July 2022
At the meeting in July, the Board carefully reviewed and approved a $4.5 million budget for the 2023 Fiscal Year. The budget including funding for a fractional CIO to guide NALP in enhancing its technology infrastructure and user experiences. As part of the budget approval, the Board adopted membership dues and educational programming registration fees for 2022-2023:
FY 2023 DUES STRUCTURE
| Law Schools | |
| New Law School | $850/yr |
| Renewing Law School | $995/yr. |
| Law Firms | |
| New Law Firm | $850/yr |
| Renewing Law Firm Canada (up to 100 lawyers) | $995/yr* |
| Renewing Law Firm Canada (101+ lawyers) | $1375/yr |
| Renewing Law Firm US (up to 100 lawyers) | $1050/yr |
| Renewing Law Firm (101 - 500 lawyers) | $1600/yr |
| Renewing Law Firm (501-999 lawyers) | $1800/yr |
| Renewing Law Firm (1000 or more lawyers) | $2000/yr |
| Each Additional Office | $725/yr |
| Other Employers | |
| Government & Public Interest Organizations | $350/yr |
| Corporate/Other Legal Organizations | $1500/yr |
| Additional Members at Member Institutions | |
| Individual Associate Member | $250/yr |
| Affiliates | |
| Consultants | $425/yr |
| Legal Search Consultants | $850/yr |
| Affiliates Otherwise Eligible for Voting Membership | $850/yr |
| Alumni | $99/yr |
*new category
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Symposium — November 15, 2022, half-day, virtual — $350
Professional Development Institute — December 1-2, 2022, Washington, DC — $825
Public Service Mini-Conference — December 6-7, 2022, virtual — $75
Canadian Winter Meeting — December 6-7, 2022, virtual — $125
Canadian Diversity Summit — TBD, 2022 — $75
Legal Recruiting Summit — January 24, 2023, New York, NY — $650
Newer Professionals Forum — March 1-3, 2023, San Diego, CA — $600
Annual Education Conference — April 25-28, 2023, Vancouver, BC, Canada — $925
NALP ended the 2022 Fiscal Year in a strong financial position, notwithstanding the many ups and downs that occurred over the past year with various items that make up NALP's budget.
Board members also reviewed the feedback from members provided through Director outreach calls and Regional Leadership Council member reports; reviewed several of the documents used by the Nominating Committee to educate the membership about leadership position; suggested and implemented changes to make the nomination process more inclusive; and heard an update from the NALP Foundation on current research projects, including summary results from the Alumni Study on Employment and Career Satisfaction for the Class of 2018 and the Associate Attrition Study.
Board members also heard from Board Liaisons about the work of several Sections, Work Groups, Committees, Advisory Groups, and Task Forces.
July 2021
At the Board’s virtual meeting in July, the Board carefully reviewed and approved a $4.3 million budget for the 2022 Fiscal Year. This balanced budget, while based on many pre-pandemic "return-to-normal" assumptions, remains conservative in light of the ongoing uncertainty regarding the pandemic and how it may impact NALP and its members. As part of the budget approval, the Board adopted membership dues and educational programming registrations fees for 2021-2022:
FY 2022 DUES STRUCTURE
| Law Schools | |
| New Law School | $800/yr |
| Renewing Law School | $975/yr. |
| Law Firms | |
| New Law Firm | $800/yr |
| Renewing Law Firm US & Canada (up to 100 lawyers) | $975/yr |
| Renewing Law Firm Canada (101+ lawyers) | $1325/yr |
| Renewing Law Firm (101 - 500 lawyers) | $1400/yr |
| Renewing Law Firm (501-999 lawyers) | $1600/yr |
| *Renewing Law Firm (1000 or more lawyers) | $1800/yr* |
| Each Additional Office | $675/yr |
| Other Employers | |
| Government & Public Interest Organizations | $295/yr |
| Corporate/Other Legal Organizations | $975/yr |
| Additional Members at Member Institutions | |
| Individual Associate Member | $225/yr |
| Affiliates | |
| Consultants | $400/yr |
| Legal Search Consultants | $775/yr |
| Affiliates Otherwise Eligible for Voting Membership | $775/yr |
| Alumni | $99/yr |
*new category
2021-2022 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS & FEES (MEMBER, EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION FEES)
NALP ended the 2021 Fiscal Year in strong financial shape, notwithstanding the many ups and downs that occurred over the past year with various items that make up NALP’s budget.
Members overwhelmingly approved revisions to NALP’s By-Laws. The updated By-Laws are currently posted to the NALP website at www.nalp.org./bylaws. Among the changes approved by NALP members:
The Board spent considerable time discussing the health and well-being of NALP members and brainstormed a variety of ways that NALP can add value to its members in these areas, and we look forward to continuing to incorporate health and wellness into future programming and resources, including during regional, section, work group and advisory group meetings.
The Board participated in an advanced Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging training with Anu Gupta of BeMore (bemorewithanu.com).
The Board spent considerable time reviewing its Statement Against Racism, with a particular focus on how we can increase the pipeline of diverse candidates entering our profession, including possibly working with historically diverse colleges and universities and our own law students to promote these opportunities.
Board members also reviewed the feedback from members provided through Director outreach calls and Regional Resource Council member reports; reviewed several of the documents used by the Nominating Committee to educate the membership about leadership position; reviewed and updated Board policies, including the fiscal policy; and heard an update from the NALP Foundation on current research projects, including the Alumni Study on Employment and Career Satisfaction and the Associate Attrition Study, and upcoming programs and collaborations including a Town Hall with NALP on August 12 with deans and hiring partners and a General Counsel panel in the fall.
Board members also heard from Board Liaisons about the work of several Sections, Work Groups, Committees, Advisory Groups, and Task Forces.
Finally, NALP hosted several successful Town Halls focusing on return-to-office issues and the OCI callback process. Several additional Town Halls, webinars, and round tables are scheduled and the list can be found on the NALP website at www.nalp.org/events.
December 2019
After the 2019 recruiting cycle and before their November meeting, NALP’s Board members conducted outreach calls to members across the country. They asked members to respond to several questions about the recent recruiting cycle. Click here to read the summary of this outreach (PDF).
November 2019
NALP’s Board of Directors held its fall meeting along with a strategic planning session November 13-16, 2019. The Board reviewed and took action on several matters:
BOARD POLICY 114: SUBJECT: ANTICOMPETITIVE RISKS AND BEHAVIORS
As members of a professional trade association, NALP members should always bring a heightened awareness of antitrust and anticompetitive risks and behaviors to professional gatherings. NALP’s law school members compete with one another and NALP’s employer members compete with one another. Accordingly, NALP’s members should avoid entering any sort of agreement or understanding with competitors related to any aspect of competition. However, it is appropriate for NALP members to discuss information that is not competitively sensitive, such as industry trends, best practices, or general opportunities and challenges that arise in the legal careers profession.
The Board also engaged in a productive two-day strategic planning session which will culminate in a new strategic plan for NALP in 2020. In preparation for the strategic planning session, Board members reviewed the reports from Sections and regions, the results of the member survey, and the input gathered from a series of one-on-one interviews.
July 2019
NALP's Board of Directors held their summer meeting July 18-19, 2019. The Board reviewed and took action on several matters.
2020 Fiscal Year Budget - The Board adopted a $4.7 million budget for the 2020 fiscal year.
2020 Membership Dues - The Board set the calendar year 2020 dues rates:
| Law Schools | |
| New Law School | $775/yr. |
| Renewing Law School | $950/yr. |
| Law Firms | |
| New Law Firm | $775/yr. |
| Renewing Law Firm US & Canada (up to 100 lawyers) | $950/yr. |
| Renewing Law Firm Canada (101+ lawyers) | $1300/yr |
| Renewing Law Firm US (101 - 500 lawyers) | $1350/yr. |
| Renewing Law Firm (501 + lawyers) | $1500/yr. |
| Each Additional Office | $650/yr. |
| Other Employers | |
| Government & Public Interest Organizations | $295/yr. |
| Corporate/Other Legal Organizations | $950/yr. |
| Additional Members at Member Institutions | |
| Individual Associate Member | $215/yr. |
| Affiliates | |
| Consultants | $400/yr. |
| Legal Search Consultants | $775/yr. |
| Affiliates Otherwise Eligible for Voting Membership | $775/yr. |
| Alumni | $99/yr. |
| Canadian Members | |
| Law Schools | |
| New | $775/yr. |
| Renewing | $950/yr. |
| Law Firms | |
| New | $775/yr. |
| Renewing (up to 100 lawyers) | $950/yr. |
| Renewing (100+ lawyers) | $1300/yr. |
| Each Additional Office | $650/yr |
2020 Annual Education Conference Fees - The Board also set the base member early-bird registration rate for the 2020 Annual Education Conference in Montreal, QC, Canada at $850.
