If I leave the Bay Area, will I be able to get a job back here?

On November 14, 2013

It’s not impossible, but let’s consider the factors: Preference of employers. Bay Area employers always prefer local candidates. They don’t want to move you if they can find someone here already with the same skills, which is often the case. Even if you are willing to move yourself, employers don’t want to deal with the […]

Career Management, Departure, Job Search

What Is The Most Likely Way I’m Going To Land My Next Job?

On October 21, 2013

If you have the golden resume (which is a mid-level transactional lawyer with top 10 schools and AmLaw training, perhaps prior in-house and a tech degree), then you can actually land your next job by applying online. For everyone else, definitely use the resources available like a top recruiter or personal connections. Current or former clients […]

Career Management, Departure, Job Search

Can I Leave My Job Before I Line Another One Up?

On October 7, 2013

I get asked this one a lot. The person asking probably knows the answer, which is no. Let’s go through the questions a prospective employer will consider: Performance. Were you let go because you couldn’t do the work? Personality. Could you get along with others and adapt to demands? Judgment. Do you have a realistic […]

Networking

How Do You Network?

On September 27, 2013

Having someone vouch for you can make all the difference in getting you in the door. How do you develop this essential network? Offer something up. How? Send informative articles or friendly emails. Stay in touch. Offer to help with research or an important cause. Do not just hit people up when you need a […]

Recruiter

How to evaluate a recruiter.

On September 22, 2013

The field is pretty crowded. How do you evaluate? Presentation. Does the recruiter present him or herself well? This person will be representing you to prospective employers, and you want this to be done with polish and knowledge. A recruiter who has practiced law at both a top firm and in-house will understand the key requirements for […]

Resume

How To Get A Positive Response To Your Resume!

On September 8, 2013

Proper length. Junior lawyers should be on one page (the only exception: if there’s relevant business or technical experience). Senior lawyers should be on two pages, and can have an addendum for representative matters or publications/talks. Resumes that are too long will not be read. Zero errors. You can be dinged if you have even […]

Job Search

How Do I Jumpstart My Job Search?

On August 18, 2013

Following the end of summer, the legal market traditionally heats up. What should you be doing to jumpstart your job search? Get on LinkedIn. Post a professional picture (you can get a nice head shot taken for less than $100). Your LinkedIn profile should contain a crisp description of what you do and use keywords for the job […]

Job Search, Thank You

Are Thank You Notes Necessary?

On August 11, 2013

I have never seen thank you notes following an interview through a recruiter help anyone get the job. In fact, these notes can hurt you if they contain typos, grammatical errors, or insincere/boring platitudes. One big exception is if the interviewer is a stickler for etiquette and expects that thank you note. In that case, […]

Attire, Interview

What do I wear for a Bay Area legal interview?

On August 4, 2013

Consider the type of employer, the location, and the industry. Your cheat sheet below: Firm vs. company. Law firms are generally expecting you in a suit. In-house employers, in contrast, expect to see you in business casual except maybe if they are a in conservative industry. Location. Public San Francisco companies in bricks and mortar industries may […]

Offer, Process

Why Does A Potential Employer Go Radio Silent?

On July 28, 2013

I am often asked why a firm or company who seemed interested would suddenly cease communications in the recruiting process. There could be a few things going on: The potential employer has higher priorities at the moment than hiring. Management could be caught up with demanding work, and HR could be tasked with more urgent matters. […]

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