Sunday, September 16, 2007

WLALA Pro-Choice Lunch - 9/26

The Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, the umbrella organization for USC's WLA group, will be hosting a pro-choice presentation at the law school on Wednesday, September 26th. The WLALA panel will talk to students about abortion rights and the impact of the recent Supreme Court decision in Gonzales v. Carhart. Additional details and the event location will be posted soon.

USC Tailgate Party - 9/22

Join us for a tailgate party on Saturday, September 22nd as USC gets ready to take on Washington State. The event is sponsored by WLA, PAD, and the Corporate Law Society and will include FREE food and drinks!!!

When: 2pm
Where: South Lawn

1L Intro Meeting Recap & Mentor Forms

WLA enjoyed welcoming its new members for the 2007-2008 academic year! If you were unable to attend, we briefly introduced this year's board members and upcoming events. We also passed around mentor forms for 1Ls looking to be paired with a 2L mentor. If you would like to receive a mentor, but could not attend the meeting, please email Nisha Patel or Kristin VanDerpas (nishaspa@usc.edu or kristinvanderpas@gmail.com).

We look forward to seeing everyone at upcoming events!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Welcome Back Board Dinner - El Cholo

Monday, August 27th 5:00-7:00 pm: There's no better way to get over the return of classes and the onset of Fall OCI than with pitchers of margaritas! Join the board at El Cholo Mexican Restaurant from 5 to 7 for food and drinks. It should be a great time to relax and catch up on summer stories and fall activities.

El Cholo Directions
1121 S. Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006
http://www.elcholo.com/

Free WLALA Membership

The Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles (WLALA) is running a membership special for students this summer. Membership in WLALA is FREE to students who register before the end of August. Anyone who joins now, is fully paid through August 2008. Online registration is fast and easy at www.wlala.org.

Benefits include: mentoring activities, access to professional development committees, invites to member-only social events, and discounts on valuable programs. For more information on WLALA or the benefits of membership please visit the website.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

2L Mock Interview Program

Friday, Aug. 31st:
As Fall OCI draws near, our 3L members have graciously volunteered their time to help 2Ls prepare for the interview onslaught. Starting at 10am, interested WLA members can sign up in one-hour increments for a mock interview. To make the process as realistic as possible, interviewers will be representing the firm Morgan Lewis and appreciate if participants prepare accordingly with specific questions and reasons for applying. Detailed feedback and comments for improvement will be provided.

Participation Details: To participate, please adhere to the guidelines below:

  1. Sign Up: Interview slots are on a first-come-first-serve basis. Below is a list of one-hour slots beginning at 10am. Please select "add a comment" to the post, and write your name and desired time slot. Subsequent users please make sure you are not signing up for a slot that has already been assigned.
  2. Email Your Resume by Wednesday, August 29th: Send a copy of your resume to sklima@usc.edu and eberwine@usc.edu. All resume information will be kept confidential. PLEASE REDACT YOUR G.P.A.
  3. Dress Code: Wearing a suit is optional, but encouraged. It will be more realistic, and the interviewers are happy to discuss any questions regarding appropriate attire.
  4. Location: ROOM 2
  5. Come Prepared: You will be interviewing with Morgan Lewis. Please take the time to research the firm and come prepared to answer why you are interested in the office.

Friday, Aug. 31st - Sign Up Sheet:

10:00-11:00am

11:00-12:00pm

12:00-1:00pm

1:00-2:00pm

2:00-3:00pm

3:00-4:00pm

4:00-5:00pm

5:00-6:00pm

* More time slots may be added depending on demand

Advice From the Wise – OCI Prep for 2Ls

Below is list of suggestions from experienced 3Ls regarding steps that can be taken now to prepare for Fall OCI.

Suits: Buy a suit and 3-5 shirts that can last you through the week now to allow time for any alterations. One suit is all you really need, but two is always helpful.

Shoes: One word – COMFORTABLE! It’s worth the extra money to make sure you buy a pair of shoes that look nice and are comfortable. The treks to and from the interviews will make the miles add up, and you don’t want to be hobbling by the end of the week.

Update the Resume: Spend the time now to add your current job experience. Have it reviewed by at least 5 people, at least 3 of which are in law.
· Keep it to 1 page
· Print 50 copies on resume paper

Order the RAPs: Rather than waiting for the fall rush, you can take care of the request now and have them to you in less than two weeks.
· Order 50-100
· RAP Info Link: http:///weblaw.usc.edu/students/handbook/policies/rap.c

Edit the Writing Sample: Send it to 5 people for comments.
· Print out 50 final copies

Create a Reference List: Include both academic and professional references if possible. Include phone numbers, addresses, and emails.
· Ensure all the contact information is correct
· Warn your references that they may be contacted in the near future
· Include an updated resume to inform them about your current activities

Buy Blank Resume Paper: Rather than running to Kinkos at 1am, you can print from home if you are in desperate need of a resume.

Buy a Stain Pen: Accidents happen. According to double-blinded, scientific studies, they are more likely to occur if you are wearing a suit and going to an interview.

Create a “Firm Gossip” Sheet: Every time someone tells you a comment about X or Y firm, jot it down. Ask people directly about what firms they recommend and why. When you eventually get the “acceptance,” you will have very little info to go off of and very little time to research. Instead of trying to pick arbitrarily, keep a record of your research and ask as many 3Ls, attorneys, and Career Services representatives as possible.