You’re Your First Client!

THE LAW RESUME:Making a case for yourself

 Lisa PattersonAssociate Dean for Career Services

University at Buffalo Law SchoolThe State University of New York

2011

The People

Lisa PattersonAssociate Dean for Career Services

Marc DaviesAssociate Director

Dawn SkopinskiAssistant Director

Kathleen DevereauxCareer Counselor

Gale StraussRecruiting Coordinator

The PlaceOffices

608 O’Brian Hall

Access resources online at: law.buffalo.edu/CSOtoGo.asp

OverviewPart A: What is a Resume, what is it for?

How a Resume Functions

Part B:Style and Formatting

Putting in the details

Part C:Resume Critiques

Question & Answer

Length of Program: 60 minutes

Part A:How the Resume Functions1. Advertisement!

Employer’s First Impression Helps you get the interview.

2. Interview Material reference your skills and achievements

during the interview Control the process!

3. Calling Card Reminder of who you are Serves as a way for the interviewer to

remember you LATER

First Function:First Impressions,

Resume as AdvertisementFirst Function - Get their attention!

Next time you watch TV, notice the ads! Know the product Hit highlights of the product Know the audience Catch their attention!

Example: McDonalds Different ads highlighting different products

to different audiences. Happy Meals to kids, Big Macs to adults.

Make the reader hungry for more!

Advertisement 1:Know the Product—You!

More Self-Assessment - know “thyself”

Pick out your best selling points. Are you Prius or an Escalade? Both are

popular cars, but appeal to very different buyers.

Evaluate yourself with Objectivity/Distance Identify your weak points

(avoid “spin,” prepare to answer) Bring out your best and relevant credentials

Make others a part of the process

Advertisement 2:Know your Audience

Define your target audience.

Put yourself in the employer’s shoes Who is reading your resume? What is their practice all about? What do they need in a candidate? What is the employer looking for in a

candidate (experiences? ties [e.g., geographic, personal]? grades? courses? commitment? interest?) Bring them out.

Research, network

Home Sales Example:How to use words

The premise: Real estate agents use certain words to describe houses for sale that may hint to other sellers’ agents that a house might sell for less than advertised.

Five of the following ten words hint at a possible defect or drawback to a house, while the other five indicate a more saleable quality. Which are which?

Freakonomics : A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything, by Steven d. Levitt, Stephen J. Dubner, 2005

What do the five “good” terms have in common?

Fantastic GraniteMaple CharmingGreat Neighborhood

Gourmet

State-of-the Art SpaciousCorian Anything with a

“!”

The Secret About Lawyers.THEY LOVE EVIDENCE!

Make a case for why you should be hired

Use examples of good qualities

Don’t state conclusions without examples (“I’m a hard worker”)

Resume is evidence that you are going to be a great employee

Advertisement 3:Design to catch their attention!

Be clear and memorable

Use capitalization, indentations, underlining, italics, white space to make key words stand out but . . .

Do not cross the “too confusing” line

Not more than 3 types of emphasis or font styles

More on style later

Second Function: Interview Material

Outline for the interview

Your opportunity for control If it’s good, put it in If it’s not, leave it out Do I need, want to talk about it?

Be prepared to discuss everything!

Hit a chord with your interviewer (interests, sports, volunteer)

Interview Material:Accuracy, Trust and

ThoroughnessDon’t get caught squirming in the interview!

Information and data Be positive Exaggeration, fantasy and fiction Penalties

Technical Grammatical Typographical

Third Function:Calling Card

Remember me?Details, descriptions, get more attention as a reference document

Interviewer may make notes– need some white space

Here’s where your “Interests/Hobbies” come in!

Part B: Style & Formatting

No standard structure, but UB Law has 4 approved formats

Use best template for you What do you want to emphasize?

Flint Village Apts. 100-36B Buffalo, NY 14261- 0090

Home (716) 555-1234 Cell (716) 555-1234 E-mail resume@buffalo.edu

B. Excellent Resume

Education State University of New York at Buffalo Law School Buffalo, NY Juris Doctor expected 2009 Estimated Class Rank: Top 1-15% Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity

Fordham University Bronx, NY Bachelor or Arts in Political Science, 1996 Graduated Summa Cum Laude, GPA: 3.85 Dean’s List Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

Legal Experience Jones, Day, Reavis, & Pogue New York, NY Southridge, SC Litigation Project Assistant, 2004 - 2006 Prepared trial notebooks of key documents and witness files. Organized, and mark and index trial exhibits. Performed court filings and deliveries Organized and file pleadings, medical records, exhibits, correspondence,

investigative reports, and transcripts. Prepared and index key pleadings notebooks. Performed page checking of key documents. Certified key documents.

