Notre Dame International LL.M. Career Guide

1 Table of Contents

Introduction p.3 Career Development Staff p.4 Job Search Preparation & Career Education p.5 Job Search Timeline p.6 The Job Market for International LL.M Students p. 8 Obtaining Work Authorization p.10 Identifying Potential Employers p.12 Bar Admission & Your Job Search p.14 Job Search Resources p.15 Networking Resources p.17 Job Application Materials p.19 Conclusion p.21

Appendix Resume Template p.23 Sample International LL.M. Resume p.24 Outline of Cover Letter p.25 Sample Cover Letter p.26 Networking Meeting Request Sample (Email) p.27 LL.M. Job Search Checklist p.28 Sample Networking Management Sheet p.30

2 Welcome!

This handbook is intended to provide you with the tools to start your job search as an LL.M. student. We encourage you to review the materials in this handbook and on the Career Resources section of the Law School website. Also, work closely with a career counselor to develop a strategy tailored to your individual goals. The mission of the Career Development Office (CDO) is to provide students and alumni with the information, education, and tools they need to develop fulfilling, successful careers. LL.M. students face some unique issues relating to the job search process in the United States. Throughout the year, the CDO will assist LL.M. students by offering informational and skill development programs relating to the job search process in the United States. The CDO will also provide counseling services to LL.M. students on an individual basis. During these confidential one-on- one sessions, students and counselors discuss different employment-related topics: career plans, job search strategies, resume and cover letter review, interview prep, practice interviews, and more. Career counselors are available to meet with you on an individual basis to discuss your personal goals and career development strategy. There are two ways to meet or speak with CDO counselors: • Appointments: Use 12Twenty to schedule an appointment with a counselor. You can access 12Twenty through the Career Resources section of the Law School website. Counseling appointments are generally thirty minutes long and can be conducted in person (preferable) or by telephone.

• Walk-In Hours: You may also speak with a CDO counselor by utilizing our walk-in hours. One CDO counselor is available to answer brief, career-related questions during walk-in hours each afternoon: Monday – Friday: 12:45 – 4:45 p.m. Walk-in meetings are generally fifteen minutes long. Should you need more time to speak with a CDO counselor, we encourage you to schedule an appointment.

CDO counselors are happy to assist with all aspects of your job search and routinely work with students on career-path planning, resume and cover letter review, mock interviews/interview preparation, and networking.

Please make an appointment through 12Twenty, our constituent management database, to meet with a counselor or drop by during our walk-in hours to discuss your job search today.

3 Career Development Staff

Contact information for counselors and the Career Development staff can be found at http://law.nd.edu/careers/staff-profiles/

All the counselors can assist you, but please note the specializations below. If you would like to discuss opportunities in any of those areas, you may want to schedule an appointment with the counselor listed.

Public Interest—Katelynn McBride specializes in Public Interest work including government and inter- governmental positions as well as positions with non-profit organizations (NGOs).

Judicial Clerkships—Chris Kozelichki specializes in helping students attain Judicial Clerkships. Federal clerkships are restricted to US citizens, but foreign LL.M.s with domestic experience may be able to apply for some opportunities with state courts.

International Students and International Opportunities—Patti McLaughlin specializes in the international practice opportunities and private sector positions (law firms and corporations) abroad.

4 JOB SEARCH PRPARATION & CAREER EDUCATION

The CDO provides frequent informational and educational programs on a variety of job-search and career-related topics. Programs are generally held during the lunch hour with food provided. Topics and schedules change regularly. Please refer to the Law School calendar, the Monday Morning Update (MMU), 12Twenty, and communications from the CDO for the latest information.

In addition to educational programming, the CDO provides the following services to LL.M students:

1. Individual Counseling—one-on-one career counseling and interview skills advice are available by appointment or during walk-in hours each week. We are here to help students in any way we can. Topics discussed may include job search plans, networking plans, employer research, resume and cover letter review and edits, interview preparation and general questions about life at Notre Dame. 2. Resume and cover letter reviews—students may submit resumes and cover letters for review or come to walk-in hours for review. The resume and cover letter sections of the LL.M. Handbook provide detailed instructions and examples to help students prepare U.S. style documents. 3. Mock Interviews—our office offers one-on-one mock interview sessions with career counselors. 4. Job Listings—our office uses a web-based career services system called 12Twenty to provide students and alumni access to online job listings for entry-level, experienced and part-time positions. Students can search for jobs that have been posted with our office and set up search agents to automatically receive email notice of new job listings.

