As we all know, the world is becoming smaller and smaller each year.  With the technology options we have all come to appreciate (and depend upon), it’s really quite possible to work from home and anywhere in the world at the same time.  In my research, I came across a few interesting statistics about global legal work, as well.   Consider this: U.S. drug companies’ foreign profits have quadrupled between 1997 and 2008 while domestic profits fell by a third. (Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, Merck and Scherling-Plough – which recently merged). Coca Cola gets 64 percent of its sales and 79 percent of its profits from foreign lands. The companies listed below earn between 50-80 percent of profits/revenue from international sources.

Procter & Gamble
Kraft
Google
IBM
McDonalds
Colgate-Palmolive
Microsoft

I see it as a legal area that growing, and I think attorneys should embrace the change!  So, what does this mean for you, the attorney who has a couple of gaps in the resume?   This means have an open mind and explore an international job as a possibility.  Could you spend one week a month in Tokyo?  How about a couple of months each year in Buenos Aires?  If this sounds like something of interest, pursue it.  You’ll be ahead of the curve, and the jobs may not be as competitive as they have been in the US for the last 18 months or so.  (Keep in mind during your search that being multi-lingual will most likely be preferred, if not required.)

Check out some of the international bar organizations.  A great place to start may be HG.  It appears that there could be endless amounts of information here.  In addition, you could always search on US-based firms in the international department.   Although these are good jumping off points, they are most likely the routes that most job searchers will take.  In addition to the “traditional” job search methods, try something a little different.  Make some phone calls to the international offices.  Speak with a lawyer in the office, and ask to take an informational meeting via Skype.    Look for international law seminars and conferencesand try to attend, or at least get the information from the seminar.  (There may be a book or video available for purchase after the seminar.)  Don’t overlook the importance of looking for in-house legal jobs, as well.  If you’re interested in a particular company, check out the website and see what legal jobs are open.  If no jobs are open, contact the HR department and set up a Skype meeting.  If you have any relatives who live outside of the US, now may be a great time to plan a visit.  (Be sure to set up some informational interviews for your trip!)

For those of you who aren’t really interested in the international thing and want to re-enter the legal job force on your own terms, consider doing it the American way – start your own firm!  That was my take on the situation.  My daughters arrived the second year of law school and during the California bar.  I practiced  law part-time for six years to accommodate my Mom status; and once they started school, I looked around in dismay and thought, “What next?”  I believed a traditional law firm would likely not take a relatively self-trained USC Law grad, and I rather liked being my own boss.  So in 1997 I started Swan Legal Search and began hiring former practicing attorneys (mostly moms).  Fifteen years later, I’m still here!

I hope that one of these options speaks to you.  Of course, the traditional US-based law firm is always an option, as well.  As is always the key in any job search, you’ve got to network like crazy and let everyone you know understand that you’re looking for a job.  (For more information on networking, check out the series posted earlier this year.) Although it may be challenging, you will most certainly find something that best suits your strengths. 

If you have more questions about re-entering the legal job market, please do not hesitate to contact us or leave a comment, below!  We’re happy to help.

This week, the associate position is located in the Bay Area.  This law firm is seeking a 2004-2008 tax associate.  As a lawyer at this firm, you’ll work with emerging growth companies, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists.  For more information about this position, see SwanLegal.com. 

If you’re searching for a partner position in Los Angeles, this could be the career opportunity for you.  This international law firm seeks a real estate partner to help build the Los Angeles office.  In addition to real estate legal work, you  must help create a thoughtful business plan for continued growth for the Los Angeles office.  This could be a wonderful opportunity for an attorney who is interested in the business side of running a law firm.  

Please check back often:  our legal opportunities are updated weekly, and we receive information about new legal jobs daily.   At Swan Legal Search, we want to make sure that your next job is your best!

Although many folks struggle with interviews – so many nerves and so much uncertainty about the “right” answer – being genuine is key.  Also understand that employers are looking for someone who is interested in the firm, the practice areas and the position itself. 

As an attorney, you understand the importance of being on time and dressing the part.  We won’t cover those elementary interview steps in this post.  We will, however, cover some interviewing tips that will dramatically help your chances with landing the perfect job.  

