Office of Professional Development Spring 2021 January Newsletter

JANUARY 2021 | VOLUME 6, ISSUE 1

AVE MARIA SCHOOL OF LAW Office of Professional Development Monthly Newsletter

IN

THIS

ISSUE

OPD Student Center Stage & Employer Spotlight Page 2 Upcoming Events Page 3 Outcome of the Month Page 4 Celebrating Mentorship Pages 5-6 OPD Programming Reflections Pages 7-9 OPD Ambassador Tips Page 10 Jan- Feb Upcoming Events Pages 11-13 Pro Bono & Pro Bono Challenge Pages 14-15 Job Spotlight Page 16 Check Your Timeline!

Pages 17-19 External Events Pages 20-21 Office Hours Page 22

JANUARY 2021

OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT STUDENT CENTER STAGE SPOTLIGHTING STUDENTS WHO ARE CAREER SUPERSTARS

CHRISTINA ROLDAN Class of 2021

“As a 1L student, the Office of Professional Development was instrumental in helping me navigate my first year of law school. I remember that I would meet with Dean Lucas-Ross or Ms. Celeste Oglesby, who were always willing and able to meet with me, at least once a month to discuss and choose between my various legal internship opportunities. As a result, I have been blessed to work for the State Attorney’s office in Fort Myers, Florida my 1L year, and a Congressman in Washington D.C. my 2L year, which allowed me to explore my various interests and create meaningful connections with potential employers.

Now, as a 3L student, I look forward to working with the Office of Professional Development again to discuss and narrow down my future career opportunities.”

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P P R O F E S S O N A L D E V E L O P M E N T O U T C O M E PR RO OF FE ES SS SIIIO ON NA AL L D DE EV VE EL LO OP PM ME EN NT T O OU UT TC CO OM ME E

OF THE MONTH

Define mentorship in a legal context, recognize the importance of mentorship as a law student and legal professional, understand how to find and develop mentorship relationship.

Consider pursuing the Dean’s Professionalism Award! This prestigious award recognizes students who exemplify the three pillars

of professionalism:

I. Law School Leadership

II. Professional Identity Formation

III. Public Service Commitment

Students who earn the Dean’s Award will receive the following:

- Public recognition during the annual end-of-year celebration

- A suitable-for-framing certificate

- The opportunity to indicate this designation on their resumes as a Law School Honor

- A graduation cord signifying your successful completion of the Dean’s Professionalism Program

Do not hesitate to contact the OPD with any questions regarding the Dean's Professionalism Award and be sure to check out the

modules on Canvas!

CELEBRATING MENTORSHIP The Mentor/Mentee initiative complements 1Ls' law school experience by pairing them with successful alumni who will contribute to their path of success. Although the 1L Mentor/Mentee Reception has been postponed until Fall 2021, mentorship continues to be a pillar of the Ave Law experience.

“I am excited for the opportunity to give back to those seeking to use their gifts to build the Kingdom of God. Being a mentor with Ave Maria School of Law enables me to serve Christ in a beautiful way.�

Michael Vacca, Class of 2010 Mentor to Gahodery Cambry

"Having a mentor to help you navigate law school professionally and spiritually is an incredible opportunity that should not be overlooked. I can say that my mentor is already a friend and a colleague for life. By pairing students with mentors, Ave Law is at the forefront of helping students suceed."

Gahodery K. Cambry, Class of 2023 Mentee

CELEBRATING MENTORSHIP

The Annual January Mentor~Mentee Reception has been postponed until fall 2021. We anticipate holding the annual event on-campus as we have done in prior years. Please continue to check your email and all OPD communications for further updates.

OPD PROGRAMMING REFLECTIONS: ATTORNEY ADVICE The "Q&A on Remote Work with Attorney Elaine Thompson" was an excellent opportunity to ask an attorney about the day to day issues confronted in the legal profession.

"You can learn something from everyone. The practice of law is just that, a practice, learning from everyone around you will help you become not only a better lawyer but also a better advocate for the people. One of the interesting things I took away from Elaine Thompson’s talk was her schedule for monitoring email. Once in the morning and once before close of business. This allows for a maximization of productive work time while also ensuring that each message is addressed in a timely fashion. I have adopted a similar schedule for myself and saw my productivity increase. I think everyone has something they could learn by attending the OPD speaker series and would highly encourage other students to join in the events."

Adam Riedesel, Class of 2023

OPD PROGRAMMING REFLECTIONS: TED TALKS The Ted Talks are an opportunity to sharpen the study and social skills needed to succeed in law school and beyond.

"TED Talks are short, informative videos about how to improve your 'professional toolkit.' I have learned the most important professional skills you can have now such as how to handle interviews via Zoom, improve your verbal communication with colleagues and supervisors, how to work remotely in a professional setting, the long term benefits of pro bono work, and how to quickly build contacts for job prospects via online networking. In short, as I can attest to in my own pro bono work, by taking the time to attend TED Talks hosted by OPD will help you get a leg up on the competition for summer jobs and beyond law school."

