Job Seekers

Chantelle McHugh, an associate at Pardo Jackson Gainsburg & Shelowitz in Miami, knows that few people are lucky enough to start their careers in their dream positions. Getting promoted to the next level in the legal industry usually involves switching law firms or working in different areas of law. 

Tracy LaLonde witnessed firsthand the transformation of what it meant to “go above and beyond” in the post-pandemic world. Instead of putting in the most hours or staying late nights at the office, those who innovate and bring about change are regarded as excellent employees.

The total number of new hires of summer associates in New Jersey stayed strong this year, with 100 summer associates hired across firms surveyed. The average number of summer associates hired per firm was about 4, which has stayed consistent in the last two years.

April Petrosino, an attorney at Stinson, found herself struggling at her first job after law school. Beyond just first-job jitters, the pervasive psychological phenomenon known as imposter syndrome where someone doubts their skills, abilities and accomplishments can be extremely common amongst young attorneys. Petrosino herself experienced imposter syndrome as a new attorney at her first job in the post-pandemic world and doubted whether she was cut out for a career in the legal profession.

David H. Freeman is a consultant and author drawing from his experience in the legal industry to help lawyers become “great rainmakers.”  A former attorney, Freeman created an accountability and development training program called Lawyer BookBuilder. One current tool used to aid learning and development is music, and Freeman details how this can help a lawyer in progress in their career. 

Michael Maslanka, an associate professor of law at the University of North Texas at Dallas, gives a few pointers on how to give a great closing argument, and certain pitfalls for attorneys to avoid. 

For many lawyers, after your first two years as a practicing lawyer, it quickly becomes apparent that you are not going to get the same level of feedback on your work product and developing skills that you did in law school or during your first year as a lawyer.

No matter your position in a law firm; leading a department, overseeing a matter, interfacing with the client, or simply delegating tasks to colleagues, you are wearing the manager’s hat. No matter your title, if you’re asking anyone to pitch in, you’re in the management business. In embracing this role in the firm, you acknowledge the unwritten contract to not only manage work but also to manage morale, motivation, and how your team members find purpose and satisfaction in their endeavors.

For in-house counsel aspiring to a general counsel position, sticking it out at one company for years in hopes of a promotion to the top job isn’t as promising these days.

A study by PwC found that workers who have expertise on artificial intelligence can earn about a 49 percent higher salary than peers without AI skills in the United States, and about a 27 percent higher salary in the United Kingdom.