1. Do your research.  No matter how large or small, there’s bound to be something on the Internet about the firm or the attorneys working in the firm.  Research the names of the partners.  Review what types of cases this firm has handled in the past.  Find out if any of the attorneys have published cases and read the cases.  In some instances, you may be able to find information about philanthropic causes the firm supports or other community involvement of the firm.  All of these things are great topics for discussion during your interview.
2. Be polite to everyone in the office.  You have no idea who really pulls the strings in a law firm. Many times, the interviewers will ask the receptionist about how you acted, what you said and if you were early or late to the interview.  It’s always a good idea (in interviews and in life) to treat everyone with kindness and respect. 
3. Be prepared to answer tough questions.  If interviews were easy, everyone would get a job.  Understand that interviewers aren’t looking for perfection; they’re looking for someone who is authentic and who fits in with the firm.   The interviewer may ask you a question about your weaknesses or about your dream career or what you liked least about your previous job.  It’s fine to be perfectly honest (but tactful) when answering.
4. Follow up with a thank you.  In the old days (five years ago or so), people hand-wrote thank you notes after an interview.  This is still definitely a wonderful gesture; however, it takes a little bit too long to reach the recipient.  You should send a thank you email to the interviewer during the same business day as the interview.  If you want to reinforce your gratitude, it’s fine to mail a hand-written thank you card, as well.
5. Check back in with the interviewer.  Understand that many interviewers are speaking with other candidates and are still trying to complete his or her “regular” work.  Resumes and candidates sometimes get lost in the shuffle.  Make a follow-up phone call or send an email within 3-5 business days to ask about how the interview process is coming along and reiterate your interest in the position.
6. Ask questions.  Nothing is more of a turn-off to an interviewer than someone who doesn’t ask questions.  Asking questions shows interest and natural curiosity – two character traits that many employers want in an employee.  Even though you may have to dig for something to ask, be prepared to ask something about the firm or the position. 

Keeping these simple steps in mind can help even the most nervous interviewees nail the law firm interview.  If you have more questions about finding the perfect law firm job, please do not hesitate to contact us.  We’re in the business of matching the best legal jobs with the best attorneys.

As a partner, it’s so important to find the position that will fit with your career goals and your lifestyle needs.  This position may be the one for you.  If you’re in the San Francisco Bay area or are willing to relocate, this firm is searching for a partner with a $1M book of business and extensive experience with environmental litigation and regulations.  Sound like something you’d like to try?  Contact us or visit SwanLegal.com for more information. 

For the job-seeking associate attorneys, we have a wonderful opportunity in a Los Angeles office.  This position is for the general litigation group of the firm.   If you are  a 2005 graduate with strong litigation skills, excellent writing skills and the ability to run a case, this may be the perfect fit for your career.  More information about this opportunity is available at our website or by contacting us.

Don’t see a perfect match?  We’ll be posting more opportunities next week.  There are more job openings every day at Swan Legal Search.  Contact us to find the career opportunity of a lifetime.

Developing a book of business is not the reason most of us attended law school; and it’s certainly nothing that we’ve been taught.  At times, lawyers can find this process to be overwhelming.  Therefore, we at Swan Legal Search have broken down the process into a few simple tips that are sure to help you grow your book of business.

1. Strengthen existing relationships.  Strong relationships within (and outside of) the legal community are imperative.  It’s common for folks to aggressively pursue new contacts and forget to follow up with and give attention to existing contacts.  This is a big mistake.  Sometimes, upon first meeting, the contact has no need for a lawyer.  Six months, a year or even two years later, his/her situation may change. Make a list of contacts and be sure to communicate with them at least twice per year.  Send a short email asking how they’re doing or inform them of your status.  The follow-up doesn’t have to be long or incredibly formal, but it should be professional and they should know that you are seeking new clients.  
2. Get referrals.  If you have current contacts or clients, ask them to refer you to friends, associates and/or acquaintances.  Referrals are the easiest way to get new clients, because you come as a recommendation from a trusted source.  One important note – if you are referred to a client, be sure to give him/her the “royal treatment.”  When referred clients go to their original source and sing your praises, more referrals are sure to come your way!  (Remember to send referral thank you gifts.)
3. Market yourself.  As a lawyer, it’s sometimes tough to learn how to market yourself.  However, it’s really the best way for folks to learn who you are and what you do.  There are many ways to market yourself without being unethical or tacky.  Write an article to be published in a legal magazine or send an introductory letter and business card to someone with influence.  Whatever you choose to do, get your name out among other lawyers and business owners.  You’ll be amazed how quickly your phone will start to ring.
4. Put yourself in front of people.  Speaking with influential people face-to-face is a wonderful way to meet potential clients.  I love technology as much as the next person, but nothing is quite as impactful as an in-person meeting.  There are many types of events you can attend.  Find a business or charitable organization that “speaks” to you.  Go to as many meetings and events as you can, talk to new people and make sure they have your business card in hand by the end of the conversation.
5. Take advantage of your alumni associations.  It doesn’t matter how many years ago you graduated, your high school, college and law school alumni associations can be wonderful resources for building a book of business.  Check with your alumni associations to find out if there’s a way to get involved or to get a mailing list of other alumni.  Reach out to fellow alumni and let them know what you’re doing.  People love to help others with whom they feel a connection.  Many alumni will be thrilled to speak with a fellow graduate and may become clients.

Need more help?  Please contact us today.  We’d love to work with you and help you with your career  goals!