking and an opportunity share thoughts about the topics presented throughout the day.

They are offering a limited number of scholarships to law school students with an interest in law and technology to attend as our guests. There is usually a registration fee attached with attending the Summit, but as part of their Scholarship Program, that fee will be waived.  

Requirements:

Submission components: (1) Cover letter, (2) writing samples, and (3) resume

Send to: Barbara Hanahan, Director of Communication @ barb@lawinstitute.org

Additional information: Available @ ediscoveryinstitute.org

Flyer: Please see attachment below (at Comment section)


Career planning networking EVENT UPDATE: 1

TALES FROM SUCCESSFUL ALUMNI: THE PRACTICE OF LABOR & EMPLOYMENT LAW WITH PROFESSOR STONE [OCTOBER 8, 2014]

CareersInEmployment&LaborLaw(October8)_Flyer

RSVP: @ http://labor-employment-law.eventbrite.com

 

HONORING JUDGE SANDY KARLAN – A PIONEER OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN’S RIGHTS [OCTOBER 14, 2014]

Judge Sandy Karlan has been a Circuit Court Judge since her appointment to the bench by Governor Lawton Chiles in 1995. She is currently the Administrative Judge of the Family Division and is also assigned to the Complex Litigation Division within the Unified Family Court.  Judge Karlan was a member of the Florida Supreme Court’s Family Court Steering Committee and the Chair of the Florida Bar Commission on the Legal Needs of Children. Judge Karlan graduated from the University of Miami and received her law degree from Nova Southeastern University School of Law.  A former member of the Florida Bar Board of Governors, she was in private practice for 17 years specializing in bankruptcy and family law.  She is certified in Marital and Family Law and frequently writes and lectures on both bankruptcy and family law. She is a past president of Miami-Dade FAWL.

*Proceeds from the event will be used to fund the Judge Sandy Karlan Law Student Fellowship at Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. The Fellow will assist in providing free legal assistance to women and children at LSGMI where 70% of te households served are headed by women and more than one third of the household members are children. Donations to the Fellowship may also be made online @ lsgmi.org.

Registration: Available @ events.r20.constantcontact.com/

Complete details: Available @ events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/

Flyer: Please see attachment below with full event information (at Comment section)

 

ABA LAW STUDENT DIVISION: PRACTICAL SKILLS COMPETITIONS – CALL FOR ENTRIES [OCTOBER 2014]

The Law Student Division annually sponsors 4 national competitions. These competitions offer participating students a forum to develop the very skills they will use as practitioners, and a chance to meet and network with fellow law students and legal practitioners – future colleagues – from around the nation. Competitions also provide an excellent opportunity for law students to gain important resume-building experience and recognition.

  1. ARBITRATION COMPETITION (Deadline: October 3, 2014)
  2. NEGOTIATION COMPETITION (Deadline: October 3, 2014)
  3. CLIENT COUNSELING COMPETITION (Deadline: October 17, 2014)
  4. NATIONAL APPELLATE ADVOCACY COMPETITION (NAAC) (Deadline: October 31, 2014)

Complete details: Available @ americanbar.org/groups/law_students/events_competitions/practical_skills_competitions.html

Contact: Competitions@americanbar.org


Thursday, September 18, 2014 – Employment, fellowship, and internship opportunities update:

For more information and to apply to the opportunities below, please visit Symplicity @: law-fiu-csm.symplicity.com/students/

 

♦ Please be sure to CHECK PRIOR BLOG POSTS for additional opportunities previously posted with deadlines that have not yet expired!  You can narrow your search by utilizing the “Blog post categories” widget at the ride sidebar and select accordingly to view posts regarding: (1.) Career planning networking events, (2.) Employment, fellowship, and internship opportunities, (3.) Scholarships, and/or (4.) Writing competitions ♦

 

11TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA – VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

The Eleventh Judicial Circuit encourages the community to take advantage of the opportunities available to enhance their careers and knowledge. The Volunteer Program within the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida enables members of the community to become actively involved in their judicial branch of government while providing the public and judicial system with assistance by serving as administrative, informational, and educational liaisons between the courts and the community.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Performs various administrative and clerkship duties for the assigned department. Frequently contacts are made with judges, Clerk of the Courts, Administrative Office of the Courts, State Attorney, Public Defender, private attorneys, law clerks, state and local law enforcement, witnesses, bailiffs, criminal justices, social service professionals and the general public. Work is often of a sensitive and confidential nature. The Volunteer/Intern must observe high standards of conduct. Work requires independent judgment and is performed under the general supervision of a Judge or Attorney.

RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:

  • Managing the Judge’s court and professional calendar coordinating and scheduling motions, pretrial hearings, trials, conferences, and committee meetings; maintaining trial dockets, continuances and trial orders; assisting attorneys with procedures on filing motions and hearing dates.
  • Provides organizational support for the judge’s caseload, including preparing orders, docketing jury instructions and a list of pending cases; ordering jurors; and coordinating in-house services, such as interpreters.
  • Reviews case files for accuracy, format compliance and completeness before scheduled hearings.
  • Acts as the Judge’s liaison to assist and inform litigants, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, and witnesses concerning court procedure and policy.
  • Screens telephone calls and visitors to the judge’s office; provides information, resolves issues, directs caller/visitor to proper personnel or agency, or takes messages.
  • Performs routine clerical tasks such as reviewing, distributing and responding to incoming mail; performing data entry, ordering office supplies, maintaining files/records, faxing or photocopying.
  • Composes and/or edits correspondence, memorandum, directives, notices, orders, e-mails, and other documents observing strict confidentiality.
  • Researches information on hearing dates for other agencies; prepares notices of hearings for cases put on the calendar by the judge.
  • Interacts with attorneys and litigants and their family members to resolve problems such as scheduling conflicts or other case-related issues.
  • May conduct limited case law research using an electronic database such as Lexus-Nexus.

Complete details: Available @ jud11.flcourts.org/SCSingle.aspx?pid=655

Application: APPLY ONLINE; available @ jud11.flcourts.org/docs/VolunteerInternApplication.pdf

 

WEIL DIVERSITY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Founded in 1931, Weil has been a preeminent provider of legal services for more than 80 years. Widely recognized by those covering the legal profession as best in class, Weil’s lawyers regularly advise clients globally on their most complex Litigation, Corporate, Restructuring, and Tax and Benefits matters. With 20 offices worldwide – 9 in the United States and 11 outside the United States – Weil has been a pioneer in establishing a geographic footprint that has allowed the Firm to partner with clients wherever they do business.

The Weil Diversity Fellowship Program supports the Firm’s overall commitment to diversity and is designed to increase the number of diverse attorneys who want to pursue careers at one of our U.S. offices. The program, consisting of fellowships for both 1L and 2L students, underscores the Firm’s dedication to diversity with the goal of creating an even more diverse workplace.

Who: 1Ls & 2Ls

Complete details: Available @ weil.com/careers/summer-program

Additional information: Available @ weil.com/careers

Contact: If you have any questions, please contact Wes Powell @ 212.833.3533 or @ wesley.powell@weil.com

 

K&L GATES LLP – PUBLIC INTEREST FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM [DEADLINE: OCTOBER 3, 2014]

The K&L Gates LLP Public Interest Fellowship Program was established by The Pittsburgh Foundation’s K&L Gates LLP Fund to offer law students the opportunity to assist public service organizations located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 2015, the program will award one successful candidate a fellowship that enables them to spend eight weeks of their summer working at Allegheny Conference on Community Development.

In 2015, the fellowship recipient will be paid a stipend of $1,000/week (less applicable taxes) for his or her public interest service.

Application: For a copy of the application materials, please visit klgates.com, or contact:

Jessica L. Gangjee, Legal Recruitment and Development Regional Manager, K&L Gates LLP, K&L Gates Center, 210 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2613, 412.355.6547, jessica.gangjee@klgates.com

Deborah L. Turner, Scholarship Coordinator, The Pittsburgh Foundation, Five PPG Place, Suite 250, Pittsburg, PA 15222-5414, 412.394.2649, turnerd@pghfdn.org

 

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL – FRIEDMAN CLINICAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM [DEADLINE: OCTOBER 15, 2014]

The Jacob Burns Community Legal Clinics of The George Washington University Law School announce the availability of new graduate clinical fellowships for the academic years of 2015-2017.  In recognition of the generous gift of Philip Friedman, the Fellows are known as Friedman Fellows.  Friedman Fellows obtain LL.M. degrees while examining and engaging in clinical legal education and public interest law.

The 2015-2017 Friedman Fellowships begin in the Summer of 2015.  Each fellowship is affiliated with a specific law school clinic.  Although the various clinics provide the fellows diverse responsibilities and experiences, each provides the Fellow with opportunities to co-teach and co-supervise, alongside experienced clinical faculty, the law students enrolled in the clinic.

The Friedman Fellowship program enables every Fellow to learn about clinical education and public interest lawyering through the practice of engaging in each, teaching and supervising law students engaged in these endeavors, and participating in a program of study in which these are the primary topics of inquiry.  In the process, Fellows receive mentorship and support from the clinical faculty and administration, and the law school in general.