Professional Experience

Apex Communications, Inc. Hasbrouk Heights, NJ Medical Communicator, 2000 - 2004 Recruited physicians to participate in interactive scientific meetings. Trained new medical communicators on effective recruiting techniques. Provided doctors with advice in the selection of products.

Hackensack Medical Center Hackensack, NJ Medical File Clerk, 1997 – 1999 Maintained patient filing system. Analyzed medical accounts. Distributed information to collection agencies, insurance companies, and

law firms.

John Doe 123 Main Street, Buffalo, New York 14000 (716) 123-4567

johndoe@acsu.buffalo.edu Education State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law Juris Doctor expected, May 2009 Estimated class rank: Top 15-25% Managing Editor of the Buffalo Environmental Law Journal Member of the Buffalo Public Interest Law Program State University of New York at Binghamton Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and Law & Society, May 2000 Brunel University, Uxbridge, England Exchange Program in Political Science, September 1997 - May 1998 Legal Experience Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, New York, New York Law Intern, Real Estate Investments, May 2008 - August 2008 Reviewed leases and created abstracts from those leases, researched legal issues, completed the dissolution of a Limited Partnership, conducted due diligence for commercial property loans in excess of $20 million, including abstracting leases, review of service contracts and management agreements. The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, New York, New York Law Intern, Commercial Litigation Div., May 2007 - August 2007 Researched and prepared various pleadings and memoranda; drafted and filed motions with New York courts; reviewed and critiqued advisory’s legal memoranda. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, New York, New York Government Relations Assistant, April 2005 - August 2006 Tracked legislation and regulation of ten states; administrator of compliance tracking database; assisted in special projects and state insurance examinations; organized conferences and made presentations; compiled expenditures for tax department and auditors. Litigation Paralegal, August 2002 - March 2005 Conducted research for the preparation of legal documents; maintained case files; examined and analyzed insurance policy language; reviewed legal documents for relevancy and/or privilege. NYNEX Corporation, White Plains, New York Paralegal, November 2001 - August 2002 Prepared and organized corporate records for discovery; maintained antitrust library; reviewed documents for accuracy; data entry of documents. United States Army, Fort Hood, Texas Legal Specialist, June 2000 - June 2001 Researched and analyzed regulations in the Uniform Code of Military Justice; advised supervisors of appropriate actions; drafted correspondence; informed soldiers of legal military regulations. Language Elementary German.

Sue M. Hall 123 Central Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14237

(716) 123-4567 suemhall@buffalo.edu

EDUCATION State University of New York at Buffalo Law School Buffalo, NY

Juris Doctor expected May 2010 Activities: Buffalo Public Interest Law Program Domestic Violence Task Force Bar/Bri

Representative Criminal Law Society Cornell University Ithaca, NY

Bachelor of Science, Human Development and Family Studies, May 2006 Honors: Psi Chi National Honor Society, Dean’s List Honors

LEGAL Research Assistant for Professor Suzanne Tomkins Fall 2007 - present EXPERIENCE UB Law School Family Violence Clinic Buffalo, NY Researched various issues concerning domestic and family violence. Edited articles for semi-annual newsletter published by the clinic.

Communicated with county domestic violence coordinators regarding agency activities. Legal Assistant/ Intern Summer 2006 - Summer 2007 New York State Capital Defender Office Rochester, NY

Assisted capital defense attorneys in trial and motion preparation. Researched and drafted client social chronologies for use in mitigation phase of capital trials. Managed discovery, pleadings, and mitigation files. Organized and maintained law library.

RESEARCH Research Assistant, Cornell University Fall 2005 - Spring 2006 EXPERIENCE Department of Design and Environmental Analysis Ithaca, NY

Conducted interviews using various psychological measures and observational techniques. Interpreted and analyzed data in written report. Collaborated with research team to analyze assessment effectiveness and data.

Research Assistant Summer 2005 University of Rochester, Mount Hope Family Center Rochester, NY

Interviewed subjects using demographic and psychological assessments. Interpreted and scored subject data. Edited the scoring of other research assistants. Integrated data into database using Center’s software.

