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Job Searching Research Guide

This guide outlines library resources available at Georgetown University Law Library which will help you investigate potential employers and prepare for job interviews. Georgetown's Office of Career Services can assist you in locating specific job openings and The Office of Alumni Affairs has created The Network of Georgetown Law alums for job networking prospects.

Our guide does not attempt to outline the myriad of web-based job search engines. It is important to remember that almost all law firms, government agencies and other legal employers maintain their own web sites that provide extensive background information.

 

JOB SEARCHING RESOURCES AT THE LIBRARY

NALP Directory of Legal Employers KF297.A1 D573
Also available on www.nalpdirectory.com NALP Directory Tutorial
The National Association for Law Placement profiles law firms, government agencies, public interest entities and corporate legal departments in this resource. Profiles include detailed information on practice areas, demographics, salaries & benefits.

Leadership Library (Georgetown Law Community Only) Leadership Library Tutorial
Formerly known as the Yellow Books, this electronic resource provides detailed directory information on government agencies, law firms, judicial entities, non-profits, news media and more in a searchable database. Biographies of judges, attorneys and corporate executives include their educational background, e-mail addresses, photos and publications, where available. The Leadership Networks function allows users to view each featured individual's network of affiliations, from colleges to boards to previous employment.

Uniworld Online Uniworld Online Tutorial
This database offers access to two premium directories - American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries and Foreign Firms Operating in the United States. Each directory can be searched to obtain contact information of headquarters and branch offices located throughout the world. Using the SIC code 5411, searches can be limited to legal firms.

Law Firms

The competition for jobs at law firms, especially the elite ones, is fierce. Therefore, it is important to learn as much information about the firm as you can for purposes of drafting a cover letter and, if selected for an interview, as much as you can about the lawyers you will interview with that day. The law library has a number of resources, both electronic and in print, to assist you in this research.

a) Key Resources

Leadership Library on the Internet - Law Firm Yellow Book Finding Law Firms Using the Leadership Library Tutorial
Once connected to the Leadership Library on the Internet, you can search for a specific law firm or using the browse command, browse through the Law Firm Yellow Book for a detailed description of law firms, including contact information, practice areas and chairs of law firm committees. E-mail addresses and phone numbers are provided when available.

NALP Directory of Legal Employers KF297.A1 D573
Also available online at www.nalpdirectory.com NALP Directory Tutorial
The National Association for Law Placement profiles law firms, government agencies, public interest entities and corporate legal departments in this resource. Profiles include detailed information on practice areas, demographics, salaries & benefits.

Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory KF190 .M45
Also available online at martindale.com Martindale.com Tutorial
Martindale-Hubbell provides biographical info on practicing attorneys and brief profiles of U.S. and international law firms. To conduct searches, complete the search template at the Martindale site. You can search by attorney or firm name, area of practice or law school, city, state or country, or any combination of these fields.

 

b) Other Relevant Resources

ALM Legal Intelligence ALM Legal Intelligence Tutorial
Law firm profiles prepared by the leading publisher of American Lawyer and National Law Journal provide competitive intelligence on the leading law firms in the country. Features the AmLaw 200 rankings, the DC 25, the Global 100, the NLJ 250 and also includes surveys on firm hiring practices, demographics, revenues and more.

The American Bar KF190 .A35
Searchable online with direct links to law firm websites.
Published annually, this is a professional directory of lawyers in the U.S. and beyond.

West Legal Directory - only available on Westlaw database name: WLD
West Publishing has created their own biographical & directory information for over 1 million law firms and attorneys. This database provides template searching, in addition to terms and connectors and natural language searching, allowing users to fill out the form provided with as much information as available to run a search.  For searches on fields not contained in the template, click on Term Search or Natural Language to reach the query editor box.
 
Chambers Global: The World's Leading Lawyers K68 .C43
Searchable global database online
This resource identifies lawyers by country, and by practice area.

SuperLawyers - Peer reviewed database of top attorneys throughout the country. The advanced search function allows job searchers to identify graduates of Georgetown Law by practice area in a specific location.

