Legal Job Search During Coronavirus Outbreak

 

Summer Associate Interview Preparation for Law Students

Your law school hosted or planned to host an introductory session on On-Campus Interview (OCI). Now you are probably wondering when OCI will happen or if your class will be the guinea pigs. With all of the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, the truth is that no one knows for sure what will happen with summer associate interviews this year. However, you should prepare as best you can:

1. Consider an OCI as an upcoming event. To begin preparing for OCI bids in the coming months, you should review your school's OCI bid procedures so that you understand what will be expected of you. So that you can present a well-considered, whittled-down list of law firms to the jury at the time of bidding, you should begin researching law firms. (And since you will be studying for and taking finals during April and May, it is a good idea to get started on your research now.) Most importantly, keep in touch with your school's Career Services office and stay on top of their developments.


2. Practice video interviewing by reading up on it. An in-person interview has significantly different dynamics from a video interview. By sharpening your virtual skills, you can appear as professionals while also letting your personality shine through. In case OCI moves from your campus to the internet, do not wait until the last minute to learn the best practices of video interviewing-work on these skills now so you can polish them when the OCI moves online.

3. Schedule an appointment with your career counselor. Those of you feeling panicky about the consequences of this outbreak are not alone. The Career Services office at your school does not have a crystal ball, but it is working hard to develop plans and understand employers' plans. Additionally, they know the industry inside and out. Take advantage of your career counselor's advice, and consider how you should prepare.
 

Summer Associate and Legal Internship Opportunities for Law Students

Whatever your summer law internship is at, chances are you are excited about diving into the legal profession. As a result, you probably find yourself anxious about the current job market and your long-term career prospects. All of our lives have been turned upside down, so know that you are not alone in your concerns about the future, both near and far. Second, stay informed and prepared by following these steps:

1. Move Forward: Act as if your summer associate position or internship will go smoothly for now. If you have not heard otherwise from your employer, you should assume this is the case, and prepare yourself accordingly. Make sure to stay up-to-date on the organization's recent matters, research attorneys you wish to work with, and consider which practice areas you wish to join, so that when you walk into the door, you have well-researched goals.

2. Remain Up to Date: You will likely receive updates about what you can expect and how they will move forward. In light of the coronavirus' uncertainty, these updates may change daily. If your organization uses email or any other communication method, make sure to check it. Ensure you respond to the employer's request so they know you are interested in the position.

3. Stay in Touch: To get your summer offer, you put in a lot of work, as did the firm/organization that recruited you. The firm should remain in contact with you even in the case of a summer program cancellation. As your future career depends on those connections, you should make sure you nurture these relationships.

4. Consult with Career Services: Career Services can be reached without being on campus. It would be wise to take advantage of the virtual career counseling available to you. They stay on top of the legal job market every day so they can give you insights into what firms/organizations are thinking this summer or what you can do now to prepare for all possible scenarios.
 

Lateral Attorneys Looking for a Job

It took you a while to make up your mind, but then COVID-19 entered the picture. A bit off-time. Despite this, some employers still hire, meaning you can still find a job. However, a job seeker will find it difficult to conduct active searches at this time. What should a lateral candidate do?

1. Find a Search Firm You Trust: The search firm market is huge, but not every firm is the same. Find a headhunter that you connect with, who understands your goals, and who is honest during this difficult time. Do your research. Speak with a variety of headhunter firms. Do not allow yourself to be coddled; you need to know what is happening in the legal job market.

2. Brush Up on Virtual Interviewing: Most places do not allow in-person interviewing, so you will be selling yourself over the camera of your computer while meeting your (hopefully) future colleagues. You should make it count. Find ways to demonstrate your personality in video interviews by researching and practicing best practices. In terms of your research and preparation, a video interview should be treated the same as any other -just because you are at home does not mean you should interview on the fly (they will see if you are searching through papers for answers or using other devices). It is challenging to connect with strangers when you are not in person.

3. Do Not Forget to Network: An informational interview will not be conducted over lunch or over a cup of coffee. However, you can network virtually so that you can grow and maintain your network. Ensure your LinkedIn profile is polished, then check in with connections and research new connections every day. You can conduct an informational interview by phone or via video chat, so do not fear choosing those options if you are interested. For catching up with colleagues and friends, schedule time for a virtual coffee or happy hour-which will also reduce your stress levels. 
 

