NBA Law Day with Claire McDaniel

Claire McDaniel, National Bar Association Representative

NBA Law Day is an initiative to have a direct pipeline to law students of color. This organization encompasses over 20,000 African American lawyers, judges, and practitioners.

The NBA is divided into over 25 practice areas – including government, religion, alternative dispute resolution, labor & employment, IP, etc. For more information, check out their website at www.nationalbar.org.

There are many benefits of NBA membership, including that NBA membership is free! Examples of benefits are Networking, CLEs (over 45 offered annually), Magazines, Discounts, Website where you can list and post resume, Mentoring Program through NBA, Networking Event, Annual Convention.

NBA wants to encourage students that their opportunities are limitless, and the NBA is here to help law students develop relationships and gain exposure to areas of law in order to be successful.

Job Search Tips

Figuring out your strengths and weaknesses

Narrowed your search through what you’re interested in and what you’re not interested in

Networking – be sure to do it starting in your 1L year!

Build and Maintain relationships

Maximize the Career Services Offices

Attend Job Fairs

Seek opportunities in your interest areas, for example, the Minority Corporate Counsel of Attorneys (MCCA) – internships, scholarships, networking opportunities

Implement networking and job search strategies into your regular practice

Utilize the Bar Association

NBA as a resource for law students

The Subcommittee Chair for NBA Region 5, which includes New Orleans, is Sharon Bridges.

This year's Annual Convention is in Baltimore, MD at the end of July 2011. Students can volunteer without registration fee if you are interested in attending. Check the NBA website for more information.

Interview Tips

Stay composed, be assertive, and make a connection with your interviewer. Personality is KEY because employers want to see that you can be an interesting person in the office.

Focus on your grades. But, get involved in activities!

Network - establishing relationships is very important and may be the critical factor for distinguishing you from another candidate.

Interview as much as possible. Applying for jobs is a game. Often, you may get discouraged in finding the opportunities you want. But stay motivated!

Seek as many opportunities in what you are interested in.

Don't focus on the Bar.

Stay away from "negative naysayers" - it is important to be realistic, but surround yourself with positive people.

Applications for free student membership to the National Bar Association will be available soon!