Law Firm Job Search Strategy

Are you ready to commence your lateral search for a new attorney position? The easiest task to perform is to start sending your resume through numerous online applications. My suggestion is to put a pause on that activity for a moment until you create a solid job search strategy.

Being a recruiter for well over a decade I have noticed that too many attorneys blast out resumes to dozens of job posting they find without first determining what specific position they truly want moving forward and what they are realistically qualified to obtain.

So what is a better strategy? I will provide a list below and will discuss in detail in future blog posts so keep tuned!

1. Write down three reasons why you want to leave your current law firm or in-house position and what you absolutely need with your next job.

2. What specific expertise do you have that will put your resume on the very top of their list? What can you perform hitting the ground running right now? If you are seeking to change your focus then what specific skills have you acquired that will make you a top candidate when compared to your peers who currently have the experience you lack?

3. If you find job postings directly or through a recruiter like me be very realistic about what you are qualified to do. It is okay to stretch a little but not beyond reason.

4. Compile a list of people you know very well in the legal industry that you can trust to remain absolutely confident and assist you with this search.

5. Be very organized about where and when you sent your materials.

6. Communicate at a high level with your recruiter, firm recruiters and anyone that assists you.

Be back in touch soon!

Mark N. Fishman

Before Seeking a New Job...

In my previous post I discussed a few general thoughts to consider before searching for a new job. In this post I am asking you to pause before you explore new positions and determine if there is any manner to “fix” the issues you have at your current position.

The first step is to write down the main reasons you are unhappy at your current job. This may include the following:

• The work you are performing is not what was advertised

• Lack of professional growth

• Limited mentorship

• Lack of business development support as promised

• Group of attorneys left

• Workload diminished

• Main client left

• Poor firm culture

• Poor relationship with supervising attorney

• Lack of raise and/or bonus

Depending on the firm and issues some may have remedies and some may not. If you do attempt to address issues please be confident you will not be terminated. If you are concerned this may happen then it appears you are not in the right place anyway and it is best to not address and move on soon.

If you are comfortable addressing your concerns then set up a time and place at the firm (not a bar or over drinks) and address it in a professional manner. Select a few essential items to discuss. Approach it as you would like some help to grow as an attorney rather than a demand.

If a solution is not forthcoming then I suggest you keep your head down and work hard while privately seeking a position with another employer. I do not recommend that you quit your job until you secure a new position (that includes passing conflicts, background and reference checks).

Happy 2019!

Mark