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Mind the Research Gap: Law School to Real World

Navigating Your Summer Legal Jobs

When it comes to legal research, summer associates are expected to hit the ground running, as reflected in the significant amount of time they spend conducting legal research. Close to half report that over 50% of their time per week is spent on legal research. Another 32% of summer associates spend at least a quarter of their time per week on research. Considering summer associates spend so much time researching the law, it’s not surprising that 86% of hiring partners believe legal research skills are highly important.*

Want to avoid fumbling those research assignments? Use this guide as a resource on how to conduct real world research in an employment setting. Topics include getting your first research assignment, Minnesota specific resources, practical tips on how to succeed this summer, and more!  And remember don't forget to...

*Based on the results of a survey that was conducted in July 2016 by LexisNexis® among 330 summer associates working in large U.S. law firms (50+ attorneys).

From the Mouths of Nerds

But don't just take it from your friendly St. Thomas Law Librarians, hear it from librarians on the front lines!

Crossing Into Practice: Working at a Firm
Thursday, April 21st| 12:30 1:30 p.m.

Planning on working at a law office this summer? You won't want to miss this panel of law firm librarians who will fill you in on the resources they wish summer associates knew about, the benefits of working with your law librarians, and so much more!
UST Law Library - Flex Space - Moderated by Elizabeth Hadden-Peck
Lunch Provided!

Crossing Into Practice: Clerkship & Government Jobs
Wednesday, April 27th |  12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Working for a County Attorney's office, Public Defender, or have a judicial externship?  Then this panel is for you!  Listen in on a panel of law librarians who work in the Hennepin County Law Library and the Minnesota State Law Library.  Let them tell you about the types of projects they see students in government positions working on, resources to help you get started on the right foot, and when you should definitely stop what you're doing and seek out help.
UST Law Library - Flex Space - Moderated by Niki Catlin
Lunch Provided!