Fee Fie Foe Firm: Law Firm Search Engine - This search engine focuses specifically on law firm websites throughout the world. You can search firm's profiles, media releases, legal news, client seminars, case notes and legal expert analysis.

The NLJ 250
The National Law Journal ranks law firms by size and looks at total partners vs. total associates, starting salary and a brief profile is provided for each featured firm.

 

Judicial Clerkships

Judicial clerkships are unique positions with a different type of application process. Since etiquette often deems that you should say yes to the first judge who offers you a clerkship position unless you have a very good reason to decline, it is better to carefully select the judges you wish to clerk for rather than simply sending out a mass mailing. Also, judges have very different opinions on what the law is and how it should be applied, and you will help author the judge’s opinions, so it is important to research these differences beforehand as well. The law library has a number of resources, both electronic and in print, to assist you in this research.

a) Key Resources

OSCAR - Online System for Clerkship Application and Review Tutorials produced by OSCAR
Actual portal to apply for clerkships in U.S. Courts.

Almanac of the Federal Judiciary KF8778.A6 A5 Almanac of the Federal Judiciary Tutorial
Also available on Westlaw
Provides profiles for every federal trial and appellate judge in the United States, including important bankruptcy judges and magistrate judges. Profiles include judge's academic and professional background, experience on the bench, noteworthy rulings, and media coverage. Profiles are provided by lawyers who have tried cases before their respective federal judges.

Leadership Library on the Internet - Judicial Yellow Book Researching Judges using the Leadership Library Tutorial
Once connected to the Leadership Library on the Internet, you can search for a specific court or judge, or using the Browse command, browse through the Judicial Yellow Book for a detailed description of each court's jurisdiction, contact information, biographical information on each judge and key court personnel. Photos, e-mail addresses and phone numbers are provided when available.

Biographical Directory of Federal Judges
Provides biographical information on all federal judges from the U.S. District Courts, U.S. Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.

b) Other Relevant Resources

American Bench KF8700.A19 A47
Directory of comprehensive biographical information on over 18,000 judges at all levels of federal, state and local courts with jurisdictional, structural and geographical facts on the courts they serve.

 

Behind the Bench: The Guide to Judicial Clerkships KF8771 .S85
General information about clerkships including what they are, what kind of work clerks do, how to find and apply for a clerkship, and how to give a clerkship interview.

Chambers Handbook for Judges’ Law Clerks and Secretaries KF8771 .C49
Also available online
Federal Judicial Center publicatiion providing an overview of chambers operations and the work of the federal courts including: conduct, ethics, and protocol; basic analysis of litigation; court governance and administration; chambers; case management; relations with other court; justice system personnel; and legal research and writing.

Directory of State and Federal Courts, Judges, and Clerks KF8700.A19 K56
Also available online
Published by BNA, this provides contact names, telephone, fax, TDD/TTY numbers, and street addresses for judges and judicial officials in each state court plus the 92 U.S. District Courts, 14 U.S. Courts of Appeals, U.S. Tax Court, Bankruptcy Courts, U.S. Sentencing Commission, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Judicial Clerkships: A Practical Guide KF8807 .D863
This book provides guidance on the clerkship application process,a refresher in the legal research and writing process, as well as guidance on drafting court documents, correspondence and reviewing other's work.

Law Clerk Handbook
Available online
The Federal Judicial Center provides this overview of chamber operations and the workings of the federal courts.

Judicial Staff Directory KF8700.A19 J83
Also available online
Basic directory information for all federal, circuit, district and bankruptcy courts. Also includes the U.S. Supreme Court, Court of Federal Claims, Court of International Trade, and U.S. Tax Court. Staff listings include clerks, deputy clerks, administrators, probation officers, pretrial services officers, public defenders, U.S. marshals and U.S. attorneys.

Federal Law Clerk Information System
Searchable national database of federal law clerk vacancies and available applicants. User can search by court and federal circuit.