5 International LLM Timeline—Job Search

August Attend LL.M. Orientation with presentation by CDO Register for 12Twenty If interested in taking a bar exam, consult the Comprehensive Guide to Bar Examination Requirements (http://www.ncbex.org/ ) to determine the steps needed to take the bar and due dates for applications

September Attend Resume Workshop for International LL.M. students Draft resume and at least one sample cover letter Make an appointment with a CDO counselor to review resume, cover letter and discuss career goals If interested in taking the Bar exam, send your Request for Evaluation of Academic Credentials to the NY State Board of Law Examiners to obtain precertification of your eligibility to sit for the NY Bar. (https://www.nybarevaluation.org/Intro.aspx)

October If you have not done so already, meet with your CDO counselor Contact former employers, friends, colleagues and others who may have connections with employers in the U.S--talk to CDO counselors to begin this process Talk to faculty members whom you have gotten to know about your career interests Make lists of employers that offer internships to international LL.M.s or practice in an area where you can leverage your skills Begin sending your cover letters and resumes to employers who interest you, and keep diligent notes about employers you have contacted Begin setting up networking meetings, particularly if you plan to travel to a target city over fall or winter break

November Attend Interviewing and Networking Skills Workshop Follow up by email with employers to whom you have sent cover letters and resumes inquiring about the status of your application Send your cover letters and resumes to additional employers who interest you Study—Remember that good grades will help significantly with your job search

December

6 Continue to follow up with employers to whom you have sent cover letters and resumes and continue to arrange networking interviews for winter break January Complete a mock interview with a CDO counselor March-May Sign up for the New York Bar Exam between 120 and 90 days prior to the exam Sign up for a Bar Exam Preparation Course designed for foreign-trained lawyers

7 The Job Market for International LL.M. Students

Most international LL.M. graduates find their LL.M. degree is an invaluable asset in their search for employment in their home country. Each year, international LL.M. graduates report that their degree opened doors to top employers in their home countries and gave them a tremendous advantage over attorneys without the LL.M. degree. While a U.S. law firm may seek foreign-trained attorneys to join its office on a permanent or temporary basis, a firm is primarily interested in those students who are foreign-trained attorneys with professional experience from the particular countries in which the firm has business relationships. Each year the demand for students from certain countries varies based on market conditions and other economic factors. Even if hired by a U.S. law firm, it is very often the case that the foreign-trained attorney will be placed in an office outside the U.S. Securing a job in the U.S. is extremely challenging. All U.S. employers are subject to restrictions of the U.S. immigration law. This means that employers may only hire individuals who are eligible to be employed. To be considered “eligible” for employment, LL.M. students must be (1) citizens of the United States; (2) aliens who have been lawfully admitted to permanent residence (green card holders); or (3) individuals expressly authorized for employment by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security. In practice, the U.S. immigration law makes it harder for non-citizens to get jobs in the U.S. The law intentionally serves to protect the U.S. workers by limiting the ways non-citizens can obtain authorization to work in the U.S. and imposing time limits on the work that is authorized. Moreover, the immigration law creates constraints on employers by requiring employers to sponsor candidates. These obstacles can be burdensome to both private sector and public interest employers. LL.M. students need to plan carefully to increase their chances of U.S. employment. Non-citizen students and recent graduates should take careful inventory of the skills that an excellent legal education has provided them and how these skills, in addition to international background, may be valuable to certain employers. Non-citizen students and graduates needing visa sponsorship should also understand the burdensome processing requirements of employment-based visas. The hiring of international LL.M. students occurs sporadically and on an as-needed basis—when employers have a need for someone with knowledge of a particular jurisdictions’ legal system, the needs of a client, or specific language skills. Students are hired on an individual basis and there is no specific time of year when employers consider hiring LL.M. students. There is no structured hiring process. Occasionally, law firms will offer a foreign-trained lawyers program to LL.M. students for a 9—12 month period following graduation. These programs are very limited, highly competitive and often only admit those LL.M. students who have met and networked with members of the firm.

When do LL.M. students obtain job offers? Most students obtain positions in the spring. A large number of employers, particularly large international law firms, wait until a student completes at least one semester of academic work before making final hiring decisions. Accordingly, these employers may treat a fall interview as a brief meeting

8 to be reviewed in the spring. Others, however, make offers based upon a student’s prior law school credentials, especially when hiring for international offices. Students from some countries may find that legal employers in their home jurisdiction are eager to recruit LL.M. candidates and may be contacted by those local employers as early as September. For most students, the job search will not be limited to the fall or spring seasons but will involve year-round effort on the part of the student and may extend beyond the completion of the LL.M. program. Students are encouraged to actively participate in CDO programs, panels, and receptions in the fall to begin developing a strong professional network and knowledge base for the job search.

Where do LL.M. graduates work? The vast majority of graduates, in all specialties, work in private practice at law firms. Increasingly, students are exploring a wider range of opportunities including public accounting, investment banking, and in-house opportunities at corporations. Corporations usually seek to hire attorneys with experience; therefore, very few corporations interview on campus or request resumes of entry-level graduates. Each year, approximately 15% of foreign-trained LL.M.s, in all specialties, obtain positions (internships or permanent positions) in the US; the remainder find positions with top legal employers globally. This figure changes with market conditions globally.

