Summer Associate Resources

The field of law is extremely diverse. As such, so are the related incomes. If you’re currently in law school and find yourself wondering what kind of money you might be making in your 30s, you might want to read on. READ MORE >

One of the more interesting things to me is when people come out of law school and have a difficult time getting a job. This is intriguing because of the following facts: READ MORE >

There are over 200 law schools in the United States, yet the current United States Supreme Court—the highest court in the land and one of the three branches of our federal government—is comprised of jurists who attended just two of the most elite law schools: Harvard Law School and Yale Law School. READ MORE >

A list of summer associate jobs on LawCrossing will help law students find positions at the top law firms if they put in the work now. READ MORE >

Are you thinking about looking for a new job as an attorney? Find out when you should start in this article. READ MORE >

Are major law firms really as diverse as they claim to be? Find out why they have a hard time embracing diversity in this article. READ MORE >

As a legal recruiter (and one whose husband is currently a 3L in law school) I often get asked by candidates and law school students my opinion as to how much a clerkship can “help” one’s resume. My response is always that if we are evaluating a clerkship solely on its potential marketability (and not on the experience itself, or the skills and knowledge to be gained from the opportunity), then you have to keep in mind 1) not all clerkships are of equal prestige and, 2) how marketable completing one can be depend on your career goals, both short and long-term.

See To Clerk or Not to Clerk for more information. READ MORE >

Find out what you should do to get your next legal job after gaining experience in a federal clerkship. READ MORE >

What things can you do to maximize the value of judicial clerkship or other government experiences in preparing for private practice? READ MORE >

Question: I am a JD with experience in a small firm, but I did not graduate at the top of my class, and have not had success getting legal recruiters to work with me. How am I supposed to find a job?
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Question:
I am currently a third year law student. I have accepted a position with a firm beginning in the fall. The firm has sent me a letter asking which practice areas I am interested in working in. I was wondering if you have any suggestions on how to respond. I am concerned about the possibility that if the economy does not improve, the firm might determine it over hired entering associates and if that happens, my offer could be rescinded depending on how I reply about practice groups. READ MORE >

Question:

Unfortunately, I did not receive an offer from the firm where I worked as a summer associate. Do you have any suggestions on what I can do as a 3L to improve my chances in finding a permanent associate position after graduation? READ MORE >

It only takes 30 seconds to spot a typo. It only takes 30 seconds to find that a candidate has not listed his/her GPA or class rank. It only takes 30 seconds to see the names of five firms over a three-year period. These reasons are among the many that support the theory ''A hiring administrator will only look at your resume 30 seconds before he/she makes a decision.'' While it is somewhat of an antagonistic approach, perhaps you should look at it as the individual is really looking for a reason not to hire you. Unfortunately, with the high number of resumes that inundate hiring administrators' desks on a daily basis, it is the only way to go about it. In other words, do not give them a reason to immediately reject you. One very important point candidates miss is that leaving a recruiter with a lot of questions is a very good reason to reject you. Therefore, do not skip over a job you're not proud of, do not leave off a GPA that makes you wince, and do not forget to have an entry for the summer after your second year of law school. This only leaves the recruiter with the impression that you have something to hide. Therefore, it is a potential waste of valuable time. All of this leads to the importance of what you do during your summers and what this says about you. READ MORE >

This year I joined the legions of die-hard Cubs fans at Wrigley Field to attend the playoff game against the Arizona D-backs. The last time I attended a Cubs playoff game was the 2003 playoff game against the Florida Marlins?the infamous Bartman game. READ MORE >

For the World’s Largest Collection of Law Firm Interview Resources Click Here

Ah, summertime: a season that evokes images of picnics, family vacations to the beach, and lounging by the pool. Although some associate summer with a decrease in work, our experience is that the summer can be the most jam packed period for associates. In addition to the normal workload, summer associates are everywhere, begging for attention and lunch companions. And, if you are in the midst of the interview process during the summer months, you may find summer the most difficult season to get through the process. READ MORE >

Survey also shows uptick in number of permanent spots offered by firms Though the gains are modest, law firms are seeking more associates for their upcoming summer programs and making more offers for full-time employment to last summer's participants, according to a recent survey tracking job placement. READ MORE >

Q. I have been having difficulty in obtaining interviews for a position as an associate. I graduated from law school in May of 1999 and my resume shows substantial full-time legal experience. Would you have any suggestions for head hunters? It seems that whenever I contact a recruitment firm for help, the response is that I do not have enough attorney experience for recruitment purposes. Do you know how recent graduates are placed? I would sincerely appreciate your comments. READ MORE >

For the World’s Largest Collection of Law Firm Interview Resources Click Here

Welcome to the summer season. It's July, it's hot, our minds are turned away from our computers and brief-writing and toward the beach (and those new Malia Mills bikinis tucked into our drawers since spring). Summer sneaks up on all of us, and when it does, it begs the question "Is now a good time to look for a new job?" READ MORE >

It's November. The season is changing from fall to winter. First-year associates have just started their full-time legal careers. It is a very exciting time for the class of 2007. Unless you are one of the members of the class of 2007 without a job. READ MORE >

Question

I have been offered a clerkship with a state court of appeals. Will taking that position enhance my marketability? Currently I am a 2L, top 10%, in a second-tier law school. Thanks for your help. READ MORE >