Georgetown Law Center Judicial Clerkship Database
Provided by the Law Center's Office of Career Services and Faculty Clerkship Committee. This web site is designed to assist in identifying clerkship opportunities for Georgetown Law Center students.

JudicialClerkships.com
Online discussion board for students applying for judicial clerkships.

 

Government (Federal, State & Municipal)

Here in DC, there are many more government job opportunities available for lawyers than in any other part of the country. Be aware, however, that the timetable for most government jobs moves much more slowly than other types of legal jobs, so be sure to factor the appropriate amount of time into your search if you’re hoping to secure a government position. State and municipal government jobs should also be considered. The law library has a number of resources, both electronic and in print, to assist you in this research. The Office of Public Interest and Community Service should be consulted for guidance on locating specific job openings, but these resources can assist you as you prepare to interview and investigate potential employers.

a) Key Resources

USAjobs Tutorials produced by USAjobs.gov
Search federal government jobs from this entry portal to all posted jobs at government agencies.

Leadership Library (Georgetown Law Community Only) Leadership Library Tutorial
Formerly known as the Yellow Books, this electronic resource provides detailed directory information on government agencies in a searchable database. Biographies of government executives include their educational background, e-mail addresses, photos and publications, where available. The Leadership Networks function allows users to view each featured individual's network of affiliations, from colleges to boards to previous employment.

CQ Political Contact Suite (Georgetown Law Community Only) CQ Political Contact Suite Tutorial
Similar to the Leadership Libraries product in scope. Has a broader collection of people included, but much less sophisticated searching. Georgetown Law has access to the Congressional Staff Directory, Federal Staff Directory, Homeland Security Staff Directory, Judicial Staff Directory, and World Powerbase directory.

b) Other Relevant Resources

Careers in Administrative Law & Regulatory Practice KF299.A32 C37
The American Bar Association' s section on Administrative Law & Regulatory Practice published this guide to federal, state and local government employment. The skills set required and expectations of the career are outlined.

Landing a Federal Legal Job: Finding Success in the U.S. Government Job Market KF299.G6 H473 2011
This publication by the American Bar Association demystifies the process of procuring a legal job with the federal government. Working for Executive agencies or Congressional committees, and administrative law judgeships are all outlined in this resource. It also highlights "hidden" jobs which may not be readily obvious to the job seeker..

U.S. Government Manual
This official publication of the United States government provides extensive information on the legislative, judicial and executive agencies of the government, including quasi-governmental entities and committees. It is published annually and searchable online.

Public Interest Entities

As is the case with government positions, DC has many more nonprofit job opportunities available for lawyers than in many other part of the country. And now, due to the emergence of loan repayment assistance programs, many more law graduates are able to accept such positions. The law library has a number of resources, both electronic and in print, to assist you in this research. The Office of Public Interest and Community Service should be consulted for guidance on locating specific job openings, but these resources can assist you as you prepare to interview and investigate potential employers.

a) Key Resources

Beyond the Big Firm: Profiles of Lawyers Who Want Something More KF299.P8 M67
Read the stories of lawyers working in various capacities of public interest law - everything from children's rights advocates to immigration attorneys.

Leadership Library on the Internet - Associations Yellow Book Leadership Library Tutorial
Once connected to the Leadership Library on the Internet, you can search for a specific association or using the Browse command, browse through the Association Yellow Book for a detailed description of organizations, including contact information, a business description and key personnel. Publications, foundations e-mail addresses and phone numbers are provided when available.

b) Other Relevant Resources

NALP Directory of Legal Employers KF297.A1 D573
Also available on www.nalpdirectory.com NALP Directory Tutorial
The National Association for Law Placement profiles law firms, government agencies, public interest entities and corporate legal departments in this resource. Profiles include detailed information on practice areas, demographics, salaries & benefits.

Serving the Public: A Job Search Guide KF299.P8 P42
In addition to directory information of public interest and government entities, this resource offers sample resumes & cover letters, as well as general guidance for those seeking employment in the public are

Corporate Legal Departments

Most law students do not enter corporate legal departments right after graduation - in many cases, lawyers enter these positions after a few years of practice in a firm - but depending on your work experience prior to or during law school, you may be eligible for such positions. The law library has a number of resources, both electronic and in print, to assist you in this research

Directory of Corporate Counsel KF195.C6 D57
This resource provides brief biographical entries on corporate attorneys.

