Boost Your Interviewing Confidence: GGU J.D. Candidate Explains How He Landed A Top Internship Through GGU’s Mock Interview Event—and Offers Tips and Advice for Students and Alums Alike on Nailing the Interview and Landing the Job

Josue Aparicio

By Frank Zeccola 
LCD Graduate Fellow

In order to help you prepare for the upcoming Summer Job Fair, GGU will host the Mock Interview Program on August 9th. At the event, attorneys will be paired with students to conduct a series of 20-minute, one-on-one practice interviews and provide individual feedback on performance. This is an excellent opportunity to ensure that you excel in your actual interview this summer by working on your interviewing skills with real attorneys in a low-pressure environment.

It is a proven method for success. In fact, one J.D. candidate even landed an internship at a top law firm with one of the mock interviewers at last year’s event.

Here’s how: “I treated it like a real interview,” explains Josue Aparicio, GGU J.D. Candidate (May 2017). “But it was still low pressure.” The key to success: “I told [the mock interviewer] about myself and things I wanted to do, such as diversifying the legal profession, pro bono work, and how I wanted to grow as an attorney. He agreed and had similar values on the topics I was bringing up. He then told me he knew I was interviewing for his company in a few weeks and asked if I had any questions about the process. He also told me that I could meet with him prior to the interview. I did that, and he answered all of my questions. It gave me a lot more confidence for when I went into the real interview.”

From State Bar Section to Yosemite: How One Student Earned a Free Trip to an Environmental Law Conference

by Catherine Rucker

Cathy Rucker is a fourth-year law student at Golden Gate University School of Law. She plans to take the February 2015 Bar Exam and to earn an LLM in Environmental Law.  

The California Bar “sections” are professional groups that are linked to the California State Bar. There are 16 sections in a variety of practice areas, such as Business Law, Criminal Law, Family Law, Intellectual Property, and Labor & Employment. Each section has an annual fee, ranging from $75 to $95. However, through the enrollment form, law students can access “up to three free one-year memberships.”

After I joined the Environmental Law Section and entered the members-only website, I read about the section’s annual conference in Yosemite. I noticed that the Remy Moose Manley LLP environmental law firm in Sacramento offers several scholarships for the conference. Most of the scholarships cover the cost of the registration. However, the firm offers five full scholarships that cover registration, three nights at the Tenaya Lodge, and travel expenses.

In my scholarship application, I explained that I had served as a Student Writer for the GGU Environmental Law Journal and that I had worked at the GGU Environmental Law and Justice Clinic. Because I had participated in these environmental law activities, I was selected to receive one of the five full scholarships.

At the ELS conference, I observed that the practicing attorneys were excited to include law students. I realized that if students make the effort to join a section and to attend its events, then the attorney members are very willing to be supportive and to provide guidance. The students who avail themselves will get the benefits.

Holiday Parties - Let's Mingle

by Sabrina M. Johnson
LCS Graduate Fellow

Holiday Party season is upon us. This is a great way to meet new attorneys in a welcoming and casual environment. Enjoy the season and boast your network.

Click here to view a list of upcoming holiday season events!

Keeping these holiday party tips in mind will allow you to enjoy your time:

1. Have an Entrance Plan. When you walk into a room, make sure you know where you are going. Head to the bar/food area or take a quick walk around the room. Having an initial plan helps alleviate anxiety and boost confidence. 
2. Prepare to Talk. Be able to talk about yourself. This includes both your professional self and other interests. "How about those Giants?" I am willing to bet that the Giants are a hot topic of conversation in San Francisco this season. 
3. Prepare to Listen. Listen to what others are saying, and use their name when appropriate. Active listening (eye contact and smiling) is an easy way to win over your audience. 
4. Dress the Part. Your outfit is your first impression, and while people don't necessarily notice a good outfit, they definitely judge an inappropriate one. Make sure your festive holiday attire is still professional. Remember, you can never go wrong with slacks and a collared shirt. 
5. Collect the Card. Casual conversations at holiday events tend to last 5 - 20 minutes. When you have a connection with someone or want to learn more, ask if you can follow-up with them at a later time. Be sure to get their business card. 
6. Follow Up with the individuals you enjoyed speaking with to wish them a happy holiday, invite them to join your LinkedIn network or to schedule an informational interview.

FREE Summer Activities in the Bay Area

by Henghameh Poya, LCS Intern

Even though LCS wants you to network, we want you to have fun and find more things to talk about when you meet new people. Take a look at these free or cheap summer activities that will help develop your connection to the San Francisco community!

Summer Associates Receptions

by Susanne Aronowitz

Established in 2007, BASF’s annual Partner-Summer Associates Receptions provide an opportunity for networking, meeting mentors and appreciating the achievements of minority and LGBT partners in the Bay Area.

For more information, visit the webpage.

Come Support GGU Law Alumni Laura Benetti and Thomas Ghaney!

Thirty33 Legal Suites Grand Opening
Friday, April 11, 6 to 8pm, 170 South Spruce Avenue, Suite 110, South San Francisco
Join GGU Law Alumni Laura Benetti and Thomas Ghaney for the grand opening of Thirty33 Legal Suites. Thirty33 Legal Suites, an innovative office solution for solo attorneys and small firms, is having a grand opening party for their first location in South San Francisco. Get a first look at the shared office space, or stop by for some small bites, beer and wine. Please RSVP to info@thirty33legalsuites.com or (650) 741-4128. Visit the website for more information!