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 office holiday party or other business holiday entertaining can be an opportunity to further your career, ruin your reputation, and everything in between. The smart partygoer knows how to make the most of the situation, and even have a good time. An invitation to a holiday function should be taken very seriously and you…
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Counter offers often are made by employers so that you will leave the firm on your current employer’s terms, not yours. Counter offers only come into play when you have threatened to leave or given notice of your termination. Employers do not like to be “fired” (no one likes rejection), so a counter offer can…
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So, you’ve just accepted the job offer of your dreams. What now? How best to make the transition from your current employment to your new venture? Our bottom line advice: DON’T BURN ANY BRIDGES! First of all, if you have an employment contract or partnership agreement, refresh your recollection regarding notice requirements (e.g., how long,…
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Integration into a new work environment is as important to your success as choosing the right job. While some responsibility for integration falls to the hiring firm, a wise attorney will be proactive. The process begins during the search and negotiation phases and continues throughout your first several months, or more, on the job. Manage…
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