When will it stop snowing?
We hope everyone based in Minnesota has weathered the snowiest February on record. To everyone not in Minnesota, we applaud your good decision-making. This month we’re focusing on networking and professional attire.
We look forward to working with you through the rest of the academic year. And to spring. We’re looking forward to spring.
With best wishes,
Tessa, Allison, and Sharon
Suggested Activities and Events
Networking
Have you had a chance to learn about your mentor in Foundations of Practice? Consider taking a block of time to research the candidates. You can have a cup of coffee or snack while you research. Don’t make networking painful, it can be a lot of fun to meet people who will help you through your entire legal career.
Professional Attire
Take a look at this list of retailers who offer student discounts on their clothes (Hat tip to Jordyn Horvath in alumni relations for compiling this list).
Remember to check local consignment stores for professional attire. Take a look at outlet stores and their websites. JCrew Factory and Banana Republic Factory both have suits for men and women. Also, look to stores like K & G Fashion, TJ Maxx, or Marshalls for past season suits, shoes, and accessories.
Looking Back
You may recall, on the evening of January 28th, we were snowed out of our Mentorship Program Spring Semester Kickoff at the law school. We wanted to provide you with information to help you intentionally seek our job opportunities or career paths. In lieu of rescheduling our event, you can find responses from some of our panelists and from MHSL career counselors regarding how they started their legal here.
Looking Forward
Hosting an event in February got away from us, so on March 28th, we’ll have an event to discuss professional attire. The event will include diverse views on attire. It will help you determine how to dress in the most comfortable and appropriate way for your legal career. We will send information on registration next week.
Watch for an announcement of Mitchell Hamline’s clothing library where students can find gently used suits and accessories.
February Discussion Points
First-Year Mentorship Discussion Points (Networking)
Think about whether networking is something you enjoy or avoid? What leads you to feel that way? Does having a career support system sound like something you’d like? Do you know networking can lead to life-long support, knowledge, job and client referrals?
Upper-Level Mentorship Discussion Points (Professional Attire)
What is your definition of business casual versus business professional? Do you have attire for both? Do you have a friend, classmate, colleague, or mentor, you can ask about professional attire? Remember, it’s always acceptable to ask about whether an event or meeting attire expectations are business casual or business professional.
Suggested Texts and Articles
Networking
Short & Happy Guide to Networking (This text includes many tips and suggestions for introverted law students) (West Academic Publishing)
Networking Advice for Law Students (The Lawyerist)
Unconventional Networking Methods for Law Students (Look at suggestion 2, good work everyone!) (Law School Toolbox)
Professional Attire
Courtroom Attire for Women Lawyers (plus links to affordable suits, comfortable heels, maternity attire, and more) (Corporette)
Business Professional Attire vs. Business Casual Attire (The Balance Careers)
Business Casual Attire for Lawyers (FindLaw)
Contact
You are always welcome to contact us with questions, sugestions, or feedback.
Tessa Boury ’05
Assistant Director, Career and Professional Development
651-290-6472
tessa.boury@mitchellhamline.edu
Allison Burke ’09
Alumni and Donor Engagement Officer
651-695-7608
allison.burke@mitchellhamline.edu
Sharon Goodyear
Program Administrator and Career Counselor
651-290-7508
sharon.goodyear@mitchellhamline.edu