Fellows enroll in two year-long courses in Clinical Teaching and Scholarship taught by the Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs and other clinical faculty.  As part of this course sequence, Fellows receive specific instruction and guidance in teaching and supervising law students, and in writing a publishable thesis.  Fellows also enroll part-time in other law school classes, and receive an LL.M. degree upon completion of the class and thesis requirements of the LL.M. program.

Fellows receive an annual stipend between $45,000 and $50,000, tuition remission for the LL.M. program, health insurance and other benefits, and possible student loan deferment.

Who: Fellows must be members of a state bar (candidates who are not members of the D.C. Bar must be eligible for immediate waiver into the D.C. Bar)

Requirements:

Skills: We are currently seeking applications from candidates with strong academic, clinical, and lawyering experience.  We are especially interested in applications from lawyers with background and experience in the following areas: administrative law, appellate practice, community economic development law, civil legal aid practice, criminal defense practice, litigation, prisoner re-entry issues, and transactional law.

Submission components: (1) Letter of interest, (2) resume, (3) list of references, and (4) a complete law school transcript

Send to: Associate Dean Phyllis Goldfarb (*the preferred submission method is via email @ clinicadmin@law.gwu.edu)

Alternatively, applications may be mailed to:

The Jacob Burns Community Legal Clinics c/o Executive Assistant Norma Lamont

The George Washington University Law School

2000 G St. NW

Washington, DC 20052

Complete details: Available @ law.gwu.edu/Academics/EL/clinics/Pages/FriedmanFellows.aspx

 

2015-2017 HANNA S. COHN EQUAL JUSTICE FELLOWSHIP [DEADLINE: OCTOBER 15, 2014]

The Hanna S. Cohn Equal Justice Fellowship will be awarded to a talented, committed law school graduate at the beginning of her or his career in the area of poverty law. The fellow will represent low-income clients in complex areas of litigation and other types of advocacy. The fellow’s background and interests will be matched with high priority legal concerns of the poor which are not currently being addressed or that require additional resources. The starting salary is $47,000. In addition, Empire Justice Center offers a generous benefits package.

The goal of the Fellowship is to increase legal advocacy for Greater Rochester’s low-income families in high priority areas that are currently underserved. In addition, the Fellowship is designed to attract dynamic and talented, new lawyers to the practice of poverty law.

The Fellowship is funded in Hanna’s memory by her family, as well as through private contributions and donations to a Memorial Fund. The fellow will be notified in January, 2015.

Who: Students entering or in their 3L year

Where: The Empire Justice Center in Rochester, NY

When: 2 years beginning in September 2015

Requirements:

Submission components: (1) 1-2 page cover letter detailing what influenced your decision to attend law school and why you want to represent low-income people, (2) official law school transcript, (3) resume, (4) 2 letters of recommendation highlighting your ability and commitment to practice poverty law, and (5) completed application and essay

Send to: Applications may be sent via regular mail, electronically or in person (faxed entries will NOT be accepted)

Kristi Hughes

Hanna S. Cohn Fellowship Administrator

c/o Empire Justice Center

Telesca Center for Justice

One West Street, Suite 200

Rochester, NY 14614

585.295.5817

fellow@empirejustice.org

Complete details and application: Available @ empirejustice.org/assets/pdf/hanna-fellowship/hanna-s-cohn-2015-17-equal-1.pdf

 

◊ If you have any QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, OR FEEDBACK about the Blog, please do not hesitate to utilize the “Contact Us” menu at the top of the site –
all forms will be sent to Jessica Michelle Ciminero ◊


SCHOLARSHIP update:

FIU STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) LAW STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP [DEADLINE: OCTOBER 10, 2014]

Minimum eligibility requirements:

  • Fully admitted, graduate, degree-seeking student
  • Graduate students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3
  • Must be enrolled FULL-time: At least 9 graduate credits during the term of the award, unless otherwise indicated
  • Must include submission of 1 letter of recommendation on professional letterhead (letter MUST be from a teacher, professor, academic counselor or advisor who can attest to student’s academic potential, leadership qualities, and/or community service)
  • Must have a paid Activity and Service Fee
  • Must be in good judicial standing at the University
  • Winners must attend the SGA Awards Banquet

NOTE: This one application is used to award ALL of the scholarships listed below. Number of awards varies per scholarship. Some of these scholarships require submission of an extra essay or documentation to be considered. Please review the application questions carefully and submit the corresponding documentation required for each scholarship if you think you qualify. Note- only some scholarships require extra documents.

Award: The FIU SGA Law Scholarship is for $1,000.

Application: Log in @ fiu.academicworks.com/ with your myAccounts username and password and search for “Student Government Association Scholarships” to apply

Complete details: Available @ fiu.academicworks.com/opportunities/1256

Contact: scholarships@fiu.edu or @ 305.348.0349