SKILLS Westlaw Lexis-Nexis Microsoft Word and Excel Word Perfect Internet

Ima Jobseeker 123 Central Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14237 (716) 123-4567 imajobseeker@buffalo.edu

EDUCATION University at Buffalo Law School, State University of New York 2005-present • Juris Doctor expected May 2008 • Dean’s Advisory Council Scholar: full scholarship recipient • Associate: Buffalo Law Review

• Member: Buffalo Environmental Law Journal Stanford University 1994-1998

• Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology: Natural Resources Policy & Management • Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps: full scholarship recipient

• Semester study abroad in Florence, Italy LEGAL EXPERIENCE United States Court of Appeals, Third Judicial Circuit; Philadelphia, PA Summer 2006

• Summer Clerk for the Honorable Marjorie O. Rendell • Assisted judge and fellow clerks in preparation of bench memos for upcoming oral arguments; reviewed and analyzed appellate briefs and trial court records, researched applicable law, drafted and filed non-precedential opinions of the Court.

Preston, Gates & Ellis LLP; Seattle, WA 2004-2005

• Litigation Clerk, Document Analysis Technology Group • Worked directly with leaders at the forefront of document retention and electronic discovery policy; facilitating large-scale electronic collections, litigation support software-based review, and high-speed production in patent and complex litigation cases throughout the Pacific Northwest.

King County Neighborhood Legal Clinic; Seattle, WA 2005

• Volunteer Legal Assistant • Managed client intake, assessed various legal issues including landlord-tenant, bankruptcy, insurance and family law; conducted referrals and educated clients regarding additional legal resources.

Watanabe, Ing, Kawashima & Komeiji LLP; Honolulu, HI 2003-2004 • Litigation Paralegal, Case Manager • Principal assistant to senior partner in Government/Regulatory Affairs practice group; managed multiple concurrent lawsuits; communicated with clients, subject-matter experts and opposing counsel via telephone, written correspondence and meetings; researched federal/local procedures; summarized depositions, legal briefs and discovery documents; helped clients and noticing-attorneys prepare for depositions; assisted in drafting motions and preparation for trial.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE United States Navy: Surface Warfare Officer 1998-2002 • Navigation Officer, USS SACRAMENTO (AOE-1); Bremerton, WA

• Qualified to supervise, navigate and tactically employ naval warship during in-port and at sea operations; directed navigation team in planning and safely completing voyage of 650-crew warship to and from the Persian Gulf; planned and successfully conducted hundreds of at-sea replenishments with coalition forces in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea after Sept. 11, 2001; • Awarded Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal: Meritorious service while deployed with Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet (Middle Eastern Forces) during Operation Enduring Freedom; 2002.

• Undersea Warfare Officer, USS JOHN HANCOCK (DD-981); Mayport, FL • Supervised full-time at-sea decision-making team manned by several watch stations; managed sonar technicians and torpedo operators during anti-submarine warfare operations; • Awarded Navy Achievement Medal for exemplary service during six-month deployment to the Persian Gulf.

INTERESTS • World travel, foreign policy, pottery, film, energy & natural resources conservation, cooking, cycling, swimming, cross-country skiing

Number of pages1 page -- Yes

2 pages -- Maybe is the information relevant, important? did you waste space on page 1?

3 pages -- NO!!

ClarityConvey key points quickly: surviving the 3-second review(creating subliminal messages)

location, location, location We read Left to Right, Top to Bottom prime “real estate” = TOP, LEFT

BIG = more attention/importance

DARK = grabs attention

HEADINGS = define your first impression

Eye appealReadability: easy, key words

white space, font, emphasis (e.g., bold, underline, italic)

bullets -- not too many spacing -- not crowded or cluttered unnecessary words = clutter and

distraction A positive impression

Quality: paper (25% rag), layout

From the top down (1): Heading

NO: “Resume of”

NO: Photo

Neutral name - if you are concerned, use Ms./Mr.

Address and Telephone Local, Current, Permanent: both or one Telephone number with area code, write

(cell) if it’s a cellphone. Voicemail/Answering machines: (no goofy

greetings) Answering the phone: professional

email, website: Make sure you have a professional email address, website (if you list it).

From the top down (2): Personal Info

No, or at least not here!

Is information vital? Is it a plus, minus? What is the information REALLY saying

Date of birth: age Place of birth Marital status: single, married Height, weight, health -- NEVER!

