Job Seekers

As we enter the new year, many people reading this will contemplate a job search.  The below 20 job search tips were prepared by Dan Binstock, a partner at the attorney search firm Garrison & Sisson and also President of the National Association of Legal Search Consultants (NALSC).  

The legal industry this year had its best success since adding 4,100 jobs in August, according to the latest U.S. jobs report. The industry rebounded in November after gaining a paltry 300 jobs and losing 900 jobs prior to that. The law workforce has added 2,900 positions this year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ November jobs report. Currently in the legal arena there are 1,151,900 people employed.

Leaving a toxic work environment is never easy. Whether you have been with the company for years or you enjoy who you work with, there comes a time where you must sum up the courage to move on. Now that this decision has been made, it is time for interviews. However, one major question arises before you start the interview process: should I pipe up about my dysfunctional work environment?

Like the dating scene, the job interview process may start with a rendezvous for coffee at a local café.  Although the meeting is held in an informal setting, don’t forget that the rules of interviewing apply. You still must prepare, dress appropriately, and sell yourself.  Presenting your case in a public place presents some challenges, however.

Legal tech companies have been busy this year. These types of companies have been acquiring competitors and raising significant funding, and as they have been forming mergers, employees at all levels wait impatiently to see if they will get the ax. 

In the world of business, there may come a time when an employee wants to move on from their current position to either advance in their career or experience something new. 

Times are changing in the state of California. After a one-year moratorium, a new bill known as the California Consumer Protection Act will enhance privacy rights and consumer protection for California residents.

Fresh out of law school, young associates are trying to find their footing at a new firm. Not to mention, they are also trying to find ways to stand out. Taking steps to make yourself indispensable is a way an associate can ensure that partners will never want them to leave.

Who wouldn’t want an unlimited vacation time policy at their firm? Well, for most lawyers, you would be surprised to know that they would prefer a more restrictive time off policy.
What seems to be an attractive feature for a company is viewed as a faulted system. Some lawyers say because of this “perk” they end up using less vacation time.

If confidentiality is critical to your job search, any marked change in your schedule, behavior, attitude, work product, or attire could arouse suspicion. Furthermore, you must be careful how you use online job search resources and reach out to your networks. If you have a job while seeking a new opportunity, the consequences of discovery by your current employer include the possibility of immediate termination or, at least, the loss of trust and questions about your loyalty.