November.11.2014
On May 1-2, 2015, the nation's first-ever Veterans Legal Career Fair will take place in Washington, DC. This career fair is the first to match employers seeking to hire experienced lawyers with lawyers who have served in the US military or are transitioning out of military service. Orrick is honored to partner with the American Legion; corporate founding sponsors Microsoft Corporation, Morgan Stanley and ALM Media; and private practice sponsors Shearman & Sterling and the D.C. Diverse Partners Network to create this career fair.
According to the Washington Post, since the start of military action in Afghanistan thirteen years ago (the longest war in US history), roughly 2.4 million men and women have returned to civilian life after military service in theaters worldwide. Another million, mostly post-9/11 veterans, are expected to make this transition in the next four to five years. There is a historic need to support veterans with job opportunities, and this event is intended to address this need within the legal community. The Career Fair will match experienced attorneys, including active duty JAG Corps members, reservists and veterans, with employment opportunities within corporate legal departments, law firms, other private sector employers and government agencies.
"We were looking for a way to increase our commitment to the veterans' community beyond the pro bono services the firm provides. Through a dialogue with like-minded clients like Microsoft and Morgan Stanley, peer firms and veterans organizations, we identified the creation of a job fair as a distinctive way to make an impact," said Mitch Zuklie, Chairman and CEO of Orrick. For the past decade, Orrick has hosted the Bay Area Diversity Career Fair, one of the largest and most successful events of its kind. "We are excited to put that experience to work for the men and women who have served our country and who have gained a unique set of leadership skills through that service."
"We're eager to sponsor events such as these in order to help service members understand how their experience applies to opportunities in the private sector," said Chris Cortez, Microsoft's Vice President of Military Affairs. "It's also a great way for us to potentially recruit some of the finest talent our country has to offer. Microsoft benefits from a strong community of veterans who make significant, daily contributions to our business. Events such as the Veterans Legal Career Fair are another way we hope to continue to build that community, while reminding other firms about the talents veterans bring to the table."
The Career Fair is expected to attract dozens of employers seeking to interview veteran lawyers. The event will begin Friday evening with a panel discussion and networking reception. Saturday will be devoted to one-on-one interviewing. Using an internet-based system, candidates will be able to submit resumes, review postings and identify positions of interest, while employers will be able to screen interested candidates and schedule interviews. Spouses of active service members and veterans will also be eligible to participate.
Employers and veterans interested in more information are encouraged to send an email to: [email protected].