Job Seekers

The last three years changed how law firm leaders view associate development and mentorship. With the pandemic shifting many positions previously in the office to remote work, associate development and interpersonal relationships were affected at law firms. Whether the effect on mentorship has affected the level of expertise within law firms remains to be seen.

Keanna Seabrooks, an associate at Weber Gallagher Simpson Stapleton Fires & Newby, shares that she quickly became the go-to person in her network for career advice. Her main tips to aspiring attorneys include:

After three years since the onset of coronavirus, law firms have performed well using a hybrid work model for employees.

Law professor Jeff Robbins writes about his experience as an ambassador, senate counsel, assistant U.S. attorney, and partner at Mintz Levin and Saul Ewing.

Isaac Marcushamer, co-founder of DGIM Law, shares lessons that helped him and his partner’s success in running their South Florida law firm, dispelling myths that money and traditional rules are the only way to run a successful firm.  

After the widespread availability of the COVID vaccine, law firms have worked to find the balance of a new hybrid work model. The hybrid work model has seen increased flexibility and productivity by allowing employees to work from home at least part of the week. 

Many lawyers and Navy SEALs have much different day-to-day lives. Even though their daily lives might look different, there are some fundamental SEAL tenets that can be applied to the legal profession and help attorneys be more effective and productive in their careers. 

Lauren Krasnow, leadership coach, advises on how attorneys can succeed in in-house legal departments. Krasnow writes that most in-house positions draw on the following qualities:

The ability to converse comfortably anywhere, anytime is essential for business and social success. Small talk is an important skill when networking for jobs or business development, breaking the ice in interviews, and connecting with others before meetings. It puts people at ease while creating a smooth transition from initial greeting to business discussion. When conversation partners are comfortable, they’re more receptive to ideas and willing to share information. Ironically, the current environment of constant electronic communication has endangered our gift of gab.

Although it seems counter-intuitive to job hunt during the holiday season, it’s a great time to step up your efforts while your competition is taking a break. Legal employers begin interviewing candidates in the fourth quarter to fill openings anticipated in the new year. You can take advantage of this time to position yourself ahead of the January rush when many attorneys start a new job search after year-end bonus and salary decisions.