Networking Tips for Attorneys

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 >

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 >

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 >

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 >

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 >

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 >

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 >

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 >

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 >

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 >

I 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 >

Increased 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 >

In 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 >

Networking 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 >

Once upon a time, law school graduates could join a firm right out of school, work hard for several years, do great legal work and expect to become a partner at the same firm.

About 20 years ago the world began to change, and today few junior associates at major firms have any real expectation of being elevated to member. READ MORE >

One of the most persistent mistakes legal professionals make is to not understand the importance of "fitting in" in their work environment. Indeed, fitting in is something that both enables you to get and keep a job. In terms of what it takes to succeed in the practice of law over the long term, "fitting in" may actually be more important than your skill level. READ MORE >

Every day, I receive phone calls, faxes, e-mail messages and letters from attorneys seeking employment. I run a recruiting business and it is only natural that job seekers contact me. "It's what I do." But the truth is, I can only help a small percentage of those who inquire. Legal recruiting is a specialized business and while there is no shortage of attorneys looking to make a lateral move, for the most part, employers who use recruiters have a very particular profile in mind. Generally, they are looking for junior to mid-level associates with major firm experience and top law school academics (partners with portable billings that exceed $350K will also do). READ MORE >

Recruiter Deirdre Sullivan of BCG's New York office stresses the importance of networking. READ MORE >

This article addresses an issue that may seem like common sense, but is something many attorneys don't fully appreciate. To provide context, it is currently May 2008 and the lateral hiring market in my city (Washington, D.C.) is active in some areas and dreadfully slow in others. READ MORE >

Larry Stybel's main thesis was: if you want to be successful lawyer today, mere ''competence'' is insufficient. With a large number of attorneys still graduating from law school, competence has become a commodity. But if you establish credibility outside your firm, you are no longer a commodity; rather you are a lawyer who brings value to the table (i.e. your services will be in demand). Larry emphasized that it is important to establish ''credibility'' outside of the firm even if this is not the message your firm is sending you. If your firm is telling you to focus on servicing clients, you should still make sure to ''get out there''. READ MORE >

I spend a lot of my professional time giving out advice about networking. I frequently talk to experienced lawyers about using networking as a business development tool. Every day, I coach lawyers about using networking to uncover hidden job opportunities and interim assignments. I write articles giving practical tips to lawyers and other professionals who want to improve their networking skills. READ MORE >

If you think you can make a successful career just by continually improving yourself, think again. You can write beautifully, argue passionately, think incisively, groom perfectly, even go to 1,000 conferences; but it will not get you the success you want. Conversely, ask yourself why it is that a certain partner down the hall does so well? He doesn't seem any smarter than you (just the opposite!); he doesn't have a very compelling presence; he doesn't even write very well. Why does he have so much business, and why is he ''going places?'' Hard telling. But I do know that no matter how much potential you have, no matter how much natural intelligence and drive you have, you cannot ''get there'' if you are doing it ''on your own.'' Therein may be the secret of that mystery partner: Maybe he is not doing it ''on his own.'' Maybe he has help. READ MORE >