Monthly Archives: August 2011

Swan Legal Search’s favorite blogs

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Recently, we noticed that the ABA journal had their own blog contest (for which we’d love to be nominated – hint!).  Of course, we at Swan Legal Search have our favorite legal blogs (blawgs, as some call them), and we wanted to share with you, our reader.  We think you’ll enjoy these blogs, as well.

California Employment Law

The all-attorney author pool write timely posts that cover a variety of topics regarding legal issues California employers face, including class action, wage and hour, overtime, discrimination, harassment and privacy issues.  A great read for anyone who is interested in owning a business and hiring an employee.

The One Page Blog, by Richard Hsu

Cleverly using the domain Hsutube.com, Richard Hsu writes about all things intellectual property on his blog.  Interspersed with pieces of humor, this blog contains great IP information – interesting enough for IP lawyers, yet simple enough for those of us who have practiced general civil litigation.  Richard’s blog is a quick read, and definitely worth checking out!

Wall Street Journal law blog

We can’t forget WSJ!  This blog contains some of the latest legal stories from all over the country.  It’s a must read for any lawyer.

Above the Law

Humor and law together at last!  We love Above the Law’s mix of the absurd and the fascinating in the world of law.  Check it out (as if you haven’t already).  You won’t be sorry – you may actually get a chuckle out of it.

That’s it for us this week.  How about you?  What blog post is on your “must read” list?  And, if you have a minute, be sure to tell ABA that we’re on that list, as well!

 

Things are looking up!

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A new report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that legal jobs are up!  It’s the lift we in the legal market have been looking for for quite some time.  What does this mean for you?  It means it’s time to polish off the resume and get out there!

You’ve seen all of our tips for a great resume and tips for a great interview.  Now it’s time to put these into play.  Here are a few things to keep in mind in this new marketplace. (It’s a bit different than the last time you were “out there,” particularly for partners.)

1.     Be prepared to answer a lot of questions about yourself.  Law firms are hiring, but they are only hiring the right attorney.  They want to make sure that the hire they make will be exactly what they need.  After all, hiring someone is expensive, and laying them off a few months later is even more expensive.  Therefore, they’re going to be asking even more questions than usual, so be ready to talk about yourself quite a bit.

2.     Have some information about what you can bring to the table.  Ask not what the law firm can do for you, but ask what you can do for the law firm.  That is definitely the mantra of all hiring partners these days.  You should be able to tell them how you plan to generate revenue for the law firm.  Even if you’re an associate, you should have a long-term plan.

3.     Know your stuff.  You’ve always know that it’s important to ask a few questions and know about the firm.  Those things are even more important today. As outlined above, these hiring partners want to make sure that you are the perfect person for the firm.  The more interest you show in the position and the more you know about the firm and exactly what they’re looking for, the better.

Please let us know how your interviews are going.  We’re always anxious to hear from the front lines.  Of course, if you’re ready to get out there and aren’t sure where to start, please contact us.  We’re lawyers helping lawyers, and we’re ready to help you!