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…
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…
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…
When lawyers first adopted an hours-based billing model in the mid-twentieth century, most lawyers billed around 1,300 hours per year at modest rates. No one foresaw logging 2,000+ hours per year at fees of $500, $1,000, or more per hour, which has become the norm at most large and mid-sized law firms. There’s a limit,…
