1. Always have business cards. I know some people might disagree on this one, but most people still have some kind of business card. It remains an efficient way to gather information, even if you are inputting that information into another system and disposing of the actual cards within hours (if not minutes) of receiving it. Yet, do not litter the room with your cards. Give out one card, and only give it to people who ask for it. Keep your cards in a business card holder. It’s just gross to pull a wrinkled card out of your back pocket and hand it to someone.
2. Turn off your cell phone: If you have your cell phone on you, make sure it is set on vibrate. No one feels very special when the conversation that they are having with you is interrupted by your wacko ringtone. If you forget to turn it off, do not answer it and apologize profusely for the interruption.
3. Picking up the tab: If you ask someone out for lunch or coffee, you should pay. If they insist on paying their portion, don’t get in a fight over it. Let them pay. But, when in doubt, if you asked for the lunch/coffee/etc., you pay.
4. Handshaking: When you are at an event that involves food, you should always have your right hand free to shake hands. This is why cocktail tables are handy. You can have food OR beverage in your hands, but not both. If someone extends their hand, you don’t want to juggle your food or drink someone is waiting to shake your hand.
5. Moving on: So you have made a new contact, and now it is time to move on. Once the conversation has hit a lull, tell them how nice it was to meet them (or see them again, if you already know them) and move on, saying that there is someone else that you want to catch before they leave (or some other polite reason for excusing yourself.)
6. Name tags: Put your name tag on your left lapel. That way, when people shake your hands, they can also be looking at your name tag.
7. Names: If you don’t catch someone’s name the first time, politely ask for it again rather than embarrassing yourself by calling someone the wrong name.
8. How to dress: There is plenty of advice out there on this, but it’s better to overdress than underdress. Look online for more advice on this, but be mindful of how to wear your suits (how to button/unbutton your jackets, etc.) and what kind of shoes/jewelry/accessories are appropriate. The key is to remember that your appearance is saying something about you, and you want to make sure you are controlling that message.
9. Keep your mouth shut: With or without alcohol, some people just share way too much information. You don’t need to be sharing personal information with anyone except close friends and family. At social events, stick to polite, neutral conversation that makes everyone feel comfortable. Always come armed with a couple of current events to talk about in case conversation stagnates, but don’t digress into what your lactose intolerant body does when you accidentally ingest Gouda cheese. That’s a sure turn-off.
10. Say “please and thank you”: Use the manners that you learned as a child. General politeness never goes out of style.

Thanks to the Lawyerist.com (http://lawyerist.com/etiquette-tips-for-lawyers/) for this post.

One of the most frequently asked questions from students preparing for summer internships, and graduates heading off to their new careers is, “What do I wear?” More specifically, “What is ‘business casual’ and when do I wear it?”

Yes, it’s true; the very term “business casual” strikes fear in the hearts of men and women alike. Gone are the days when a lawyer’s only question when shopping for a business wardrobe was “black suit or blue suit?” I am convinced men sailed through life with two good suits, a handful of shirts and conservative ties, and a pair of black shoes. Those of you “senior lawyers” reading this article will remember fondly the eighties uniform for woman lawyers consisting of a dark suit, flouffy-neck-bow blouse, “nude” hose, and rounded-toe pumps. While it may sound boring, there was no concern of offending anyone with a fashion faux pas, and it sure was easy to shop!

With the concept of business casual sweeping the legal profession, shopping for a suitable wardrobe is getting more difficult. Not only are there more choices for business formal attire (i.e. suits), you now need to understand and shop for business casual attire. Firms and legal employers across the state are adopting business casual attire on Fridays and many allow business casual during the summer months. Follow the guidelines below and you should be covered.

Business Formal
For men, the tried-and-true black or blue suit, pointed-collar shirt, conservative tie and black dress shoes remains your safest bet. Two things you should note here: button-down collars are not appropriate with suits, and “conservative tie” does not include cartoons, air-brushed landscapes, playboy bunnies, or holiday motifs. Your tie is not a billboard for political statements; trust me you do NOT want to be “that guy who interviewed in a ‘save the seals’ tie.”

For women, you can’t go wrong in a dark suit with mid-calf length skirt, plain shell-type top, hose that actually are nude, and closed-toe pumps. Usually, a pantsuit is fine. Jewelry should be conservative with visible piercings only in your ears (one per ear). I recommend sticking with hair colors found in nature.

