Elizabeth discusses the changing legal market place for recent law school grads and those out 10-15 years. Her position offers one-on-one counseling to assist alumni in reaching their career goals. Targeting the job search is important but networking remains the most powerful tool to make that connection that can build your practice.
Elizabeth describes that while this a tough legal marketplace it is improving over the past year or so. Her office provides help with the basic tools – drafting a professional resume, building social media, looking at your connections. Many older attorneys who are practicing 10-15 years or more have trouble adapting the job search or their practice to the current marketplace. Elizabeth points out that using technology is not an option: you need to get involved with LinkedIn; have a good website; use social media.
While all this technology is important, she reminds us that the basics are still important:
• clean resume;
• professional business card;
• focused cover letters;
• excellent writing samples
Beth discusses specific pointers on all of these important matters to increase the likelihood they will stand out from the pack.
Elizabeth discusses asking for an “Introductional Interview” – meeting someone who has the career path that you want. Research the person, learn about their practice then ask for a 15-20 minute meeting or even a phone call to ask questions about their practice, how they got there, and what steps you might take to get into that area.
She reminds listeners of the many resources available to begin networking and suggests starting with your law school and then move onto Bar Associations almost all of which also have a small law firm resource center.
The podcast concludes with a reminder that it is essential that you find a way to get into a frame of mind to make networking a priority:
• volunteer to work an event at your law school;
• arrange a meeting with an alumni advisor;
• join a Bar Association committee.
New York City Bar Association Small Firm Center:
http://www.nycbar.org/small-law-firm-center/small-law-firm-center-overview
New York State Bar Solo and Small Firm Resource Center
http://www.nysba.org/CustomTemplates/SectionLanding.aspx?id=34151
American Bar Association Solo and Small Firm Assistance
http://www.americanbar.org/groups/leadership/office_of_the_president/legal_access_jobs_corps/lajc_resource_center/bar_committees.html