Two Excellent Resources for International LL.M Students

As I'm starting to prepare my career services orientation materials for a new incoming class of LL.M students this Fall, I've been combing through helpful resources.  If you haven't already, take a look at the following:

Guerrilla Tactics for Getting the Legal Job of Your Dreams, 2nd Ed., Kimm Walton (2008)

In her long-awaited second edition, now expanded to a whopping 1,300 pages, Kimm Walton has included a new chapter for International LL.M students.  Chapter 20, entitled, "Coming to America: Job Search Advice for International LL.Ms" covers topics including how to target employers who are most likely to hire international LL.Ms, how to draft an effective cover letter, and navigating cultural issues.  I recommend this resource both to LL.M students and career service professionals who counsel them.

The Official Guide to Legal Specialties, Abrams (2000)

Lisa Abrams describes the basics of 30 practice areas, details what students need to know to practice in that area, and incorporates advice from attorneys who describe their career paths and provide insight into their daily work.  This is an essential resource for international LL.M students converting their CVs into a US legal resume.  It provides clear cut US legal terminology, and useful insights for students seeking to translate their former experiences in a way that a US employer can easily understand.  It offers a comprehensive overview of the skill set that students should emphasize in their resumes.  I also encourage students to review this guide before they embark on informational interviews and as they prepare for interviews.

Claudia Melo, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law