Men and women alike should make sure they are well groomed whether they are going to court in a suit or dressing casual for a day of research in the library. We are in a very detail-oriented profession, and your attention to detail should show in your professional appearance. I hope it goes without saying that your hair is clean and combed, nails are trimmed, breath is fresh, shoes are polished, and clothing is ironed. Men, it’s time to lose the “sexy five o’clock shadow” and come to terms with your razor every morning. Women, leave the inch-long, eye-catching nails at the salon and go for a nice French manicure instead.

Business Casual
The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing your business casual attire is to keep the “business” in “business casual.” Too often business casual turns into “ballpark casual,” “night-on-the-town casual,” or just plain “too casual.” If you’re not sure whether a particular outfit is too casual, you should probably go back to the closet. Do you want to be the associate everyone wants to take to the ballpark or the one they want to introduce to clients and take to court? You can be both, just make sure you are dressed for the latter.

For men, the business casual “uniform” consists of khakis and a button-down shirt. Many men are wearing golf shirts to work these days; however, I recommend doing so only after you see a significant number of more senior attorneys doing the same. That is generally a good rule to keep in mind: observe and follow the lead of more senior attorneys in your office. That does not mean you should wear jeans if one partner shows up in jeans occasionally or even frequently. Always remember that more senior attorneys became senior attorneys because they didn’t mess up as junior attorneys. They have earned the right to wear what they want. I would rather you dress conservatively everyday at the office than be free to wear shorts in my office when you’re looking for your next job.

Should you wear an undershirt? If your peers can see your chest hair or sweaty underarms without one, then “Yes, you should wear an undershirt.” Men still need to wear dress shoes (and socks!) with their business casual wear. Sneakers and sport-sandals are never appropriate in a law office unless you are moving your furniture into your new partner-size office.

For women, your safest bet is nice slacks or a skirt, a twin-set or blouse, and closed-toe shoes that don’t flap when you walk. I hate to cop-out, but it’s almost easier to describe what “business casual” is not: skirts shorter than brushing your knee, capri pants, sleeveless or tank tops, sundresses, anything showing your midriff, sandals. Women should also beware of clothing that is too tight or shows any cleavage. Of course, the rule above regarding senior attorneys applies to women, too. This is especially the case with hose. Let’s face it: Kansas is hot, and hose are unbearable in the summer. If the senior women attorneys in your office leave the hose at home, by all means follow their lead.

Social Outings
Often, there are more eyes on you in social situations than at the office so be sure to dress appropriately and give your colleagues confidence that you are a professional in any situation. If you’re not sure what to wear to the office golf outing, call the golf course and ask what the majority of people wear (golf hint: men and women are always safe in a polo-style shirt and khakis). If you are not sure what to wear to the office holiday party and the invitation does not specify, ask a more senior attorney what is appropriate. And guys, do your spouse a favor and ask a female attorney in your office what dress is appropriate. No one will be happy if your wife arrives in a sequined cocktail dress and the senior women attorneys are wearing holiday-motif sweaters.

Winter break is just around the corner and if you are like me you are thinking it is not a moment too soon.  Even though all of us are ready for a much-needed break, I wanted to remind you that winter break is a perfect time for networking.  Many law firms and alumni associations host winter open houses or holiday receptions for law students and alums.  These receptions and open houses are an easy way to connect with alums and attorneys in your area, as well as a great way to start developing relationships that could be beneficial to you throughout your career.

For those of you who panic at the thought of meeting new people or are unsure how to start the networking process, columnist and New York Times bestselling author Harvey Mackay has a few suggestions for you.

“The ABCs of Networking”

If I had to name the single characteristic shared by all the truly successful people I’ve met over a lifetime, I’d say it is the ability to create and nurture a network of contacts. I could lose all my money and all my factories, but leave me my contacts and I’ll be back as strong as ever in three to five years. Networking is that important.

The alphabet is a great place to start as you build your network — organize your contacts from A to Z. I’ve written two other ABC columns — the ABCs of selling and the ABCs of teamwork. Now it’s time for the ABCs of networking:

A is for antennae, which should be up every waking moment. Never pass up an opportunity to meet new people.

B is for birthdays. It’s always advantageous to know the birthdays of your contacts. You wouldn’t believe how much business our sales reps write up when they call on their customers’ birthdays.

C is for contact management system. Have your data organized so that you can cross reference entries and find the information you need quickly.

D is for Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty, my networking book.

E is for exchange and expand. When two people exchange dollar bills, each still has only one dollar. But when two people exchange networks, they each have access to two networks.

