Career Answers for Job-Seeking Recent Law School Grads

Change in the practice of law since the recession started in 2007 may have impacted on one's career, directly or indirectly - for the recent graduate, associate or partner. I have been fortunate to counsel lawyers at all levels over the past 17 years who have gone through career and or employment changes. This column raises questions to be answered for young lawyers, whether the practice is with a firm, in-house, government or non-for-profit organizations. It is anticipated that the answer to a question will be of significant value to your career thinking.

Q: I am a recent law school graduate and have passed the state bar of both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. With the job market so tight, my options seem limited, and I have school loans to pay back. Any concrete recommendations for gainful employment?

A: A potential employer, be it a firm, in-house, government, non-profit or small emerging business (think INC 500), is looking for an individual who can ultimately be of significant "value" to its enterprise or organization.

You need to reflect upon, in both written and spoken word, how you can make a difference and distinguish yourself. Pleading "I just want an opportunity" is not a good enough response and is self serving. Sit down at your computer, and put in concise laser-pointed manner what in your background would help persuade someone to hire you - be it contract, part time or full time at this stage of your start-up legal career. Examples: Did you have any internships, and what did you accomplish and learn of value to a hiring source? Did you work and pay your way through college while maintaining a solid GPA or attend law school part time while working full time? What proven problem-solving and negotiating skills have you shown of value to an employer? Are you willing to work for a solo practitioner at reduced compensation to get your foot in the door of legal practice? Is there anything in your law school class work that might appeal to an employer - leadership, negotiating skills, etc. - that you believe might make a difference in an interview?Ultimately, as I do in my practice counseling lawyers, put together a sound strategy to market and package your capabilities, interests, energy and enthusiasm, as well as flexibility and adaptability, the latter being fully capable of multi-tasking. Hiring can often reflect not only your legal knowledge, but also how you fit into an employer's practice or team. That "60-second elevator speech" is critical to your future employment. The legal labor market you are entering this decade is significantly different from when you entered law school, with an emphasis on technology being a significant efficiency and cost-cutting factor for all legal professionals. Demonstrate how you can make a difference in a comprehensive and concise manner. Maybe with your legal skills, you can even "make a potential employer's life easier" in this competitive employment environment.

David E. Behrend, M.ED., Director, Career Planning Services For Lawyers has been successfully counseling attorneys going through a career or employment transition for over 18 years. He has written and spoken prolifically on career development issues for lawyers going through changes. He can be reached at: www.lawcareercounseling.com;  Behrend42@aol.com;  or 610-658-9838.