Students

Q: When can I begin my job search?
A: As per NALP guidelines, 1Ls may begin initially contacting employers and may receive career counseling beginning November 1, but not before.

Q: When can I have my cover letter and resume reviewed?
A: Counselors are available to review cover letters and resumes throughout the year. All 1Ls are required to submit a cover letter and resume via their LRW course in the fall.

Q: What type of employment is available while in law school?
A: Law students will be able to find employment as a(n):

• Law Clerk: Paid position; no school credit. The student would engage in a variety of legal research and writing. A law clerk would typically be hired by a small or mid- sized firm or business. Law clerks can work in the summer and throughout the school year.
• Summer Associate: Paid position; no school credit. These are competitive positions at large firms which are highly valued because they often lead to an offer of permanent employment after graduation. Summer associates are recruited in the early fall of their 2L year (primarily via OCI, Resume Collection or Resume Direct). Some firms offer summer associate programs for 1Ls; however, the majority of the positions are offered to second-year students.
• Intern: Unpaid position; no school credit. These positions are prevalent in the public sector (e.g., government agencies, public interest organizations). Interns perform the same tasks of a law clerk.
• Extern: Unpaid position; school credit. Similar to an intern, an extern would primarily work in the public and non-profit sector. Those hired by judges (while in law school) would also be considered an extern. There are other opportunities for externships in other sectors, such as entertainment. For more information, please visit our Externship Program.

Q: Do I have to work during the year, or can I just wait until the summer?
A: Law school is a rigorous education process, so it is an individual judgment call and your studies must come first. Obviously, the better your academic performance the greater range of opportunities available to you. However, having a body of practical experience on your resume upon graduation will add greatly to your marketability. Additionally, experiences help you determine what type of legal career is a good fit. So, it's really a personal decision. The CSO is always available to strategize with you.

Q: Does the Career Services Office provide job placement?
A: The CSO is here to support all of your job search and recruiting efforts, but we do not have the resources to act as a recruiting agency. We give you the resources, counseling, networking events, attorney contacts, and a host of recruiting opportunities to help you identify job openings and successfully apply and interview for these jobs. But ultimately, you control your professional future. However, at times, employers request the CSO to find appropriate candidates for them. For the CSO to fulfill these requests effectively, we need you to share with us your goals and experiences to evaluate if such an opportunity is right for you. Please visit our CandidateMatch database to share your information.

Q: What is Symplicity? What does it do?
A: Symplicity is CSO's exclusive online job posting site where law clerk and attorney prositions are listed. The online system also manages OCI programs and internal job fairs. It is also used to track RSVPs for Career Services events.

Q: I forgot my Symplicity password. How can I retrieve it?
A: Please contact the Recruitment Coordinator to have your password reset.

Q: I accidently sent the wrong cover letter to an employer while applying for a job posting on Symplicity. Is there any way to recall it?
A: Yes. As long as the particular job(s) has not expired, you may recall the application. Click on the "Jobs" tab, then click on the "Applications" subtab. The "Withdraw Application" button will pull the application from the employer's email so long as it has not been opened.

Q: Is OCI only available to those in the top 10%?
A: Our OCI program (both Fall and Spring) offers more employer diversity than most law schools. Although Fall OCI is historically the primary recruiting season for NALP law firms (to fill summer associate positions), we're proud to host an assortment of employers, including small firms, mid-sized firms, government agencies, public interest organizations, and corporations.

Q: When does OCI begin? When do I apply? What's required to participate?
A: We offer OCI Orientations, which more fully describe the specifics of the program and explain the participation requirements. You generally apply for Spring OCI in January and Fall OCI in July. Please refer to the OCI Handbook, which is available on the website under Resources, for more information.

Q: What is a bar association?
A: A bar association is a professional organization of attorneys. Bar associations are located in most cities and counties, and are composed of professionals in a wide variety of practice areas. Bar associations may offer CLE opportunities, attorney and student mentor programs, and social networking events. Each November, we host "Bar Association Day," which accompanies our Career Orientation for all 1Ls. The event allows students the opportunity to meet with different bar association representatives and register as student members. Sign up now for free student membership with the Los Angeles County Bar Association and/or the Orange County Bar Association.

