I am beginning to realize this will be a continuing column which is partly born of my journey to return to work as a corporate attorney after recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder associated with 9/11. And whether I will or will not make that transition in my lifetime remains to be seen. But in the meantime, I will continue to report on positions that women (and men) might be able to pursue as they continue on their legal career path.
I know I should be networking but I was never the best networker . . . In any event below is a list of positions and websites which might be of use to those of you who may be undertaking their own journey.
FINRA — Arbitrator
Requirements: 5 years of paid work experience — inside or outside of the securities industry — at least 2 years of college level credits. Arbitrators receive a modest honorarium amount based upon a schedule determined by the Codes of Arbitration Procedure.
Process: (1) Complete the on-line application (there are very detailed directions to guide you), (2) complete 2 additional forms (a) Social Security Number Verification Form and (b) Consent to Background Search and Investigation Form (this can be uploaded with the online application or mailed directly to FINRA), (3) wait 60 to 90 days for your application to be approved, and (4) Complete Basic Training online through FINRA’s website.
One you are approved, you are placed on a list of arbitrators from which people can choose. Your basic training must be completed within the first 120 days after you are approved. The training courses are available through FINRA’s website for free. To receive credit for the training courses you must complete quizzes of 25 questions. You must score 80% on each quiz meaning that you have to answer 20 questions correctly. You can take each exam twice.
For more information go to www.finra.org/arbitration-and-mediation/become-arbitrator
Looking for a position in Academia?
Below is a list of 4 websites for legal professionals who are looking for positions in academia. While some websites list more legal teaching positions than others, each website has listings that the other websites do not so it is worth looking at and signing up with each website. Positions include everything from paralegal programs to law schools to undergraduate legal courses. Additionally, there are adjunct, assistant, associate, full-time, part-time, and professor positions listed on many of the websites. You can also find staff/administrative positions as well as executive positions. Some of the website lists job that are outside of academia such as non-profits, consulting organizations, government organizations and some for-profit companies.
- HigherEdJobs — this is the most comprehensive website to find legal teaching positions. This website has the largest number of positions. Some international positions are listed. You can search for positions based upon a number of factors such as administrative or faculty or executive; four year school of community college; region/metro, state/province, or country; and type which means online or remote or even dual career searches. You can maintain/store your resume and other documents with your profile. Although it is not easy to upload documents to their website. For more information go to www.higheredjobs.com
- InsideHigherEd — there are fewer positions listed here but it is certainly worth a look. The website will ask you to attach your resumes, writing samples, transcripts, and references information on a separate website called Interfolio. It appears that the websites are linked to each other in some way. Go to www.insidehighered.com
- Scholarlyhires — there are fewer positions here but it is worth a look. You can create a personal profile which may be visible in searches for potential job candidates. Tips are provided to help you complete your profile. Your resume can attached to your profile. It is also possible to create multiple profiles. For example, you can have a profile for faculty candidate searches and a separate profile for administrative candidate searches. This website sponsors virtual career fairs where additional university and college job postings are made. A virtual Career Fair is scheduled for the weeks of February 23 through March 3. Go to www.scholarlyhires.com
- Vitae — is a well-designed and visually pleasing website which allows you to create a profile where you can upload your resume and teaching statements. You can also list previous positions, education, volunteer service, honors, references, and publications. Your profile layout can be altered. Additionally, you can manage how visible your profile is to others in ways which are similar to LinkedIn. There is a Syllabi database which can be used as an initial syllabus template. It is possible to ask for mentors or to mentor someone. And you can indicate that you can serve as an expert witness or that you are interested in research collaboration. A few international positions are listed here. There are fewer positions listed here, however this website provides networking opportunities through their website. Go to www.chroniclevitae.com
The next one is a bonus listing . . .
EdJoin — this website is devoted to positions at elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. You can search for positions based upon teacher certifications. There really aren’t any legal positions listed here but in case you happen to have a law degree and a few teacher certifications, I thought it might be worth mentioning.
Go to www.edjoin.org
Good-Luck!
