Getting Your First Law Job in a Buyer’s Market

Jill Backer, Esq.

In this brief Q&A, Brooklyn Law School’s associate director of career services, offers some obvious and NOT-so-obvious job-finding suggestions in the roughest job market in a half-century:

Q. What do you see for the legal job market when the economy recovers?
A:I think the legal job market will bounce back, but I doubt it will ever be the same. In my opinion, the market has hit a huge reset button, and things like associate life (and pay), hourly billing, and luxurious and populous summer programs are things of the past.

Q: So, how do I find work?
A: You’ve heard it before, but it’s still true: Networking is THE best way to get a job or a client. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job. Even put the type of position you’re looking for on your Facebook page for all to see (provided, of course, your Facebook account has no questionable entries!). Second, get involved in the area of law you wish to pursue. Attend bar association committee meetings, and CLE and alumni events. Think of it; what could be better than a local bar association committee meeting in the area you wish to practice? The entire room is filled with potential employers, and lawyers love to help a young, go-getter. The networking skills you develop now will help you through your entire career.

Q: But what if the area of law that interests me is in a slump?
A: It’s a legitimate concern, and several practice areas have been deeply affected. So, you need to do what every other out-of-work lawyer is doing: research and identify the emerging legal markets, like bankruptcy, energy, privacy, labor & employment, etc. Take classes in these new areas for which you have an interest, attend CLE’s; do whatever you can to gain experience/exposure to supplement your current resume. Also, rework your resume in a way that focuses on your applicable legal skills rather than on a specific practice area.

Q: I really have my heart set on getting into Biglaw.
A: Your first job is not the be-all/end-all of your career. At this time, and in this economy, it’s important that you consider all your options. For many grads and new admittees, the federal government has not been an employer they considered. And yet every practice area found in private practice has its mirror image in the public sector. For example, say you ultimately want to be a fashion lawyer. Did you know that any fashion house general counsel would look favorably on your experience with the US Bureau of Customs & Border Protection. Yes, this agency is constantly challenging imports for piracy of trademark claims. So, stop focusing on landing your dream job right out of the gate, and concentrate on gaining the skills that will get you there. Thinking outside of the private sector might serve you well in your long-term career goals.

Q: So, what you’re saying is ‘be flexible’.
A: Yes. To get your foot in the door, you have to be. That also means being geographically flexible. In most big cities right now, it’s a buyer’s market; there are dozens of candidates for every opening. Which means you may have to take a job at a small or midsized firm that does more general practice with some of what you are interested in rather than jumping right to the mid-size boutique. Keep your eye on the prize and take measured steps towards your goal. I think you will also find you are better prepared once you arrive. The most important thing you can do now is to not rest on your laurels. Be proactive in your thoughts and your actions. There are no guarantees in this market. Make sure you are as marketable as you can be, and that means you MUST work to get as much experience and exposure as possible. Taking time off before you hit the real world means you may never get there.

Jill Backer, Esq.
jill.backer@brooklaw.edu
Copyright 2009. Reprinted with the permission of Brooklyn Law School