Lawyers Who Launch

If you are a recent or soon-to-be law school graduate this information is for you.  As practicing lawyers who attended law school from 2007 to 2010, we know all about graduating during tough economic times because we graduated in the midst of the Great Recession.  Therefore, we know a thing or two about how to navigate a tough job market and taking the bar exam all at the same time.

Here are five tips for recent (or soon-to-be) law school graduates to set yourself up for success after graduation, especially if you have not landed a full-time position yet.

Tip #1 - While you are looking for a full-time position, consider other temporary options to help you build experience.

Since you are just starting out you do not have a lot of practical experience yet.  Consider taking a part-time or temporary role to help you gain experience and build your resume while you continue to pursue full-time employment.

Tip #2 - Remember that your career is not defined by your GPA.

If you are someone that is concerned about whether their GPA is competitive enough - STOP!  Instead of worrying about what is behind you and cannot be changed, look forward.  Highlight skills and experience on your resume that is not reflected in your transcript.  Show your talents when given the opportunity.  

Tip #3 - Networking!

You should be consistently reaching out and checking in with your network.  Tell them what you are looking for and the types of connections you are looking to make with others.  Networking is the TOP way professionals land coveted positions.

Tip #4 - Apply for a position even if it is not advertised.

Send out your resume and cover letter to local firms or companies that interest you.  Smaller firm and business, in particular, tend to be more frugal with both time and money - advertising for job openings may not be their priority.  Get yourself out there in your local market and start making those connections.

Tip #5 - Celebrate!

Wherever you are in your professional journey, make sure that you are celebrating your law school graduation.  This is an amazing accomplishment and you worked hard to achieve it.  Don’t let the bar exam or an uncertain job market deter you from celebrating this milestone and honoring yourself.

Have a great day!

Haley & Amy

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Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

This week we are talking about something important to everyone, no matter their stage of practice.  That is - your professional reputation.

Your professional reputation is important to build and maintain.  We are sharing five things you can do to build a strong professional reputation.

#1 Reliability 

Do what you say you are going to do.  Meet deadlines.  Communicate with your colleagues.  This communicates to others that you can be relied upon and that will go a long way to establishing a solid professional reputation.

#2 Integrity

The people you work with will come to learn whether you are someone that can be trusted or someone that will bend the facts.  Similar to reliability, can you be trusted to be forthcoming and trustworthy?

#3  Avoid gossip

Developing yourself as someone that spreads and feeds into gossip will absolutely hurt your reputation and impact other people’s ability to trust you.  Instead establish yourself as someone that can be trusted to shut down gossip and keep private conversations private.

#4  Showcase yourself

Let people know when you have reached a professional milestone.  Keep your network up to date on professional advancement and skills.  They will then come to look at you as a leader in your field.

#5 Be supportive of everyone

You should always extend the same kindness and courtesy that you do with a senior partner to anyone else you come across.  How you treat others really does matter to them and to your reputation.

Your reputation matters!  Guard it carefully and mindfully.  If you are careful with it, it will help you thrive throughout your career.

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Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

In part two of the 2023 Summer Associates are Made in the Winter miniseries we are discussion the application process and networking.  These are two key aspects of a successful law school summer.

The application process for summer positions varies widely depending on where you are applying. But how are you tracking your applications?  As you apply for positions you will save yourself so much time in the future if you keep track of where you are applying.  Hiring timelines for companies and law firms vary widely.  Keeping track of your applications will help you if that call comes months after you submitted your resume.  Getting yourself organized now will absolutely save you time and stress later.

Tracking your applications will allow you to be aware at one glance of where you are in all stages of the process everywhere you applied.  Having this type of information at the tip of your fingers will make it easy for you to keep on top of your applications.  

Tracking applications can also be valuable to you further down the road.  Next year when you are applying for another summer position, or even later when you are applying for attorney positions you already have your own personal database at your fingertips.  

We love tracking applications for all of these reasons.  Our custom application tracker is just one of the valuable tools available in the job search bundle in our Etsy shop.  The time saved collecting all of this valuable information will make your job search more efficient and more effective.

Networking, of course, is always at the forefront of our minds.  Think about how you can utilize your network during your summer job search.  Being able to reach out to a specific person or have your résumé forwarded to a hiring manager by a current employee can go a long way in making your application or résumé stand out from the stack.  Don’t forget to reach out to your fellow law school classmates.  If a 2L or 3L is leaving an internship, they may be able to pass along your resume and offer a recommendation on your behalf.  

If you are struggling with how to reach out to your network, consider picking up the phone or crafting an email just to loop them in with what you are currently looking for and ask if they may know of anyone hiring in that area of law.  

What if you don’t have anyone in your network yet to reach out to?  This may be especially true for first year first generation law students.  

