Offer received from firm. Should you ask for moving expenses too?

I have always given a word of caution to lawyers in regards to negotiating the terms of an offer. Although your request may be perfectly reasonable, any time you attempt to negotiate the terms of an offer- you are at risk of the offer being retracted. Since this market is a tough one and there is a lot of stellar legal talent currently out on the market- you may not want to quibble with the firm over a small detail like moving expenses.

In a different market, it might have made sense to negotiate this point. In this market, where there are plenty of unemployed attorneys who would welcome any job offer- you may want to take the safe route and just accept the firm’s current package. If you decide to negotiate any points of your offer, please proceed with caution.

Things are looking up…

I’ve noticed recently that the West Coast job market has gotten better in the past few months, in relation to law firm hiring.  Law firms are cautiously dipping their toes back in the associate hiring waters.  For example, I recently got a job order from a firm in LA for a junior litigation associate- and have also received job orders for mid-level corporate associates, as well.

This is a good sign.  Many firms are becoming more optimistic that the economy is improving and that there will be a need for associate hiring in areas like general corporate, litigation, and real estate law.  Keep in mind that firms are still pretty selective in regards to granting associate interviews.  Overall though, this increase in associate hiring is great news for many in our legal community.

Marketability and bar membership

In this challenging market, it definitely helps your marketability if you are licensed in the state you are seeking employment in. If you are not currently licensed in that state, firms will take you more seriously if you at least register to sit for the relevant state’s bar exam or begin the process of waiving into that state’s bar via reciprocity (if this is applicable).

In less competitive geographic areas, bar membership may not be as big of an issue, especially if you have a strong academic background and solid law firm experience. Similarly, if you are an attorney with expertise in a stable or growing practice area, you may find that you are able to get interviews without being currently licensed in that state. For example, in California, most firms are now requiring applicants to be licensed with the State Bar of California. I have seen some firms, however, make an exception to this general rule if they come across a stellar candidate in a growing practice area like bankruptcy or patent prosecution.

Interview tip of the day: Transform your interview into an enjoyable conversation vs. a dry Q&A session

If you have been offered an interview by a law firm, generally the firm’s hiring group has already determined that you are qualified for the open position (at least “on paper”).  An in-person interview is a great way for a firm to learn more about your personality and the way you present yourself, and to gauge if you would make a good cultural “fit” with the firm.

As much as is possible, try to transform any interview into an enjoyable conversation, rather than a question and answer session.  Many people get nervous in interview situations and wait passively for the interviewer to ask questions before speaking.  Most interviewers will have a better impression of you if you are actively engaged in the interview and also show genuine interest in them and their backgrounds.  Therefore, try to market your strengths and accomplishments as much as you can- however, if a more personalized conversation begins, let the conversation flow.  In doing so, you will hopefully have presented yourself as someone that your interviewer would be happy to have as a colleague.

Interview tip of the day: Leave any emotional baggage at home.

It’s not a secret that looking for a job and interviewing can really take an emotional toll on someone. Within the legal field, it is a reality that some interviewers will take it upon themselves to be unfairly rude or harsh to potential candidates- just because they can.

It is important to “shake off” all prior negative interview experiences. You don’t want to unconsciously “self-sabotage” yourself in any future interviews, by coming off as bitter or defensive. Thus, remember to leave any emotional baggage regarding this issue, at home.  Doing so will allow you to be focused and positive at your interview, which will go a long way in creating a good impression.

Leaving your firm on a ”good note”

Do you remember being told as a child that you should never burn bridges? There is a good reason for that. People often find that it is indeed a small world, and your particular legal community is no exception. Although you may think that this is the perfect time to tell a jerky partner exactly what you think of him or her, keep strong in your professionalism and leave your firm on a good note.

This includes finishing any assignments that you are responsible for, continuing to act in a courteous and polite manner, and leaving the firm with your head held high and your professional pride intact. Any attorneys at the firm that gave you a hard time during your tenure there are not worth your words or further energy. Don’t jeopardize future professional opportunities by giving in to the desire to ”bad mouth” your firm or partners, as you are leaving. It may be frustrating to not be able to express those negative feelings to other people at your firm, but in the long run, it will be you who benefits from remaining poised and professional during your departure.

Marketing Tip of the Day: Be an abundant resource of information for your recruiter

Being an abundant resource of information, is one of the best ways you can help your recruiter market you to law firms. The best types of recruiters will be those who take the necessary time to get to know you and your professional strengths. A little extra preparation can go a long way, in trying to set you apart from the numerous other applicants vying for the same position. Freely give your recruiter all of the information he/she requests, along with any additional details about your background that you think will be helpful.

