Job Searches, Law Schools

Emory Law School Suggests Calm Amidst Economic Storm

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The Emory School of Law seemed to have an immediate reaction to the blockbuster news that Morgan Lewis & Bockius would be canceling its entire 2010 summer program. Just a few hours after we broke the news about the Morgan Lewis cancellation, Emory sent out a letter to all of its rising 2Ls:

Employers are continuing to re-evaluate their hiring needs for summer 2010 and beyond. Accordingly, we anticipate there will be additional adjustments in their recruitment plans at Emory Law and other law schools. We will continue to pass this information along to you as soon as we receive it.

It is understandable that messages concerning employer cancellations and news about law firm layoffs are discouraging. However, despite the challenging times, we encourage you to focus on the elements of the career development process within your control:

Unfortunately, the elements of the career development process within the control of students is severely limited. Emory’s main advice seems to be: try everything:

As your individual circumstances permit, apply as broadly as possible within all geographic areas where you have ties and in which you would consider living and working (including secondary markets).

Maintain an open mind regarding employer type and size; many attorneys have positive experiences and develop the required knowledge and skills while paving the way to their dream job.

Apply here, there, and everywhere.

You know, when Emory — a school some would say is located in a secondary market — is urging students to look at “secondary markets,” things might be even worse out there for the class of 2011 than they appear.

Are there secondary markets out there that are booming? How’s hiring in Guam going?

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Read the full Emory letter after the jump.


EMORY SCHOOL OF LAW — MEMO — SUMMER/FALL RECRUITING PROCESS

Dear Students:

We hope you are having a great summer.

As the fall recruiting process moves forward during these difficult economic times, we recognize you may feel some stress and uncertainty related to your search for summer and/or post-graduate employment. The economy is having a dramatic impact on hiring plans in the legal industry, our recruiting programs, and your employment prospects.

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Employers are continuing to re-evaluate their hiring needs for summer 2010 and beyond. Accordingly, we anticipate there will be additional adjustments in their recruitment plans at Emory Law and other law schools. We will continue to pass this information along to you as soon as we receive it.

It is understandable that messages concerning employer cancellations and news about law firm layoffs are discouraging. However, despite the challenging times, we encourage you to focus on the elements of the career development process within your control:

* As your individual circumstances permit, apply as broadly as possible within all geographic areas where you have ties and in which you would consider living and working (including secondary markets).
* Maintain an open mind regarding employer type and size; many attorneys have positive experiences and develop the required knowledge and skills while paving the way to their dream job.

Keep in mind that the formal opportunities advertised by our office (interview programs, resume collections, and job listings) are only one element of a multi-pronged employment search process. Networking efforts and direct applications are crucial to an effective search, especially in a slow economy.

We encourage you to take advantage of the personalized advice and job search strategy development available by consulting with your career advisor. Utilizing sound strategies will increase your likelihood of success in the employment search process, and we are here to help you develop an individualized plan based on your goals and interests. We are available to meet with you in person or speak with you via telephone if you are out of town this summer or your work schedule makes it difficult for you to come to campus. You may call our office at [Redacted] to schedule an advising appointment.

Please do not hesitate to contact your career advisor with any questions or concerns.

Best,
Dean Hutchinson

Earlier: Morgan Lewis Cancels 2010 Summer Program

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