Corporate Counsel K3 .O8595
Available online
Magazine focused on in-house legal departments.

Leadership Library on the Internet - Corporate Yellow Book
Once connected to the Leadership Library on the Internet, you can search for a specific corporation or using the Browse command, browse through the Corporate Yellow Book for a detailed description of entities, including contact information, a business description and key officers and management.. E-mail addresses and phone numbers are provided when available.

Martindale Hubbell Corporate Law Directory KF190 .M45
Brief profiles of company legal departments.

Standard & Poors NetAdvantage HG4515.95 .S73 (Electronic resource)
Corporate profiles offer insight into a company's strategy, financials & executives.

Almanac of American Employers HF 5549.5 .C67A5
This guide, which is updated annually, offers general information for job seekers and individual profiles for the largest U.S. employers, based on selected types of business and industry sectors.

 

Other Possibilities

Lawyers are employed in almost every profession, so these publications provide information on alternative career choices for those with a law degree.

Fifty Unique Legal Paths KF297 .F87 2008
This book identifies career options for those looking to use their legal education for a less conventional position.

How to Be a Law Professor Guide: From Getting That First Job to Retirement KF297 .E33 2008
This overview of the law teaching profession offers insight into how to obtain your first job, work towards tenure and achieve a satisfying a career as a law professor.

Nonlegal Careers for Lawyers KF297 .M863
This ABA publication not only defines nonlegal careers, but offers guidance to law students and lawyers looking to pursue a career outside of the traditional legal marketplace.

CAREER GUIDANCE, INTERVIEWING & ETIQUETTE

It's important to be prepared for an interview and these resources provide sample interview questions and answers, as well as general guidance for the career search, including resume writing, etiquette tips and salary expectations.

Ask the Careeer Counselors: Answers for Lawyers on their Lives and Life's Work KF297.Z9 M674
The ABA Career Resource Center offers tips on resume writing, interview tactics & general career planning.

Best Resumes for Attorneys KF297 .F66
Sample resumes and cover letters, as well as specialized guidance by practice area. Critiques inferior resumes and offers suggestions for improvement.

The Essential Guide to Business Etiquette HF5389 .C468
This guide allows you to prepare for all forms of international communication, including interviews, applications and cover letters.


Excellence in the Workplace: Legal and Life Skills KF297 .K28
The final section of this nutshell is on practical tools for career planning, such as mentoring, networking, and deciding whether or not a job is even right for you.

 

Future Performance: Your Guide to a Successful Career in Law KF297 .S76
Each stage of a lawyer's career has its unique aspects and this book provides guidance on getting the most out of each step.

How to Start and Build a Law Practice KF300.Z9 F66
For the entrepreneurial lawyer, this ABA guide discusses the process of setting up your own law practice.

The Global Manager's Guide to Living and Working Abroad HF5382.55 .G56 2009
Tips for moving to a foreign country and details for living and relocating to Western Europe and the Americas.

Jobs and J.D.'s: Employment and Salaries of New Law Graduates KF301 .E77
New editions published annually.

The Law School Rules KF283.L49
While this book primarily offers tips to survive law school, helpful hints for networking, suits and jobs are provided.

The Lawyer's Guide to Finding Success in any Job Market KF297 .H46
This resources identifies legal practice areas that thrive in any economy, as well as ideas for job hunting in tough economic times.

The Legal Career Guide: From Law Student to Lawyer KF297 .M862 2008
Designed as a hands-on manual, this guide walks the law student through the decision making processes associated with the entering the legal profession.

The Legal Job Interview KF297 .E56
This resource offers steps to take before, during and after a job interview for a successful outcome. Emphasis is on preparation and conduct.

