Author Archive for careerservices

BusinessWeek Recognizes Resilient Richmond Economy

Published by careerservices on June 23, 2009 in Richmond. 0 Comments

A recent BusinessWeek article reveals that Richmond residents enjoy a comparatively sound job market and low cost of living.

In “Where Struggling Americans Can Find a Fresh Start,” BusinessWeek correspondent Prashant Gopal explores the best cities for unemployed workers to start over, finding new jobs and new homes.

BusinessWeek ranks the Richmond metropolitan area sixth nationally for employment prospects and cost of living.

In the next quarter, 22% of Richmond companies plan to hire new workers and the metro area’s unemployment rate is 1.6 points below the national average, according to the article.  In addition to sound economic indicators, BusinessWeek cites the Virginia capital’s average home prices, diverse economy, and rich arts community as key attractions.

The BusinessWeek article comes on the heels of a Next Generation Consulting study ranking Richmond as a “Next City,” one of the best places for young professionals to work and live.

Fall 2009 On-Campus Recruitment Program

Published by careerservices on June 12, 2009 in Interviews, OCI's and Resources. 0 Comments

The Fall On-Campus Interview Program begins on Tuesday, August 25, 2009.

On July 6, students may begin viewing and researching OCI employers.  OCI employers are those who will either interview students on-campus or who will review resume booklets (“resume collect”) from University of Richmond Law students in lieu of coming to campus.  Student bid applications will be accepted beginning on July 28, 2009.

There are currently five interview sessions in Symplicity:


Session 1 (Aug. 25 – Aug. 28):  Application deadline is August 9 at 11:45 p.m.
Session 2 (Aug. 31 – Sept. 4):  Application deadline is August 16 at 11:45 p.m.
Session 3 (Sept. 8 – 11):  Application deadline is August 23 at 11:45 p.m.
Session 4 (Sept. 14 – 18):  Application deadline is August 30 at 11:45 p.m.
Session 6 (Early Oct.) - Application deadline is September 6 at 11:45 p.m.

PRIOR TO THE BID APPLICATION DEADLINES, students must:

Confirm that all Profile information (particularly class year and graduation date) in Symplicity is current.

Upload default resume under “Documents” tab in Symplicity.  *Remember that the Career Services Office is here to assist with resume review.*

Upload employer-specific cover letters and attach them to bid applications by respective bid deadlines.

Upload a current grade list under the “Documents” tab.

Check each PDF document after converting it from Word.  Spacing issues may occur during the conversion (resulting in dropped lines, tab spacing changes, or the addition of an extra page).  Go back to the original Word document, correct the problem, and re-upload as a PDF if this occurs.

Interested in a Government Career?

Published by careerservices on May 8, 2009 in Government and Resources. 0 Comments

PSLawNet, a valuable public service resource, has launched an expanded Federal Career Resource Center.  This site explains the opportunities for legal employment in government, describes the federal hiring process, and includes links to government career search resources.  Among PSLawNet’s recommended resources are:

Please visit the Federal Career Resource Center for more detail about these resources, and please contact the CSO with any questions.

How to Make the Most of Your Summer Legal Internship

Published by careerservices on April 21, 2009 in Resources. 0 Comments

1L and 2L Richmond Law students will spend the summer working in law firms, public interest agencies, and administrative offices.

Regardless of where you are working this summer, here are a few tips for making the most of the experience:

Identify a mentor – Choose someone from whom you can learn this summer.  With luck, this will become a contact for you in years to come (and a possible reference).

Be flexible – You may be asked to assume responsibilities outside the scope of your job description.  Having a good attitude, a willingness to learn, and an ability to take on new projects will serve you well.

Ask questions – Learn as much as you can about your work environment.  If you’re given a project that you do not understand completely, ask questions.  The more that you know, the better you can accomplish your job.

Maintain high quality – Whether your position is paid or unpaid, whether you’re doing a project for a senior partner or a junior associate, provide high quality work.  With luck, your written work could serve as a writing sample for future job applications.  Across the board, your work will solidify your reputation.

Take notes – Keep a list of your assignments and projects throughout the summer.  This list will help you update your resume, and it can be provided to your supervisor if you request a reference.

Southeastern Minority Job Fair: Pre-Register Now

Published by careerservices on April 21, 2009 in Interview Programs. 0 Comments

The Southeastern Minority Job Fair (SEMJF) provides rising second and third year law students, as well as recent graduates, the opportunity to interview with legal employers throughout the United States.  In 2008, approximately 140 employers interviewed over 900 students during the two day job fair.  12 law students from UR participated in the 2008 job fair.

This year, SEMJF will be held on July 31 - August 1 at the Hyatt Regency Suites Perimeter Northwest in Marietta, Georgia.

All students interested in applying for interviews must pre-register with the Career Services Office by April 26, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.

To pre-register, log in to Symplicity, select the “OCI” tab, choose Session “Southeastern Minority Job Fair Pre-Registration” from the dropdown menu, and hit “Apply.”

Pre-registered students may apply to SEMJF employers through Symplicity May 8 – May 29.

Get to Know the CSO…and Williams Mullen

Published by careerservices on April 13, 2009 in Richmond and Events. 0 Comments

It’s time for the last CSO breakfast of the year: “Get to Know the CSO…and Williams Mullen” on Wednesday, April 15th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Faculty Lounge.

Please join us in welcoming alumni Greg Bishop, Lauren Wheeling, Lee Lester, Judy Lin Bristow, Andy Mathews, and Will Rabke and Manager of Legal Recruiting Beth Fuchs from Williams Mullen.  Homemade waffles and coffee will be served.

Throughout the academic year, we’ll introduce you to a number of local firms in the “Get to Know…” breakfast series.  The series began last month with “Get to Know the CSO…and Hirschler Fleischer.”

The Nuts & Bolts of Cover Letter Writing

Published by careerservices on March 25, 2009 in Cover Letters. 0 Comments

Cover Letter“Cover Letters, Interviews, and Bears – Oh My!” (the blog post below) provides great preparation for cover letter writing.  Once you’ve discovered the strengths you wish to highlight, you must focus on the basics of cover letter writing.

Remember, a cover letter is designed to be a brief letter of introduction.  Write concisely, using the active voice.  Use three or four short paragraphs:

Opening:  Introduce yourself and describe your reason for writing.

Body:  “Sell yourself” by tying your talents and experiences to the characteristics the employer seeks. If you cannot find a tie, describe your skills which have general applicability and will contribute to your success.

Closing:  Anticipate a positive response from the reader, and invite the reader to contact you to further discuss the position.

Remember to use the proper business writing format:

DO     Keep your letter to one page.

DO     Personalize your cover letter.  Rather than “To whom it may concern,” address your letter to the Recruiting Manager (i.e. “Mr. Richmond” or “Ms. Williams”) if you do not have an attorney contact.

DO     Review the CSO Handbook (available on the CSO homepage) for further instructions and samples.

DON’T     Send your letter without having it proofread.  Bring your letter to the CSO, email it to us, or ask a friend or mentor for assistance.

Please stop by the CSO – or comment below – for more guidance.  We’re here to help you write compelling cover letters.  They truly are your first impression to potential employers.