Swan Legal Search

You know you’re ready for a new legal opportunity.  The firm you’re currently in just isn’t working, and you need to think strategically about a lateral move.  Congratulations!  We’re happy that you’ve made the decision, but now comes the hard part: creating the strategy.  In order to make a successful and fulfilling move, you must get a few things together before you officially start the “job search.”

1. Make sure you know what you want.  Do you want to stay in the same practice area or switch?  What type of law firm environment are you looking for?  Do you want to try for a position at biglaw, a firm with only a few attorneys or something in the middle?  This step is absolutely crucial when thinking about making a move.  Once you’re focused on the practice area and the type of firm, things will start moving in the right direction.
2. Sell yourself.  What can you offer a firm?  To make a successful lateral move, you’ve got to start thinking like a law firm.  Why would they want to hire you?  What can you provide for the firm that is above and beyond other lawyers?  Write down your “unique selling proposition” and really edit it into one succinct, but powerful, sentence.  Make sure to include this in your cover letter or interview.
3. Start taking steps before you talk to a firm.  Once you know what you’re looking for and what you can offer, start moving in that direction on your own.  Don’t wait for a firm to come in and sweep you off of your feet.  Take proactive steps and good things will come!  Email your family, friends, ex-classmates, former co-workers and anyone else who will read your message, and let them know exactly what you’re looking for and what makes you perfect for that position.  Get active on LinkedIn and connect with people.  Remember, getting a job (particularly at the partner level) is primarily about relationships.  The more people with whom you have a relationship, the better your odds of landing your dream position.
4. Network.  It’s a dirty word for most attorneys, but it’s the way that most people hear about new opportunities.  Get out there and speak with fellow attorneys.  Let them know what you’re looking for and what you can offer a firm.  Chances are, you’ll hear about a few positions that may work out for you!
5. Get all of your successes on paper.  A resume is great, but even more impressive to a law firm is having a list of your successes. Do you have a book of business, any published cases, particularly interesting “wins”?  All of these things speak volumes about your ability, and your successes let a law firm know what they can expect from you.

Now that you’ve got everything together, it’s time for the job hunt.  Of course, that’s where we can help!  Please contact us today to hear about job opportunities and how we can help connect you with the right firm.

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!

Summer is upon us!  Whether you’re looking for your first job, a lateral move or a position in a new practice area, the summer is the best time to get a jump start.  All of the recent grads will be searching for jobs starting August 1^st (give or take), so starting your search in June is a great move!

As you know, simply checking websites and job posting sites isn’t enough to get the job of your dreams.  Think about it – everyone answers those ads.  The competition is fierce.  So, why not start your search in less obvious places and get a leg-up on the competition.  Here are our top eight ideas to get your legal job search off to a great start this summer.

1. Join a bar association in your city.  Joining the local bar association and getting actively involved is a great way to mix and mingle with other attorneys.  The more “face time” you have with other attorneys, the more opportunity to let them know that you’re searching for a new position.
2. Get social.  Social media is here to stay, and you should be a part of the trend!  Sign up for a LinkedIn account and a Facebook account.  Make sure to update your profile with relevant information and a professional picture. Start posting relevant information about the legal community you’d like to join.  Interested in an entertainment law job in Century City?  Start finding relevant and interesting information about entertainment law in the Los Angeles area.  You’ll find that people interested in the same area of law will start “following” you or inviting you to be connections/friends.  What a great way to meet other people with the same interests!
3. Clean up the legal resume.  No time like the present to review your resume and make sure that it’s in tip top shape.  Is all of your experience listed in a clear, concise manner?  Is your contact information current?  Be sure that anyone who glances at your resume for 30-45 seconds (the average time someone actually reviews a resume) will be able to accurately sum up your experience and achievements.
4. Contact your friends and family.  I know, I know.  You don’t have any lawyer friends the only attorney your family knows is you.  Hogwash.  You and your friends and family know many more people than you think you do.  Write a friendly email stating what you’d like to have (I’m looking for a senior associate position in a defense firm in Fresno) and your qualifications.  You’ll be amazed what happens when you get the word out to others.
5. Take a meeting.  Contact a lawyer who has your dream job and ask for an informational interview.  Even if it’s just on the phone, you will gather useful information for your job search and (more importantly) you will make another connection within your desired legal field/firm/city.  (It goes without saying that you need to be extremely mindful of the interviewee’s time.  Also, please follow up the meeting with a handwritten thank you note.)
6. Volunteer.  You’d be amazed how connected you can get simply by volunteering your time.   Join a program that makes you feel good, and make sure that you connect with other volunteers.  Let them know that you’re looking for a position in______ city in_______ firm in________ practice area.  Maybe the volunteer position actually has a connection to this dream job, or maybe the person knows someone who knows someone…. Either way, getting out in the community to help someone else and also get to know others is a key to getting the position you’ve always wanted.
7. Bring your book of business.  If you have a book of business, you’re irresistible to employers.  If you have a book of business – good for you!  You shouldn’t have a problem finding a fabulous position.  If not, work on building a book of business. Even a case or two will help your chances immensely.  Spend your summer trying to get one case.  You’ll be amazed how quickly you will change from the hunter to the hunted.

Good luck this summer!  If you need help, we’re only an email away.