Dayton Docket

Geise stopped by Dayton Law to discuss his experience and perspectives on successful interviewing and networking for law students as part of the Career Services Office Presents series.

Geise, a trial lawyer whose main focus is on defending companies in product liability lawsuits in state and federal courts throughout the United States, is also a member of the UD class of 1992, where he earned his B.A. in History magna cum laude.

“Reach out to alumni, it’s invaluable,” he said on effective networking. “Reach out to people. Make the call, write the email. It will help you immeasurably in finding out more about the fields you want to work in and the people in it.”

During the interview process, he looks for people who are prepared and have done their homework. “It’s easy today to do research on who you are meeting with during the interview and their company. Check their website and do a Google search.  Be prepared with your own questions for them. Show the initiative.”

Showing initiative was a repeated theme for Geise.

“Start patterns of doing something different. Do something extra. Show that you are prepared and engaged. Go above and beyond,” said Geise.

When asked what he looks for in a student’s resume, he said, “Leadership skills. Good grades aren’t enough. You have to show that you can lead, and have done so. Being on the Law Review board, or organizing a charity 5k. It shows you have initiative and drive, besides leadership skills.”

He ended the session with a reminder for students to follow-up and stresses the power of the handwritten note. "The importance of sending handwritten thank you notes following both informational and formal interviews should not be ignored."

For more information, or to submit a news item, contact Denise Baker, assistant director of communications at the University of Dayton School of Law, at lawcomm@udayton.edu. Or submit your news online here.