Unlocking Opportunities: Navigating the Maze of Legal Job Search with Precision

Description

In this webinar, Harrison delved into the intricacies of job hunting, focusing on recognizing and rectifying common errors made during the application process. With a wealth of experience spanning various market landscapes, Harrison shared invaluable insights aimed at revolutionizing your career trajectory. He highlighted a crucial pattern observed amidst economic turmoil: the limited engagement of law firms with recruiters, leaving exceptional opportunities unnoticed by job seekers.

Harrison emphasized the importance of breaking free from conventional job platforms, which often overlook niche or specialized roles. He underscored the significance of accessing unfiltered information and broadening search horizons to gain a competitive edge in today's digital age.

By recounting compelling anecdotes and offering practical advice, Harrison empowered attendees to take a proactive approach to job hunting. He stressed the importance of thorough research, personalized applications, and leveraging diverse resources to maximize opportunities.

With Harrison's guidance, attendees learned to navigate the job market strategically, unlocking a world of possibilities beyond traditional methods. By embracing a comprehensive approach fueled by knowledge and persistence, success in career advancement became within reach for all participants.

Transcript:

Welcome to our webinar where we dive into the nuances of job hunting. Today's focus is on recognizing and rectifying errors often made during the job application process. Our aim is simple: to equip you with insights that can revolutionize your career trajectory. Whether you're seeking a job or clients, understanding these pitfalls can be a game-changer.

Let's rewind to the turn of the millennium, where a financial crash reshaped the landscape. Internet companies, once flush with cash, suddenly folded as their flawed business models were exposed. The legal sector felt the tremors; hiring froze, and layoffs ensued. Amidst the chaos, I observed a crucial pattern: only a fraction of law firms engaged recruiters. This limited pool left many exceptional firms overlooked by job seekers.

Fast forward to today, our firm boasts over 150 employees, serving diverse law practices across the nation. Yet, the essence remains unchanged: job seekers often overlook numerous opportunities due to reliance on mainstream job platforms. Consider this: in smaller markets or niche legal areas, advertised positions are scarce. Entry-level or specialized roles pose a significant challenge to find through conventional channels.

If you're nodding along, wondering why opportunities elude you, you're not alone. Many talented individuals face this dilemma, settling for less-than-ideal positions due to limited options. This vicious cycle breeds dissatisfaction, leading to personal and professional consequences. But here's the crux: it's not about intellect but rather access to pertinent information.

Law school graduates, regardless of pedigree, often find themselves disillusioned by the sparse job market. The sting of rejection isn't exclusive to newcomers; seasoned attorneys too grapple with unmet expectations. So, what's the antidote to this predicament? It starts with accessing unfiltered information, breaking free from the echo chambers of mainstream job portals.

In today's digital age, curated job listings offer only a fraction of available opportunities. To navigate the maze of job hunting effectively, one must broaden their search horizons. By understanding this paradigm shift, you gain a competitive edge. No longer tethered to conventional wisdom, you chart a course driven by informed decisions.

Don't let limited visibility stifle your potential. Embrace a proactive approach to job hunting, leveraging all available resources to secure your dream position. Career services offices hold valuable but controlled information, as do recruiters and networks. Many people apply to only a limited number of places, reducing their access to opportunities. In LA alone, there are around 3,500 law firms, but most applicants focus on a few firms that visit their school for interviews. This limits their options.

For example, during my time in law school, only a handful of firms visited the University of Virginia. Similarly, recruiters often offer few openings or may brush off applicants quickly. I've worked with individuals who struggled to find new positions due to various reasons, including conflicts at their previous job. One such case involved a lawyer who lost his job for discovering a loophole that could save clients money. Recruiters in Washington, D.C., offered no leads, leaving him feeling discouraged. Despite attending a top law school, he faced rejection until we explored alternative avenues.

By researching and contacting numerous firms directly, we opened doors that traditional methods had closed. This approach empowered candidates, expanding their job prospects. Those who once felt hopeless found success by tapping into previously untapped markets. Using limited sources for job hunting can hinder opportunities. Instead of relying solely on recruiters or campus interviews, consider reaching out directly to firms. Many smaller firms lack formal recruitment processes and welcome proactive applicants. Expanding your search beyond conventional methods can lead to unexpected opportunities. Don't limit yourself based on perceived constraints. In every economy, various firms seek talented individuals. By broadening your approach, you increase your chances of finding the right fit.