F is for Facebook and all other social media. These sites open unlimited possibilities for networking. Use them wisely.

G is for gatekeeper. There usually is a trusted assistant trained to block or grant your access. Don’t waste their time, and make sure you acknowledge their significant role in reaching the boss.

H is for hearing. Make note of news you hear affecting someone in your network so you can reference it at the appropriate time.

I is for information. You can’t (and shouldn’t) talk about business all the time. Learn everything you can about your contacts’ families, pets, hobbies and interests. Humanize your approach.

J is for job security, which you will always have if you develop a good network.

K is for keeping in touch. If your network is going to work, you have to stay plugged in and keep the wires humming.

L is for lessons. The first real networking school I signed up for after I graduated from college was Toastmasters. Dale Carnegie schools are designed to achieve similar goals.

M is for mentors. In the best of all possible worlds, your role models can become your mentors, helping you, advising you, guiding you, even lending you their network as you build your own.

N is for a network of contacts. A network can enrich your life.

O is for outgoing. Be the first to introduce yourself, lend a hand, or send congratulations for a job well done.

P is for people. You have to love people to be a good networker.

Q is for quality. A large network is worthless unless the people in it can be counted on to answer in an emergency at 2 a.m.

R is for Reciprocity. You give; you get. You no give; you no get. If you only do business with people you know and like, you won’t be in business very long.

S is for six degrees of separation, the thought that there is a chain of no more than six people that link every person. Someone you know knows someone who knows someone you want to know.

T is for telephone. Landline, cell, internet — this is a critical tool for staying in touch with your network.

U is for urgency. Don’t be slow to answer the call, even if you never expect to have your effort repaid.

V is for visibility. You’ve got to get involved in organizations and groups to get connected, but don’t confuse visibility with credibility. You have to give in order to get.

W is not only for whom you know, but also for who knows you?

X is for the extra mile. Your network contacts will go the extra mile for you, and you must be willing to do the same for them.

Y is for yearly check-in. Find a way, even if it’s just a holiday card, to stay in touch.

Z is for zip code — do you have plenty represented in your network?

Mackay’s Moral: You don’t have to know everything as long as you know the people who do.

Learn more networking tips at www.harveymackay.com

Many of you had questions about study abroad programs during your small study group meetings. For those of you that are interested in participating in either the Washburn Law Summer Study Abroad Program in Barbados or the Independent Study Abroad Program in Maastricht, the program information can be found under the Study Abroad tab on the Washburn University School of Law home page or at http://washburnlaw.edu/studyabroad/. Below you will find some general information about both programs. I have also included information on the law schools Visiting Credit Policy for student who are interested in participating in another law schools program.

Washburn Law Summer Study Abroad Program in Barbados

• This program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to understand their legal system more fully through comparative study of the Caribbean system while living in a stimulating West Indian university environment
• Any U.S. or Canadian law student in good standing at a law school who have completed one year of academic work prior to May 23, 2011 are eligible for the program.
• http://washburnlaw.edu/studyabroad/barbados/

Washburn Law – Maastricht Study Abroad Program

• This program is designed to allow Washburn law students to enroll in one semester (or in certain circumstances, one year) of international law and comparative law courses offered by the Faculty of Law at Maastricht University, in the Netherlands. Through their coursework, students will be exposed to the socio-legal environment of the Netherlands and Europe.
• Washburn law students who have completed one year of full-time study, and who are in good standing, are qualified to seek enrollment in this program.
• http://washburnlaw.edu/studyabroad/maastricht/

Visiting Credit Policy

• For students that are interested in doing a different type of study abroad than what is offered here at Washburn here are some things to keep in mind.
• Washburn University School of Law accepts up to six hours of credit for students visiting at another law school on the following conditions:
  • The law school must be ABA accredited school.
  • The course grade received must be equivalent to C or better. Only course credit transfers to Washburn, not the grade.
  • Required courses and upper level writing and oral requirement must be taken at Washburn. A “Perspectives on the Law” course may be taken at another law school. Credit will not be given for courses that duplicate course completed at Washburn.
  • The course must be approved in advance of enrollment by the Washburn University School of Law Curriculum Committee. Students must submit an Application to Transfer Visiting Credit to Washburn Law, listing proposed courses byname and attaching catalog description of the courses.
• http://washburnlaw.edu/students/forms/visitotherschool.php

Study Abroad Frequently Asked Questions

• When do most students participate in a study abroad program?
  • Most students participate in a study abroad program the summer of the 1L year or during their 3L year, depending on the type of study abroad program.
• What do students do that are interested in participating in a study abroad and getting work experience?
  • Some students complete internships or externships before or after the summer abroad program.
• Where do I go to find information about the Washburn University School of Law study abroad programs?
  • Washburn Law study abroad information can be found under the Study Abroad tab on the Washburn University School of Law home page or at http://washburnlaw.edu/studyabroad/.
• Where do I go to find information about other schools’ study abroad programs?
  • The National Jurist has a wealth of information about other schools’ study aboard programs, http://www.nationaljurist.com/content/study-abroad.