2019-2020 Educational Programming Dates and Fees
Updates to Future Editions of the NALP Directory of Legal Employers
Board members approved several updates to the NALP Directory of Legal Employers commencing with the 2020 edition:
Board members also:
April & May 2019
NALP’s Board of Directors met immediately prior to the April Annual Education in San Diego and again briefly at the end of Board Orientation in May. The Board reviewed and took action on several matters:
The Board approved use of funds from NALP’s Strategic Reserves to undertake a new knowledge management initiative aimed at updating and upgrading NALP’s user-content and online resources. The Knowledge Management Implementation Work Group will work with NALP staff and a team of consultants to assess next steps and work towards the orderly implementation of identified initiatives.
The Board reviewed and approved the 2019-2020 Business Plan as presented by 2019-2020 NALP President Georgia Emery Gray. In addition to a full complement of Sections and Groups, the plan includes five strategic work groups:
In May, the Board approved a modest increase in PSJD Subscription fees for the 2019-2020 program year commencing July 1.
| JD Enrollment | 2019-2020 Annual Subscription Fee |
| 2-249 | $900 |
| 250-499 | $1,225 |
| 500-699 | $1,500 |
| 700-999 | $1,700 |
| 1,000-1,200 | $1,900 |
| 1,201+ | $1,975 |
The Board reviewed NALP’s finances, which are in good shape, despite the unpredictable market.
The Board also approved updated signatories to the banking and investment accounts and approved a parliamentarian for the business year.
The Board is preparing to engage in strategic planning and will be working with individual sections, task forces, and work groups on this project throughout the year. The Board has engaged a consultant to facilitate the process.
The Board also extended their welcome to two new staff members who have joined NALP since the beginning of the year – Claire Nash as Member Services Coordinator and Danielle Taylor as Director of Research. Judy Collins has moved into the new position of Senior Research Associate for Special Projects in a part-time status.
July 2018
NALP's Board of Directors held their summer meeting July 13-14, 2018. The Board reviewed and took action on several matters.
2019 Fiscal Year Budget - The Board adopted a $4.3 million budget for the 2019 fiscal year.
2019 Membership Dues - The Board set the calendar year 2019 dues rates:
| Law Schools | |
| New Law School | $750/year |
| Renewing Law School | $950/year |
| Law Firms | |
| New Law Firm | $750/year |
| Renewing Law Firm (up to 100 lawyers) | $950/year |
| Renewing Law Firm (more than 100 lawyers) | $1300/year |
| Each Additional Office | $625/year |
| Other Employers | |
| Government & Public Interest Organizations | $295/year |
| Corporate/Other Legal Organizations | $950/year |
| Additional Members at Member Institutions | |
| Individual Associate Member | $195/year |
| Affiliates | |
| Consultants | $375/year |
| Legal Search Consultants | $750/year |
| Affiliates Otherwise Eligible for Voting Membership | $750/year |
| Alumni | $99/year |
2018-2019 Educational Programming Dates and Fees
Board members also:
Reviewed preliminary FY18 year-end financials
Reviewed the feedback from members provided through Director outreach calls and Regional Resource Council member reports.
Participated in a design thinking workshop facilitated by Erin Walczewski of Harvard Law School and Cooley LLP.
Discussed the Executive Director’s upcoming sabbatical.
Heard an update from the NALP Foundation on current research projects, including the Alumni Study on Employment and Career Satisfaction, Women of Color Study, the Study of Incivility in Law Firms, and the Cost Per Hire study. The Foundation is also planning a third Hiring Partner Summit for February 28 – March 1, 2019 at Latham & Watkins in Los Angeles.
Heard a report from Vice-President Michelle Gage on the Canadian legal education system, the Canadian legal market, and the Canadian recruiting system, including the articling process.
Reviewed several of the documents used by the Nominating Committee to educate the membership about leadership positions.
Reviewed and updated Board policies, including the fiscal policy.
Reviewed the evaluations for recent conferences including the Annual Education Conference and the Diversity & Inclusion Summit.
Heard from Board Liaisons about the work of several Sections, Work Groups, Committees, Advisory Groups, and Task Forces.
November 2017
NALP's Board of Directors held their fall meeting November 3-4, 2017. The Board reviewed and took action on several matters.
NALP is in a solid financial position. Revenue is slightly ahead of budget this quarter (8%), and expenses are slightly under budget (2%).
The Board accepted a clean audit report that showed no deficiencies or material weaknesses noted by the auditors. There were no recommendations for change, and the auditors commended NALP and the staff for its processes.
For this quarter the Regional Resource Council (RRC) conducted member outreach, with a focus on the recruiting season and innovations around the start of a new “academic” year at our institutions. Key takeaways:
The Board would like to thank the RRC for conducting the outreach. The reports they provided were very well received and contained a lot of detailed information that informed the discussion during our meeting.
The Board also agreed to issue an Open Letter to the membership seeking engagement on renewing NALP’s commitment to prevent sexual harassment in the hiring process. See http://www.nalp.org/uploads/OpenLetter_SexualHarassment_11-14-17.pdf.
NALP Foundation Report:
Volunteers are needed for projects with several Sections. Keep an eye on NALP Now for opportunities to work on discreet projects in the second half of the “NALP year.” We encourage members to join sections through NALP Connect – consider joining sections that may not seem obvious – to receive notifications when volunteers are needed and keep up with activities.
Emerging Careers Summit was very well received, and will most likely be offered on an every other year pattern – so look for future announcements about a future JD Advantage Career Summit in 2019.
The Board conducted a generative thinking exercise to discuss the future of the legal profession with a focus on legal careers. This exercise promoted collaborative dialogue. The questions discussed involved what the legal industry might look like in 2027 and how that would impact legal recruiting, careers services offices, and the legal industry broadly. The Board will be asking similar questions in outreach next quarter, so please keep an eye on NALPconnect in January.
Finally, Nomination season is open! Board members would like to encourage everyone to nominate colleagues – or yourselves – for leadership positions. NALP service is not only good for your own professional development, but is also a lot of fun!
July 2017
NALP's Board of Directors held their summer meeting July 14-15, 2017. The Board reviewed and took action on several matters.
| Law Schools | |
| New Law School | $750/yr |
| Renewing Law School | $900/yr |
| Law Firms | |
| New Law Firm | $750/yr |
| Renewing Law Firm (up to 100 lawyers) | $900/yr |
| Renewing Law Firm (more than 100 lawyers) | $1200/yr |
| Each Additional Office | $625/yr |
| Other Employers | |
| Government & Public Interest Organizations | $275/yr |
| Corporate/Other Legal Organizations | $900/yr |
| Additional Members at Member Institutions | |
| Individual Associate Member | $195/yr |
| Affiliates | |
| Consultants | $375/yr |
| Legal Search Consultants | $750/yr |
| Affiliates Otherwise Eligible for Voting Membership | $750/yr |
| Alumni | $99/yr |
Board members also:
November 2016
NALP's Board of Directors held their fall meeting November 3-4, 2016. The Board considered a number of issues and heard from Board Liaisons about the work of the Sections, Interest Groups, Work Groups, Committees, Task Forces, and Advisory Groups.
Financial Decisions
2016 Audit Accepted — At the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board voted to accept the clean audited financial statements for fiscal year 2016.
Foundation Financial Support — In response to a request from the Foundation, the Board agreed to grant $30,000 to the NALP Foundation to assist with the preparation of a new NALP/NALP Foundation co-branded edition of the International Directory of Lawyer Qualifications, which will be released in fall 2017.
Board members also:
Member Outreach Summary
Board members discussed the feedback from their member outreach calls in preparation for the November Board meeting. Their findings are summarized as follows:
Use of Technology to Engage Students – Members report a wide range of ways in which they are using technology, but don’t necessarily feel expert enough to provide tips/recommendations to others. Across the board members report it is becoming more and more difficult to engage with students and new associates. Technology is being use to track data, to create internal, propriety social networks, and to develop short (5-7 minute) videos. At least one school reported abandoning attempting to use technological communications tools to engage with students and has returned to setting up shop in places where students gather.
Several school members noted a higher sense of entitlement on the part of students and the need for immediate responses or just-in-time/on-demand resources/responses. School members also noted that many students are socially awkward and are not open to communicating using methods outside their comfort zones. School members indicated that they could benefit from additional resources on providing services for transfer students.
Law firm members noted that students and associates have broad expectations of how firms will treat clerkships, when in reality it can vary significantly from firm-to-firm and depend on the type of clerkship or practice group the student or associate is in. Employers also noted professionalism challenges with students not responding to voicemail. Some employers report that their pre-OCI activities were the least effective, resulting in offers that stayed open the longest and had the lowest yield.
July 2016
NALP's Board of Directors held their summer meeting July 22-23, 2016. The Board reviewed and took action on several matters.
Board members also:
November 2015
NALP's Board of Directors held their fall meeting November 5-6, 2015. The Board considered a number of issues and heard from Board Liaisons about the work of the Sections, Interest Groups, Work Groups, Committees, Task Forces, and Advisory Groups.
14-Day Reaffirmation Provision Made Permanent in NALP’s Part V Timing Guidelines in the Principles
The Board adopted as permanent the 14-day reaffirmation provision (Part V B1 and C1) within the 28-day response window for candidates not previously employed. This had been provisional for the past two recruiting cycles and outreach from Board members and the Ethics and Standards Advisory Group had indicated that some members used them and others did not. Several members found them helpful in managing yield and in encouraging open lines of communication with candidates. Other members opted not to use them, but did not object to their presence for those who found them helpful.
Financial Decisions
2015 Audit Accepted — At the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board voted to accept the clean audited financial statements for fiscal year 2015.
Foundation Support — The Board approved a $10,000 donation to the NALP Foundation for calendar year 2017. The Board also agreed to consider providing additional support funds to individual research projects as they are developed.
Board members also:
Member Outreach Summary
Board members discussed the feedback from their member outreach calls in preparation for the November Board meeting. Their findings are summarized as follows:
OCI – Schools generally reported OCI went well noting even more compression in the process, and an even shorter time frame between on-campus interviews, callbacks, and offers. Some schools report an increase in JD advantage hiring, although virtually no on-campus interviewing for non-partner track positions. Schools reported minimal 3L OCI hiring activity, and the 3L hiring that did occur was usually practice specific. Most schools anticipate similar offer rates. Some firms report that students responded quickly to offers while others report they were slower to respond and asked for additional follow-up interactions. Many firms noted that compression is still a challenge while others note that they have adapted. Many firms note that students are not responding to firm’s outreach (voicemails, emails, etc.) and the current generation of students does not seem to like to communicate via phone. Some employers reported more outreach in the form of receptions rather than formal dinners.
Summer Programs – Most firms reported little change in summer programs. Some reported that students were slower to respond to offers at the end of the summer.
Clerkships – There continues to be confusion (and frustration) around timing, but now there is a sense of familiarity on the part of schools with the application chaos. Several schools are seeing fewer students apply which they attribute to the fact that there are too many other things going on when students might otherwise apply and that the process is confusing. Other schools are seeing more students apply and having more success with a process that doesn’t put all of the ‘top school/top candidates’ in the market at the same time. Some judges seem to be hiring earlier. Employers saw little impact over the summer, although some reported more students applying. Some employers noted that they were not fond of the two-year clerkship. Smaller employers continue to indicate that it can be a challenge for them to manage offers and the clerkship process.
Other School Observations – Some schools report an increase in apathy among students. Some schools noted that given the increased speed of the OCI process that students may not be making the best choices.
Canada – Canadian members report that the fall recruitment is complete and that the market remained relatively flat (and stable) in this cycle as it has over the past several years. There has also been an increase in mental health and resilience programs at law firms. More firms report using behavior based interviews. The generational divide seems to be expanding in Canada as well. Employers experienced increased requests for skype or other video interviews this year. The energy sector is down in Calgary, which impacted the recruiting process. The Law Practice Program (LPP) (an alternative to articling) has now completed its first year of operation. The Atlantic provinces don’t have recruitment guidelines or rules so there has been a bit of chaos in that market. In general summers report working harder. The timing of recruitment is challenging as many cities are recruiting simultaneously.
July 2015
NALP's Board of Directors held their summer meeting July 23-24, 2015. The Board reviewed and took action on several matters.
Board members also:
Highlights from Board Outreach Calls
Board members discussed the feedback from their member outreach calls in preparation for the July Board meeting. Their findings are summarized as follows:
OCI - Across the US responses were very similar, exhibiting very few regional variations. For the most part OCI levels are similar to last year with some employers going to fewer schools or conducting fewer schedules. The length of summer programs once again are in the 10-12 week range. Virtually no employers reported using their OCI hiring for non-partner track candidates. Firms in general are reporting that summer associates are somewhat more engaged this summer.
1L Outreach Efforts - Many firms reported ramping up their 1L outreach attempting to connect with 1Ls earlier, and several are starting to proffer at least a handful of offers before the formal commencement of OCI programs (in an attempt to get a leg up on the competition to attract slam-dunk candidates). While still planning to participate in OCI, firms are looking for creative ways to generate candidate pools earlier. Firms that host 1L events in the 1L spring report high levels of participation. Firms also report that many students are approaching them well in advance of the OCI process, many seeking informational interviews.
Reaffirmation - As for the 14-day reaffirmation provision, many firms report including the language in their offer letters, but few report they will enforce it. Use of the provision seems to vary to some degree by firm (or office size) with smaller firms/office more likely to operationalize it. Some firms say "what's the point?" while others say "Thank you NALP, couldn't live without it."
School Update - Schools for the most part anticipate fall entering class sizes about the same as last year, with some anticipating further reductions in entering class size. Washington DC area schools are reporting an uptick in JD advantage type jobs, usually regulatory in nature, and schools in the southeast have reported an uptick in oil/gas regulatory compliance positions. Most schools reported that they are taking steps to prepare for the ABA Audit Protocol. Schools also report that students seem well informed about the current state of the job market, although they are not necessarily fully engaged in the job search process.
Canadian Update - Some Canadian members observed that students appear less interested in long-term private practice and they are either highly engaged in the job search process or almost completely disengaged. Other topics on Canadian members' minds include salary data on students, the US/Canadian currency exchange rate, the LPP program, and Skype interviewing.
November 2014
NALP's Board of Directors held their fall meeting November 7-8, 2014. The Board considered a number of issues and heard from Board Liaisons about the work of the Sections, Interest Groups, Work Groups, Committees, Task Forces, and Advisory Groups.
Two Recent Provisional Changes Made Permanent in NALP’s Part V Timing Guidelines in the Principles and Standards; Provisional Status Extended for Another Cycle for the 14-Day Reaffirmation Provision
Among other actions, Board members:
Financial Decisions
2014 Audit Accepted. At the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board voted to accept the audited financial statements for fiscal year 2014.
Foundation Support. The Board approved a $20,000 contribution to the NALP Foundation for operating expenses for FY 2016.
Member Outreach Summary
Board members discussed the feedback from their member outreach calls in preparation for the November Board meeting. Their findings are summarized as follows:
The new October 1 deadline for previously employed students. Members reported that students generally responded quickly to their offers of employment. In general members expressed satisfaction with the October 1 deadline for responses.
The new 14 day reaffirmation provision for those students not previously employed. Members expressed mixed degrees of satisfaction with this new provision. While few members seemed to use it, many expressed that they were pleased to have it as an option. The range of responses seemed to range from neutral to satisfied. Some members, primarily those with smaller summer programs and/or smaller offices, found it useful in managing their yield, noting that it at least provided an opportunity to hear from the students. Others did not find it useful or helpful. Several members noted that some students reaffirmed immediately (upon receipt of the offer) - “instant reaffirmation” - and then had no additional communication with the firm until the 28th day; members noted that this did not seem to be in the spirit of the provision. Most firms opted not to enforce the 14 day requirement and found that many students were unaware of the provision.
Recruiting season in general. Members generally reported that the recruiting season seemed shorter, faster, and more compressed than ever. Some members reported more cancelled callbacks and that some students let offers expire. Despite the 28 day rule and the 14 day reaffirmation provision, some small/medium sized firms/offices still report that they feel that they are losing out on some candidates. In some regions (SE), it appeared that firms were not giving candidates 28 days from the start of the candidates’ law schools’ OCI programs to respond to offers.
Offer rates. In general members reported that offer rates seemed about the same.
Impact of clerkship application process on summer associates. Some firm members reported that some summer associates arrived with clerkships in hand. Firm members did not report any disruption from the clerkship application process that took place over the summer; several indicated that it seemed as if fewer students were applying for clerkships.
