Job Seekers

Changing professional norms and more workplace flexibility in Big Law has forged more avenues and paid opportunities for lawyers winning to take on side gigs, according to some industry experts. While it’s difficult to say the exact number of attorneys who have taken on additional paid opportunities, recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that workers with multiple gigs stays under 5 percent. However, it’s possible that closer to 10 percent of workers are employees with one main job and a couple of side gigs. Bankrate and McKinsey have put the percentage closer to 40 percent.

Mark Romance and Tasha Dickinson are partners at Day Pitney, and recognize ways that legal associates in firms today are helping to shape the evolving legal landscape. The attorneys map out the main five ways they believe that young associates starting out in their career can transform a law firm with innovative ideas, new technologies, online networking and effective social media strategy.

Raising your visibility at work requires understanding your environment and obstacles, building trust and avenues of communication, and creating and executing your visibility “campaign.” Jenn Bankston of Bankston Marketing provides insights on how to ensure you’re both seen and heard in the legal industry work setting.

Recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court as the “greatest legal engine ever invented for the discovery of truth,” an effective cross-examination remains no simple feat. For both the young attorney and experienced litigator, a successful cross-examination requires deep knowledge and preparation. 

Jeffrey M. Williams, founder and managing partner of Williams Family Law and a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, gives young attorneys advice on how to become a “complete” lawyer.

Over the past few years there has been an uptick in an overall lock of civility, politeness,courtesy and respect. A total lack of professionalism is pervasive in the workplace, on socialmedia channels, and those seeking opportunities in the job market. 

Both hybrid, remote work and in-person employment present learning opportunities for young attorneys. Ruxandra Osgood, an attorney at Pond Lehocky Giordano, presents some ways the trend of remote work has altered career development.

Young lawyers often feel overwhelmed in a profession known for strict deadlines and demanding bosses and clients. Often rewarded for always saying yes to additional work, young attorneys often have to question whether their workload is sustainable. 

Peter Vaira, a member of Weir Greenblatt Pierce, writes that more emphasis should be placed on learning how to conduct a witness interview.