Interview Tips

The law.com Career Center has posted the first of 12 articles containing interview tips. The tips in this first article should not be new to most attorneys, both new and old, but it never hurts to remind one's self.



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Advice For New Associates

In a recent article in the National Law Journal, Steven Bennett outlines how new law firm associates can avoid some common pitfalls. His answer to problem number one, wasting time?

"Ask lots of questions when receiving an assignment. Ask more later, if you are still not sure of the assignment."

This is advice librarians have been giving associates for years, as law firm librarians are often the victims of associates who have very vague or confused understandings of their assignments.



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Research skills needed in your new job

As you read in your email, this week the Library begins our Top 10 Research Skills workshops.

Start with our special feature workshop, this Wednesday, March 11 at 11:10am-12:30 in Room 206. Two law firm librarians will share their insights on Cost Efficient Research and other Law Practice Survival Tips.

(Discussing items 4,9 and 10 in the article).

During the week of March 16th, the librarians will continue with workshops on more of the Top 10.

Monday, 3/16, 5pm-6 in Room 205 Kevin Shelton will present "Civics 101: What Every New Lawyer Should Know, But Doesn't"

In this workshop, you will learn the difference between statutes and regulations and get the basic background you will need for all legal research.

(Discussing item 1 in the article).

Tuesday, 3/17, 11am-noon in Room 227, Toni Aiello will present "Where do I start? Getting Background with Secondary Sources."

In this workshop you will learn how to find and effectively use Secondary Sources.

(Discussing item 2 in the article).

Wednesday, 3/18, 3pm-4 in Room 243, Mary Godfrey-Rickards will present "Location, Location, Location: Where to find Cases, Statutes and Regulations"

In this workshop, you will learn the best way to research cases, and where to find statutes and regulations

(Completing the discussion of item 1 in the article).

Thursday, 3/19, 4pm-5 in Room 243, David Dames and Tricia Kasting will present "Putting it all Together" (David,Tricia)

In this workshop, you will learn why KeyCite and Shepards are so useful for research, when to stop researching and how to formulate a research strategy.

(Finishing up with items 3,5-8 in the article).

No need to sign up. Come to as many of the 5 workshops as you can.

Each workshop is independent, so if you miss earlier ones, you can still come to later ones.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Afraid about that first research assignment at your new job?

Whether you will be a summer associate/intern or starting your career, you want to hit the ground running. So, if you are concerned about that first research assignment, we can help.

Next week, the Library kicks off our Top 10 Things You Should Know series. We start with our feature panel of law firm librarians who will discuss and answer your questions about Cost Efficient Research and Law Practice survival tips. This will take place next Wednesday, March 11 at 11:10am - 12:30 (or as long as you can stay) in Room 206.

It will also be podcast for those who cannot make it. No need to sign up.

The series will continue during the week of March 16 with the following workshops:

1. "Civics 101: What Every New Lawyer Should Know, But Doesn't"
2. "Where do I start? Getting Background with Secondary Sources."
3. "Location, Location, Location: Where to find Cases, Statutes and Regulations"
4. "Putting it all Together"

I am the PR department, so any suggestions you may have on how to publicize these would be VERY welcome!!!



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat