"After 30 years spent in courtrooms in Texas, ... I am comfortable that SMU's emphasis on how to think as opposed to what to think has been instrumental in procuring justice for a number of deserving clients."
- Frank Branson '69, '74
Partner, Law Offices of Frank L. Branson, PC
Skip Navigation LinksHome > Departments & Services > Career Services

Career Services

We are committed to providing career counseling and career development services to our current students as well as to serving our alumni as they further their legal careers. We also work with employers to help them meet their hiring needs with SMU Dedman School of Law students and graduates.

Our staff offers individual counseling and coaching to students to help them achieve their professional goals. We host seminars and speakers about relevant legal topics, educate students about job search techniques and sponsor job fairs and interview programs, all of which provide numerous opportunities for students to meet with practitioners both on and off campus. To our alumni we offer job search resources and access to job postings.

The Office of Career Services works closely with employers to make the legal hiring process as easy as possible and assists in filling positions at all levels – from summer clerks to lateral hires. We facilitate the recruiting efforts of employers by providing various forums for employers to interact with our students during the school year. We stay abreast of developments and trends in legal hiring and share this information with employers.

The OCS Staff:

Karen C. Sargent Esq., Assistant Dean
Director of Career Services
Email: kcsargent@smu.edu
(214) 768-2797

Jennifer H. Pope Esq., Associate Director
Email: jpope@smu.edu
(214) 768-2622

Tennessee Nielsen Esq., Associate Director
Email: tnielsen@smu.edu
(214) 768-4049

Beth D. Lee, Assistant Director
Recruiting and Events
Email: beth@smu.edu
(214) 768-4065

Lauren Duhon Esq., Career Counselor
Email: lduhon@smu.edu
(214) 768-1469

Claudia Beltran, Admin. Assistant
Email: cbeltran@smu.edu
(214) 768-2797

Mailing Address:
SMU Dedman School of Law
Office of Career Services
P. O. Box 750112
Dallas, TX 75275-0112

Physical Address:
SMU Dedman School of Law
Office of Career Services
3300 University Boulevard, Suite 300
Dallas, TX 75205

Telephone: (214) 768-2797
Fax: (214) 768-4390

Office Hours:
Monday through Thursday
8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday
8:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Counseling sessions are by appointment.
Please call (214) 768-2797.



 

 

WHO DOES WHAT?

COUNSELING
J.D. Full-time and Part-time Reduced Load:
Karen Sargent (A-L);
Jennifer Pope (M-Z)

J.D. Evening Program:
Lauren Duhon (1Es);

Tennessee Nielsen (2Es, 3Es, 4Es)


J.D. Transfer and Visiting Student: Beth Lee
LL.M. Program (Tax, General): Tennessee Nielsen
LL.M. Program (International): Lauren Duhon

Judicial Clerkships: Karen Sargent

Alumni: Jennifer Pope

Symplicity questions, uploading resumes: Beth Lee
Scheduling Student Interviews: Beth Lee

EMPLOYERS
Recruiting (on and off-campus programs and job fairs): Beth Lee
Employer Receptions/Student Outreach: Beth Lee

Job Postings: Claudia Beltran

PROGRAMS
Practice Area - Tennessee Nielsen
Skill-building and DAYL - Jennifer Pope

RECIPROCITY
Claudia Beltran

None of the above?:  Contact main office line at 214-768-2797 or lawcareer@smu.edu