Learned this because I wasn't talking to people. Someone else from my company was, but I started talking to the people I would check in. And I learned that for the past several years, everyone from this. LLM program at this not very highly ranked law school. I was contacting this company that I have called legal authority and getting positions through it by applying to jobs that were not jobs, but firms that did this type of law, whichever it was education.

So those people were actually lifted up by the idea that there was more opportunity, but a lot of aren't. Your peer group is often going to control. What you think about what kind of jobs you can get what happens to people and so forth. And I remember once my father said, I was I had these people that had left my company and I was trying to say that was a bad decision for them.

And they're not going to do well if they do. And he said at 1 point, which I thought was very interesting that I was thinking about all the wrong way. Like you want people that leave your business to do well. You want them to have success because that is a sign of the type of business that you have.

And so I took that and this is over 20 years ago when he said it to me. And it's true. So I would, recruiters, for example, I would people that left our company did exceptionally well when they when and where they started their own firm, or if they to compete with me, or they they went to work in another firm.

They did very well and were the best people there. So that made me feel very good that people had a good enough experience with me that when they went other places, they did well. So organizations also control the flow of information available to you. Many organizations you may rely on access for information.

They also control the flow of information, meaning they'll share information. They only deem you worthy of receiving. Employment agencies often do this and they'll, time the flow of information to you. So what does that mean? They means they, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn all these things are powerful because they're in intermediate areas for the information you I'm not saying That there's anything nefarious about these sites because there isn't, in my opinion, but they can control the access to information.

What that means is your friend group, or the people you're communicating will have a certain level of knowledge and sometimes that knowledge Limits you people can be banned from platforms. I don't really think that this is that big of a deal for an attorney getting planned Facebook.

But the information you're receiving, for example, on Google, the 1st, information you're going to see is for sponsored things. And then after that you can, you'll see things that aren't sponsored. I personally don't think many of these things. Into that difficult, but things like linkedin will turn professional communications into the advertiser supported things.

And the information do you see this one as could often be from the employer may, posting a job may say, these are the only types of candidates that we want to see the job. But anyway, my point is, I don't think LinkedIn and so forth are Facebook or Google or are really that big of a deal.

I don't really feel like they're controlling your information, but to some extent they are. And just what I'm trying to make you understand is that. Everywhere you turn, there are people and organizations controlling your access to information. Your networks are doing that. Job sites are doing that.

The people that you rely on for advice, whether it's recruiters or career counselors or outplacement agencies or whatever or lists that you're buying are looking at these, all of these groups. Are controlling your access to information and it's scary. So what I need you to understand right now is that once, if you rely on your, these sources of information, which are job sites, your network, recruiters, all of these people, career services, offices, you're never going to actually have access to all their opportunities because you're not going to have access to the best.

Information and because you don't have access to this and I'm going to tell you how to find all the law firms, how to find all the companies, how to find all the government offices you're just going to be in trouble. It's people that I see people all the time. I talk to them every single day, literally every single day.

I do appointments with candidates of mine that Are interviewing or are new to BCG and want to, that I want to interview every day I talk to people that are unemployed. Some that have been unemployed for weeks, months, a year or longer, and have been following the same frickin way of looking for a job or trying to find something for an incredibly long period of time, and they're doing everything wrong, and there are attorneys that should understand how to research things or find things or improve their careers.

And they're just not doing any of this. They're messing it up and they don't know how to find jobs and they just sit there with their savings dwindling or whatever and relying on their family because they're not out there doing the job, their job search in a correct way. And so I'm just going to tell you how to do this.

I told you earlier about a woman that she literally left a law firm that was doing bankruptcy and started contacting firms in areas of the country where she believed that they would be working potentially with people trying to do work on Delaware law and and started this great practice.

