Pauloz Expert

Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 340 Career Advice: +0/-0 Location: Sydney

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Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2008 6:47 am Post subject: |
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thewiz
This is good, but I'd shine up the cover letter. To practice law in the US you need appropriate accreditation, and it's not clear from this to what extent you would be able to do so.
That rather undermines the first line of your cover letter. The logic of your idea is good, and if you can get a job with a US law firm, they'll be able to show you how to get your legal practice going. This is definitely a working proposition, but it'll have to be one step at a time.
Suggest:
"In order to further pursue my objective of practicing law in the United States, I wish to explore the possibilities of employment in a US legal firm.
Therefore I believe, etc...."
I'd also suggest including in your letter some American references so they can check out your bona fides. Doesn't hurt to have some local information available, and it's quite possible the names of referees will mean something to US firms.
I notice you've also got experience with the judiciary in Poland. That might help in getting any position where the legal formalities are an essential.
You really do have quite a range there, and I would think that this depth of experience is a positive.
Also suggest direct contact with employers. There's a lot of information available for the price of an email, and you may be able to explore a wider range of options.
The Professional Qualifications section is a bit verbose:
Keep the bold type. Leave out (very good), redundant statement.
Italics are skills, should be included at start of application.
(Note: Working with clients is a big positive in any legal practice, very valuable skill. Suggest amplifying that.
Reword the underlined or omit. (The idea's right, but they need to see the possibilities for themselves. You refer to a training program, which is OK if you're going for an internship, but a faux pas if you're after a legal admin position.)
| Quote: | PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
My studies and work experience revolve around both Polish and American systems of law. My deep interest in American Law resulted in undertaking American Law Courses. Moreover, my interest in commercial and arbitration law led me to write master’s thesis titled “Setting aside the arbitration award” under the direction of prof. dr hab. Józef Okolski. My thesis defense resulted in receiving the highest grade
My work experience involved working on major projects including large events and scientific symposiums with all the indispensable attention to details, handling many different tasks simultaneously, preparing drafts of the legal documents, conducting researches and meeting deadlines. Furthermore my ability to work both as a team member and as a main coordinator of a given project as well as my ability to self start and work independently has prepared me for your opening. The direct result of bringing me into your training program will be more time for you and your staff to complete more complex projects. Eventually, my abilities to take on the more complex projects will allow you and your staff to expand. My practice in your company is a win/win situation.
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You should perhaps clarify your intentions re PhD, it's an obvious question for an employer.
Most important: Consider this resume as a basic source. Never use a One Size Fits All format. Always target each application separately, saves a lot of grief. |
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