Attorneys face numerous decisions as they establish their careers, including which law school to attend, which specialization to focus on, and in what geographical location they should seek employment. There’s one more major decision that they must make, and sometimes it occurs at multiple points throughout their careers: should they continue to work for a law firm or try to become in-house counsel?
Articles under Job Success
Career Transitions: From Public to Private Sector (or vice versa)
Switching between the public and private sectors offers unique challenges and opportunities that can significantly reshape your career path. Whether you are moving from government service to a corporate environment or transitioning from private sector roles to public service, understanding the nuances of each sector can greatly enhance your transition.
Is Austin a Great City for Contract Administrators?
Austin, Texas, stands out as an enticing destination for those in the realm of contract administration and management, a field where a Juris Doctor (JD) degree isn’t always a prerequisite. This vibrant city, with its dynamic cultural scene, booming tech sector, and flourishing economy, is witnessing an escalating need for skilled contract administrators and managers. These professionals, adept at steering through the intricate contract processes within both startups and venerable tech giants, are finding their skills in high demand. Notably, these roles often transcend traditional legal department boundaries, with many positioned within dedicated contracts groups, reflecting the diversified nature of the profession.
Career Advancement Strategies for Lawyers
Career advancement in the legal profession is both a journey and a commitment. It demands a blend of skill enhancement, strategic planning, and the ability to navigate the unique challenges of the legal landscape.
Are Recruiters Relevant in the Social Media Age?
With the ease of making connections via social media and job postings reaching more people than ever before, many people ask if a recruiter’s fee remains a beneficial expense. Companies and law firms face mounting cost-containing pressures, and external recruiters are often a cost targeted for reduction. All employers agree that their most valuable resource is its employees and hiring the right – or the wrong – person is a decision critical to the bottom line. So the question becomes whether a recruiter can result in a better hire? Our clients say yes – when certain conditions exist.
A Niche Law Practice Should Be Your New Year’s Resolution!
“To succeed in the new world, you have to sell yourself. You go to a brand-name college, not to imbibe the wisdom of its professors, but to make impressions and connections. You pick a niche that can bring attention to yourself and then develop your personal public relations efforts to let the world know who you are.” – Alan Wolfe, New York Times Book Review, 7 Jan. 2001
Success Begets Success: Enhance Client Development
Competition in and among private law firms has never been greater, and the pressure on lawyers at all levels to develop new business is intense. Many law firms compete for the same business clients and being a talented lawyer with excellent legal skills is no longer enough. Today’s lawyers must have the ability to attract, retain and expand relationships with their clients, which is often easier said than done. Very few graduate from law school with business development training. Frequently, the pressure to bill sufficient hours during associates’ early years leaves little time and energy for client development efforts, especially when you’re not sure where or how to start.
The 8 Types of Legal Department Job Interviewers
When looking to join an in-house legal department, you will meet a variety of interviewers. Some will be lawyers and others not. While your legal department interviewers may be excellent lawyers or business people, they might not all be the most effective recruiters. You may encounter good interviewers having a bad day, inexperienced or unprepared interviewers, or those who have ineffective methods for eliciting the information they need to make the best hiring decisions.
Trends in Corporate Legal Departments
Our team of Texas legal recruiters recently attended the annual conference of the National Association of Legal Search Consultants (NALSC), the professional organization that promulgates ethical standards and best practices in the legal recruiting profession. The key note speech was presented by James Merklinger, Vice President and General Counsel of the Association of Corporate Counsel. His talk about in-house legal department trends was insightful and we thought would be of interest to many of our readers. Below is a brief summary of our annotations:
The Science Behind the Most Successful Careers
If you doubt the power of belief – even for just one moment – you are forsaking your most powerful ally: your brain. If you doubt that changing a few beliefs can dramatically alter the trajectory of your career, then your career may fall far short of its true potential.