Mary Winter and Abigail Audlin
Whether your current work environment no longer aligns with your goals, there is limited potential for growth, or your company is undergoing significant changes such as an acquisition, you have determined that it is time to explore new opportunities. Fortunately, having a law degree opens the door to a wide array of career paths. However, this abundance of options can also feel overwhelming when determining your next move. Where do you even begin? Surprisingly, conducting a job search can be a great way to clarify your next steps and help you assess your current path to determine if a career change is the right next step.
Figure Out What You WantAssessing Your Interests
To assess your interests and where you want to go, start by identifying what piques your professional interest. Resources like ACC.com, LinkedIn, Indeed, and GoInHouse.com can offer valuable insights into market trends. These platforms help you gauge which industries and practice areas are thriving, the scope of responsibilities for various roles, and which positions are more likely to be remote or onsite. They can also provide a sense of compensation and benefits that accompany these roles. This initial exploration is crucial in helping you evaluate your motives for considering a change and determining whether the current market aligns with your long-term career goals. You may even discover that remaining in your current role is the best option for now.
Clarifying Your GoalsOnce you have decided to pursue new opportunities, it is essential to consider what you want from your next position. Is your primary motivation a higher salary, a promotion, or a better title? Would you accept a lateral move for better work-life balance or to work in a new industry? Taking the time to reflect on these factors will help you streamline your search, allowing you to focus on roles that match your priorities and aspirations.
Exploring Different Career PathsIf you have been practicing at a law firm for at least two years, now may be the time to decide whether you want to stay within a firm environment, explore opportunities in government, or transition to an in-house role. Should you consider going in-house, it is important to identify which industries resonate with your interests, whether in the corporate sector or non-profit organizations. Attorneys often gravitate toward government or in-house roles when seeking a better work-life balance, as these paths generally offer more predictable schedules and fewer hours compared to the demanding expectations of law firms. Additionally, in-house positions provide the opportunity to work consistently with the same clients, while everyone in the company is aligned with a shared mission.
It is important to recognize that leaving a law firm often leads to a reduction in compensation, sometimes significantly. However, when considering the lower salary, remember that taxes take away a hefty portion of what you are giving up, meaning the actual decrease in take-home pay may not be as drastic as it first seems.
Reevaluating Law Firm OpportunitiesAlthough law firms continue to struggle to identify a mission-driven culture for their attorneys, recent shifts in the legal industry have made working at law firms more attractive. Increasingly, law firms are prioritizing attorney well-being, offering competitive benefits, and promoting work-life balance to attract and retain top talent. As a result, the longstanding perception that only government or in-house roles provide balance is changing. Because of these changes, law firms are increasingly hiring associates and partners from in-house and the government.
When considering your options, it is worth exploring all sectors to gain a full understanding of the opportunities available and to ensure that your next step in your career aligns with your broader goals.
Perfect Your ResumeUpdating your Resume
Before you begin your job search, you must update your resume. Recruiters, both internal and external, will sift through hundreds of resumes for each position, so your resume needs to capture their attention quickly. Your resume should be engaging and professional, without unnecessary distractions like flashy designs or bright colors. As an attorney, your resume should showcase your ability to communicate effectively through clear and concise writing—no gimmicks needed.
From my experience in the search industry, I have learned that resumes reflect the personality of the person who prepared them. For this reason, I strongly advise against hiring a professional to write your resume. Doing so can strip your resume of your personality. Additionally, it may suggest that you lack confidence in your own abilities to take on a project with which you are not familiar, such as writing your own resume. Most legal positions require you to handle new challenges and unfamiliar tasks, so if you are not comfortable writing your own resume, it may raise concerns about your ability to tackle the unknown in a professional setting.
While your resume will naturally outline your work experience, it is important—even with just a few years of practice—to highlight your accomplishments. Your accomplishments should include metrics, such as the approximate number of cases reviewed, NDAs drafted, cases first- or second-chaired, M&A transactions you have contributed to, or the financial savings your process improvements have delivered. If these achievements were team efforts, make sure to acknowledge that.
