What a crazy conglomeration of events we’ve got scheduled next week, all catering to the legal eagles out there.  I’m out of breath just listing them all.  Here’s the rundown:

*Just added*
Vermont Law School Admissions Visit
Tuesday, 11/15, at noon
E23 Machmer

Vermont Law School boasts the most respected environmental law program in the country.  Come meet with a VLS Admissions counselor to learn more about the school.

Color of Justice panel
sponsored by the National Association of Women Judges
Wednesday, 11/16, 3:00 – 5:30 pm
Western New England University School of Law (Springfield, Mass.)

A truly unparalleled opportunity to meet and hear from over a dozen female judges and attorneys about their career paths and experiences.  Click through the title for the list of jurists at all levels of our state judiciary — from the Supreme Judicial Court on down to several local trial courts. (I’m so excited about this one, I’ll be heading down to Western New England myself!)

* Just added *
CMASS Law Night
Thursday, 11/17, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Wilder Hall 201

Hear the success stories of ALANA students  from UConn Law and Western New England Law, and get your questions answered by the admissions directors from both schools (as well as your faithful pre-law advisor). Brought to you in part by the Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success (CMASS).

Lawyer-Alum career talk: Carrie Pollak, Esq.
Friday, 11/18 at noon
W13 Machmer

You’ll definitely want to hear UMass alum Carrie Pollak (Legal Studies and English ’04, Cornell Law ’08) talk about her experiences in both a very large law firm in Boston, and her current mid-size firm in Ithaca, New York.  Attorney Pollak, a former Army National Guard soldier, practices in the areas of environmental law and land use regulation.

UMass Mock Trial: Second Annual Thanksgiving Classic Invitational Tournament
Friday 11/18 – Sunday 11/20
Isenberg School of Management

Come see a dazzling display of legal skills from over two dozen teams, as they battle it out in a criminal trial.  Come for one round, or come for all four.  Rounds start Friday at 6:30 pm, Saturday at 9 am and 2 pm, and Sunday at 9 am.  This is for anybody who has ever thought about trying out for Mock Trial, or who just wants to watch some excellent trial skills in action.

This just in from the Career Services office:

Join Special Agents Patrick Carnahan (UMass Alum), Adrian Softic, & Kevin
Hool on Wednesday, November 9th at 6:00pm in Herter 231 as they speak about
the Intelligence Analyst and Special Agent positions offered through the
Federal Bureau of Investigation.  They will discuss the basic qualifications
of these positions, how to best position yourself when applying for
positions at the FBI, the hiring process, and what to expect.  There will
also be plenty of time for Q&A, so bring any questions you might have as
well!

It’s the top cliché of job interviews everywhere (right up there with “I think my only real weakness is that I’m a perfectionist”), but it’s also what it takes to be successful as a lawyer.  That’s always been the case, but all the more so these days.  It’s not about liking to argue a lot — law schools are looking for applicants who are self-directed, entrepreneurial and know how to get along with others.  Not surprisingly, this is what we heard over and over again from hiring attorneys and law school admission officials at the recent conference of the Northeast Association of Pre-Law Advisors.  I’m working on some more in-depth posts from the conference, and you’ll see them soon, but in the meantime, I wanted to share this article with you about the increase in solo practitioners — it provides some more evidence about the importance of taking the initiative, and creating your own opportunities.  The money quote comes from Rachel Rodgers, a 2009 Cardozo law grad who runs her own practice out of her home in Phoenix:

“I say screw the economy,” Rodgers said. “You worked hard, you got your law degree, so make something happen with it.”

Thursday, May 5th, 6:00 pm — Grad Student Lounge

For those on your way to law school in the Fall — come get the inside scoop on how to make your first year successful.  And for those of you over 21, raise a celebratory glass with your fellow future law students.  With guest appearances from SLSO Attorney Corey Carvalho, Legal Studies Prof. Judy Holmes, as well as other attorneys and law students ready to welcome you to your new adventure.

Wednesday, April 13, 6:00 pm — 8:00 pm
Location: Cape Cod Lounge, Student Union

This don’t-miss event features several successful alumni attorneys sharing their stories in a comfortable and fun small group “speed networking” format. Confirmed participants (so far — more to come!) include

• Sean Chen (Communication ‘03, Suffolk Law) — Attorney in small practice specializing in immigration and family law
• Maura Murphy-Osbourne  (Political Science ‘94, Cornell Law) — Assistant Attorney General, Hartford, CT
• Colin Keefe (Political Science ‘91, Western New England College Law) — Criminal defense attorney in private practice
• Chris Mahoney (Political Science ‘95, UMaine Law) — Attorney in private practice, specializing in family law, estate planning, and criminal defense
• Timothy Jones (MPA ‘01) — Hearing Officer at Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Appeals and Dispute Resolution
• John Smolak (BDIC ‘85, Boston College Law) — Partner, Smolak & Vaughn, specializing in land use, environmental and real estate development
• Maura McLaughlin (English and French ’91, Boston College Law), Deputy Counsel, State Senate, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Refreshments will be served.

Seating is limited. Please register by April 11 (email events@sbs.umass.edu)

Sponsored by SBS, Commonwealth Honors College and Pre-law Advising.