School members generally reported that fewer students were opting to apply for judicial clerkships noting that the process is more complicated with more work for less potential payoff.
3L Hiring. Firm members reported mixed practices with most firms indicating no or very limited 3L hiring, some doing a small amount, and others looking primarily to the clerkship pool for additional talent.
July 2014
NALP’s Board of Directors held their summer meeting July 11-12, 2014. The Board reviewed and took action on several matters.
Board members also:
Highlights from Board Outreach Calls
Board members discussed the feedback from their member outreach calls in preparation for the July Board meeting. Their findings are summarized as follows:
JD Advantage Jobs — In terms of JD advantage type jobs, some schools did not report significant changes at the entry level, but sensed movement in that direction amongst graduates who had already gained some experience. Many schools reported an increase in students’ willingness to consider other types of jobs (and that they were actively pushing students to consider a broad range options), noting that students are more realistic and know they have to be actively engaged in their job search process. Many schools reported an increase in compliance jobs.
ABA Audit — Board members noted that schools generally did not indicate that they would be increasing staff to assist in the data collection process. Several schools report refining their current processes to accommodate the new ABA requirements. Schools expressed some concerns about potential inconsistencies in their data that might trigger an ABA audit, about effectively maintaining electronic records, and about how the ABA will enforce this new reporting. Many schools continued to be frustrated by the fact that complying with the rules will take valuable time away from counseling and working with students. Board members did note that many members appreciated NALP’s proactive work with the ABA to improve the end product.
Fall Recruiting Process — As for the provisional changes to the Principles and Standards timing guidelines, and the new 14 day reaffirmation provision in particular, some firms indicated that they will be implementing it, others that they will not; and others that they will be it implementing strategically, using it to manage yield in their offices with smaller summer programs. Many indicated that they do not have the staff or time to monitor an additional touch-point in the heat of the recruiting season.
February 2014
NALP's Board of Directors held their winter meeting February 7-8, 2014. The Board considered a number of issues and heard from Board Liaisons about the work of the Sections, Interest Groups, Work Groups, Committees, Task Forces, and Advisory Groups.
The Board’s attention focused primarily on Part V and a response to the draft ABA Protocol for Reviewing Law Graduate Employment Data.
Part V Changes
At its recent meeting, NALP’s Board of Directors voted to adopt a series of provisional changes to Part V of NALP’s Principles and Standards. The updated guidelines, which are effective immediately, 1) incorporate a 14-day reaffirmation provision within the 28-day offer response window for those candidates not previously employed and 2) change the offer response deadline for those candidates previously employed by an organization to 28 days following the date of the offer letter or October 1, whichever is later, rather than November 1. The updated guidelines are on the Principles and Standards page of the NALP website, and there is a memorandum more fully describing the changes along with the full-text of Part V. The Board also adopted a new Interpretation 22 on using the reaffirmation provisions.
NALP Board Response to ABA Draft Protocol
On February 10, immediately following the Board meeting, NALP’s Board of Directors submitted a response to the request for comments on the Draft Protocol for Reviewing Law Graduate Employment Data, and Statement of Procedures for Collecting, Maintaining, and Reporting Law Graduate Employment Data released by the ABA Section on Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar on January 16, 2014. A copy of the submitted comments is available here.
Among other actions, Board members:
NALP Foundation Report
The Board also heard an update on the current work of the NALP Foundation from Foundation CEO/President Tammy Patterson and Foundation Board of Trustees Chair Thomas Sager including the Keeping the Keepers III project, which reviews attorney attrition from 2006-2011, the Annual Update on Associate Attrition (for calendar year 2013), which is scheduled to be released in March, the upcoming second iteration of the Associate Evaluation/Performance Review Study, which will include all non-partner timekeepers, and a potential new research project on conflicts. The Foundation also reported on the third and final phase of the After the JD study, the initial results of which will be released in early spring 2014.
The Foundation also reported that preliminary data is in from the Law School Employment Outcomes Study, a joint project between NALP and the Foundation, launched in September to a beta group of 20 law schools. It is anticipated that the data will be shared with the participating schools and that Foundation Researcher Jennifer Mandery and NALP Director of Research Judy Collins will prepare an article on the aggregate data for the NALP Bulletin. The Ad Hoc Work Group plans to move forward with next steps to make the survey tool available to all law schools during the next research cycle, likely later this spring.
Member Outreach Summary
Board members discussed the feedback from their member outreach calls in preparation for the November Board meeting. Their findings are summarized as follows:
Many school members reported increased efforts to work with 3Ls and recent grads from an “all-hands-on-deck approach” to hiring new staff members (one school hired an ex-headhunter) to hiring outside consultants to work with unemployed 3Ls and recent graduates. Schools also indicated increased efforts to get ‘alternative employers’ (e.g. compliance, consulting, corporations, etc) as well as small and mid-sized law firms to look at their students. Many school members also reported engaging with their 1Ls earlier as a result of the new provisional NALP 1L guidelines. Some school members also reported a lack of a sense of urgency amongst their 1Ls. School members also reported implementing a wide range of “new for them” programs, and many also reported making some programs “mandatory” for students.
On the firm side, most employers reported limited to no 3L hiring, except in IP and technical areas where the demand remains moderate. Most employers also reported minimal 1L hiring, much of it focused around diversity fellowships. Most firms also reported low attrition rates and a moderately active, if somewhat slowing, lateral market.
November 2013
NALP's Board of Directors held their fall meeting November 8-9, 2013. The Board considered a number of issues and heard from Board Liaisons about the work of the Sections, Interest Groups, Work Groups, Committees, Task Forces, and Advisory Groups.
Among other actions, Board members:
NALP Foundation Report
The Board also heard an update on the current work of the NALP Foundation from Foundation CEO/President Tammy Patterson including the Keeping the Keepers III project, which reviews attorney attrition from 2006-2011, the Annual Update on Associate Attrition (for calendar year 2013), which is scheduled to be released in March, and the upcoming second iteration of the Associate Evaluation/Performance Review Study, which will include all non-partner timekeepers. The Foundation also reported on the third and final phase of the After the JD study, the initial results of which will be released in early spring 2014.
She also reported that the Law School Employment Outcomes Study, a joint project between NALP and the Foundation, launched in September to a beta group of 20 law schools. She noted that this is a survey of the class of 2010, 3 years out, intended to measure job status and career satisfaction. After the survey results are reviewed and analyzed, each participating school with sufficient responses will get a report for their school and for the aggregate national beta group for comparison purposes. She noted that at the end of the beta cycle, the planning team will regroup to see what, if any, adjustments need to be made to the instruments or the process, in addition to determining what fees will be charged to participate, before the survey is launched/offered to all ABA approved law schools in 2014.
The Foundation also hosted a summit in October on Tomorrow’s Law Practice: A Forum on the Market Demand and Opportunities for Lawyers. Participants included law firm partners, law school deans, law firm and law school professionals, and general counsel who engaged in a candid discussion of unique topics.
Member Outreach Summary
Board members discussed the feedback from their member outreach calls in preparation for the November Board meeting. Their findings are summarized as follows:
In general most school members reported implementing the earlier October 15 1L contact date by working with 1Ls earlier. Members reported that 1L students generally seemed to like being able to get started on their job searches earlier. Schools members generally reported a similar level of on-campus interviewing activity as last year. School members also reported some government employers cancelled campus visits and interviews due to the government shutdown. Schools also report ongoing anxiety over the judicial clerkship application process as well as the impact of transfer students (both incoming and outgoing).
Firm members indicated that they are not happy about the fact that the recruiting season seems to be getting shorter and shorter, but they are adapting and adjusting. Many firms noted that students were taking the full 28 days (or waiting until November 1 if previously employed) before making a decision, making it difficult for firms (especially smaller firms or smaller offices) to manage yields; some firms say the 28 days is too long. Members noted that some students are holding interviews and then cancelling them at the last minute. Some firms reported an increase in requests for split summers. Firms also report an increase in callback cancellations.
Financial Decisions
2013 Audit Accepted — At the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board voted to accept the audited financial statements for fiscal year 2013. The Board also had an opportunity to review and ask questions about NALP’s 2013 990 tax filing.
Foundation Support — The Board approved a $25,000 contribution to the NALP Foundation for operating expenses for FY 2015.
July 2013
NALP’s Board of Directors held their summer meeting July 11-12, 2013. The Board reviewed and took action on several matters.
