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Lawyers may recruit employees at upcoming consortium program

Issue Februray 2004

The Massachusetts Law School Consortium will host the fourth annual Northeast Small and Medium Employer Recruitment Program on Wednesday, March 31 at Boston University School of Law, 765 Commonwealth Ave., Boston.

Recognizing the availability of job opportunities beyond big firms, the Massachusetts Law School Consortium created the program in 2001 to connect soon-to-be graduates and summer clerks with small- to medium-sized firms and government agencies.

The consortium, consisting of all seven American Bar Association-accredited law schools in Massachusetts, hopes to draw a number of employers to the program, a group often overlooked due to more sporadic hiring needs. To encourage involvement, the consortium does not require an employer participation fee and allows employers to pre-screen resumes. Though focused primarily on Massachusetts, employers from neighboring states in New England and the tri-state region also are included. In addition to hosting the event, Boston University is handling registration and organization.

The creation of the program also reflects the current market situation.

"Students must be more thoughtful and pragmatic, looking broadly for job opportunities," said Elizabeth Armour, director of BU's Career Development Office. "Smaller firms are where the action is, especially for junior lawyers looking for experience, responsibility, more time in court and client contact."

The consortium recognized that smaller employers have a less structured hiring process and are not well served by traditional fall recruitment programs. Held in late March, more closely aligned to actual hiring dates for smaller employers, the program emphasizes flexibility. Employers may choose to attend and conduct interviews for a full or half day, or they may collect resumes and arrange interviews for a later date.

Armour says the program is an opportunity for smaller employers to take advantage of a one-stop shopping opportunity for law clerks, summer interns or full-time employees and associates from the top law schools in Massachusetts (Boston College, Boston University, Harvard, New England, Northeastern, Suffolk and Western New England College).

The deadline to register is Friday, Feb. 6, 2004.