Questions about employment? If an LL.M. student has any questions about U.S. required documentation, he or she should consult with ISSA (International Student & Scholar Affairs) in the Office of Notre Dame International (NDI), located in 105 Main Building. NDI coordinates services for international students, scholars, and their dependents. The NDI staff provides direct support with United States immigration, employment, cross-cultural, and financial matters.

9 Obtaining Work Authorization

There are two main paths that most LL.M. international students pursue when applying for positions with prospective U.S. Employers: (1) a 12-month period of optional practical training (OPT) for F-1 students, or (2) a change of immigration status to an employment status such as H-1b. The following is a brief overview for your information. All questions regarding authorization to work in the United States should be directed to ISSA (International Student & Scholar Affairs) at 105 Main Building.

F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) (https://www.uscis.gov/opt) The most common way that a non-citizen law student obtains permission to work in the U.S. is through Optional Practical Training (OPT), a benefit for students holding F-1 visas who wish to work in the U.S. in a law-related job. OPT may be authorized for up to 12 months. All OPT employment must be directly related to the student’s field of study. The student is allowed to work full-time during the summer and following the completion of the program of study, or part-time while classes are in session during fall and spring semesters. The student seeking an OPT post-graduate position must apply for OPT before the end of their 60 day grace period following graduation. Since it takes a long time to process, students should apply at least 90 days before their employment begins. OPT is authorized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) based on a recommendation from an Academic Advisor at NDLS. The general LL.M. designate is Margaret Lloyd. When OPT is granted by USCIS, students will receive an Employment Authorization Document (or EAD card). Students may begin employment only after the EAD is issued, but they may apply and interview for jobs before they have the EAD. Obtaining OPT is straight forward and not denied as long as the student receives the appropriate endorsement from his or her institution and there are not errors in the timing, materials, and processing of the OPT application. Moreover, there are no constraints placed on employers when hiring OPT students, but the employer must be willing to hire non-citizens. As such, OPT allows LL.M. students to be hired by a U.S. employer for a short-term internship opportunity without additional visa issues. However, the OPT is a temporary benefit of the F-visa with a 12-month time limit and an OPT employee will need to obtain a new visa type after the 12-month period to remain with his or her employer. Please consult USCIS website and Notre Dame International for specific requirements.

H-1b Visa for Permanent Employment Students seeking more extended employment in the U.S. could explore the option of having an employer sponsor them for an H-1b visa, which would enable them to work for up to six years in the U.S. U.S legal employers may be hesitant or unable to pay for fees associated with sponsorship. In addition to sponsorship issues, there are other concerns from an employer perspective that may prevent hiring of non-citizens such as the requirement to pay the prevailing wage in the area of employment and whether the hiring timetable corresponds with visa availability.

10 Identifying Potential Employers

Despite the challenges related to work authorization, the LL.M. student must plan carefully to increase chances of U.S. employment, and identify particular employers that might value their skills and international backgrounds. As always, a non-citizen should contact the organization upfront to discuss questions of employment. Each organization’s policies with regard to hiring non-citizens will differ. It is imperative for the non-citizen to have informative, candid conversations with prospective employers, including the need for visa sponsorship, so both parties are fully aware of the work authorizations issues. Planning ahead and keeping employers informed is the best strategy for non-citizens to end up in a realistic work situation in the U.S. Go to https://www.uscis.gov/ for more specific information.

Law Firms Law firms come in all shapes and sizes and engage in many different types of legal work. However, they all have two things in common—law firms represent clients (individuals or corporations) and they are for-profit enterprises. While LL.M. students may seek various law firm opportunities, the most typical employers of LL.M. students are large law firms with international business interests. Some law firms have specific internship programs for international lawyers with foreign training. The U.S. law firms that do hire LL.M. students hope that the foreign students will facilitate a relationship between the firm and the international business interests of the firm. Students from countries where the firms have an office or business interests are most likely to secure positions. It is important for the LL.M. student to research potential employers since the countries of interest to the law firms can change frequently depending on the global climate. Law firms will always seek candidates with strong education and employment backgrounds and excellent interpersonal skills. While some firms may emphasize foreign language skills, they also desire strong English ability and communication skills. Unfortunately, many U.S. law firms are simply not willing to invest the time and resources to sponsor and train a new non-citizen associate.

U.S. Government Lawyers work at every level of the U.S. federal Government. However, opportunities for non- citizens with U.S. government agencies are very limited since the Federal Government gives strong priority to hiring U.S. citizens and nationals. Non-citizens may be hired in the Competitive Service, the Excepted Service or the Senior Executive Service under certain circumstances. Competitive Service: This service primarily includes positions in the Executive Branch of government that are civilian in nature and are not specifically excepted from the civil service laws. Hiring for these positions must comply with Executive Order 11935, which bans the employment of non-citizens in the Competitive Service positions unless there are no qualified citizens available. Excepted Service: This service includes most positions in the legislative and judicial branches, including lawyers and certain agencies. (FBI, CIA and U.S. Postal Service) 11 Senior Executive Service: This service is reserved for high-level management positions. Since most legal positions fall into the Excepted and Senior Executive Services, their citizenship requirements are most important for LL.M. students and graduates.

