Articles

Finding a job in the legal field can be a challenging process, filled with potential pitfalls and uncertainty. As an attorney, whether you’re just starting your career or you’re an established professional looking for new opportunities, it’s common to face hurdles. Below, I address some of the most frequently asked questions attorneys have when navigating the legal job market, offering detailed insights and actionable advice to help you find success. READ MORE >

The legal job market can be unforgiving. Whether you're fresh out of law school or a seasoned partner looking for new opportunities, rejection can feel like a constant companion. However, it’s important to remember that rejection is not always a reflection of your capabilities. Often, there are external forces and misunderstood factors at play. In this article, I will share insights into why law firms reject candidates and offer strategies to overcome these barriers, drawing from real-life examples to illustrate the challenges and how to navigate them. READ MORE >

Senior associates and income partners inside law firms without significant business or client relationships often face unique challenges when seeking new opportunities. While these attorneys often possess a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experience, the legal market increasingly values individuals who can bring in clients. This raises an important question for many senior lawyers: How can you conduct a successful job search, build trust with recruiters, network with outside firms, and ultimately secure a position when you don't have a portable book of business? READ MORE >

Starting a solo practice is a decision filled with excitement and uncertainty. Many attorneys face significant questions as they contemplate leaving the comfort of a law firm to venture out independently. In this expanded article, we delve into common concerns attorneys have about starting their own practice, drawing from real-life insights and examples shared during a recent webinar. READ MORE >

The law firm interview process can be daunting, but with the right preparation, you can significantly increase your chances of landing the job. Below are key strategies to help you navigate the interview process and stand out from other candidates. READ MORE >

Navigating the legal profession is no small feat. From job rejections to challenges in transitioning practice areas, lawyers face numerous obstacles throughout their careers. In this comprehensive Q&A, we address some of the most common concerns and questions that attorneys grapple with, offering detailed strategies for overcoming these hurdles and finding success in the legal job market. READ MORE >

Rejection is a universal experience for attorneys striving to succeed in law firms. Whether it’s being turned down after a job application, passed over for a promotion, or encountering setbacks on the path to partnership, the legal field is rife with challenges. However, rejection does not signify failure—it is an opportunity to grow, learn, and build the resilience required to thrive in your legal career. READ MORE >

Attorneys frequently encounter challenges when crafting resumes that effectively showcase their skills and experience. In this article, we explore some of the most common resume-related questions attorneys face and provide detailed answers, supported by real-world examples and strategies to help improve legal resumes for better results. READ MORE >

In today’s competitive legal market, lateral attorneys—those transitioning between firms—must approach interviews with a strategic mindset. The focus isn’t just on securing a position; it’s about positioning yourself for long-term career success. Drawing from twenty-five years of working with lateral attorneys seeking new positions in law firms, this article outlines the essential points attorneys should focus on when preparing for interviews and thinking about their overall career trajectory. READ MORE >

In the legal profession, securing the right job often comes down to understanding how the hiring process works. Two common approaches are attorney placement and attorney recruiting, but while these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to distinct processes within legal hiring. Knowing the differences between attorney placement and attorney recruiting can help attorneys and law firms alike navigate the legal job market more effectively. READ MORE >

The legal profession has long been dominated by major metropolitan markets like New York, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles, where high-stakes litigation, corporate deals, and specialized legal work tend to cluster. However, many attorneys overlook the opportunities present in non-sophisticated or smaller legal markets, such as Richmond, Virginia, and other mid-sized cities. These markets present unique opportunities and challenges, making them appealing to attorneys willing to adapt and navigate their differences from larger, more competitive markets. READ MORE >

The legal job market presents unique challenges for senior attorneys, especially those with extensive experience who are looking for a new position. Unlike their junior counterparts, who are often viewed as more adaptable and affordable, senior attorneys must contend with a host of factors that make the job search more difficult. Firms are often reluctant to bring in higher-level attorneys without a clear need, making it essential for senior candidates to strategically position themselves to overcome these obstacles. READ MORE >

In a competitive legal market, attorneys often focus on applying only to law firms that have publicly listed job openings. This approach, while seemingly logical, can actually limit an attorney’s chances of landing a position. Applying to firms that don’t currently advertise openings offers a unique and often underutilized opportunity for attorneys seeking new roles. This strategy can help reduce competition, increase the chances of securing a position, and align an attorney’s skills with unspoken or future needs within the firm. READ MORE >

Attorneys in insurance defense often reach a point in their careers when they want to transition to a broader litigation practice, particularly in larger law firms. This shift can seem like a natural progression, especially for those who want to expand their practice or work on more diverse and complex cases. However, moving from insurance defense to general litigation can be a difficult path due to several industry-specific factors. In this article, we will explore the challenges attorneys face when attempting this transition, the skills they need to develop, and strategies they can employ to successfully navigate the move. READ MORE >

Attorneys at the height of their careers often face the temptation of exploring new opportunities, even when they are performing exceptionally well at their current firms. However, for attorneys who are getting substantial billable hours, doing great work, and nearing partnership, staying at their firm might be the smartest choice. This article explores why hard-working attorneys should seriously consider staying where they are—especially when they are consistently getting a lot of work and are close to reaching the coveted partner status. READ MORE >

Securing a position in a law firm is not just about having the right legal qualifications or years of experience. Law firms, at their core, are business entities. Their hiring practices are influenced not only by the quality of applicants but also by the internal dynamics of running a profitable business. As a result, attorneys need to understand the intricacies of how law firms operate, particularly the laws of supply and demand in different markets and practice areas. READ MORE >

A legal resume is a critical component of your job application. It is often the first thing law firms see, and even minor mistakes can cost you an interview. Many attorneys, even experienced ones, make resume errors that diminish their chances of being hired. Understanding these common mistakes and how to avoid them will help ensure that your resume stands out in a highly competitive job market. This article highlights the most frequent legal resume errors and offers strategies to create a focused, professional document that will improve your prospects. READ MORE >

In the competitive legal job market, having a resume that clearly reflects your focus and specialization is crucial to standing out. Law firms seek attorneys who demonstrate depth in specific practice areas, and a scattered or generalist resume can weaken your candidacy. Whether you are a junior attorney or have years of experience, focusing your resume on a particular area of law is essential to showcase your expertise and commitment. In this article, we’ll explore why focus matters and how you can tailor your legal resume to align with your career goals and the needs of prospective law firms. READ MORE >