For Lawyers Who Are Currently Employed with No Plans of Leaving

Uncertain about your job's future but happy with your current position? It sounds like you are like most employed people right now-working remotely and waiting for any news or announcements from the company. As far as your tasks and output are concerned, your organization is likely in a "business as usual" mode. Nevertheless, here are some tips to keep you on track:

1. Keep Working: Many people are not following this simple advice. Stress in this situation can easily distract you from your work. Those who work from home face some challenges. You are a professional, and your firm/organization relies on you. Therefore, set deadlines and a schedule, and follow them. You can binge-read Twitter after work, turn off the TV until after you sign off, and let your work distract you from things you cannot control.

2. Avoid the Noise: There are a lot of rabbit holes we can all fall right now, and your coworkers may be inviting you down the "what if" rabbit hole about your future jobs. That kind of self-torture should be avoided at all costs. Do your best to do your best work, unless you have heard otherwise.

3. But Protect Yourself: Nobody can predict what will happen, so do not be left unprepared. Be sure to stay in touch with your network - as noted above, virtual meetups are just as effective- keep your LinkedIn profile updated, polish your resume, stay abreast of the legal job market, and establish yourself as an expert on the field.
 

Tips for Using Social Media in Your Legal Job Search

You can get ahead of the competition by establishing your online presence and being active on social media platforms. You should explore the following platforms and ways to use social media in your summer associate search.
 

Participate In Comprehensive Interview Preparation

Legal job-seekers can find an abundance of useful information on potential employers and the ins and outs of summer associate recruiting on the internet and through social media platforms. Getting a better understanding of their practices and initiatives starts with following their several social media accounts. Social media also provides an opportunity to find current discussions about trends in law since so much of it includes real-time engagement. The more you learn about the legal profession, the better prepared you will be for the future. Furthermore, you can find information on different interviewing techniques and approaches that will benefit you as you go through the hiring process, as well as extensive information about the industry.
 

Network, Network, Network

We will provide you with all the tips, tricks, and data you will need as you navigate the process, as well as profiles of industry leaders, potential interviewers, and lawyers who work at your target firms. Through researching their online profiles, commenting on their posts, starting conversations, and connecting with them across social media platforms, you will build meaningful relationships and be able to use these talking points during pre-OCI events, OCI itself, callback interviews, or recruiting events.
 

Stand Out From The Crowd

Two-way communication is the hallmark of social media. There is a lot of valuable information available online that can help you prepare for the event. It is important not to stop there, however. As an attorney, social media is also an excellent way to showcase your skillset and share all the insights you have gained on your journey to date, as well as your opinions on current legal topics.

Your social media presence shows how knowledgeable you are in a particular legal area and how confident you are to express your views. As the legal industry moves towards technology-infused services, having a strong social media presence shows that you are technologically savvy.

For more expert tips on job hunting click on the link: https://www.lawcrossing.com/article/5453/Expert-Tips-for-Effective-Legal-Job-Hunting/
 

How to Identify Potential Employers

The best way for law students to find summer employment is to write letters to organizations with an interest in their work, respond to job postings, contact family and friends, and make a concerted and creative effort. First-year law students begin sending or sending emails to employers as early as December 1. Nevertheless, some students in their second year may start writing letters and contacting employers while still in their first year of law school.
 

Law Crossing Directory

Law Crossing Directory is one of the most comprehensive resources for information on law firms of all sizes and individual lawyers. These directories provide detailed information about a lawyer's educational background, professional affiliations, and sometimes practice specialties at different employers of counsel. Law firms can be identified by size, practice area, location, and more using an advanced search. Few job listings provide as much detail as this one.

Link: https://www.lawcrossing.com/
 

BCG Attorney Search

The BCG Attorney Search is the United States’ premier legal placement firm for law firm attorneys. Mail merging, searching, and other useful tools are available online. You can find job openings for attorneys who wish to practice in law firms. They also provide career advice to their members. For students, they provide case studies and reviews.

Link: https://www.bcgsearch.com/


About Harrison Barnes

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter

Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:

• Immigration Law
• Workers Compensation
• Insurance
• Family Law
• Trust and Estate
• Municipal law
• And many more...

This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

Proven Success at All Levels

With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

• Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
• Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
• Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
• Growing firms in small and rural markets

He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

• His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
• He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
• His placement success is unmatched-see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
• He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.

Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes

If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.

Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here

With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

• Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
• Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
• Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.

This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.

A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

He has worked with:

• Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
• Senior attorneys who believed they were "too experienced" to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
• Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options-only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
• Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.

For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.

Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation

If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.

Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.

Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.