The ideal candidate for an in-house legal department is somewhat different than for a law firm. Although good legal skills are mandatory, a successful in-house lawyer possesses additional business and soft skills not necessarily required for advancement in private practice. Seniority In-house legal departments usually seek candidates who possess several years of solid law…
In addition to doing copious amounts of excellent legal work, lawyers who wish to progress in their careers have a few extra tricks up their sleeves. Have “the talk” A crucial step to getting ahead is to find out exactly what you need to do to achieve success in your particular organization. Sit down with…
Creating a personal career plan will allow you to set a course that matches your specific desires, values, skills and interests. It also can assist you in aligning your goals with those of your firm. It gives you a blueprint against which you can measure your progress and, with regular review, it can keep you…
The typical lawyer’s career track changed dramatically about 25 years ago. Until then, it was usual for a lawyer to join a firm upon graduation from law school, work hard as an associate for five to seven years, and then, in most cases, become an equity partner, staying until retirement or death. In the late…
The first step toward achieving career success and satisfaction is an honest self-assessment. If you’re not clear about where you’ve been, where you are, and where you want to go, it’s difficult to determine if you’re on the right path or what your next step should be. It’s a good idea to give yourself a…
Do you have the right stuff to make partner? At the top firms, studies show that associates who join right out of law school have a 10% chance of making partner at their firm; lateral associates have a 17% chance. Nearly ¾ of all associates leave the first firm they join after law school graduation,…
