University Policy
Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.
Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Law School Policy
This policy supplements the university policy and was adopted by the law school faculty:
Case Western Reserve University School of Law is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity and will comply fully with the Association of American Law School's Accreditation standard set forth in Section 6-3(b) of the Association bylaws: A member school shall pursue a policy of providing its students and graduates with equal opportunity to obtain employment, without discrimination or segregation on the ground of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or sexual orientation. A member school shall communicate to each employer to whom it furnishes assistance and facilities for interviewing and other placement functions the school’s firm expectation that the employer will observe the principle of equal opportunity.
Consistent with AALS interpretation, this policy shall prohibit discrimination based upon the listed grounds even if that discrimination is not illegal under applicable federal, state, or local law. The Career Development Office shall establish informal as well as formal complaint procedures to encourage students to report incidents in which the student believes an employer is violating the policy.
Exception: Because they discriminate on the basis of age and disability, the U.S. Armed Services do not comply with the equal opportunity obligation described above and generally required of employers by the AALS. The discrimination practiced by the U.S. Armed Services is authorized and mandated by federal statute. The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of the university has established a policy that no unit of the university is permitted to bar military recruiters from using career counseling facilities or services. Accordingly, branches of the military are invited and permitted to schedule interviews through the law school's Career Development Office and to use other career counseling services.
Congress repealed 10 U.S.C. 654, which barred the enlistment and membership of homosexuals in the U.S. Armed Forces. In conjunction, the Department of Defense's "don't ask, don't tell" policy was rescinded. Homosexuals are no longer prohibited from serving (and serving openly) in the US Armed Forces.
NALP Principles
Case Western Reserve University School of Law (CWRU Law) is a member of NALP, and follows the NALP Principles for a Fair and Ethical Recruiting Process.
In addition, CWRU Law adopted new guidelines in May 2019 in place of the recently modified NALP guidelines regarding timing of 1L recruiting and 2L offers. The new guidelines are summarized below as follows:
1L Counseling/ Recruiting Timing
Old NALP Guideline:
- Counseling begins October 15/ Recruiting begins December 1.
New NALP Guideline:
- No specific dates.
New CWRU Law Guideline
- Counseling: Beginning of October (Following Cover Letter & Resume Workshop and Mandatory 1L Career Kickoff Program).
- Recruiting: Employer-determined (but only after CDO-approval of application materials and 1L Career Kickoff attendance).
2L Offer Period
Old NALP Guideline:
- Offer must remain open 28 days from the date of offer.
New NALP Guideline:
- No specific number of days.
New CWRU Law Guideline
- Offer must remain open for 21 days from the date of offer and student must reaffirm continued interest in offer within seven (7) days of offer, if it was not already accepted or declined.
Early Offers (i.e. pre-recruiting)
Old NALP Guideline:
- Offer must remain open for 28 days from the first day of On-Campus Interviews.
New NALP Guideline:
- No specific number of days.
New CWRU Law Guideline
- Offer must remain open for 21 days from the first day of On-Campus Interviews, and student must reaffirm continued interest in offer within seven (7) days of offer, if it was not already accepted or declined.