Outlining Career TrajectoryAnother way to highlight your successes is by including on your resume promotions or increased responsibilities throughout your career. Additionally, if you have changed jobs because you followed a partner, a practice group, or because a former boss invited you to join them, be sure to include this information in a parenthetical beneath your job title. This explanation for the transitions, especially if there are multiple job changes within just a few years, can demonstrate competency and help allay possible concerns about loyalty.
Remember, the objective of a resume is to secure an interview. To that end, it might be helpful for experienced attorneys to create a “master resume” with modular sections highlighting different aspects of their experience. This way, you can tailor your resume to each position you apply for, deleting or condensing less relevant details while focusing on what is most important. Keep in mind, your resume should be no more than two pages. However, you can have an addendum to showcase publications, presentations, transactions, and/or litigations. Once your master resume is complete, you can copy sections into your LinkedIn profile, ensuring consistency across platforms.
Finalizing ResumeAbove all, honesty is key. Be truthful about your experience, as any discomfort with your resume will likely show during an interview. Make sure your resume accurately reflects who you are as a professional and is free of errors.
Perfect Your LinkedIn ProfileLinkedIn offers a subscription platform that enables recruiters to search through profiles and reach out to people they believe are a good fit for the positions for which they are recruiting. To attract recruiters’ attention, your LinkedIn profile should provide a comprehensive reflection of your work history. To boost your visibility, it is important to build a large network of connections—connect with as many people as possible. Additionally, tailoring your profile by adding relevant “Skills” for the roles you are pursuing, while removing irrelevant ones, can further enhance the effectiveness of your profile. For example, if you are seeking a corporate counsel position, activate “Merger & Acquisitions” as one of your “Skills” and remove skills like Microsoft Word.
Consider becoming a Premium member, as this can help elevate your profile among the hundreds of search results. Be sure to include all relevant Publications, Recommendations, Volunteering, and any Organizations with which you are involved on your profile.
It is important to use a professional photograph on LinkedIn, as the photograph you select reflects your judgment. Your resume does not need to include everything listed on your LinkedIn profile, but the two should not contradict one another.
Searching for OpportunitiesNow that you have laid the foundation to present your best self, it is time to start applying and tapping into your network. If you are not currently employed, approach your job search as if it were a full-time job. Set weekly and monthly targets for the number of online searches, resumes, networking calls, and informational interviews you will complete. If you are employed, establish realistic goals that fit your schedule—you want to avoid setting unreachable targets, which may lead to discouragement. Clear goals will help you stay focused and prevent your efforts from feeling aimless or unproductive.
If a posting particularly interests you, research whether anyone in your network works at the company. If you have a connection, reach out. You may find that someone you know is connected to an employee there, or perhaps a law school alumnus or someone who shares a common interest is employed by the organization. If so, reach out to them. If they are local, suggest meeting for coffee or lunch to learn more about their experience with the company. Approach the conversation without the expectation of asking for a job; instead, express that you are exploring the job market and would appreciate an informational interview to gain insights.
After the meeting, send a thank-you note. If you have their address, consider sending a handwritten note, making it personal by referencing your conversation. Keep track of who has assisted you. As your search progresses, keep those who provided you with information updated on your status.
The Application ProcessRevisit the general sites you previously used, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, GoInHouse.com, and ACC.com, which regularly post positions for attorneys. In addition, explore industry sites that post positions in the industry in which you want to work, or USAJOBS for federal government positions. LinkedIn enables you to search for positions based on many factors, not only title and location, but also level of the position, whether it is remote or hybrid, as well as many others.
If there is a posting for the position for which you want to apply, revise your resume to emphasize the skills required, as outlined in the job description. While the information in your resume must always be accurate, it is acceptable to highlight your relevant experience, ensuring that the person reviewing your resume does not have to guess whether you possess the necessary qualifications. Since each resume you submit may vary slightly, it is important to keep track of the version you submitted for each position. The best approach is to create a folder for each organization to which you apply and save the submitted resume in that folder. This way, when you have an interview with that organization, everyone will be referencing the same version of your resume.