In order for your recruiter to create a cover letter that effectively markets you, he/she must collect and process useful marketing information about you. It often surprises me when candidates refuse to give additional and helpful information to their recruiters because they are ”too busy” or it is not convenient to do so. A recruiter’s ability to represent you is directly enhanced or limited by your participation and commitment to this process.

You and your recruiter are acting as one team, so put in the time and effort to help your recruiter maximize your chances for a successful job search.

Law firms and background checks

Most law firms will do some form of background check on their potential hires, but the depths of their investigations seem to vary. Virtually all firms will check with the local state bar to confirm that you are an active member of that bar. In addition, if you are currently working as an associate at a firm, most potential employers will look up your biography on your current employer’s website. Thus, before you start conducting your job search, you should confirm that your biography is 1) on the website and accessible, and 2) that it is up to date with your most recent work experience.

In addition, please note that a lot of firms are now looking up potential hires on social online networking sites like www.myspace.com or www.facebook.com. Make sure that anything that is accessible to the public is something you are comfortable with a potential employer seeing. There are a number of stories about candidates who failed to get interviews or job offers because of the types of pictures/written materials the potential employer discovered on these types of social online networks. Use these types of websites with caution.

Choosing a strong professional reference

I recently spoke to one of my candidates about references.  She had told me that one of her partners had agreed to be a reference for her, but she was unsure as to whether this partner would give a positive, neutral, or negative reference.

Choosing a strong professional reference is an important component of your job search.  I believe that it is absolutely fair to ask your partners directly if they feel they can provide a solid, informative, and positive reference for you. In doing so, you are confirming that the references you choose feel totally comfortable talking about your work, professionalism, and personality.

Furthermore, by asking your references if they feel they know you well enough to provide a thorough and positive reference, you are essentially giving lukewarm references an ”out.” In other words, by phrasing your request in this way, certain references who don’t know you as well may feel more comfortable graciously declining your request.

Generally, most people feel bad saying no to the question of being someone’s reference. Thus, by specifically asking if your references feel that they know you well enough to act as an in-depth character and professional reference, you will be able to weed out any partners who may possibly give you a lukewarm or uninformed reference.  In this market, it is imperative to cover all your bases in your job search. You don’t want an offer to fall through simply because you chose the wrong references.

When you’re conducting your job search on your own…

Lately I have had to turn away many extremely well-credentialed associate candidates, due to the restraints of this difficult market.  If you find yourself recently laid off and are unable to find a reputable recruiter to assist you in your search- here are some suggestions on how to kickstart your job search on your own.

1. Contact your law school’s career center and ask to speak to a career counselor.  Your counselor can hopefully help you get your resume in good shape and identify job openings.  Furthermore, law schools sometimes have job openings that are “exclusive” to its graduates- so you may be able to gain access to opportunities that the general public cannot access.

2. Network, network, network.  Now is the time to dust off your suit from OCIP and go to as many legal networking functions as possible.  With each person you meet, you are increasing the probability of finding a new position.  If you can, try to arrange informational interviews with the partners you meet at these functions (who work at firms that may be of interest to you).  Many a job hunter has found out useful insider information during these types of informal interviews, and some have even garnered job offers as a result of these types of meetings.

3. Use your online contacts.  In this difficult market, now is not the time to be shy.  Utilize your online contacts (e.g. LinkedIn, alumni groups, bar associations, etc.) to the best of your abilities.  Let people know that you are looking for a job and ask if they can help you.  Personal referrals are a great way to get your foot in the door with a new firm.

4. Contact firms you are interested in (regardless of whether or not they are advertising an opening).  The needs of firms change all the time.  Thus, it is in your best interest to contact as many firms that you could realistically see yourself working with.  The worst that will happen is that you will get a rejection form letter.  The best that could happen is that you could get an interview and an offer, from your efforts.  In this market, it is worth a shot.

5. Stay positive and be consistent.  Attitude goes a long way when you are unemployed.  If you are overcome with feelings of despair or negativity, this will permeate in your job efforts.  Try to stay focused on the good things in your life and realize that this tough time will pass.  Consistently commit yourself to looking for a new job every single day, and treat it as a job unto itself.  With this type of regular effort, you will hopefully be presented with various job opportunities soon.