Judicial Clerkships Judges typically hire law clerks for a term of one or two years to assist with legal research and draft options, orders and other documents with the judge. Federal judges will be subject to the Appropriations Act and cannot hire non-citizens. A student who is not a U.S. citizen should bring this to the attention of the chambers so it can be ascertained whether the student is eligible for a paid position. Go to https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirements-employment-judiciary for more specific information. A federal judge does have discretion to hire non-citizens as unpaid interns, but this is rarely feasible for recent graduates. Individual states have their own rules on employment of non-citizens; therefore, students interested in a particular state court should contact the court to determine eligibility.

Public Interest Employers Public Interest organizations provide all types of legal advice to clients, including individuals and entities who could not otherwise afford representation. Public Interest attorneys work in a variety of capacities throughout the country. The obstacles of employment-based visa sponsorship can be particularly burdensome to public interest employers. Public interest organizations may not be able to pay processing fees for visa sponsorship due to budgetary constraints. Even if the employer can afford to pay the fees associated with sponsorship, they may choose to hire one of the many qualified U.S. citizen applicants. The U.S. citizens again have an advantage over non-citizens in the public interest job search. However, with careful planning, non-citizens can increase their chance of U.S. employment. Non-citizens should analyze their particular skills and identify areas of expertise, then identify employers who will emphasize the value of these unique characteristics. While the requirements of the employment-based visa may impact hiring decisions, an employer may consider sponsorship a worthwhile investment if the specific qualities of a non-citizen add value to the mission statement of the public interest organization.

In-House Counsel Lawyers work for businesses and companies in a variety of capacities based on the needs of the business. Company attorneys practice in specific areas of law or are legal generalists available to assist the company and its leadership with any legal issues that arise. Entry level positions with the in-house law departments of corporations are uncommon, because most corporations only hire experienced attorneys. A corporation may hire a student in an unpaid capacity, although these opportunities are quite limited. The best way to find employment in-house is through networking with those already practicing with such companies. 12 Bar Admission

In addition to the visa limitations, international LL.M. students may also be limited in job opportunities by the state bar admission requirements. For LL.M. students seeking short-term internships, employers will most likely not require bar admission. However, employers hiring permanent associates generally expect those candidates to be admitted to the bar in the state in which they will be practicing law. LL.M. students whose previous training was not in the U.S. cannot practice law in the U.S. without first being licensed in the jurisdiction in the state they wish to practice. An applicant for bar admission must establish that he or she is eligible to be admitted to a state’s bar. This includes a competency requirement that requires the passing of the state’s bar exam. The problem for graduates of foreign law schools is that only a few states will allow foreign graduates to sit for the bar. Moreover, the states that do permit foreign graduates to take the bar examination impose additional requirements in order for such applicants to be considered eligible for bar admission. Since the eligibility requirements for foreign graduates differ from state to state, the Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements, authored by the National Conference of Bar Examiners should be consulted to determine eligibility (available online at www.ncbex.org) on a state by state basis. An applicant for bar admission must also establish to the licensing state that he or she is of moral character and fitness in order to be eligible for bar admission. To meet this requirement, a state’s board of bar examiners must be satisfied that an applicant’s background meets certain standards of conduct. If the bar examiners believe that information provided by the applicant reflects poorly on character or fitness, they will require additional investigation. Since the character and fitness requirements also vary by state, questions about such requirements must be directed to each specific state. The Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements also provides a summary of each state’s moral character and fitness requirements.

13

JOB SEARCH RESOURCES FOR THE LL.M. STUDENT

There are many resources available to learn about particular employers but no matter whether you are looking for a brief internship following graduation or a permanent post-graduate position, the Career Development Office (CDO) should be your first stop. CDO counselors can personally assist you with resumes, cover letters, international and national job search strategy and interviewing and networking tips. Throughout the year, the CDO sponsors many career-related programs, all of which LL.M. students are encouraged to attend. We encourage all students to develop a relationship with counselors in the CDO when beginning their legal studies.

12Twenty The CDO maintains the 12Twenty website, our career development management system. 12Twenty is your resource for job postings, events, important deadlines and recruiting information regarding on campus interviews, off campus interviews, and resume collections. You can also use the site to schedule appointments with counselors in the CDO. You should make a habit of visiting this site every few days for updated job positions and important CDO announcements. Employers often solicit resumes from NDLS students for positions throughout the year by contacting the CDO directly. These job postings can be accessed through 12Twenty and will include instructions on how to submit applications.