Board members also:
Highlights from Board Outreach Calls
Board members discussed the feedback from their member outreach calls in preparation for the November Board meeting. Their findings are summarized as follows:
February 2013
NALP's Board of Directors held their winter meeting February 21-22, 2013. The Board considered a number of issues and heard from Board Liaisons about the work of the Sections, Interest Groups, Work Groups, Committees, Task Forces, and Advisory Groups. Board members also reviewed feedback from members to Director outreach calls and from the Regional Resource Council.
Among other actions, Board members:
Review of Principles and Standards Part V
1L Timing Guidelines
Board members discussed all elements of Part V D, which addresses Summer Employment Provisions for First Year Students. In particular they focused on Part VD1 that states that "Law Schools should not offer career services to first semester first year law students prior to November 1 except in the case of part-time students who may be given assistance in seeking positions during the school term." Board members also reviewed Interpretation 14 which addresses Professional Orientation Services for First Year Students.Board members agreed to revise Part VD1 to explicitly state that law schools can work with students from their arrival on campus on general matters related to professionalism. In addition, it will be revised to more accurately reflect accepted practice and to explicitly state that law schools should not begin offering one-on-one career counseling and resume or application document review appointments to first-year students prior to October 15. Board members agreed that the proposed changes would be circulated to the membership for a period of notice and comment prior to the April Board meeting, at which time the Board will decide whether to adopt the change on a provisional basis.
Proposed Additional Affirmation for Candidates Not Previously Employed
Board members discussed a proposal from a member that would add a reaffirmation requirement for candidates not previously employed by the employer. Board members agreed not to propose a reaffirmation provision for candidates not previously employed.Early Offers
Observing that some employers seem to be giving offers before the start of OCI in the late summer, Board members noted that some of these employers do not seem to be aware of Interpretation 20 which says that offers prior to the commencement of the fall interview program to candidates not previously employed should not expire until at least 28 days from the first day of the law school's OCI program. Board members recommended more education on Interpretation 20.
NALP Foundation Report
The Board also heard an update on the current work of the NALP Foundation from Foundation CEO/President Tammy Patterson and Foundation Board of Trustees Chair Thomas Sager, including the Assessing the State of Mentoring in the Legal Profession study which was released on February 25, the Keeping the Keepers III project, which will review attorney attrition from 2006-2011, and the 2012 Update on Associate Attrition, both of which are scheduled to be released prior to the NALP Annual Education Conference in April. The Foundation also reported on the status of the third and final phase of the After the JD study (results due in summer 2013).
The Foundation, with sponsorship support from NALP, is also planning a Law Leaders Summit for fall 2013 which is intended to bring together law school deans, law firm hiring partners, general counsel, and other thought leaders to discuss how the law firm model has changed since the 1950s.
The Foundation also announced the arrival of new Senior Vice-President Michelle Nash.
November 2012
NALP's Board of Directors held their fall meeting November 15-16, 2012. The Board considered a number of issues and heard from Board Liaisons about the work of the Sections, Interest Groups, Work Groups, Committees, Task Forces, and Advisory Groups.
Among other actions, Board members:
NALP Foundation Report
The Board also heard an update on the current work of the NALP Foundation from Foundation CEO/President Tammy Patterson and Foundation Board of Trustees Chair Thomas Sager, including the Assessing the State of Mentoring in the Legal Profession study which will be released in January, the Keeping the Keepers III project, which will review attorney attrition from 2006-2011, and the 2012 Update on Associate Attrition, which is scheduled to be released in March. The Foundation also reported on the status of upcoming research projects: the third and final phase of the After the JD study (results due in summer 2013), an updated associate evaluation study, and an update to the International Lawyer Qualifications Directory.
The Foundation is also planning a Law Leaders Summit for fall 2013 which is intended to bring together law school deans, law firm hiring partners, general counsel, and other thought leaders to discuss how the law firm model has changed since the 1950s.
The Foundation also announced the retirement of Senior Vice-President Pam Malone at the end of the year.
MEMBER OUTREACH SUMMARY
Board members discussed the feedback from their member outreach calls in preparation for the November Board meeting. Their findings are summarized as follows:
FINANCIAL DECISIONS
2012 Audit Approved — At the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board voted to accept and approve the audited financial statements for fiscal year 2012. The Board also agreed to follow the Investment Oversight Committee’s recommendation that the Board allocate the 2012 change in net assets (~$128,000) to the strategic reserve.Foundation Support — The Board approved a $25,000 contribution to the NALP Foundation for operating expenses for FY 2014, and an additional $5,000 grant to support the Law Leaders Summit that the Foundation will sponsor in 2013.
AALS EMPLOYER AFFIRMATION ON EEO STATEMENTS
Executive Director Leipold reported that he and President Wager had attended the recent AALS Council Meeting where the Council discussed employer assurances of nondiscrimination. He reported that AALS has heard and understands the concerns shared by many school members and is working on updated guidance. He anticipates that the current requirements (or a variation) will stay in place for employers actively recruiting on campus, and they are considering how best to approach other listings.
July 2012
NALP’s Board of Directors held their summer meeting July 20-21, 2012. The Board reviewed and took action on several matters.
February 2012
NALP's Board of Directors held their fall meeting February 17-18, 2012. The Board considered a number of issues and heard from Board Liaisons about the work of the Sections, Interest Groups, Work Groups, Committees, Task Forces, and Advisory Groups. Among other actions, Board members:
The Board also heard a status report on the NALP Foundation from Foundation Senior Vice President Pam Malone, including an update on their Board of Trustees and fundraising yields for the year. She also reported upcoming and ongoing research projects: a mentoring study, the third and final phase of the After the JD study, and a five year overview of the associate attrition studies.
MEMBER OUTREACH SUMMARY
Prior to each Board meeting, Board members reach out to the NALP membership by hosting an open forum region-wide conference call, by contacting individual members in their assigned region for feedback, or a combination of both. NALP members are encouraged to share their responses with Board members through these channels, or to reach out to Board members directly to share any thoughts, issues, concerns or compliments.
Board members discussed the feedback from their member outreach calls in preparation for the February Board meeting. Their findings are summarized as follows:
EMPLOYER FEEDBACK SUMMARY
3L Hiring: Most members reported limited 3L hiring, and what 3L hiring did occur seemed to be practice area specific and from the top of the class.
1L Hiring: Most members similarly reported limited 1L hiring, and much of that was diversity related.
Lateral Hiring: While there is a general sense that the trend in lateral hiring has been up, individual employers report a broad range of lateral hiring trends, from significant increases to declines.
Summer Associate Retreats: Employers are generally proceeding very cautiously with retreats of any sort. For those that hosted them, they were generally in-house, not necessarily called "retreats," and often were practice area specific.
Attrition: Employers reported more attrition in associate ranks than partner ranks.
Staffing: Some employers reported filling internal administrative positions that had been open for a year or more, but none report any new positions.
Social Media: Employers report using social media to varying degrees, and to be in an experimental phase, vetting possible uses with marketing departments and general counsel. For the most part, firms report exploring the use of LinkedIn. Some firms report using LinkedIn to identify/recruit potential laterals
SCHOOL FEEDBACK SUMMARY
General Observations: Law school members generally report that they are working hard with no new resources; that entry-level employment market improvements are minimal; and it would appear larger urban markets (e.g. Philadelphia, DC) are faring better than smaller markets (e.g. Baltimore, Pittsburgh). CSO staffs appear to be worn down and the turnover rate among CSO staff is palpable. There is anxiety related to the poor legal job market, student debt, and graduate data collection. Members who also play a role in the admissions process report that it is getting harder to attract diverse candidates. Law school applications are down 20% this year which could have serious budget implications for some law schools. Similarly, the current job market could result in an increase in employer outreach efforts especially to smaller and mid-sized legal employers.
ABA and NALP ERSS Data Collection: School members report that the data collection process is very burdensome (especially for small/solo CSOs) and that the backup documentation level has increased significantly, with the underlying anticipation of a potential audit of the numbers in the future. One of the significant challenges continues to be to get students to provide salary data. Many schools noted that the impact of spending time on the ABA data collection has been to take resources away from direct counseling and other programs.
New programs: Most schools are not reporting new programming initiatives so much as attempting to maintain the higher level of programming and services implemented over the last two years as a result of the recession, while simultaneously responding to the current generation's need/request for more individualized counseling.
Social media: Schools report continuing to train students to be savvy about what they post on social media outlets. Some schools report posting video snippets as well.