Take a step back and take out a notepad.  Make a list of everyone you know in law school.  List your professors.  List anyone you’ve met at a networking event.  Go back a little further and now include your college classmates, add your college professors, and now add any past employers–whether they were full time jobs or internships.  These are all people in your network that you can reach out to and start building a stronger connection with.  Ask them for help in your job search.  Let them know exactly what you’re looking for and how they can help.  

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Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

We are back we a popular topic - summer associates are made in the winter!  In part 1 we will give you four simple tips to get your summer off to the right start this winter.

Tip #1 - Start research opportunities that are available and interesting to you.

You may not know what you want to do after law school and you may not know what you want to do this summer.  That’s fine!  But you have to start somewhere.  Your summer job does not have to dictate the future of your career.  Especially if you are not sure about your path, be curious and flexible, ask questions, and take it all in.  There is something of value to be taken from any summer experience and the summer is the perfect time for exploration.  Once you start looking into your options, you want to make sure you have the tools you need to apply for those open positions.

Tip #2 - Have all of your written application materials ready to go.

You will want a well written resume and a cover letter draft.  You have time over winter break to put together a solid draft of a cover letter.  The cover letter cannot be finalized now because an effective cover letter will be personalized to each job you apply for.  While your cover letter should be personalized, your resume should be polished and ready to go.  If you do nothing else with your resume, ensuring that there are no mistakes or typos is critical.  Typos happen - but your resume is the one place it really should not.

Tip #3 - Focus on your writing sample.

Winter break and the beginning of the semester is the perfect time to finalize your writing sample.  Having a polished writing sample ready to go will help you stand out from the crowd.

Tip #4 - Summer bucket list.

Plan for fun this summer!These are the big things that you want to make sure you build into your summer, the things that need to be planned or coordinated otherwise they likely won’t happen.  Allowing yourself to dream, and think, and plan a little bit about that long awaited summer break is also just fun.

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Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

We are nearly halfway through December and we are deep into holiday prep. If you’re like us, you may feel like you are being pulled in a variety of directions - work, school, parties, holiday prep, and more.  This week we are sharing 5 steps to streamline and prioritize your to do list this holiday season.

Step #1 - Make a dump list.

If you think you need to do it, put it on the list.

Step #2 - What can you eliminate?

Take a harsh look at your list and decide what really needs to get done.  If it is not necessary then get rid of it.

 Step #3 - Ask whether this needs to be done now?

Is there a deadline or a timing to this list item.  If so, you may need to keep it.  But if it can wait, then intentionally move it to a space when you have more time after the holidays.

Step #4 - Delegate.

Does this need to be done by you?  If not, DELEGATE!  Set measurable goals and deadlines so you can ensure it gets done, just not by you.

Step #5 - Calendar the tasks that remain.

Schedule time to do the items on your list and stick to it.

We can’t wait to hear if these five steps help you streamline your to do list this holiday season.

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Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

This week we continue our quest to decrease stress and improving decision making.  That is why we are considering the seasonal decision fatigue and five simple things you can do to combat it right now.

#1 - Make a dump list.

Make a dump list of everything you have going on.  Big and little put it on there.  While you are making the list try to simply focus on getting it all out on the paper - don’t think about it beyond naming it. 

#2 - Take your dump list and acknowledge what is actually timely or important.

Going through this exercise is going to tell you a lot about the things you have going on and it might reveal something you did not recognize about priorities and where your attention does not necessarily need to be. For example maybe you can let go of something that has been bothering you but is not necessarily timely or important. Then that brain space can go to something else more critical.

#3 - Make a list of 10 go-to dinners.

This one is not necessarily for everyone, but if it is for you then it may change the game.  This list should be any 10 dinners - homemade, takeout, or some combination.  When you have a list of dinners ready to go in whatever format works for you then you can easily consult the list, or have someone else in your household consult the list, and make a choice.

#4 - Schedule quality time and rest.

Quality time and rest are very different but both fulfill us in different ways.  Quality time may be something that is not particularly restful, but helps us engage and connect with loved ones.  If your quality time is not restful, then you should also think of a way to carve out some time to rest and recharge.

#5 - Acknowledge when good enough is good enough.

It can be exhausting to make so many decisions, but the reality is we are often not choosing between something good and something bad, we are choosing between two good enough options.  And sometimes good enough, is just that, good enough and not worth thinking any more about.  That's the thing about low stakes decisions - they are low stakes, you usually can’t mess it up so it is helpful to acknowledge that and lean into it.

What are you going to try in this busy season?  Let us know!

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Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

This time of year has suddenly become very busy for us and we have heard from many of you that the same is true.  That got us thinking about decision making, specifically big decisions.  Not every day is the same when decision making is concerned.  Here is a framework to help you decide whether today is a good day or a bad day to make a big decision.

Question 1 - Am I making a reactive decision to a temporary problem?

Being in the middle of a temporary problem is not always the best place to make a big permanent decision.  Before you make a decision you first want to identify whether you are reacting to a temporary problem?  If so, maybe that is a decision you want to hold off on until the temporary problem has resolved.