Other Internet Resources While most legal employers have their own websites, students generally find the following resources helpful: • The Association for Legal Career Professional (NALP) National Directory of Legal Employers (www.nalpdirectory.com). The Association for Legal Career professional (NALP) publishes a directory of legal employers that is available online. The directory contains detailed information about larger firms and some public interest organizations, including information about practice areas, hiring plans, and more. Students can use the website to search for employers who hire first year students and those who hire foreign LL.M.s • PSJD (www.psjd.org) is a network of nearly 190 member law schools across the country, including Notre Dame Law School, and more than, 11,000 law-related public interest organizations around the world. Through their online database, PSJD provides a comprehensive clearinghouse of public interest organizations and opportunities for lawyers and law students. As a PSJD member, NDLS students can perform customized searches for organizations win which they have an interest and for public interest opportunities, ranging from short-term volunteer and paid internships to post-graduate jobs, fellowships and pro-bono opportunities. • Martindale-Hubbel® Law Directory is one of the most comprehensive resources for information on law firms of all sizes and on individual lawyers. Available online at www.martindale.com, this directory provides information about the educational backgrounds, 14 professional affiliations, and sometimes practice specialties of individual lawyers at different legal employers. You can perform an advanced search to identify law firms in a particular city by size, practice area, Notre Dame affiliation of attorneys, and more. This is one of the more comprehensive listings of lawyers, law firms and legal employers. However, it does not contain job postings or information on whether a particular employer hires students in the summers. • The Vault Online Career Library- We have a subscription for Vault. To access Vault go to https://www.vault.com/best-law-firms-legal-careers. The first time you use the site, you will be prompted to create an account. By creating an account, the Vault is able to customize your use of their site to best suit your interests. • International Internship Section. Lists internships available in many countries and deadlines by when to apply. (http://www.americanbar.org/groups/international_law/students/internships1.html) • European Patent Office—contains listings of jobs at the European Patent Office as well as links to employment pages at other international organizations that focus on scientific and economic issues. (http://www.epo.org/about-us/jobs.html) • The Legal 500—Database of law firms in over 60 countries (http://www.legal500.com/)

To find a more comprehensive list of resources, go to the Job Search Toolkit on law.nd.edu and click on Employer Research.

15 Networking Resources

Networking is building contacts. The purpose of networking is to build long-term relationships for professional development and personal growth. Networking involves identifying and contacting people you know or with whom you have some connection in order to request assistance with your job search. While networking can take time, it is a valuable tool, especially for the international candidates seeking coveted internship positions in the U.S. Most internship opportunities for international students will arise on an as-needed basis and fill quickly. The more time and effort you put into networking, the greater your chance of finding a U.S. legal job. The first step in the networking process is to make a list of potential contacts who can be helpful to you as you search for a job. A good networking contact can provide information about the job market, advise you on a career path, and introduce you to additional contacts. Start by making a list of every person you or your contacts from home know who may be useful to you in finding a position you seek. In addition, explore the possibility of connections through faculty, Notre Dame alumni or classmates. You will also want to make connections with attorneys from your home country who have relationships in the U.S., or friends and family. Using contacts such as these has proven to be the most successful method for LL.M. job seekers to find work. Once you have generated a list of potential contacts, the next step is to contact them. The method of contact depends on how well you know the individual. If you already have a personal relationship, a phone call would be the conventional starting point. However, if you are contacting alumni or others that you do not know personally, either a letter or email is best. The correspondence should include how you got the person’s name, a little about yourself and your career goals, and a request for a networking meeting. It is important to remember that you are not asking for a job interview, only an opportunity to discuss your career ideas and obtain some professional feedback and perhaps additional networking contacts. If you have the opportunity for networking meetings, be prepared to discuss the same things you would in an interview, but on a smaller scale. Inquire about what the individual does in his or her practice, discuss your qualifications, interests and career path goals. Inquire whether there are other practitioners the individual knows who may be useful to you in your job search. Networking interviews provide opportunities to explore different practice areas and are a great way to discover unadvertised jobs. You should not ask the contact whether there are job openings at his or her organization. Generally speaking, the networking meeting should not last longer than twenty minutes. You should promptly send a thank-you note to this person for spending time with you. To ensure that you are getting the most out of networking and networking meetings, you should keep a detailed spreadsheet that tracks your networking efforts. A networking log is one way to make sure you do not forget a contact. Keeping in touch with your networking contacts on a regular basis is the key to success. An example of a networking log is included in the Appendix.

16 Networking is not common in all cultures. The career counselors in the CDO are happy to help students with this process and can also offer mock networking meetings to practice techniques.

The Power of the Notre Dame Network

Two extremely important networks for you to investigate are the Notre Dame Alumni Association (NDAA) and the Notre Dame Law Alumni (NDLA).

