Valerie A. Fontaine earned her JD from UC Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings) and her BA, Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude, from UCLA. She was on the Editorial Board of COMM/ENT, a Journal of Communications and Entertainment Law. Valerie practiced law with a prominent Los Angeles law firm and entered the legal search profession in 1981. Valerie is Secretary to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Legal Search Consultants (NALSC) and Chairs its Newsletter Committee.
The Internet made it faster, easier, and more efficient for prospective employers and candidates to find a match. On the other hand, all it takes is a quick web search to reveal your personal information and activities, which can knock you out of the running for your dream job. These days, an increasing number of…
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When it comes to getting hired—or getting ahead—there’s more to it than stellar credentials and on-point experience. Those in a decision-making position must like you and feel comfortable with you. They must envision you as “one of us.” This is where intangibles come into play. Seek out similarities Potential employers are most comfortable with candidates…
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Regardless of the state of the economy and relative demand for lawyers, top firms are very particular regarding whom they hire. They seek candidates with expertise in specific areas of practice and have high standards regarding academics, law firm training, and personal qualities. Experience Relevant experience is the number one qualification. Candidates may argue that…
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The most important element of a fruitful job search (and, for that matter, of business development for career advancement) is effective and relentless networking. You need to look outside your circle of lawyer friends and acquaintances. Even if you are conducting a passive, or “stealth” job search, tell everyone you run across during the regular…
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