 

With the kick-off of this year’s Mentor Program right around the corner, I thought it would be a good time to talk about what being a mentee entails.  Your mentor, depending on your needs and goals as a mentee, could potentially greatly influence your law school success and satisfaction.  A mentor’s particular influence and activities depend on many different factors, including your own needs and goals; the mentor’s abilities, interests, and temperament; and the “chemistry’ between you and your mentor.  Ida O. Abbott, Esq. recently published a booklet on ways to make mentoring successful through The Association for Legal Career Professional.  Here are few of Ms. Abbott’s suggestions to help you work effectively with your mentors. 

1. Taking mentoring seriously.  Mentoring relationships requires serious commitment from both you and your mentor.  In Today’s fast-paced, high-pressured world, you, the mentee, must take responsibility to ensure that mentoring occurs. 
2. Demonstrate your commitment.  Mentors are more willing to give you their time and attention when they know that you are committed to your career and your profession. 
3. Demonstrate your worthiness.  Show your mentor that you are worth the time and effort that mentoring requires. 
4. Be curious and eager to learn.  Let your mentor know you welcome hearing new ideas and different perspectives. 
5. Expect guidance, not rescue.  It is not the role of a mentor to solve your problems, correct your mistakes, or get you out of difficult situations.  Go to your mentor for advice and suggestions, ask your mentor to help you explore various work and professional options, but do not expect your mentor to take care of problems for you. 
6. Be clear about parameters.  With your mentor, go over details of how you will work together, including:
   1. When, where, and how often you will meet.
   2. How you will communicate
7. Let your mentor know the kind of help you would like.  It will be easier to establish your relationship and set mentoring goals if you are clear about how your mentor can help you. 
8. Stay alert for learning experiences.  Every professional encounter is a potential learning experience.  The advantage of having a mentor is that you can ask questions about and discuss these encounters. 
9. Be a keen observer.  Mentors are often excellent role models.  Observe how your mentor handles clients, colleagues, work challenges, and ethical issues. 
10. Solicit your mentor’s advice.  If you want advice or guidance, be as specific as possible.  State the facts, the dilemmas or issues you face, and the kind of advice you want.  This makes it easier for your mentor to respond meaningfully. 
11. Ask for feedback.  Make it easy for your mentor to give you feedback.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, the above referenced booklet is available in the Professional Development Office.   Good luck! 

Thanks to Ida O. Abbott, Working with a Mentor 50 Practical Strategies for Success (2d ed.2006)

1. Try to use a common font when typing your documents.  Examples of common fonts are Arial, Garamond, and Times New Roman.
2. Indents should be preset.  Do not use the spacebar or multiple tabs for spacing. 
3. Use Microsoft Word Version 5.0 or higher for the best results.
4. Do not encrypt files or use password protection, locks, macros, frames, or tables. 
5. Do not force your margins.  A minimum margin of three-quarters of an inch is recommended. 
6. Do not use page breaks. 
7. Do not use headers or footers. 
8. Avoid extremely long files names.  For instance a document named My_Cover_Letter_For_Pricewaterhousecoopers_For_Fall_2010.doc should not be used. 
9. Your resume should be limited to one page.  If your resume is longer than one page, it must not exceed the maximum file upload size of 200KB (200,000 bytes.)
10. If your PDF file does not convert properly, upload it in the original file format (e.g. MS Word) and let the system complete the conversion. 

PSLawNet has added a new resource to their site: State and Local Government Resources, available at www.pslawnet.org/stateandlocalgovernmentresources. This new page includes links to hundreds of state and local government agencies that hire attorneys and/or law students. It is searchable by state via an interactive map and includes listings for many major city employers as well.

The Washburn Law PDO is working on technology to keep you updated whether you follow us here at Come Here Career, on Twitter, or on Facebook! Wherever you follow us, we hope you’ll find the information helpful.

