Curriculum/Application Information

Fall 2009 Session Schedule

Friday, October 2, 2009	9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Saturday, October 3, 2009 Friday, October 9, 2009	9:00 AM to 5:30 PM 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Saturday, October 10, 2009	9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Friday, October 16, 2009	9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Saturday, October 17, 2009	9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Saturday, October 17, 2009 Closing Certificate Ceremony and Reception	5:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Curriculum

Using classroom workshops, discussions, team interactions, hands on research, technology and writing instruction, and individual counseling the four-part program curriculum covers:

Part I: Self Assessment, Career Visioning, Goal Setting & Negotiation

Regaining a sense of self as a lawyer and professional
Creating a career vision
Setting realistic and attainable goals congruent with your values
Identifying strengths, transferrable skills & additional training needs
Establishing or re-establishing developmental relationships
Appreciating non-linear careers and ways of launching or relaunching
Nurturing and sustaining ambition
Ethical Self-promotion
Negotiating with a focus on how to ask for and get what you want

Part II: Effective Tools for Securing a Job that Enhances Professional and Personal Development

Resume and cover letter writing, including how to account for time away from the profession
Interviewing - how to address questions about your time away
Networking - how to engage effectively within your current network and how to re-build a professional network
Positioning yourself as an attractive re-entry candidate
What to expect once you re-enter the profession and navigating workplace "culture shock"

Part III: Legal Research, Writing & Technology

Legal research refresher
Cost effective legal research
Analysis in the legal discourse community
Writing strategies and generating a writing sample
Legal technology update including "cool tools"
Introduction to electronic discovery & practice management software
Legal technology and continuing legal education
Westlaw and Lexis/Nexus training*

Part IV: One-on-One Professional Coaching

One two-hour individual coaching session to help align goals and actions, eliminate possible internal hurdles to success, inspire performance, and provide support during the job search.

*Enrolled participants may register for Westlaw and Lexis/Nexus training sessions offered through the Pence Law Library. Additionally, enrolled participants have access to Washington College of Law's large selection of computer technology tutorials. Participants with limited computer technology skills are encouraged to access the tutorials prior to and during the program. Finally, enrolled participants will also have access to multiple databases and Westlaw and Lexis/Nexus for a finite time post-program.

Program Application

To apply, please email the following items to lawyer.reentry@wcl.american.edu:

a brief statement of interest (no longer than 2 typed pages) including your career goals, assessment of current technology skills, and financial need
a current resume, if available; and
an unofficial law school transcript and/or other evidence of bar admission/degree earned.

Or mail to:

Linda Mercurio
Lawyer Re-entry Program, Office of the Dean
American University Washington College of Law
4801 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 122
Washington DC 20016

There is no application fee.

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. To create a learning environment of attention and responsiveness, class size will be limited. Interested participants are encouraged to apply early.

Program Fee: $2,500

We are pleased to offer a tuition break of $1,000 for registered participants making payment by Thursday, September 24th. To qualify for the reduced program fee of $1,500, participants must:

Submit an application as noted above
Receive an acceptance letter; and
Register and make payment online by Thursday, September 24th. Register online.