Office of Professional Development

Assistant Dean for Professional Development Mary Ann Willis

From the Desk of Mary Ann Willis, Assistant Dean for Professional Development

Join us on Friday, October 2, 2009 , for an all-day CLE at the Law School on “How to Start a Law Firm.” How can you tell if you are cut out to be a solo practitioner? If you are thinking about it, how do you get started? And how do you survive, much less become successful?

This program will feature practical advice from Capital alumni on the logistics of setting up an office, costs, client development, networking, hiring personnel, and so forth. We will also have components on ethics and substance abuse.

Recent graduates who have not found legal employment are especially urged to attend, but it will be of interest to any attorney who has considered solo or small firm practice. There is no charge for this program but we would like you to RSVP here so that we know how many are coming. This program is approved for CLE credit. Lunch will be provided.

New legal positions are added daily to our online job posting board. There is no charge to employers, alumni, or students for using this convenient service. Contact our office at 614-236-6888 or OPD@law.capital.edu for more information.

We are also eager to post Pro Bono Legal Opportunities with courts, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, corporations, and law firms. The opportunity may involve legal services for persons of limited means or participation in projects for improving the law, the legal system, or the legal profession. Pro bono work provides an opportunity for law students to gain valuable experience, meet attorneys, and earn an award through Capital’s Pro Bono Recognition Program.

In addition, we are delighted to welcome Mary Nienaber, L’09, who has volunteered to serve as our Pro Bono Coordinator for the fall semester. She will be developing and coordinating pro bono activities for law students and paralegals. Her office is in the Public Interest Center in our office and may be reached by emailing mnienaber@law.capital.edu .

Get involved! We’d like to have you share your experience by participating in panel discussions, conducting mock interviews, or helping students learn to network. If you’re interested, please send us an email at OPD@law.capital.edu .

Are you outside Central Ohio? If you are willing to serve as a contact for students and alumni who want to relocate to your area, let us know by emailing us at OPD@law.capital.edu .

A reminder that all of our services, including individual career counseling, are available to alumni as well as students. To make an appointment to discuss any aspect of your professional development with me or Shawn Beem, contact our office at 614-236-6888.

Best wishes, Mary Ann