November 2011
NALP's Board of Directors held their fall meeting November 3-4, 2011. The Board considered a number of issues and heard from Board Liaisons about the work of the Sections, Interest Groups, Work Groups, Committees, Task Forces, and Advisory Groups. Among other actions, Board members:
The Board also heard an update on the current work of the NALP Foundation from Foundation CEO/President Tammy Patterson, including the release of two new Foundation publications: Leading Law Firm Professional Development and the 2011 Associate Attrition Study. The Foundation also reported upcoming research projects: a mentoring study, the third and final phase of the After the JD study, a five year overview of the associate attrition studies, an associate evaluation study, and the public service experiential learning study
MEMBER OUTREACH SUMMARY
Board members discussed the feedback from their member outreach calls in preparation for the November Board meeting. Their findings are summarized as follows:
Board members discussed members’ concerns about the compression of the interviewing season in August. Board members also discussed the possibility of using the polling technology in NALP’s webinar system to have an interactive outreach call with members.
Board members also discussed the November 1 kick-off date for working with 1L students.
FINANCIAL DECISIONS
2011 Audit Approved — At the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board voted to accept and approve the audited financial statements for fiscal year 2011. The Committee also recommended that the Board allocate the 2011 change in net assets as follows: $50K for a marketing and branding project, and the remainder, approximately $350K to the strategic reserve.
Foundation Support — The Board also approved a $20,000 contribution to the NALP Foundation for operating expenses for FY 2013, and an additional $25,000 grant for the third and final phase of the After the JD study.
July 2011
NALP’s Board of Directors held their summer meeting July 15-16, 2011. The Board reviewed and took action on several matters.
The Board also:
February 2011
NALP's Board of Directors held their fall meeting February 24-25, 2011. The Board considered a number of issues and heard from Board Liaisons about the work of the Sections, Interest Groups, Work Groups, Committees, and Advisory Groups.
Board Approves Extending Provisional Timing Guidelines Through 2011
NALP's Board of Directors unanimously voted to continue the current provisional Part V Timing Guidelines through the 2011 recruiting cycle. In 2010, NALP's Board provisionally adopted the current guidelines (which, generally, call for an offer to a candidate not previously employed by the organization to remain open for at least 28 days following the date of the offer letter, and for an offer to a candidate previously employed by the organization to remain open until November 1; see NALP's Principles & Standards for full details). At the end of the 2010 recruiting cycle, NALP's Ethics and Standards Advisory Group surveyed NALP's membership to determine how the 28 days worked for members. While members generally reported that the 28 days worked for them, results from the survey suggested that the legal recruitment market is still in flux, and the Ethics and Standards Advisory Group therefore recommended that the Board opt for another provisional year. NALP will again gauge the market following the 2011 recruiting season and consider options for 2012.
Bylaws Committee Presents Report/Recommendations to Board
Following the adoption of the 2010-2015 Long Range Strategic Plan, President Carol Sprague appointed a Bylaws Committee to consider several charges consistent with goals of the Plan including a review of NALP's regional structure (focusing specifically on how the current regional structure impacts Board composition, election results, and member engagement; the role and scope of the Regional Coordinators; and the impact of the 'cap' on regional representation on the Board), a review of NALP's membership structure, and a general review of the Bylaws to ensure they do not impede the implementation of any of the goal's established in NALP's Strategic Plan.
The Bylaws Committee, chaired by Marilyn Drees of Yale Law School, has worked through the summer, fall and winter and presented their report and recommendations to the Board. The Board concurred with several of their recommendations and has requested that the Committee further develop some of the proposals for presentation to the membership for review and discussion at the Annual Education Conference in April, with the planned vote on the proposed changes to take place electronically later in the spring/summer.
The general recommendations include:
More detailed information about the proposals will be available at the Annual Education Conference, where members will be invited to share their views during the Town Hall Meeting.
NJ Members to be Divided Between Northeast and Mid-Atlantic NALP Regions in 2011-2012 Business Cycle
NALP's 2010-2011 Bylaws Committee was also charged with considering realignment of NALP's regions to best reflect economically integrated multi-state markets. This charge, in particular, had come about based on a request from NALP members in northern NJ to be included in NALP's Northeast region rather than the Mid-Atlantic region due to their proximity and affinity with the New York City area. A subgroup of the Bylaws Committee reached out to all NALP members in NJ to gauge their interest in either remaining in the Mid-Atlantic region or returning to the Northeast region (with which NJ had been affiliated prior to the creation of the Mid-Atlantic region in 1999). They also surveyed the general membership in NALP's Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions.
After weighing various considerations, the Committee recommended and the Board approved realigning NALP's Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions by splitting New Jersey members along a line that retains the integrity of the respective regional markets. Northern New Jersey members will join the Northeast region and southern New Jersey members will remain in the Mid-Atlantic region. These updated regional affiliations will take effect at the April Annual Business Meeting and the commencement of the 2011-2012 business cycle.
MEMBER OUTREACH SUMMARY
Board members discussed the feedback from their member outreach calls in preparation for the February Board meeting. Their findings are summarized as follows:
The Board also:
November 2010
NALP's Board of Directors held their fall meeting November 5-6, 2010. The Board considered a number of issues and heard from Board Liaisons about the work of the Sections, Interest Groups, Work Groups, Committees, and Advisory Groups. Among other actions, Board members:
The Board also heard an update on the current work of the NALP Foundation from Foundation CEO/President Tammy Patterson and Foundation Trustee Tom Leatherbury.
MEMBER OUTREACH SUMMARY
Board members discussed the feedback from their member outreach calls in preparation for the November Board meeting. Their findings are summarized as follows:
FINANCIAL DECISIONS
2010 Audit Approved — At the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board voted to accept and approve the audited financial statements for fiscal year 2010. The Committee also recommended that the Board allocate the 2010 change in net assets of $218,788.91entirely to operating reserves, increasing the Operating Reserve to $870,030.50 from $654,241.54.
New Investment Policy — The Board approved a new Investment Policy, and, following an RFP, chose a new investment advisor to provide professional investment services.
Foundation Support — The Board also approved a $20,000 contribution to the NALP Foundation for operating expenses for FY 2012.
July 2010
NALP’s Board of Directors held their summer meeting July 16-17, 2010. The Board reviewed and took action on several matters.
2011 Fiscal Year Budget — The Board adopted a three and a quarter million dollar budget for the 2010 fiscal year. This represents an increase of about a quarter of a million dollars which over the three million dollar fiscal 2010 budget which represented a 25% decrease from the previous year (2009).
2011 Membership Dues/NDLE Listing Fees — After keeping member dues flat between 2009 and 2010, the Board set 2011 dues rates that include small increases in most of the rates. Dues rates for individual associate members, public service employers, and bar associations, however, will remain the same in 2011. The Board also set listing fees, representing a modest increase, for listing fees in the 2011 NALP Directory of Legal Employers. See the fees here (PDF).
2011 Annual Education Conference Fees — The Board set the base member early bird registration rate for the 2011 Annual Education Conference at $650. In response to overwhelming member feedback, the 2011 conference registration fee will include continental breakfast on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings.
Investment Advisor RFP Process — Board members reviewed proposals from investment advisors to provide investment services to NALP. NALP’s Investment Oversight Committee will conduct further interviews and make a recommendation.
Roundtables to Discuss Developments in the Profession — Building on the success of the 2009-2010 series of Roundtables on the Future of Lawyer Hiring, Training, and Advancement co-hosted with the NALP Foundation, Board members also agreed to develop 1-2 additional Roundtables in 2010-2011 for hiring partners, deans, and general counsel that will focus on the many changes currently happening within the legal recruitment profession.
Snapshot Surveys — The Board charged the recruiting section with developing short, timely surveys to gauge recruiting activity amongst the membership. The Board also agreed to the Ethics and Standards Advisory Group’s request to survey the membership in the fall to gauge the impact of the 28-day and November 1 offer acceptance guidelines.
‘Counseling the Counselors’ Conference Call — Board members agreed to ask a senior NALP member to facilitate a conference call for NALP school members to discuss how they are coping with student anxiety and stress related to the constricted job market and how they are proactively caring for themselves and their colleagues.
AALS Section on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Issues — The Board agreed unanimously to join the AALS Section on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Issues in their request to the ABA Standards Committee to add sexual orientation and gender identity to Standard 212 (a) and (b) and gender identity to Standard 211 (a), (b), (c) and (d). The Board requested that Executive Director Leipold prepare a letter conveying NALP’s support.
USNews ‘At Graduation’ Number — Board members also discussed the reported upcoming change to the way USNews treats the ‘employed at graduation’ number. Board members agreed to use the NALP Bulletin to educate members about the existing and upcoming change in methodology, and to the preparation of a consumer information piece focusing on when law students get their jobs.
