Networking Tips for Attorneys
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Featured article
The 'Dark Side' of Going In-house
by Harrison Barnes, Managing DirectorOpinions vary as to whether an attorney should or should not go in-house. Some attorneys believe going in-house was the best decision of their career, while others strongly disagree. This is wh... READ MORE >
Featured article
Why Do Some Legal Recruiters Lose Interest in Their Candidates?
by Harrison Barnes, Managing DirectorSummary: Is there something wrong with you if a recruiter suddenly stops working you after expressing interest in you initially?... READ MORE >
More articles
How to Successfully Network in a Law Firm
By Nadeen Weybrecht,Recruiter
Networking. It's really not a dirty word. In fact, it's something you should be doing regularly, consciously and with purpose. As a legal recruiter, I regularly meet with some surprised reactions when I ask what networking a candidate is doing on her own. The surprise, I've found, often stems from a belief that if an attorney has particular credentials and enough experience, she does not need to engage in networking. It's as if networking is only for the weak and lesser qualified, and/or the brown-nosing, aggressive types. READ MORE >
Article type: Staying Employed as an Attorney, Networking Tips for Attorneys, Making Partner at a Law Firm
Should I Look for Other Opportunities If My Firm Recently Laid Off Staff?
By Allison Wottawa,Recruiter
Question: I am happy at my firm, but I’ve noticed that they recently laid off a sizeable number of staff and are cutting corners financially. The partners tell me that everything is fine, but should I be looking into other opportunities? READ MORE >
Article type: Networking Tips for Attorneys, Lateral Transfers, Career Planning and Goals, Legal Career Advice and Options, The Legal Job Market
Get a Job Through Networking
By Paul Danielson,Recruiter, BCG Attorney Search
There are many approaches an attorney can take to his or her job search, but one of the most oft-overlooked and/or frequently maligned approach is through networking. READ MORE >
Article type: Networking Tips for Attorneys
How Do I Learn the Ropes without a Good Mentor?
By Katy Anderman,Recruiter
Question: I recently joined a new firm as a lateral and I don’t know anyone! My firm assigned me a mentor but he is unresponsive and unavailable. How do I learn the ropes?
READ MORE >
Article type: Legal Mentors, Networking Tips for Attorneys, General Resources for Attorneys Practicing Law
I Am Looking to Go to Another Firm. Should I Reach Out to My Contacts at Other Firms to See If the Firms Are Interested?
By Liz Hudson,Managing Director
Question: I am a partner-level attorney with over 10 years of experience and approximately $250,000 in portable business in Southern California. Over the years of my career, I have made many contacts at other firms. Should I reach out to them on my own to see if they’d be interested in my candidacy? READ MORE >
Article type: Working with a Legal Recruiter, Networking Tips for Attorneys
How Can I Best Utilize Personal Contacts at Other Firms?
By Margaret Gilleran,Recruiter, BCG Attorney Search
Question:
I am a fifth year associate at a large law firm who recently submitted my resume to several firms through a recruiter. I have some personal contacts at these firms, and want to know the best way to leverage these contacts. What do you suggest? READ MORE >
Article type: Networking Tips for Attorneys
I Want to Find a Job but I Am Not Comfortable with Networking
By Margaret Gilleran,Recruiter, BCG Attorney Search
Question:
I am a third year law student who was recently laid off from my firm. I have been told by family, friends and even recruiters that I must ''network'' as much as possible. I desperately want to find a job, but I am uncomfortable with the whole idea of ''networking''. What do you suggest? READ MORE >
Article type: Networking Tips for Attorneys
Do Law Firms Check Their Applicants Social Network Profiles?
By Suzanne Dupree Howe,Managing Director, BCG Attorney Search
Question:
A friend of mine recently told me that law schools were looking at the Facebook and MySpace profiles of their applicants. As a third-year attorney thinking about conducting a job search in 2009, it occurred to me that law firms may search these websites to gain information about me when I apply. Are law firms looking at this information online? And what should I do to keep this personal information private? READ MORE >
Article type: Networking Tips for Attorneys
Is it a Good Move to Use My Law Firm Contacts to Get a Position in the Law Firm?