The Little Black Book of Career Advice: Career Wit & Wisdom From Over 100 Influential Women
This whimsical book features words of wisdom from female lawyers, entrepreneurs, journalists, entertainers and businesswoman.

Managing your Legal Career: Best Practices for Creating the Career You Want KF297 .H45

Maximize Your Lawyer Potential KF319 .M37
The subtitle of this book, "Professionalism and Business Etiquette for Law Students and Lawyers" says it all. Chapters include a primer on business etiquette, legal interview savvy and your first legal job.

Nail your Law Job Interview : The Essential Guide to Firm, Clerkship, Government, In-house, and Lateral Interviews KF297 .P74
Everything from lunch interview etiquette to body language is discussed in this book written entirely for legal professionals.

Nonlegal Careers for Lawyers KF297 .M863
Guidance for the alternative career seeker.

The Official Guide to Legal Specialities KF297 .A758
Ever wonder what life is like as a municipal finance lawyer? This guide looks at 30 legal specialities and provides insight into each one.

Prentice-Hall Complete Business Etiquette Handbook HF5389 .P33
Learn how to best present yourself in an interview with this guide.

Resumes for Law Careers KF297.Z9 R47 2008
The elements of an effective resume and sample cover letters make this a valuable resource for those entering the legal job market.

Safari Books Online
This resource includes many titles with interviewing techniques, sample interview questions and other beneficial resources for the job search. Once connected to the database, simply search for "interview" or Interviewing" to read the books online.

Swimming Lessons for Baby Sharks: The Essential Guide to Thriving as a New Lawyer, KF297 .C54
Both practical and humorous , this book provides tips you won't learn in law school for those beginning thier legal careers.

Your First Year as a Lawyer Revealed : Secrets, Opportunities, and Success! KF297 .F873
Make use of the checklists and worksheets to get the most out your first job.

ADDITIONAL BIOGRAPHICAL RESOURCES

Almanac of American Politics JK271 .B343
Also available electronically (click on Almanac in left hand column)
In-depth biographies and profiles of governors, members of Congress, and other politicians from state and congressional districts.


Insider's Guide to Key Committee Staff of the U.S. Congress JK1083 .A45
Provides biographical information and in-depth personal profiles of over 600 House and Senate committee staff members. The profiles feature biographical info, professional history and educational background, as well as staffers' insights and areas of expertise.

Leadership Library CT210 .L4 Leadership LibraryTutorial
Formerly known as the Yellow Books, this electronic resource provides detailed directory information on government agencies, law firms, judicial entities, non-profits, news media and more in a searchable database. Biographies of judges, attorneys and corporate executives include their educational background, e-mail addresses, photos and publications, where available. The Leadership Networks function allows users to view each featured individual's network of affiliations, from colleges to boards to previous employment.

Who’s Who in American Law KF190 .W56
Provides personal biographical information on approximately 15,000 American legal professionals including top judges, lawyers, educators, legal theorists, legal writers and editors.

Who's Who in America E176 .W642
Broader in coverage, though still useful resource for biographical information on over 100,000 prominent Americans.

CQ Political Contact Suite (Georgetown Law Community Only) CQ Political Contact Suite Tutorial
Similar to the Leadership Libraries product in scope. Has a broader collection of people included, but much less sophisticated searching. Georgetown Law has access to the Congressional Staff Directory, Federal Staff Directory, Homeland Security Staff Directory, Judicial Staff Directory, and World Powerbase directory.

Bloomberg Law People Profiles
Bloomberg's proprietary business news and competitive intelligence combines with their new legal platform, to provide access to profiles of people in the news; judges, lawyers, law professors, etc.. Georgetown Law students, faculty and staff may request a password by contacting Beth Goldfinger at egoldfinger@bloomberg.net or the Help Desk at webhelp@bloomberg.net .

Updated 07/11 (MK)

© Georgetown University Law Library.
These guides may be used for educational purposes, as long as proper credit is given.  These guides may  not be sold.  Requests to republish or adapt a guide should be directed to the Head of Patron Services. Proper credit includes the statement: Written by Georgetown Law Library (current as of .....).