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Last week the Tulane Law Career Development Office (CDO) held our annual Summer & Fall Interview Program Orientation.  Our Summer Interview Programs take place in New York, Washington DC, Boston, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, and our Fall Interview Program takes place on campus.  This year’s orientation program included a panel of associates from the Houston office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Panelists included Laura Barbour (Litigation), Dave Pasarelli (Energy), and Jennifer Stevens (Corporate).  The panelists were also joined by Skadden recruiting staff Ali-Shaun Sugalski and Deena Marsh. This program was extremely informative and beneficial to our students. Topics covered included tips for the summer associate application and interview process and advice on how to succeed as a summer associate.  The panelists were very candid about their own summer associate experience and what they look for in prospective summer associates.  Following the program and panel, Skadden hosted a cocktail reception at Cure. Tulane Law students were able to meet and talk with Skadden recruiters, associates, and partners, while enjoying hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.  Students had the opportunity to learn about life as a Skadden associate, the Houston legal market, and what they should be doing now to prepare for life after law school.  Students expressed that this was one of the best CDO programs that they’ve attended, and we are extremely grateful to Skadden for contributing their time and resources. We look forward to seeing Skadden representatives again in the Fall when they return to interview students in our Fall Interview Program.

Article submitted by Lezlie Griffin, Class of 2014 Career Counselor

 

From CDO Government Counselor Amanda Moeller:

Last week, we were very lucky to host two representatives from the Central Intelligence Agency to discuss careers with their organization.  Over 20 students attended the information session and learned that working for the CIA could encompass more than a career in Clandestine Operations.  The “agency” is looking to hire lawyers, analysts, operators, researchers, and many other positions.  Our speakers shared that the skills learned in law school are directly relevant and applicable to a career with the CIA.  The research, writing, analysis, thought process, and ability to articulate information are some of the most coveted skills among the employees of the CIA.  The representatives were extremely excited about the opportunity to meet our students and learn about their interests while also informing them of the opportunities available with the CIA.  We may even have a future Jason Bourne or Sydney Bristow in our mix!

Every year, the Young Lawyers Division of the New Orleans Bar Association holds an event known as the New Orleans Bar & Grille.  This year marked the 10th annual such event, and my only regret about this is that I didn't know about it until the 5th annual event!  The motto of the event, which is a fundraiser for Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, is "Where there's a fork in the road, pick it up and start eating!"

Now, the most important thing about this event--of course--is the fundraiser aspect.  Southeast Louisiana Legal Services is a non-profit corporation serving individuals and families who, without the legal assistance that SLLS provides, would lose a critical human need--food, shelter, income, medical care, personal safety, or parental care.  Tulane students participate in externships with SLLS, and many of our alumni have gone on to work for SLLS.  It is one of those entities that provides a critical service and that deserves more support than it receives.

Teams of amateur chefs from local law firms and other companies participate in a cook-off and compete for Best Local Favorite, Best Dessert, Most Creative, and so on.  Over the years, I have seen the competition ratchet up to the point that much of the food is as good as that at our finest restaurants in New Orleans--and that's saying a lot.

A few months ago, I was asked if I'd consider spending 90 minutes as a "celebrity bartender" at the event.  Celebrity?  Me?  Why, of course!  And then, a couple of weeks ago, one of our alums (who is now one of my very favorite people) mentioned that if I could spend the entire afternoon at this event, I could be (are you ready?) a Food Judge!  Naturally, I immediately cleared my calendar.  My co-judges included two REAL judges, one of whom (a Tulane alum) formerly ran the Domestic Violence & Family Law department at Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, is now the first Orleans Civil District Court judge whose docket is limited to family law issues, AND who won the grand prize at the New Orleans Bar & Grille several years ago for her lamb curry.

So that's what I did yesterday.  I tasted 36 entirely wonderful dishes!  It was hard work, but somebody had to do it. This is a particularly nice event for Tulane law students to attend, because of the networking potential.  Beautiful weather, great food, and a lot of very friendly members of the New Orleans Bar, all in one place.  And who knows...someday maybe you, too, could be a food judge!