Q: Am I allowed to "round up" my GPA?
A: Rounding your GPA is prohibited. Many employers are adamant about class rank. It's important that you accurately state your GPA. When stating your GPA, you may go out to the second decimal place.

Q: Where can I find cover letter and resume samples?
A: Please browse our bank of handouts, including sample cover letters, resumes, and thank-you letters by visiting our Resources page.

Q: When can I order business cards?
A: We place student business card orders twice a year: in September for the fall semester; in January for the spring semester. They are personalized, and a box of 200 cards is $30.

Q: What types of recruiting events does Career Services offer?                                     A: The CSO has annual events/opportunities, which include (but are not limited to):

• Fall OCI (August - October) & Spring OCI (February - April)
• Resume Book (distributed twice a year)
• Resume Collections (part of Fall & Spring Recruitment)
• Job Postings (via Symplicity and other sources)
• Small & Mid-Sized Law Firm Career Fair (Spring)
• Southern California Law School Consortium Events:
    IP Associate Search (hosted by Whittier Law School)
    IP Road Show (hosted by Whittier Law School)
    Public Interest Career Day (hosted by UCLA School of Law)
    Entertainment Law Day (hosted by Southwestern Law School)
    Government Day (hosted by Chapman University School of Law)
• Patent Job Fair (hosted by Loyola Law School, Chicago)
• Equal Justice Works Conference & Career Fair (in Washington, D.C.)

Q: Aside from Symplicity, are there other places jobs are posted?
A: Yes! Symplicity just represents jobs that are specifically targeted to Chapman students and alumni; it's our internal electronic job bulletin board. But there are many other online sources where you can identify job openings. Please visit our Job Search Websites under our Resources page for a comprehensive listing of online resources. Please speak with a counselor for more information.

Q: Are there options for me if I want to practice outside of Southern California?
A: Yes. We facilitate reciprocity which allows you to request job search resources at other ABA-accredited law schools outside of Southern California. (Chapman does have reciprocal services with schools in the Bay Area.) Please contact the Recruitment Coordinator to request reciprocity.

Q: How much can I expect to earn as a law clerk?
A: While there is not a set hourly rate, most law clerks will receive between $12-$25/hour depending on the nature of the work and experience of the applicant.

Q: What type of market is Orange County?
A: Although there are a number of large firms with offices in Orange County, it is predominantly a small and mid-sized firm market. LA County, however, offers more in terms of large firms, but it, too, has many small and mid-sized firms.

Q: How will I be notified about Career Services events and programs?
A: The CSO publishes and distributes The Classifieds, a weekly e-bulletin (every Tuesday), which contains a sampling of "Hot Jobs" on Symplicity, networking opportunities, and calendared events. On occasion, we will post announcements in The WRIT. Please read and respond to information in these bulletins! We have many deadlines, and time-sensitive programming. For more info, please visit our Calendar of Events. We may sometimes email or call you directly when it's necessary.

Q: Are online social networking sites helpful for job searching?
A: Certain sites have proven to be effective. LinkedIn, because it is devoted to professional networking, is more helpful in developing professional contacts. Twitter is also becoming an increasingly credible resource to identify job opportunities.

Q: If I don't have the grades for a large firm, what are my options?
A: There are several options for those who do not qualify for large firm positions: 1) There is a vast number of legal employment options, including small and mid-sized firms, government agencies, public interest organizations, as well as non-legal "alternative" careers. 2) Other factors besides your GPA may influence your ability to land a summer associate position: If this situation applies, please talk to a CSO counselor for specific advice. In addition, if you are not able to secure a large firm job right out of law school, you may join the firm later as a lateral hire.

Q: Will Career Services help me prepare to for an interview(s)?
A: Yes. The CSO facilitates a Mock Interview Program which allows you to interview with a practicing attorney at their firms; mock interview can also be given by a career counselor. Please contact the Assistant Director for more information.