A powerful aspect of a Notre Dame degree is membership in one of the most active alumni networks in the world. The Notre Dame Alumni Association (NDAA) encourages meaningful lifelong relationships within the global Notre Dame family. Headquartered at the Eck Visitors Center here on campus, they serve a truly international community that includes 270 Notre Dame clubs, extending the culture of campus to local communities of alumni and friends. In addition, they work with an Alumni Board, Diversity Council, and ND Women Connect as well as young alumni and senior alumni groups to connect with our 135,000 alumni.

The NDAA offers a variety of services and events covering everything from faith and service to professional development, continuing education, travel, and international outreach. The NDAA also maintains IrishCompass, an online information resource, which allows you to connect with alumni of Notre Dame.

The Notre Dame Law School Alumni (NDLA) includes all Notre Dame Lawyers: those who graduated from NDLS or have a degree from Notre Dame but earned a law degree elsewhere. The Law School Alumni Office is located in 1340 Biolichini Hall and is under the direction of Tammye Radke Raster. In recent years, the NDLA and Tammye have worked hard to establish Notre Dame Lawyer Committees in various cities across the country for the purpose of promoting the professional and social bonds among lawyers and students who live or work in a particular geographic area.

Notre Dame Lawyer Committees are groups of Notre Dame Lawyers in a specific geographic area who network, socialize, and meet current NDLS students. You can find information about our Notre Dame Lawyer Committees at https://law.nd.edu/for-alumni/notre-dame-lawyer-committees/. If you have any questions about our Alumni network, please contact our Law School Alumni Relations Office at (574) 631-6891 or [email protected].

17 Job Application Materials

Once you have completed your research and have identified potential employers, it is time to prepare your application materials, including a resume, cover letters, writing samples and a list of references. When drafting these documents, keep in mind the qualities that employers are seeking in LL.M. candidates: strong ties to the country where the employer has a business interest, excellent academic success, prior legal and employment experience, strong English speaking abilities, and a likable personality that will be a good fit in the workplace.

The International LL.M. Resume A resume is a document that is used when applying for most legal positions in the U.S. A resume is a document that outlines your educational and professional background. It differs from a Curriculum Vitae (CV) in several respects. The CV is only used in the United States if you are applying for a teaching or research position at a university or research institute. A resume is generally one page and only contains a summary of your academic and professional accomplishments. It should be accurate, concise and well organized. Your resume should contain all the unique accomplishments and experiences that make you an attractive candidate. Only list the jobs with the most significant and relevant experiences. A resume guide and template can be in the Application Materials folder on the Job Search Toolkit. Many LL.M. students have a CV but U.S. employers are not used to seeing CVs. A resume is necessary if a student wishes to pursue employment in the United States. The counselors in the Career Development Office will be happy to help international students with a resume. Before you send a resume to a potential employer, have a career counselor proofread it! For international students whose first language is not English, it is imperative to have your documents proofread!

Cover Letters Most employers request a cover letter in addition to a resume. If you are applying directly to an employer, you should always include a cover letter. The cover letter allows you to introduce yourself to a potential employer. You should research the employer prior to sending a cover letter so that you can draft a cover letter targeted to that specific employer. Employers want candidates with strong communication and writing skills, contacts in the student’s native country, useful language skills and demonstrated academic success. The cover letter is the opportunity to highlight the student’s unique qualities and skills that might be of interest to an employer. The cover letter should be clear, concise and not more than one page. A cover letter guide and template can be in the Application Materials folder on the Job Search Toolkit.

18 Writing Samples Generally, employers requesting writing samples from LL.M. students want to see legal analysis written in English. As a result, a memorandum or brief is preferred over a research paper. You may use what you have written in your Legal Research and Writing class or something written for a Directed Reading with a professor. The quality of the writing is the most important factor. If you intend to use a writing sample originally drafted in another language, be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to translate it into English and revise as necessary. Make sure that someone proofreads the document for clarity before sending it out. If you intend to use a writing sample produced in the workplace, be sure to obtain the employer’s permission and redact all confidential client information.

Interviews The CDO has prepared extensive materials on interviewing skills and interview follow up. More information on interviews can be found in the Interviewing folder on the Job Search Toolkit. You can also make an appointment with a career counselor.

19 Conclusion

Although foreign-trained students obtain employment in a variety of ways, the most frequently reported source of employment is through a referral or other self-initiated contact with the employer (i.e., networking). All students are advised to use a variety of job search strategies including networking, targeted mail campaigns, responding to advertised positions published by the CDO and elsewhere, notifying previous contacts of one’s current academic endeavors and employment goals, and seeking referrals from NDLS faculty, alumni, and students. The international LL.M. job search is a very individualized search, and the CDO provides career counselors to work with each student in reaching his or her career goals. If an LL.M. student has any questions about U.S. required documentation, he or she should consult with the Office of Notre Dame International (NDI), located in 105 Main Building. NDI coordinates services for international students, scholars, and their dependents. The NDI staff provides direct support with United States immigration, employment, cross- cultural, and financial matters.