That within a year was doing tens of thousands of dollars in business a month just because she understood how to find information and access it. And just incredible stories like that incredible stories that I have that I could share with you. Just been completely inspiring of attorneys that understood how to find information and became incredible business generators, got the jobs that they wanted.

And if those jobs didn't work out, got many more jobs. This is what it's all about. And if you are watching this and understanding what I'm talking about, I realize that the title of this wasn't the best, but you will have this will change the course of your career and your life and it will help you get business.

It will help you apply to jobs that are fine positions. It will just change everything. If you're in law school and not getting jobs, it will change everything. Regardless of your situation, if you're senior and you don't have a job and unemployed this is what it's all about. It can change, it can give you, take you from not having any self esteem to having a ton of self esteem and it's just massively incredible.

Not too long ago, I was speaking with a partner in a big law firm And he had been and an unhappy marriage for some time and I was on a call with him and I told him he was divorced and I mentioned to him that I was going through a divorce and and like me, he hadn't been single since he'd been like 19 years old.

He married someone very young. I had not been single in I don't know, 12 plus years. And and he told me that, actually longer than 12, probably 16. Cause I was engaged before I was married. And so he told me that when his divorce started, he'd been very depressed and that he'd grown up in a small town in Texas and had

Meeting someone typically takes weeks to ask them out. However, I found myself overwhelmed with texts, in a foreign country. I didn't expect this. My profile lacked anything special, like my profession. Usually, I'd meet through organizations or events, a process taking months. Accessing a dating site changed everything. Suddenly, 25 women wanted to meet me. Many were from Russia, seeking short-term arrangements. This parallels job hunting, where many attorneys feel limited by traditional methods. Career services offer little, and online applications seem futile.

Legal recruiting firms primarily focus on larger law firms, missing diverse opportunities. I advocate for legal placement, offering tailored research and guidance. You're missing vast job market opportunities due to limited information sources. Anecdotes emphasize the importance of thorough research. Like the attorney who won cases with meticulous research, you must delve deeply into job hunting. Sending more applications helps, but personalized approaches stand out.

Connecting on LinkedIn, delivering resumes in person, or leaving voicemails express genuine interest. Details matter; a well-typed letter can be more effective than an email. Stay informed about firms breaking off or gaining clients. Utilize press announcements to identify potential openings. Good attorneys capitalize on information. Gather as much as you can and leverage it to your advantage.

There's abundant work in the legal market with billions in business opportunities. Effective exposure to the market garners significant interest from law firms. Researching the market is paramount for attorneys. Understanding the breadth of opportunities and tailoring approaches is crucial. Rejection should be anticipated, with persistence being key. Securing just one job can be transformative.

Consider your job search as if representing a client. Exhaustive research into potential opportunities is essential. Dispel common misconceptions about the legal market. Many attorneys overlook numerous opportunities due to lack of information or misconceptions. Law firms often hire despite no advertised openings. Direct applications to firms are welcomed and stand out.

Maximize your chances by reaching out through various channels. Personalized letters can be more effective than emails. Diverse application methods can make a difference. Increase the number of firms you apply to and take control of your access to information. Research extensively and broaden your scope for better prospects.

Start your journey to success by mastering the art of finding opportunities. The key lies in strategic research. Let's dive into how you can unearth valuable information to elevate your career prospects.

Picture this: you're embarking on a job hunt, aiming to land that dream position or clinch lucrative clients. Your first stop? Google. Yes, it's that simple. Type in specifics like "Spokane, Washington corporate attorney" and watch a plethora of options unfold before your eyes. Each link is a potential gateway to your next big break.

But don't stop there. Expand your search. Martindale-Hubbell is a goldmine for corporate lawyers in Spokane. With just a few clicks, you'll uncover a trove of firms specializing in your area of interest. From there, it's a matter of navigating their websites and pinpointing the perfect fit.

Now, let's talk about Fine Law. While it offers insights, remember, it's not an exhaustive list. Paid listings dominate, limiting your scope. That's where Google reigns supreme. No biases, just pure results. Take control of your search, explore every avenue.

What about Chambers Law Rankings? They provide a snapshot of top-tier firms, but don't let that sway you. Dig deeper. Explore niche markets like banking and finance in Alabama. You might unearth hidden gems overlooked by others.