Additionally, send resumes to firms and companies that interest you, even if they are not actively advertising a position that matches your skill set. Reaching out due to genuine interest is flattering, and employers often prefer candidates who are enthusiastic about their organization. Be sure to explain why you have reached out, as there may be an opportunity that aligns with your experience, even if it has not yet been posted. After a week or so, follow up with the individual to whom you sent your resume.
Keep a record of the organizations to which you submitted a resume, including the submission date and, if possible, the person or department you contacted. It is also helpful to save a copy of the job posting, as it may no longer be available by the time you are contacted for an interview.
The InterviewYou have been notified that an organization to which you submitted your resume wants to speak with you. Your resume has done its job by securing you this interview. Before the interview, review the job posting, research the company, and, if possible, learn about the person or people with whom you will be meeting. These steps can provide insight into what they are looking for and help you present yourself effectively.
PreparationReflect on why you want this position. Consider who you are, what you have accomplished in your career, what you want moving forward, and why. Be ready to communicate this during the interview. Similarly, take the time to understand the organization, its mission, and the individuals you will be meeting. If you are clear on these aspects, you will be well-prepared to answer any questions that arise.
Prepare 15- to 30-second “elevator pitches” to answer questions about who you are and your experience. Having these concise responses ready will help smooth transitions in the conversation and increase your confidence, knowing you are well-prepared.
During the InterviewIt is important to be your authentic, professional self. You do not want to secure a job based on a version of yourself that is not genuine. While we all adapt our behavior depending on the setting, you need to remain true to who you are. For example, if you prefer working independently, do not exaggerate your enthusiasm for teamwork. Neither you nor the employer will be satisfied, potentially leading to short-term employment and a poor reference.
When answering questions, avoid giving simple conclusions. Instead, provide examples that allow the interviewer to arrive at the desired conclusion themselves. If they ask about experience you do not have, acknowledge it directly, but also explain how you have successfully taken on new challenges in the past.
Most employers are not only looking for someone who can hit the ground running, but they are typically seeking candidates who share their values, are passionate about the mission, and have the potential to grow within the company. They also want someone who works well with others. If you can find common ground or shared experiences, mention them to create an interpersonal connection. Demonstrating emotional intelligence can help ease the tension of the interview and make the conversation feel more natural.
At the end of the interview, ask for a business card from each person you met, so you can send a thank-you email or handwritten note.
Video InterviewsFamiliarize yourself with the video platform they will be using. Sit at a desk with a professional or minimalist background or use a virtual background. Position your screen at arm’s length and ensure the camera is slightly above eye level so you are looking up, not down. Wear solid colors and muted jewelry. Have a glass of water nearby and close any applications you will not be using. Turn off your phone and join the meeting five minutes early. During the interview, enunciate clearly, remain engaged, periodically look at the camera, and avoid excessive movement, which can be distracting.
After the InterviewNo matter how you think the interview went, follow up promptly. If you are working with an outside recruiter, ask the recruiter how best to approach following up. Send an email or a handwritten note to thank the individuals with whom you spoke. Your note should be brief, reference something specific that was discussed, and express your continued interest in the position. If you worked with a scheduling assistant or recruiter to arrange the interview, be sure to thank them as well.
Lastly, be patient. The interview process is rarely quick. The team may be busy or traveling, and hiring often does not take priority. Wait at least a week before sending a follow-up email to reiterate your interest. In the meantime, continue your search and submit additional applications. If you are nearing the final stage with another company but prefer this position, inform the organization you most want to work with of your situation.
ConclusionConducting a successful job search for an attorney position requires strategic planning, persistence, and a proactive approach. By refining your resume, tailoring your LinkedIn profile, leveraging your network, and remaining organized throughout the application process, you increase your chances of finding the right opportunity. Each step—from researching potential employers and preparing for interviews, to following up and staying patient during the hiring process—is crucial to positioning yourself as a strong candidate. Remember, the key to a professional job search is presenting yourself authentically, staying focused on your long-term career goals, and continuously refining your approach as you navigate the legal job market. With dedication and the right strategy, you can secure the role that aligns with your experience, skills, and aspirations.