20 Appendix

21 First Name MI. Last Name, Suffix Permanent Address (xxx) xxx–xxxx • [email protected] Current Address City, State Zip City, State Zip

BAR ADMISSION Plan to sit for the New York State Bar Exam, July 2020

EDUCATION Law School Notre Dame, Candidate for Masters of Laws (LL.M.) May 2020 ▪ Leadership/Extracurricular Activity 1, Position Held (If Applicable) ▪ Leadership/Extracurricular Activity 2, Position Held (If Applicable) ▪ Academic Research or Activity 3, Position Held (If Applicable) ▪ Community Service or Activity 4, Position Held (If Applicable) ▪ Mentorship Programs/TA/Activity 5 ▪ Honors Society/Scholarship/Fellowships

Name of University City, Country Degree Conferred Month 20XX ▪ Leadership/Extracurricular Activity 1, Position Held (If Applicable) ▪ Leadership/Extracurricular Activity 2, Position Held (If Applicable) ▪ Academic Research or Activity 3, Position Held (If Applicable) ▪ Community Service or Activity 4, Position Held (If Applicable) ▪ Mentorship Programs/TA/Activity 5 ▪ Honors Society/Scholarship/Fellowships

EXPERIENCE Company/Organization Name City, State or Country Job Title Month 20XX – Month 20XX ▪ Primary Responsibility ▪ Additional Job Responsibility ▪ Additional Job Responsibility/Tangible Results of Internship (if applicable)

Company/Organization Name City, State or Country Job Title Month 20XX – Month 20XX ▪ Primary Responsibility ▪ Additional Job Responsibility ▪ Additional Job Responsibility/Tangible Results of Internship (if applicable) Original Job Title (if promoted within company) Month 20XX – Month 20XX

▪ Primary Responsibility ▪ Additional Job Responsibility ▪ Additional Job Responsibility/Tangible Results of Internship (if applicable)

VOLUNTEERISM AND COMMUNITY WORK ▪ Title, Organization Name (Month 20XX – Month 20XX) City, State or Country ▪ Title, Organization Name (Month 20XX – Month 20XX) City, State or Country

LANGUAGE SKILLS Language – Level of Proficiency (Read, Write, Speak), Study Abroad Program (if applicable) (City, Country)

INTERESTS Short Description of Interest

22 Sample International LL.M. Resume

Laura L. Masters 15 Salt Hill Road (418) 123–4567 • [email protected] 16 Rockne Way Dublin, South Bend, IN 46617

BAR ADMISSION Plan or Registered to sit for the New York State Bar Exam, July 2020

EDUCATION University of Notre Dame Law School Notre Dame, Indiana Candidate for Masters of Laws (LL.M.) May 2020 ▪ International Human Rights Society ▪ Intellectual Property Law Society

University of Dublin, Trinity College School of Law Dublin, Ireland Bachelor of Laws (LLB), First Class Honours May 2015 ▪ Women’s Hurling Team, Captain ▪ Student Union, President ▪ Class Rank—14/512

EXPERIENCE Cosgrove Gaynard Solicitors Dublin, Ireland Lawyer, Litigation July 2015 – July 2019 ▪ Provided legal advice regarding the incorporation of affiliates of foreign financial institutions in Ireland ▪ Negotiated and drafted international contracts and other corporate documents ▪ Delivered opinions on corporate and capital markets law ▪ Drafted pleadings and affidavits for commercial litigation in the High Court

Brophy Solicitors Dublin, Ireland Summer Intern July 2014 – August 2014 ▪ Drafted documents required for asylum and refugee status ▪ Conducted client intake interviews

VOLUNTEERISM AND COMMUNITY WORK ▪ Team Leader, Brethern Volunteer Service (May 2015 – August 2020) Dublin, Ireland ▪ Volunteer, Catholic Charities (July 2015 – August 2019) Dublin, Ireland

LANGUAGE SKILLS Language – English (Native), Spanish (Fluent), PRESHCO Study Abroad program (Cordoba, Spain)

INTERESTS Irish Music, Hurling, Sailing and Spanish Cooking

23 OUTLINE OF A COVER LETTER

Your Address City, State Zip Your Phone Number Your Email Address

Date

Name of Contact Person Title of Contact Person Employer Name Address City, State Zip

Dear Mr. (Ms.) last name of contact person:

First Paragraph: Tell why you are writing – name the position for which you are applying. If you have a personal referral or connection, mention it here. Identify your career goals and indicate why you are interested in working for this employer. If you have ties to or lived in the area, mention it. Specify your interests in the type of work the employer does. Describe what is particularly appealing to you about the employer.