Q: How do job fairs work?
A: Every job fair is run differently. Some function similarly to OCI where you must be invited and pre-scheduled for an interview in order to attend. Others have a table talk component, where you would be encouraged to bring your resume, and discuss current and/or prospective career options with employers. Other fairs are strictly informational. Regardless, students should arrive professionally dressed in a business suit and take advantage of the opportunity to meet and learn more about prospective employers.

Q: I'm applying to several positions, but am not getting any interviews. Why?
A: Remember that finding a job is a job. It takes time. It's important that you remain persistent, and hone your resume and cover letter writing skills.

Q: I'm getting several interviews, but no offers. Why?
A: Interviewing is a learned skill. Please take advantage of our Mock Interview Program, the resources in our library on interviewing skills, and talk to a CSO counselor to receive feedback.

Q: I really want to work at a firm, but I don't know if they're hiring. Can I apply?
A: Yes and no. With large firms, it's best that you follow the recruiting calendar for Fall Recruitment (as a 2L). If you miss the application deadline, it's highly unlikely that you will be considered. For small and mid-sized firms, it's always recommended that you send "unsolicited" resumes because their hiring needs are less predictable. Please see our resume/cover letter samples on the website and consult with a CSO counselor to learn how to make your unsolicited applications more successful.

Q: When will I be paired with a mentor?
A: The Mentor Program is typically a Spring semester event, and is open to all 1Ls. Because of the demand, not all first-year students who wish to participate will be paired with an attorney. The process is typically first-come, first-serve.

Q: Can you supply me a list of where alumni are working?
A: You will find our "Where are Chapman Law Students and Graduates Working?" handout located in the Career Services Office. This resource highlights a list of some of the employers who have hired Chapman Law graduates. If you are interested in locating alumni working for a particular employer, please consult with a CSO counselor.

Q: Where do most alumni work after law school?
A: Generally, most alumni work at firms in Southern California. Chapman Law alumni presently work in at least 17 states and several foreign countries. And those numbers are growing.

Q: I'm nervous about not getting a job after the bar. What can I do?
A: Be deliberate about your job search. Finding a job after graduation starts during your 1L year. Take advantage of all the resources that the CSO provides. We are here to help you lay your foundation for your professional success.

Employers

Q: I need to hire a law clerk. What types of positions are available for students?
A: The term "law clerk" has a generic meaning. In particular, we recommend that you give the title to the student based on the following:

• Law Clerk: Paid position; no school credit. The student may be responsible for legal research and writing, and other related work.
• Summer Associate: Paid position; no school credit. These are positions Filled by 2Ls during the summer at large firms. Summer Associates are recruited in the fall of their 2L year, primarily via On-Campus Interviewing, Resume Collection, and Resume Direct Applications. Some firms offer summer associate programs for 1Ls; however, the majority of the positions are offered to second-year students.
• Intern: Unpaid position; no school credit. These positions are prevalent in the public sector (e.g., government agencies, public interest organizations). Interns perform work similar to that of a law clerk.
• Extern: Unpaid position; school credit. Similar to an intern, an extern would primarily work in the public and non-profit sector. Those hired by judges (while in law school) would also be considered an extern. There are other opportunities for externships in other sectors, such as entertainment. For more information, please visit our Externship Program.

Q: I need a law clerk ASAP. Where do I announce the job?
A: If you are looking to fill an immediate position, we can advertise the job on Symplicity, our online job bulletin board. Please follow the link to Post a Job.

Q: I forgot my Symplicity password. How can I retrieve it?
A: Please contact the Recruitment Coordinator to have your password resent to you.

Q: Do you post attorney positions?
A: Absolutely. In addition, we encourage you to post other positions, including, paralegal, a post- graduate law clerk, or a non-traditional job for law school graduates. Jobs are available for alumni on Symplicity 24 hours a day. We also publish The Classifieds: Alumni Edition, a regular e-bulletin, to promote active job postings.

