Job Seekers

Vince Chhabria had always opted for in-person interviews with law students hoping to be chosen for a clerkship with him, who sits on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. 

It is commonly said that law firm associates need to treat the partners they work for the same way they treat their clients. Call it the “golden rule” for advancing in a firm. 

Hiring for in-house legal counsel spiked in May and stayed in line with Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, which showed more legal jobs were added to the economy recently despite the threat of a possible recession, according to recruiters who spoke with sister publication Corporate Counsel. 

The coronavirus pandemic has created unprecedented personal and professional challenges to nearly every individual around the world. The U.S. economy has come very close to a halt and almost every business now finds itself in a tough position financially and operationally. The legal field was not spared, and law firms of all sizes are feeling their way through a contracting marketplace. 

There have been many conversations between attorneys about an expected flood of businesses filing for bankruptcy due to the COVID-19 economic slowdown. However, Texas commercial bankruptcy attorney Howard Rubin has not seen this yet, though he noted this could change in the coming months. 

Due diligence into their target law firms by lateral candidates is even more important in the post-COVID era. The way a law firm handled the economic shutdown and reopening, as well as its management and financial posture afterward, are vital considerations when determining which firm would be the best fit for the candidate and, for partner candidates, her clients.

“Stay home and stay healthy” and “we’re all in this together” have become common mantras during this trying time. The COVID-19 crisis has shown us that we are sharing common experiences, but individual circumstances within that broader common experience vary greatly. 

The business landscape has been going through a constant and sometimes unpredictable change. In-house counsel are anticipating to drive stability and value, and act as business partners, not just legal advisers. 

The coronavirus has completely altered the hiring landscape, perhaps forever, according to in-house and executive recruiters. But it’s not all bad. 

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, law firms are relying on technology and videoconferencing more than ever to hire and onboard attorneys and staff during this crisis. Unfortunately, however, many will not be able to achieve 100% remote onboarding.