Second Paragraph: Show how your background qualifies you for the position. Point out the experience and coursework you have that relates to the employer's field or type of work. Focus on what skills or experiences you would bring to the employer. Emphasize pertinent items on your resume and supplement with other details. Tie experience to tangible, transferrable skills. Convince the employer that you would be an asset.

Third Paragraph: Restate your interest in working for the employer. Have an appropriate closing to pave the way for an interview. Indicate your willingness to interview personally by stating when you will be in the area or by offering to make yourself available at the employer's convenience. Thank the employer for his/her consideration.

Sincerely,

(leave 4 blank lines for signature)

Your full typed name

24 Sample Cover Letter

16 Rockne Way South Bend, IN 46617 (418) 123-4567 [email protected]

October 1, 2019

George Gipp, Esq. Gipp, Rockne & Lujack 123 Irish Way Chicago, IL 60290

Dear Mr. Gipp:

Anthony Cosgrove, my former supervisor at Cosgrove Gaynard Solicitors, suggested I contact you. I am an Irish attorney currently attending Notre Dame Law School, and I will receive a in May 2021. I am interested in applying to Gipp, Rockne & Lujack for a foreign associate position following the completion of my studies in May. I am particularly interested in your firm because of its longstanding relationship with Cosgrove Gaynard Solicitors, and I believe I would be able to help service your clients with an interest in Ireland and the European Union.

In addition to my familiarity with your firm’s practice, I would like to highlight certain areas of my background that make me a strong candidate for your foreign associate program. I have six years of international trade law, securities and banking experience, and excellent knowledge of the laws and court systems in Ireland and the throughout the European Union. At Notre Dame Law School, I have cultivated strong research and writing skills while preparing memoranda, complaints and an appellate brief in the law school’s writing program. I have extensive family in the United States, and I have spent considerable time in Chicago with family and friends

I am very interested in serving as a foreign associate at Gipp, Rockne & Lujack and would be pleased to discuss my qualifications in an interview scheduled at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Laura L. Masters

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NETWORKING MEETING REQUEST VIA EMAIL

To: George Gipp From: Laura Masters

Subject: Request for a Meeting from a Notre Dame LL.M. Student

Dear Mr. Gipp (or George if appropriate):

I am an Irish attorney currently attending Notre Dame Law School, and I will receive a Master of Laws in May 2021. I have friends and family in Chicago and hope to work there upon my graduation.

I am extremely interested in international commercial law, especially involving the United States and the European Union. My interest in this field stems from my previous six-year experience practicing this type of law in Dublin, Ireland. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to hear about your experiences in the field of international commercial law and would appreciate your suggestions on how I might best prepare for a career in the United States.

Please let me know if you might be available to meet with me or speak with me over the phone. Thank you very much for your time.

Sincerely,

Laura Masters

26

LL.M. JOB SEARCH CHECKLIST

Exploration and Research

o Revise resume using the NDLS required template. Prepare cover letter and meet with a CDO career counselor for a review Upload your resume to 12Twenty o Create search agents in 12Twenty to receive all appropriate job postings Set your geographic and practice preferences broadly o Explore practice areas and the backgrounds of attorneys practicing in those areas. Research employers, focusing on practice areas, location and culture. Schedule regular time each week for practice area and employer research and job search

Networking

o Identify law student groups and other organizations and professional associations in your target geographic area that might be beneficial for creating additional contacts. Attend events sponsored by these organizations. o Research attorneys with a similar background as yours or who practice in an area of interest to you. Set up networking interviews with these individuals. Consult CDO Interview Guide or meet with a career counselor. o Get in touch with your references; inform them about your job search and seek their advice. Ask your references for contacts, especially if you are looking in a new geographic area. o Speak with professors about working as a research assistant, or ask your professors about additional resources in your professional area of interest. Volunteer to help with a research project, symposium, or other project to expand you exposure in the area. Consider pro bono opportunities.

Mailings/Applications

o Track job listings on 12Twenty and other websites and apply to any that are applicable to your background. Note any specific requirements for candidates and applications.

27 o Generate lists of potential employers. Mail or email a resume and cover letter addressed to contacts in your target practice area. Copy (or cc) the recruiting office on your correspondence, if applicable. o Follow-up on mailings—by email or phone—approximately 10-14 days after the mail. In most cases, contact the recruiting coordinator for follow-up. o Keep track of employer responses, and consider sending additional emails to more firms, or cities based on the number of interviews you secure from your first mailing o Tell employers when you will be in your target geographic area. Consider planning a trip for this specific purpose. o Contact employers you have not heard from if you will be in town for other interviews

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Sample Networking Contact Management Sheet

FIRST LAST TITLE EMPLOYER STREET CITY STATE E-MAIL PHONE LAST NOTES NAME NAME ADDRESS CONTACT

George Gipp Managing Gipp, Rockne & 123 Irish Chicago [email protected] 312-123- 7/28/19 Partner Lujack Way 4567

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