This is a cautionary tale. I write it so that you can learn from my mistakes. I was one who did not attend bar events as a student. I did not take advantage of the many networking opportunities available to me during my time at Washburn Law. I would send several applications for jobs, and just wait for the rejection letter that would inevitably come weeks or sometimes months later, if at all. It was not until I graduated, passed the bar and started working in the PDO that I recognized the importance of following up…it truly is the most important thing you can do after sending an application. To steal imagery from Margann Bennett, picture a busy employer with a large stack of application packets on her desk. Finding you a job is not on the top of her to do list. But finding a job is on the top of your to do list. You can make yourself stand out by simply picking up the phone and calling. All you have to say is, “Hi, this is ______, I’m calling to make sure you received my application packet and to let you know that I am still very interested in the position.” And be prepared for a phone interview on the spot (see below). Even if the employer tells you that she is still reviewing applications, undoubtedly, your packet just got pulled from the stack and placed on top. I am proof that following up with employers is worth the effort.

I sent application packets to four employers on a Thursday afternoon. Two weeks went by and true to form, I forgot to follow up. It was Friday (two weeks and one day later) at 3pm when I finally started making follow up calls. The first employer I reached asked if I was returning his call from the day before. I had missed his call! He explained that they were setting up phone interviews to decide who to invite down for an in person interview and asked if I had time right then. I did, and proceeded to have a 45 minute phone interview. At the end of our conversation, he asked if I could come down the following Monday and interview. I said yes and the interview went well. By the time I got home (after lunch and a three and a half hour drive) the day of the interview, I received an offer. I can’t help but think that if I had not followed up I would not have had another chance at this opportunity. Clearly they were ready to hire, as they offered me the job the same day as the personal interview, so I doubt they would have called again. Beyond this, I can’t help but wonder if I would have been successful in my job search sooner, had I followed up with all the potential employers I solicited.

It’s no secret that attending law school can get pretty expensive. Although Washburn Law remains one of the best values in the country, most students still incur at least some debt to help finance their education. What many students don’t consider when making decisions about the amount and type of loans they take is how those loans may affect their job prospects down the line. The amount and type of debt carried by a graduate could affect whether they can afford to take certain types of jobs and whether their loans could be eligible for federal programs reducing their payments and ultimately discharging the loans. Here are some things to remember when funding your law school education.

1) Borrow only the lowest amount necessary to fund your education and living expenses. You don’t have to take ALL the money you are awarded. Take what you need and if necessary go back for more later.

2) Limit your educational debt to federally subsidized loans. Students may be eligible for either or both federally funded loans (Stafford) or private loans. The federal government has several programs for graduates working in the public sector that allow for income-based payments and discharge of loans in certain circumstances. Most federal loans also are now eligible for income-based repayment plans for those working in lower-paying positions regardless of whether the position is or is not in the public sector. Equal Justice Works is an excellent resource for information about all these programs.

3) Consider a part-time job to help with bills and gain practical legal experience. While all law schools discourage students from working during the first year, you should consider pursuing paying positions over the summer and part-time during the second and third years to subsidize the cost of living. In addition to the benefit of being paid, finding a position that provides practical legal experience is an obvious bonus both to your education and long-range career plans. If the you can’t find a paying legal position for the summer and chose to volunteer or take classes, consider taking a non-legal job to at least contribute toward living expenses for the summer. Consider jobs at retail stores with merchandise discounts (preferably on necessities such as a professional wardrobe or groceries and personal items rather than CDs, video games, and movie rentals!) or a restaurant with great tippers and a good take-out benefit.

4) Do everything you can to live within your means. It is an unfortunate truth that if you live like a lawyer in law school, you will live like a law student as a lawyer. Check out this link for 50 ways to trim your budget.  Use this  link to see how much brand-name coffee costs over the long term.

5) Be realistic about your earning potential. Consider whether you plan a career in the public or private sector, in a large or small firm, in a large metropolitan center or in rural America, and practicing law or pursuing alternative careers. Starting salaries can vary widely but having the least amount of debt possible when you graduate leaves you more prepared to find and accept the career you really want – not just one that pays the bills!

6) Do NOT use credit cards! Repeat after me, “I won’t use credit cards in law school.” Most people have a credit card “for emergencies” which may or may not be a good idea but is nevertheless a reality for most Americans. “Emergencies” are not pizza, Starbucks, ring tones, CDs, concert tickets, Spring Break, cash advances, NCAA Tournament tickets, Thursday nights out, or spa treatments! Don’t let short-sighted “wants” affect your long-term financial stability!!