Job Search Resources

Databases, Clearinghouses & Networking Resources

• PSLawNet, the public interest law job database operated by NALP, is currently serving as a national clearinghouse for deferred associate opportunities and is a good resource for deferred associates looking for placements. PSLawNet has added a new "job type" to their search interface - "Law Firm Associate Host" - to specifically mark positions suitable for deferred associates. Searches may also be narrowed geographically and by practice area. To learn more about deferred associate opportunities on PSLawNet, click here.
• OPIA Jobs Database. The “Search” component allows you to search organizations, jobs, and pro bono positions based on various criteria, and to read evaluations by other students of their experiences in different organizations and clinical placements.
• Serving the Public: A Job Search Guide.  Our job search guide offers a directory of public interest organizations and government employers in various locations. We encourage you to contact organizations listed in the guide to determine whether they would be open to hosting deferred associates.
• Alumni Advising Network.
• The Association of Pro Bono Counsel (APBCO) has indicated that the following pro bono organizations are serving as local and regional placement clearinghouses. To read APBCO's full report, click here.

California
Julia R. Wilson, Executive Director
Public Interest Clearing House
415-834-0100 Ext. 306
jwilson@pic.org
www.pic.org 

Chicago 
Susan J. Curry, Executive Director
Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI)
In Partnership with the Chicago Bar Foundation
312-832-5128
scurry@pili-law.org
www.pili-law.org

New York City
Carol Brockner, Director of Pro Bono Initiatives
City Bar Justice Center
Association of the Bar of the City of New York
212-382-4714
cbockner@nycbar.org
www.nycbar.org

Washington, DC
Mark Herzog, Associate Director
D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program
D.C. Bar Association
202-737-4700, Ext. 206
mherzog@dcbar.org
www.dcbar.org

Resumes and Landing your Job

• OPIA resume resources
• Sample 3L resumes
• Sample cover letters for deferred associates
• OPIA cover letter resources
• OPIA Attorney Advisors
• Schedule an advising appointment

Articles

• AmLaw Daily, "The Corporate Deferred: Associates Who Took a Different Path," November 4, 2009.
• The New York Law Journal, "Deferred Associates 'Hit the Ground Running' at Temporary Positions," November 3, 2009. 
• The Washington Post, "Law firms pay new hires to work for public good," October 23, 2009.
• The Philadelphia Inquirer, "Lawyers' Paths Postponed," October 18, 2009.
• The Wall Street Journal, "First Task For Law-Firm Hires: Finding An Interim Job First," October 6, 2009.
• The New York Law Journal, "Fellows Program Seen to Benefit Deferred Associates, D.A. and Firms," September 22, 2009.
• AmLaw Daily, "Organizations Helping Deferred Associates Transition to Public Interest Placements," September 17, 2009.
• The Boston Globe, "Proposal To Let Law Firm Hires Help State Courts Is Dropped," September 1, 2009.
• The Philadelphia Inquirer, "Law grads headed for Public-Interest Work," August 23, 2009.
• The Deal Magazine, "Mixed Blessings," July 17, 2009.
• ABA Journal, “Pay Cut for Public Service,” June, 2009.
• The Boston Globe, “Law Firms May Provide Clerks for Courts,” June 22, 2009.
• The American Lawyer, “Deferred Associates Face Many Conditions in Working as Court Clerks,” June 11, 2009.
• Chicago Lawyer, “Gearing Up for Influx of Associates,” June 9, 2009.
• Law.com, “Public-interest Sector Getting a Little Crowded,” June 1, 2009.
• Time, “Why Rookie Lawyers Get $60,000 Paid Vacations,” May 17, 2009.
• National Law Journal, “With Deferrals, a Class Collision,” May 11, 2009.
• Law.com, “Nonprofits Making Cuts Forced to Rely More on Deferred Firm Associates,” May 12, 2009. 
• The Boston Globe, "This Career Choice is Not a 'Detour,'" May 2, 2009.
• The Boston Globe, “For Law Graduates, a Public Service Detour on Road to Success,” April 27, 2009.
• The Philadelphia Inquirer, “Law Firms Delaying New Hires’ Start Dates,” April 26, 2009.
• Virginia Law Weekly, “Uncertainty and Opportunity for Deferred Third Years,” April 24, 2009.
• Law.com, “Public Sector Hopefuls on Edge as Demand for DA Jobs Explodes,” April 24, 2009.
• The National Law Journal, “Trying to Make Deferrals into Something Positive,” April 13, 2009.
• Law.com, “Public Interest Law Job Fair Lures Deferred Associates,” April 9, 2009.
• AmLaw Daily, “Newark Mayor: Challenges of the Economy Mean Opportunities for Law Grads,” April 8, 2009.
• Los Angeles Times, “Law Firms Give Associates a Chance to Build Skills While Doing Good,” April 6, 2009.
• AmLaw Daily, “Non-Profits: Who Pays the Cost of Hiring Deferred Associates?” April 3, 2009.
• Time, “Law School Grads See Promised Jobs Put on Hold,” March 26, 2009.
• AmLaw Daily, “Law Firms Scramble to Place Deferred Associates in Volunteer Posts,” March 19, 2009.
• CNN.com, “For Jobless Lawyers, Plan B Includes Good Works,” March 13, 2009.
• New York Times, “Even Pro Bono Work Requires Doing Your Homework First,” March 13, 2009.

Information Regarding Federal Government Placement

• Department of Justice Message Regarding Acceptance of Law School Graduates as Volunteers