Alejandro Ulbrich, Class of 2023

OPD PROGRAMMING REFLECTIONS: MOCK INTERVIEW PROGRAM The Mock Interview Program is designed to sharpen the legal interviewing skills of participants.

For 1Ls the goal is preparation for the first legal internship; for 2Ls the goal is preparation for a summer law clerk position; and for 3Ls the goal is preparation for real world job search.

"I found the mock interviews incredibly helpful. I was able to make some new connections with local attorneys and Judges. One great tip that I learned was to get involved with legal networking thru the Collier County Bar and the Women’s Bar of Collier County, to start building relationships within the local legal community."

Bonnie Lamb, Class of 2023

OPD AMBASSADOR TIPS: BREAKING ONLINE ISOLATION "It is a brave new world with online learning. Some of the challenges of online learning include an increased feeling of isolation and lack of community. My personal experience is that I have built friendships and developed a support network through resources such as study groups and the Lift Project. Hopefully other students can realize the benefits and get involved as well."

Gahodery Cambry, Class of 2023

STUDY GROUPS "Our Sisters In Law study group is true representation of trust, loyalty, support, helpfulness, and strength to focus on our goal of becoming real lawyers’ lawyers of faith, through our sisterhood."

Tria Cole, Class of 2023

THE LIFT PROJECT “Both physical fitness and good community are important elements of a healthy life. The Lift Project delivers on both of these elements.

Heidi Roderick, especially, is excellent at making the experience efficient, effective and enjoyable!”

Chase Burton, Class of 2023

Jan. 26: Extern/OCR Roundtable Discussion Jan 29: Hot Coffee & Hot Topics: Try your Jeopardy game skills on review of Fall OPD sessions Jan 29- Feb. 5: Judicial OCR – Application Period February 8:

Nuts & Bolts of the Judicial Clerkship Application Process

Feb. 11: RPPTL Panel, 12:20 – 1:20 p.m., Zoom Feb. 11-22: Summer OCR—Application Collection Feb. 12: 8th Annual Government & Public Interest Info Fair, 1:00—4:00 p.m.

Feb 19: Hot Coffee & Hot Topics: Habits of Highly Effective People

RSVP on Ave Central Step 1: Scan QR Code with Camera Step 2: Open Link to Ave Central OPD Events Step 3: Select Event you wish to attend Step 4: RSVP for event Step 5: See you there!

ON CAMPUS RECRUITMENT

PRO BONO OPPORTUNITIES Get Involved ~ Make a Difference ~ Serve Your Community Current & Future Projects

Collier County Citizen’s Foster Care Review Board

* Florida Rural Legal Services Migrant Farmer’s Advice Line

* Law Office of Royce Hood Pro Bono Legal Research Project * Teen Court Mentoring Program

Florida Pro Bono Challenge

WE ASK THAT YOU CONSIDER PARTNERING WITH AN AVE LAW ALUMNI, OR YOUR MENTOR TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FLORIDA PRO BONO CHALLENGE. The Florida Pro Bono Law School Challenge will kick off on February 1, 2021.

For the third year in a row, law students can connect with Florida lawyers to complete a pro bono case together. Hundreds of pro bono cases from local legal aid organizations will be available throughout the state. February 1 March 26, visit www.FloridaLawSchoolChallenge.org to pick a pro bono case and be matched with a lawyer.

As a result of the ongoing pandemic, many legal aid programs are operating remotely and offering virtual pro bono opportunities; we encourage students and lawyers to work on their cases virtually and to follow the CDC’s guidelines, which include wearing a mask and social distancing, if they must meet in person.Florida’s law schools are competing to see which can have the most alumni and student participation, and awards will be given at the Annual Florida Bar Convention. (View previous winners)For more info about the challenge, click here to read our FAQs.The Florida Bar Foundation is working diligently to promote public service among lawyers by making it an integral part of the law school experience. We are excited to see the impact of law students partnering with lawyers on pro bono cases!

PRO BONO OPPORTUNITIES Get Involved ~ Make a Difference ~ Serve Your Community

JOB SPOTLIGHT SPRING 2021 WORK STUDY INTERN 2LS & 3LS

GENERAL PRACTICE, LAND USE, PROBATE AND CIVIL LITIGATION FIRM IN NAPLES. IN PERSON AND REMOTE POSITION POSSIBLE SPANISH SPEAKING PREFERRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED. LOG ON TO SYMPLICITY FOR DETAILS

CHECK YOUR

TIMELINE

3Ls

January Make sure to register for the MPRE if you are taking it in March.

Send out informational interview letters and follow-up with contacts/mentors; network.

Follow-up with any employers with whom you interviewed during winter break.

Review deadlines for post-graduate fellowships or law clerk opportunities.

February Attend the Graduation Fair. Stop by OPD table and make your appointment for your mandatory Exit Interview (May and August graduates).