From the top down (3): Objective

Not usual in law. Use your cover letter

Targeted: can be limiting

General: says nothing

Very useful for law-related positions (management, compliance, human resources, etc.) to clarify your motives in applying

From the top down (4): Education

The most relevant, recent

Reverse chronological order

Law, Graduate, Undergraduate Other (e.g., continuing education,

certificate programs) High school

No Something special

Education – Degree Information

Name of institution You are at the University at Buffalo

Law School, State University of New York (can use SUNY) OR State University of New York at Buffalo Law School

Degree, date of conferral (month/year) Use “JD expected 2010” or

“Juris Doctor expected 2010” Juris Doctorate is incorrect!

Major, minor, dual major, concentration

Anything special

Education (cont’d) -- Achievements

Degree honors, awards, rank

GPA: Found on the HUB Class Rank - Use benchmarks provided

by Records and Registration Courses:

law: 1L (elective); 2L, 3L (relevant courses) undergrad/grad -- major/minor, concentration

Estimated Rank Calculations

Generally, a GPA over 3.0 is listed.

Your class rank is estimated based on benchmarks released by the registrarand may fall at top 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% or 25%.

PLEASE ASK if you have any questions, concerns or a special situation!!!

Reminders and Phrasing

On resume, “Estimated class rank:”

Have employer talk to CSO to verify if necessary!

From the top down (5): Experience

Experience (vs. Employment)

Establish credibility

Account for time

Experience -- DetailsOrder: reverse chronological order

Key words on the left [“scan line”]

Your title

Name of organization

Geographic location

Dates“Box” format is easiest to read

Employer City, STTitle DatesJob description goes under here—see next slide!

Experience -- Dates

Time / Dates (Watch your dashes!)

Incorrect! 11/1/04-10/26/05 November 1, 2004-October 26, 2005

TOO DETAILED

Correct: November 2004 - October 2005 Nov. 2004 – Oct. 2005 2003-04 Academic Year 2004-05 Spring 2004

Nothing to Write ?The Young: “I am right out of undergraduate, and I have no experience.”

The Not as Young: “This is my second career; I am over experienced and have no legal background.”

Everyone:“I do not know how to distinguish myself from everyone else.”

Experience – Job Description

Description: focus on your skills, achievements

Start with a verb (no “I”); use short, succinct phrases

Let the reader know what you know and can do for him/her

Experience (continued)Legal and Non-Legal: To divide or not to divide.

Other headings internships, clinical experience, more

specific (e.g., teaching, business, law-related, industry-specific)

Minor jobs List, drop, combine, summarize Some job descriptions are obvious -

receptionist, caddy, wait staff - don’t waste space on a description(it also makes it look BIGGER)

From the top down (6): Other Headings

Miscellaneous, Languages, Skills, Interests, Volunteer, Affiliations, Publications . . .

Make sure it says something Common ground; base for casual

conversation Odds n’ Ends: you’re someone to

remember--positively!

Examples of Other Skills/Interests

Language skills very important public interest, immigration level (e.g., fluent, conversational,

reading, writing)

Computer skills Basic word processing is assumed! Lexis/Westlaw and other legal programs

are important List only extraordinary/relevant

proficiencies.

Interests: “reading” vs. “books by Asimov,” antique car restoration

Sports: discipline,time management, leadership

For Further Reference…Supplemental Materials

Writing Sample

References

Cover Letters (later)

Writing SampleHave it ready

Short (3-5 pp. ok); best quality (always); relevant (if possible); updated

Gives reader a sense of how you think and analyze

Shows if, and how effectively, you can make a point

Can have more than one

Published pieces

1L R & W assignment

Example -- References

“References Available on Request” is fine, but not required

Use separate page for references

How many: 3-5

Contact info only! Name, Title, Address,

Phone, Email

References -- to list

List (name, title, business address, telephone number, email)

“Bell ringers” or known to prospective reader

References -- whom to listLawyers like to talk to lawyers: attorneys, judges, faculty(Research and Writing faculty)

Employers, pre-law faculty: people who REALLY know you

Personal

References -- checkContact your references first:

Permission to use their name Remind them: be sure they know

who you are and what you did Be sure they will be enthusiastic

references Prompt them on what you would

like them to say; draft the letter

SummaryPerspective on the process: overview and an example

Draft your resume andbring it in for review

Long is OK. Easier to cut out than to figure out what is missing

Set up an appointment to have your cover letter and resume reviewed

Where to get more information

Alumni lists, BAMP lists, books, articles, electronic sources

See Bibliography Dawn Skopinski (Room 610)

GOOD LUCK!!