The key takeaway? Research is your greatest ally. Whether you're seeking employment or clients, arm yourself with knowledge. Dive into the specifics of your practice area. Whether it's banks in Tuscaloosa or corporate attorneys in Spokane, leave no stone unturned.

In the competitive landscape of law and business, information is power. So, harness it. Let it guide your journey to success. With diligence and insight, the possibilities are limitless.

What I'm trying to show you is a different approach to considering your career, using information rather than relying on conventional methods. Instead of applying broadly to all banking and finance or law firms in Alabama, try using specialized search tools. For example, a search for "best law firms in Tuscaloosa" yields more targeted results, revealing smaller firms that may better fit your goals.

Sites like Chambers and Partners, HG.org, and Martindale offer extensive lists of law firms, providing a wealth of information often overlooked in traditional job searches. Utilizing diverse sources increases your chances of finding suitable opportunities.

Additionally, consider exploring data brokers who offer access to high-quality, niche information about law firms. These resources can be invaluable for uncovering hidden opportunities in smaller towns and counties, where firms may not actively advertise vacancies.

Traditional job search platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn, while useful, only scratch the surface. To conduct a truly effective job search, you must leverage a wide range of resources, including specialized search engines, rankings, and data brokers.

Even legal recruiters, though knowledgeable, may not have access to the breadth of information available online. The sheer volume of data makes it impossible for any single source to provide a comprehensive overview of all available opportunities.

Furthermore, law schools often fail to equip students with the tools necessary for navigating the job market effectively. By conducting thorough research using various online resources, including state-specific listings and rankings, you can uncover opportunities in areas you may have never considered.

Whether you're targeting specific counties or exploring opportunities in smaller towns, thorough research is key to finding the right fit. Don't limit yourself to mainstream job platforms; broaden your search using specialized tools and databases to discover hidden gems in the legal field.

Want to excel in your job search? Consider this insightful advice. Expand your horizons beyond major cities. Explore opportunities in smaller markets like DuPont, Washington. By targeting law firms in such areas, you open up a wealth of possibilities.

In DuPont, for instance, a quick search unveils numerous options. Sponsored listings indicate active firms, while organic results feature a variety of legal practices. But the strategy doesn't end here. Extend your search to other towns and specialties.

Interested in government positions? Explore cities like Everett, Washington, for career prospects. Even in less populous areas, legal opportunities abound. Break down your search by county, maximizing your chances of success. The key is diligence. By scouring every corner of the job market, you uncover hidden gems. Don't overlook smaller towns—they may hold the perfect role for you.

Seattle may seem competitive, but smaller markets offer untapped potential. In towns with modest populations, your application stands out. Research firms in less saturated areas to increase your odds of landing a position. Think beyond familiar locations. Investigate opportunities in neighboring states like Idaho. Even in obscure cities like Nampa, legal jobs await. Embrace a comprehensive approach to job hunting.

Utilize diverse resources, from online listings to professional networks. Don't limit yourself to popular platforms. Explore niche websites and legal forums for unique opportunities. Remember, success lies in persistence. Don't be discouraged by initial setbacks. Keep refining your search strategy until you find the perfect fit.

Stay informed about industry trends and best practices. Bar reciprocity, for instance, is a crucial concept for aspiring attorneys. By understanding what your peers are doing, you gain valuable insights. So, expand your search radius and embrace new possibilities. With determination and a strategic approach, you can navigate the job market with confidence.

Discover endless job opportunities in law firms across various states. Whether you're in Lexington, Kentucky, or anywhere else, the options are boundless. Don't limit yourself; explore firms in neighboring counties and states through bar reciprocity. Even if you're restricted initially, numerous states offer reciprocity after a certain practice duration.

Expand your search beyond local boundaries. With bar reciprocity and wave-in possibilities, the job market opens up significantly. Instead of confining your search to one state, consider opportunities in multiple states. Why restrict yourself when there are countless prospects awaiting exploration?

Take Alabama, for instance. Don't just focus on major cities; explore a plethora of smaller towns. Conduct comprehensive searches on various platforms like Google, BCG, U.S. News, and Martindale to compile an extensive list of potential employers.