Law School Transparency Project — Board members also discussed the request from this group that most law school received in early July and noted that the listserve discussions had provided a robust forum for school members to discuss the issues related to this group’s data request, and that many schools have indicated that they would not be providing the requested data to the group.
The Board also:
Reviewed reports from all Sections, Advisory Groups, Work Groups, Task Forces and Committees. Section Reports are now posted online on each Section's information page.
Agreed to have the International and Advanced Degree Advising and Recruiting Section pilot a twitter feed to deliver Section content to Section members, students, and employers.
Approved two new work groups: one in the Judicial Clerkship Section to explore hiring by administrative law judges, and another in the International Advanced Degree Advising Section to explore bar exam and licensure issues for international students.
Discussed the outcomes of their member outreach calls, which focused on summer programs, fall recruitment comparisons, and preparations for fall recruitment and the school year.
February 2010
NALP’s Board of Directors met February 25-26, 2010. The majority of the Board’s time was spent discussing the work of the Commission on Recruiting in the Legal Profession and the Long Range Strategic Planning Committee.
NALP Board Adopts Changed Timing Guidelines
Recruiting Commission co-chairs Terry Galligan and Morgan Smith reported on the work of the Commission and the feedback from the membership. After additional review and discussion, the Board adopted provisional timing guidelines for the 2010 recruiting cycle, adopting a 28-day rolling response deadline for candidates not previously employed by the employer, and a November 1 response deadline for candidates who have been previously employed by the employer. For the revised Part V Timing Guidelines and their Interpretations, please see www.nalp.org/principles. For more general information information, see the press release at www.nalp.org/provisionaltimingguidelines2010.
Board Adopts 2010-2015 Long Range Strategic Plan
Long Range Strategic Planning Committee Chair Sonia Menon presented the report of the committee and the draft 2010-2015 strategic plan. Committee Chair Menon provided an overview of the Committee’s process, including the member survey, the outreach the Committee conducted, and the interactions with external entities including deans, hiring partners, and allied organizations. Based on the totality of the input and with the guidance of a strategic planning consultant, the Committee developed an updated mission statement, a vision, and a series of objectives and strategies. She described the plan as aspirational, bold, and proactive, while also considering revenue implications in each area or strategic focus. The areas of strategic focus include: member services, education, research, diversity and inclusion, public service, technology, governance, association brand and industry position, and revenue and resources. Additional information appears at www.nalp.org/strategicplan.
In other action items the Board:
November 2009
NALP's Board of Directors held their fall meeting November 6-7, 2009. The Board considered a number of issues and heard from Board Liaisons about the work of the Sections, Work Groups, Task Forces, Committees, and Advisory Groups. Board members:
The Board also heard an update on the current work of the NALP Foundation from Foundation Board of Trustees Chair Aldo Badini and CEO/President Tammy Patterson.
Board members also agreed to hold regional post-Board meeting conference calls to share highlights of the Board meeting with members.
MEMBER OUTREACH SUMMARY
Board members discussed the feedback from their member outreach calls in preparation for the November Board meeting. Their findings are summarized as follows:
Recap of 2009 Recruiting Season (so far)
OCI
Compliance with 45-day schedule generally held up (contrary to many expectations)
Innovations in Recruitment/Training
New or Shifting Resources for Changed Job Market
By the Way, Canada's Doing Great!
FINANCIAL DECISIONS
At the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board voted to accept and approve the audited financial statements for fiscal year 2009. The Committee also recommended that the Board allocate the 2009 loss of $427,284.07 as follows: 1/3 against Operating Reserves and 2/3 against Restricted Reserves. The Board noted that this allocation i. maintains Restricted Reserves above 50% of the Operating Budget while, ii. Keeping Operating Reserves at a level to allow NALP to have ready resources in the current uncertain economic and business environment. Board members noted that this loss came about primarily as the result of unrealized losses in NALP’s investment portfolio.
The Board also approved a $20,000 contribution to the NALP Foundation for operating expenses and an additional $30,000 for phase three of the After the JD Study contingent upon the Foundation raising sufficient additional funding for the AJD 3 study from other sources to make the ongoing pursuit of the study viable.
STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS
The Board engaged in a discussion about the current economic impacts and the association’s response, specifically noting the work to date of the Commission on Recruiting in the Legal Profession and the Roundtables co-hosted with the NALP Foundation. Board members also engaged in a future planning scenario that addressed how NALP might respond to a specific set of industry parameters in 2020 in three areas: branding and marketing, programming, and technology.
July 2009
NALP’s Board of Directors held their summer meeting July 17-18, 2009. The Board reviewed and took action on several matters.
The Board also:
July 2008
NALP’s Board of Directors held their summer meeting July 18-19, 2008. The Board reviewed and took action on several matters.
2009 Fiscal Year Budget - The Board adopted a four million dollar balanced budget for the 2009 fiscal year.
2009 Membership Dues and Annual Education Conference Registration Fees - The Board set annual education conference fees and membership dues for 2009:
NALP Foundation Board of Trustees Appointee - President Michael Gotham reported that Dean Nell Jessup Newton of the University of California Hastings College of Law had accepted NALP’s appointment to serve a three year term in one of the NALP-appointed seats on the Board of Trustees of the NALP Foundation for Law Career Research and Education.
Collection of Partnership Data to Distinguish Between Equity and Non-Equity Partners, Starting in 2010 – In response to a request from the National Association of Women Judges, the Board considered requests to collect more detailed information on law firm partnership status, part-time attorney eligibility for full-equity status, and attrition. Acknowledging that other entities request equity/non-equity partnership information as well, the Board agreed to differentiate between equity and non-equity partners in all places that NALP collects partnership data (including the NALP Form) beginning in 2010, or as soon thereafter as practicable. NALP’s Recruitment Practices Advisory Group will be asked to help implement this change. The Board also agreed to establish work groups to consider the requests related to attrition and part-time attorney eligibility for full-equity partner status.
NALP Principles and Standards Parts I-IV - While much attention has been focused on the recent revisions to Part V of the Principles and Standards, a Work Group of the Recruitment Practices Advisory Group has been reviewing Parts I-IV as well and recommended some modest changes to the Board. The Board reviewed and agreed with the proposed edits to Parts I-IV of NALP’s Principles and Standards. The edits, mostly technical in nature, will be presented to the membership in the fall in anticipation of a separate member vote at the April 2009 Annual Business Meeting in Washington, DC on Friday, April 3. This will be in addition to the vote on the interim timing guideline changes (Part V).
NALP/Street Law Legal Diversity Pipeline Program – Executive Director James Leipold reported that the pilot year program (2008-2009) has a full complement of five law firms including the San Francisco office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, the Atlanta office of Troutman Sanders LLP, the New York office of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, the Washington DC office of Holland & Knight LLP, and the Richmond office of Hunton & Williams LLP, which will be partnering with the William and Mary School of Law.
NALP Non-Discrimination Policy - The Board updated NALP’s Non-Discrimination policy. NALP’s nondiscrimination policy now reads:
"NALP is committed to helping make the legal profession accessible to all individuals on a non-discriminatory basis. NALP is opposed to discrimination based upon sex, actual or perceived gender, age, race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, parental, marital, domestic partner, civil union, military, or veteran status."
The Board also:
February 2008
During the Board's recent meeting in early February, the most significant piece of business and action was the adoption of the revised Principles and Standards Part V Timing Guidelines. Details of that decision have already been announced and may be found at www.nalp.org/partv/.
In other action items, the Board:
November 2007
NALP's Board of Directors met November 4-6, 2007 and considered a number of issues.
Part V Task Force (Timing Guidelines) — The Board considered recommendations from the Part V Task Force regarding changes to the timing guidelines portion of NALP's Principles and Standards and has authorized the Task Force to present their proposals to the membership. Information regarding proposed changes to the timing guidelines (Part V of NALP's Principles and Standards) will be distributed to the membership in December. Once the proposed changes are distributed to the membership, the Task Force will again solicit member input through a series of "town-hall" style conference calls in December 2007 and January 2008.
Employment Report and Salary Survey Update: Consolidation of Two Demographic Categories Commencing with the Class of 2008 — The Board approved combining the Hispanic and Latino ethnic/racial categories into one category, "Hispanic/Latino," beginning with the class of 2008.
Board Authorizes Funding for Joint Diversity Pipeline Pilot Project — The Board authorized funding for a pilot project between NALP and Street Law that will allow NALP members to take an active role in further developing the pipeline of diverse attorneys. The pilot project is intended to launch in fall 2008. Additional information about this important project will be forthcoming.
