Suzanne Rowe: References for Students

I am happy to serve as a reference for students in their job searches. By following the guidance on this site, you can help me be a more effective reference.

Most often, you will list my name and contact information at the bottom of your resume or on a separate list of references. Include this information:

Suzanne E. Rowe
Associate Professor
Director, Legal Research and Writing Program
University of Oregon School of Law
Eugene, OR 97403-1221
(541) 346-0507

Employers will call me and ask questions about your qualifications, your personality, and your suitability for that position.

When students apply for judicial clerkships, I will write letters to each judge (assisted by faculty support staff). I do not write letters "To Whom It May Concern."

It is customary to ask in advance whether you can list someone as a reference. Sending me an e-mail is the easiest way to ask. When I agree to be a reference, please provide me with the following material:

• A signed "Information Release form," which is available at Career Services.
• A current copy of your resume.
• A current copy of your law school transcript (unofficial is fine).
• A short summary of the type of work you are pursuing (area of law), the reasons for your interest in that work, any pertinent background or experience, where you want to work (geographic connections), etc. Feel free to use bullet points, which will be easy for me to refer to while talking on the telephone to an employer. Be as specific as you can. You can provide this information via e-mail or attach it to your resume and transcript.
• For each student, I can say dozens of positive things; please help me focus on the three or four that are most relevant to this position. Will you be in court, doing research, writing memos and briefs, working with clients?

Good luck!