Additionally, broaden your horizon beyond law firms. Explore opportunities in government offices or corporate sectors. Many cities, like Tuscaloosa, Alabama, offer diverse job listings beyond legal domains. Check out city websites for job postings in fields ranging from engineering to public health.

Remember, the job market is vast and ever-expanding. Don't let misconceptions about limited opportunities deter you. With diligence and strategic exploration, you can unearth numerous employment possibilities across states and industries.

It seems like they're not hiring attorneys unless I've missed any. A lot of times hired. You're going to find positions see if returning. Maybe I missed something. I don't think I did. No was a prosecutor. It's nothing, but you can look at firms and jobs in every city or county wherever you're trying to work in the country.

This will drastically increase the odds that you can get a job anywhere. So you have many options. My final point here is, instead of looking at one state, you can look at 45 states if you have bar reciprocity, which you can figure out online. Instead of looking at one city where you want to work, you can look at every city. Instead of looking at job sites, you can research places to work.

I know there aren't many questions, but people at this point get the idea that the market and the potential number of places you can apply are vast. There are more people, more jobs, and more potential places to apply than you can imagine. No one should think that they're limited in their job search. You can find any potential job or place you want to work and apply to those places.

Instead of emailing your resume, you can mail it. Instead of waiting to hear back, there are many things you can do to increase the number of places you get jobs. My goal for everyone here is to help you get a position. Most people will not be able to get positions using Indeed or similar sites, and even if you do, you'll often be limited because you'll get jobs that are beneath your skill set.

When you apply to jobs on job sites, you'll often find jobs that have been posted for a while, and employers may hire from the first applicants. So, your odds are bad because you're competing with many people. The best jobs you get are when you apply to places that aren't receiving a lot of applications. You do that by targeting and sending your resume to firms.

You can research those firms and apply to them. This works regardless of where you went to law school or your current employment status. Law firms and other employers need people. Instead of looking at one state, you can look at 45 states. You can apply to every city in that state, and there'll be hundreds, if not thousands of potential jobs.

Instead of looking at one city, you can look at multiple cities. Instead of using just one source of information about where to apply, you use numerous ones. Fine Law, Chambers, Google, and others can help you find places to apply. Remember, I want you to succeed in finding a position.

Access to information is crucial. Many entities control access to information about job opportunities. You must find ways to work around these barriers and apply to as many relevant places as possible. Paid job sites like LinkedIn and Indeed can be the worst for job seekers.

They're relying on sites filtering only showing the employers the best applicants. It's crazy because if you're looking for a litigation job in New York City, they may get 500 plus applications. And how are you possibly the best applicant? Some of the jobs may require different types of skills, but meaning that job could get 500 applicants and pay $30,000 a year.

I've seen jobs for attorneys paying $40,000. Obviously, if these 500 applicants knew that, they would. But the point is, anytime you get into a saturated market, your odds of getting a position actually go down. Because 1 job in New York City might get hundreds of applicants. Whereas a job in Dothan, Alabama might get 10, who knows? It's much more difficult in a saturated market.

There are probably 7,500 law firms in New York City. If there are 850 in your practice area, and maybe 30 have job openings, that still leaves 820 firms you can apply to. Out of those, you might have 300 that interview and hire the right person. You need to understand this process.

Let's say you want to work in New York City. Say there are 850 firms that do residential real estate transactions. Maybe 30 have job openings. That leaves 820 firms without job openings. But maybe 300 of these will hire if they have the work. You need to understand how this works.

You can find these firms by searching online, using sites like Indeed or LinkedIn. Then, email your resume. Look at all these different sources of jobs. It's crucial to do a comprehensive search. This morning, I talked to a woman who emailed firms around the country, offering her services as an attorney. She ended up with a lucrative job. This approach works when you understand how to do research and market yourself.

This webinar is recorded and will be on our website soon. No matter what stage of your career you're in, you can use these strategies to improve. Don't let anyone hold you back. You have countless opportunities in the legal field. Understand this, and you'll excel. Thanks for being here.