Board Approves New Interpretation Addressing the Use of the Internet in the Recruiting Process — Based on a recommendation from NALP's Recruitment Practices Advisory Group, the Board adopted a new interpretation of NALP's Principles and Standards that directly addresses the responsibilities of employers, candidates and law schools regarding the use of the Internet in the recruiting process. You can find the new interpretation on NALP's web site under Principles & Standards > Interpretations.
Board Approves Addition of Pro Bono Questions to Workplace Questionnaire — Based on a recommendation from the ABA 121B Work Group, a subgroup of the Recruitment Practices Advisory Group, the Board agreed to incorporate a series of pro bono questions into NALP's Workplace Questionnaire for 2008. These questions flow from the American Bar Association's recently passed Resolution 121B that established pro bono disclosure recommendations for law school recruiters. The new questions will appear in the 2008 Workplace Questionnaire that will be available for completion starting in January 2008.
Women's Leadership Task Force Recommendations Adopted — The Board adopted several recommendations of the Women's Leadership Task Force, which was appointed by President Gihan Fernando to examine any potential barriers to NALP leadership. The Board agreed to create a dependent care policy to allow for reimbursement of Board members' extraordinary dependent care expenses related to Board travel, to increase the subsidy to the employer of the President to $30K over the two years as President/President-Elect, to enhance the nomination process information on NALP's website (which has been mostly completed at www.nalp.org/nominating/), as well as other approaches to facilitate members' stepping into leadership roles.
Board Approves NALP's First Australian Law School Member — By approving the membership application of Melbourne Law School, the Board welcomed NALP's first Australian law school member. Angela Edwards will be the primary NALP contact for Melbourne Law School. She can be reached at Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3010, or by phone at 61 3 8344 9773, or by e-mail at a.edwards@inimelb.edu.au. [NALP's bylaws provide that membership is open to any law school accredited by the American Bar Association or any law school in a foreign country whose admission to membership is approved by the Board of Directors.]
Other Board Decisions — The Board also approved the fiscal 2007 Audit Report and, upon the recommendation of the Investment Oversight Committee, allocated net income to the restricted and operating reserves. Members are welcome to request a copy of the audit report from the NALP office. The Board also approved $50K in operational funding for the NALP Foundation for fiscal 2009. The Board members also heard from Board Liaisons about the work of the Sections, Work Groups, Committees, Task Forces, and Advisory Groups.
July 2007
NALP’s Board of Directors held their summer meeting July 20-21, 2007. During the meeting the Board:
| 2008 Dues Structure | |
| New Member | $650 |
| Regular Annual Membership | $850 |
| Additional Offices: | |
| Second through sixth | $585 each |
| Seven or more | $485 each |
| Public Service Employers & Bar Associations | $195 |
| Individual Associate Member | $150 |
February 2007
NALP's Board of Directors met February 22-24, 2007 to review the current status of ongoing projects. The Board is pleased to report the following actions:
Board Approves Revised NALP Judicial Clerkship Guidelines
In October 2006, the ad hoc committee of federal judges announced some revisions to the Judicial Clerkship Hiring Plan for 2007. In response to the revisions, NALP’s Judicial Clerkship Section has revised the NALP Guidelines for Clerkship Hiring Plan Implementation for Fall 2007. The NALP Guidelines and the new plan documents are available through Resource Center > Toolkit for Career Services > Judicial Clerkship Information. These revisions will also be highlighted at the Annual Education Conference at the OSCAR: Latest Developments of the Federal Clerkship On-line Application System session at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 25.
Canadian Directory of Legal Employers
The Board approved the creation of an online Directory of Canadian Legal Employers. After reviewing the report from the Directory Work Group and reviewing a draft of the data collection form, the Board agreed with moving forward to the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage of the process. The Directory will hopefully launch on the winter of 2008.
New EEOC Categories will be Incorporated into 2008-2009 NALP Directory of Legal Employers
After reviewing the newly revised EEOC demographic reporting categories and with input from NALP's Recruitment Practices Advisory Group, NALP's Board of Directors voted to adopt, with minor modifications, the new EEOC demographic categories for inclusion in the 2008-2009 NALP Directory of Legal Employers. Commencing with the 2008-2009 Directory, the ethnic/racial demographic categories will be:
Employment Report and Salary Survey (ERSS) Update
At its February meeting, the NALP Board of Directors approved the elimination of the "studying for the bar full-time" category from the ERSS as an option for reporting graduate status. This change will be effective with the Class of 2007. Thus, any graduate who is not employed or pursuing an advanced degree will have to be reported as either seeking a job or not seeking a job.
The Board made this decision after considerable study, member outreach, and communication with the ABA. This category was originally added to the ERSS for the class of 2003. In 2006 the Board was asked to reconsider the category by the chair of NALP’s research advisory group, and by a number of NALP member institutions. In making this decision the Board noted that because the group of graduates who are studying for the bar in February is made up of both those seeking work and those not seeking work, determinations about whether students who are studying for the bar are seeking or not seeking work should be made on a case by case basis.
The graduate survey form for the Class of 2007, along with the instruction sheet for graduates, may be downloaded from Resource Center > Toolkit for Career Services. As always, the information that schools choose to collect on their graduates is not limited to that on the survey form posted. Additional information, or more detail on items, may be collected and used for internal reports. However, the information reported to NALP should conform to the questions and choices shown on the posted survey.
November 2006
NALP's Board of Directors held their fall meeting November 3-4, 2006. The Board considered a number of issues and heard from Board Liaisons about the work of the Sections, Work Groups, Committees, and Advisory Groups.
Board members discussed the feedback from their outreach reports in preparation for the November Board meeting. Board members observed that most members reported a healthy fall recruiting season, with many school members reporting an increase in on-campus activity. Several members reported that students are not as prompt in accepting their offers, yet students were very aggressive in the application process, many applying outside of the OCI process. Other members reported an increase in 2L students requesting second callbacks or second visits to the firm. Several members also reported an increase in contacts directly from students' parents.
The Board engaged in a strategic discussion about minority women in the profession and specifically how NALP could work to increase women of color in the profession, while positioning the Association as a leader on the topic. The Board also discussed the development of the Chief Recruiting Officer position at law firms nationally.
Board members reviewed a number of requests related to NALP's Employment Report and Salary Survey (ERSS). The Board also considered how best to incorporate the new EEOC ethnic and racial categories into existing NALP products and research pieces. The Board will continue to gather information on these topics and revisit them during the February Board meeting. Board members also reviewed concerns raised by members about the timing guidelines. Board members hope to adopt a model to regularly assess the impact of the guidelines at the February Board meeting.
The Board heard from two invited guests. Daniel Freehling, the new Deputy Consultant at the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, discussed the role of the section in the accreditation process as well as the services the section provides to its law school members. He also described the ABA's process in seeking rerecognition from the US Department of Education as the official accrediting body for law schools. Jay Harris, Chair of the NALP Foundation for Law Career Research and Education Board of Trustees, also joined the Board and shared information about current research projects, the next phase of the After the JD Study, and the current financial status of the Foundation.
At the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board voted to accept and approve the audited financial statements for fiscal year 2006 and earmarked the $211,796 net revenue for the restricted reserve. The Board also approved a $25,000 contribution to the NALP Foundation for operating expenses.
July 2006
New Canadian Limited Region
President Lisa Dickinson is delighted to announce the creation of a Canadian Limited Region, approved unanimously by NALP's Board of Directors at its 2006 July Board Meeting. The new regional structure was created in accordance with a bylaw amendment approved by members at NALP's 2006 Annual Business Meeting. After surveying members in the affected regions, the Board approved NALP's first limited region.
The current 12 Canadian law school and 35 Canadian employer institutional members, who previously were part of the Northeast and West/Rocky Mountain Regions, will now constitute the new region. As NALP members, Canadians are currently and remain eligible for election to the Board of Directors. (The most recent Canadian member to serve in this capacity is Stewart Whittingham, who will conclude his two-year term in 2006-07.) Per the bylaws, each year the Canadian Limited Region will elect either a Regional Coordinator or a member of the Nominating Committee. This year's Nominating Committee, chaired by Carol Sprague, will work to establish a procedure for electing a 2006-07 Regional Coordinator from the Canadian Region. More information will be forthcoming.
Congratulations to members of the new Canadian Limited Region!
Other Board Meeting News
Also during the July Board Meeting, the NALP Board of Directors:
Associate Salary Survey 2023 - Hard Copy
Jobs & J.D.'s: Employment and Salaries of New Law Graduates — Class of 2022 - Hard Copy