Attend the Government & Public Interest Information Fair and introduce yourself to agency representatives.

Revise contact list and send out additional informational interview letters; continue to followup with previous contacts (as needed); attend networking events.

Remain active in the Bar Associations you have joined.

If you are relocating outside of the SW Florida area, meet with a member of Office of Professional Development to discuss reciprocity with the Career Services office of a school local to you.

Mail letters to employers where you will be spending Spring Break (if that is where you are interested in working after graduation). Attempt to schedule interviews/informational interviews during that week.

CHECK YOUR

January

TIMELINE

2Ls

Meet with your Office of Professional Development advisor to develop a job search strategy for summer employment.

Apply for the Blackstone Legal Fellowship, if qualified and interested.

If you would like to be considered for the United Nations Legal Internship, begin preparing and submitting your application materials. Consult the United Nations Legal Internship Guide for more information.

Attend the OPD presentation concerning post-graduate judicial clerkships. For more information on judicial clerkships, consult the Judicial Clerkship Guide.

Research summer fellowship opportunities so you do not miss deadlines. Review the OPD Fellowship Guide.

Continue to check and respond to job listings / recruiting sessions on Symplicity.

Send out informational interview letters and follow-up with contacts; network.

On Campus Recruitment for summer positions with local state and federal judges opens at the end of January. Apply on Symplicity. If you are interested in working with a judge who is not located in Collier or Lee County over the summer, now is the time to start applying.

February Interested in working for the Florida Supreme Court? Reach out to OPD regarding the selection process. NOTE: You must have received your Clearance Letter from the Florida Bar to be considered.

Review and apply for summer positions through our On-Campus Recruitment Program. Make sure your resume and cover letter are approved by the Office of Professional Development before you apply.

For questions about OCR, consult the On Campus Recruitment Guide.

Attend the Government & Public Interest Information Fair and introduce yourself to agency representatives.

Attend OPD presentations on internships & externships to learn more about how they connect you to your goals.

Continue to check and respond to job listings / recruiting sessions on Symplicity.

Research legal employers and create a small, targeted mailing list of employers to whom you would like to send an unsolicited rĂŠsumĂŠ and cover letter. You can find employers on Symplicity, through bar association websites by reviewing membership lists, or on Martindale.

Revise contact list and send out additional informational interview letters; continue to follow-up with previous contacts (as needed); attend networking events.

If you are on the CLI Track for a fall CLI, application packets are due.

CHECK YOUR

TIMELINE

1Ls

January File your Florida Board of Bar Examiners Student Registration application. This is imperative if you want to be a CLI or be considered for a 2L summer internship at the Florida Supreme Court.

IMPORTANT: January 15th is the early filing fee deadline.

Prepare Writing Sample for summer job applications. Review the Writing Sample Guidelines.

Meet with your Office of Professional Development advisor to develop a job search strategy for summer employment.

Apply for the Blackstone Legal Fellowship, if qualified and interested.

Research summer fellowship opportunities so you do not miss deadlines. Review the OPD Fellowship Guide.

Attend the Mentor Reception and get to know your mentor and other legal professionals.

Continue to check and respond to job listings / recruiting sessions on Symplicity.

Send out informational interview letters and follow-up with contacts; network.

Attend informational session on interning with judges.

On Campus Recruitment for summer positions with local state and federal judges opens at the end of January. Apply on Symplicity. If you are interested in working with a judge who is not located in Collier or Lee County over the summer, now is the time to start applying.

February Review and apply for summer positions through our On-Campus Recruitment Program. Make sure your resume and cover letter are approved by the Office of Professional Development before you apply. For questions about OCR, consult the On Campus Recruitment Guide.

Attend the Government & Public Interest Information Fair and introduce yourself to agency representatives.

Attend OPD presentations on internships & externships to learn more about how they connect you to your goals.

Continue to check and respond to job listings / recruiting sessions on Symplicity.

Research legal employers and create a small, targeted mailing list of employers to whom you would like to send an unsolicited rĂŠsumĂŠ and cover letter. You can find employers on Symplicity, through bar association websites by reviewing membership lists, or on Martindale.

Revise contact list and send out additional informational interview letters; continue to followup with previous contacts (as needed); attend networking events.

EXTERNAL EVENTS: ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & SPORTS LAW The Kozyak Minority Mentoring Foundation and its Board invite you to participate!

This event is for first and second year law students interested in learning more about entertainment, arts and sports law and how to prepare for a career in this area of law. Please email Carolina Guerra cguerraperez@HuntonAK.com by 6pm on February 3, 2021. While we will have multiple breakout rooms for this session, attendance will be limited to the first 60 students who RSVP. You will be provided a Zoom link by email before the event.

EXTERNAL EVENTS: LAW FIRMS NETWORKING

e w N y Y p e p a a r !

H

@OPD_AveMariaLaw

@Ave-MariaOPD

@avemariaopd

Thank you to our student ambassador, Gahodery K. Cambry, for creating this month's newsletter!