Q: How many hours can students work?
A: Full-time students are allowed to work no more than 20 hours/week during the academic year, while full-time (40 hours/week) employment is permitted during the summer. Part-time students do not have the same work restrictions.

Q: How much should I be prepared to pay a law clerk?
A: While there is not a set hourly rate, most law clerks will receive $12-25/hour depending on the nature of the work and experience of the applicant.

Q: I need to fill a position, but don't want to advertise to the general students and/or alumni population. Can Career Services help me prescreen qualified candidates?
A: Absolutely. We would be more than happy to provide more personalized service by pre-screening applicants to make your recruitment efforts more efficient. Please contact the Director for more information.

Q: How do I participate in On-Campus Interviewing (OCI)?
A: We offer two OCI seasons: Fall (August - October) and Spring (February - April). Please visit our OCI page for details.

Q: Is there a fee(s) to post a job, participate in OCI, or represent my firm at a career fair?
A: No. All Chapman-sponsored events and programs are completely free of charge. This includes on-campus parking.

Q: What types of recruiting events does Career Services offer?
A: The CSO has annual events/opportunities, which include (but are not limited to):

• Fall OCI (August - October) & Spring OCI (February - April)
• Resume Book (distributed twice a year)
• Resume Collections (part of Fall & Spring Recruitment)
• Job Postings (via Symplicity and other sources)
• Small & Mid-Sized Law Firm Career Fair (Spring)
• Southern California Law School Consortium Events:
     IP Associate Search (hosted by Whittier Law School)
     IP Road Show (hosted by Whittier Law School)
     Public Interest Career Day (hosted by UCLA School of Law)
     Entertainment Law Day (hosted by Southwestern Law School)
     Government Day (hosted by Chapman University School of Law)
• Patent Job Fair (hosted by Loyola Law School, Chicago)
• Equal Justice Works Conference & Career Fair (in Washington, D.C.)

Q: Does Chapman have an Attorney Mentor Program?
A: Yes. The program typically kicks off in the spring, and we try to match each participating mentor with a first-year (1L) student. Contact the Director of Career Services if you would like to participate.

Q: Can I begin interviewing after I receive resumes from Symplicity?
A: Yes. Once you receive resumes and screen your respective candidate(s), please invite students to your office for an interview.

Q: What is "Taking it the Firms"?
A: Through our "Taking it to the Firms" program, we bring Chapman Law professors to your firms to provide free lunchtime CLE presentations on a variety of subjects. Customized presentations can sometimes be developed upon request.

Alumni

Q: Is the Career Services Office available to me after I graduate?
A: Absolutely. We are committed to supporting Chapman Law alumni. Please view the Job Search resources available to Chapman Law alumni. Please also view the What Can Chapman Do For You  page for additional resources.

Q: May alumni participate in job fairs?
A: Most job fairs are intended for current law students. However, the IP Associate Search, hosted at Whittier Law School ever fall, invite alumni, too. In the future, we plan to offer job fairs open to both students and alumni.

Q: Are there other special events or programming for alumni?
A: Yes. We offer special speaker presentations, workshops, and CLE events to meet the current needs of our alumni. Please see the Calendar of Events for more information.

Q: I forgot my Symplicity password. How can I retrieve it?
A: Please contact the Recruitment Coordinator to have your password reset and sent to you.

Q: Other than Symplicity, where else can I find attorney jobs?
A: There are many resources available on our Job Search resource page to help you identify open attorney positions.

Q: Are there opportunities for me to meet and network with other practicing attorneys who are also Chapman alumni?
A: Yes. Please consider attending Chapman Dialogues, En Bancs, and other alumni-centered events, which will be announced in the quarterly publication, Chapman Law Alumni Connection, and posted on the Calendar of Events.

Q: What is Symplicity?  What does it do?
A:  Symplicity is CSO's exclusive online job posting site where attorney and other post-graduate positions are listed. The online system also manages OCI programs and internal job fairs. It is also used to track RSVPs for Career Services events.