By Robyn Ginsberg,Senior Managing Director-East Coast, BCG Attorney Search
Question:
I am just beginning my job search and am planning on working with a recruiter, but I was wondering: what is the best approach when I know someone who works at a law firm that is of interest to me (or otherwise have a contact within the firm)? READ MORE >
Article type: Networking Tips for Attorneys, Professional Reference Resources for Attorneys
Should I Submit My Legal Resume Through a Friend in the Law Firm?
By Margaret Gilleran,Recruiter, BCG Attorney Search
Click here to view a collection of attorney resume and cover letter resources written by experienced legal recruiters.
I have fielded this question for over ten years, and my answer remains the same: it depends! The good news is that you can make an informed decision and, though it is a statement against my own self-interest as a recruiter, there may be situations in which it actually is better to submit your resume through a friend. However, in order to determine whether you are in one of those situations, you may want to ask yourself the following questions. READ MORE >
Article type: Working with a Legal Recruiter, Networking Tips for Attorneys, Professional Reference Resources for Attorneys
No Job Offer in Hand? Then You Need a Plan
By Suzanne Dupree Howe, Esq.Managing Director, BCG Attorney Search, Texas
In the past, most summer associates working at large firms felt that if they showed up at a decent hour, acted respectably and did a reasonably good job on their assignments, they were all but guaranteed an offer of permanent employment. Barring any major gaffes, summer associates were likely to snag an offer or two by the end of their second summer in law school. READ MORE >
Article type: Networking Tips for Attorneys, Legal Career Advice and Options
Tips for Effectively Utilizing Internal Contacts During Your Job Search
By Robyn Ginsberg, Senior Managing Director-East CoastI decided to write this article after being asked by candidates, on a number of occasions, for my opinion on how to best utilize internal contacts during the law firm application process. This is a great question and it comes up often. While much depends on the circumstance, as a general rule of thumb, candidates fare far better when they allow their recruiter to submit their application and then have their contact "bolster" the candidate's submission. This is the case for several reasons: READ MORE >
Article type: Networking Tips for Attorneys
How ''Consistency'' and ''Relationship Building'' Will Aid You in Your Job Search
By Robyn Ginsberg, Senior Managing Director-East CoastIncreased internet access, innovations in search engine technology, and improvements to law firm websites have all resulted in a new form of informational equity. Today, any individual with a computer can gain access to just about every job listing being advertised. Of course, as a result of inside information and word of mouth, recruiters sometimes have access to information not necessarily available to candidates trolling the web, or even to other recruiters. But, for the most part, because of various technological innovations, we all have access to the same information. READ MORE >
Article type: Networking Tips for Attorneys
Using Social Networking in Your Job Search
By Gary S. SedlikIn the current economy, it goes without saying that job seekers need to take advantage of all available employment resources. This includes, of course, traditional avenues such as recruiters, colleagues, friends, family, and job-posting websites. More than ever, it also includes exploiting new, innovative, and even unconventional methods. Those who embrace and exploit these newer technologies will gain a significant advantage over their colleagues who are restricting themselves to established job-search methods. While there are a host of emerging technologies that can assist job seekers, this article will focus on the use of social networking and social media to expand the reach and scope of their pursuit of their next job. READ MORE >
Article type: Networking Tips for Attorneys
Ways to Leverage Your Network
By Stephen E. SecklerNetworking is a powerful tool that anyone can master. Networking is not "rocket science." It mainly requires commitment, follow through and a willingness to be a good listener. Networking is an activity that Stephen Covey, author of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," describes as important but not urgent. READ MORE >
Article type: Networking Tips for Attorneys
Networking Tips for Attorneys