Question 2 - Do I have enough information to make this decision?

There are decisions that require a lot of information.  Do you have everything you need to know in order to make the decision?  If not, you cannot make the decision but you can make a plan to obtain the necessary information.  This helps prioritize what is going on and will help move you toward a decision, although probably not today. 

Be aware not to try to collect so much information that you develop “analysis paralysis.”  Rather, identify what you need to know and then seek it out.

Question 3 - Am I feeling overwhelmed?

Acknowledging that you are feeling overwhelmed can help you defer a decision that is just too important to make right now.  Maybe you have someone in your life that you could speak to about the decision to help you through it.  But trying to make a big decision amidst overwhelm can be challenging.  In that situation, consider deferring your decision until you get in a better head space.

Question 4 - Is there anyone else that needs to weigh in on this decision?

Many times big decisions impact the lives of others and they need to be a part of the process.  Open up to them and work with them, instead of getting in too deep in yourself.  This person might also offer you the perspective you need to agree on a decision. 

Question 5 - Am I too exhausted to make this decision?

Similar to making a decision from a feeling of overwhelm, making a decision when you are tired or exhausted is not the best time. You don’t have an accurate perception of the decision you need to make and its impact.

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Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

Helping you build a strong professional network is the mission behind Lawyers Who Launch.  This may be surprising, but there are times when you may need to intentionally pause your networking efforts during a particularly busy season of life.

Putting a pause on networking may seem counterproductive, but it is in fact the opposite.  We all have different seasons in our lives.  The timing, length, and reason for the season may all vary.  But sometimes you just do not have the time and energy to execute your networking plan.

That’s okay.

Because you have been working on developing a strong professional network you have your network, even if you need to pause your networking plan.

When you are in a season that could benefit from a networking pause you should give yourself the grace to actually do it.  We have five easy ways to engage with your network even when networking itself in on hiatus.

Tip #1 - Email your networking contacts.

Keeping in touch with your networking contacts via email is a great strategy for getting through your busy season, while still touching base on referrals or other news.  Use this technology to your advantage in this period of time.  Once you are through this season you can then engage with your networking directly through other means and reestablish the relationship you have built.

Tip#2 - Make a phone call, not a commitment.

There will be seasons when you do not have the space in your schedule to fit meetings, lunches, and events.  When that season hits perhaps you still have the space for a quick call with a networking contact.  Even if the call is to let someone know they are on your mind and you would like to schedule something with them in the future.  They will appreciate your time and thoughts and you are keeping that relationship going.

Tip#3 - Share an article in your field on social media.

Sharing helpful or interesting content on social media reminds your followers that you are someone that is keeping up to date in that field.  Your contacts will be happy to continue to look to you a source of reliable information.

Tip#4 - Evaluation your commitments.

Take a look at everything you have before you.  Perhaps there are other areas in which you could scale back.  Maybe now is the time to transition from a leadership role to a member in a group that you are involved with.  You may also look to refer some work out to your network.  

Tip #5 - Ask for help.

Because you have been building a strong professional network, remember that they are there for you.  If you need help reach out and ask someone.  Do you have someone you can refer a complex matter to?  Do you have someone with whom you could have a lunch to help you strategize a risky move?  Who can you rely upon in your network to help you in this season?

A busy season is just that - a season.  Readjusting and refocusing is a part of life.  Utilizing these five tips can help you navigate such a season and come out better than ever.

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Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

This fall Haley has spent time within her firm looking for summer associates.  Now that the interviews are done, she is sharing three lessons learned from her perspective as an interviewer.

#1 - If you have the opportunity to interview in person - do it.

Virtual interviews are part of our regular life and if that is all that you can manage that is fine.  However, if you have an opportunity to meet with a prospective employer in person take it if you can.  Virtual meetings will never be able to fully replicate the experience of being in the same room as someone else.  It is easier to make a connection with someone without the electronic barrier.

#2 - What makes you stand out from the crowd?

One thing that is important in Haley’s firm is firm culture.  Therefore, learning more about the people they were interviewing, going beyond the writing sample and work experience, was an important part of their interview process.  Being able to learn more about the people as individuals, beyond their resumes, was important because they wanted to attempt a good fit on multiple fronts.  They loved discussing the quirky, less obvious skills and interests of the law students.

#3 - It’s not you, it’s me.

With so many stellar candidates but so few available spots, they knew they would not be able to extend offers to students that would have been a great fit.  Even if you felt you had an incredible interview, you might not have received an offer.  Don’t let that discourage you from being you.  You will find your fit.  

We’d love to hear more about your OCI experiences this fall!  Send us a message at [email protected] and let us know!


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Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

LWL Design Shop on Etsy use code LWLPOD for 15% off your purchase


Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

This week Haley brought some wisdom from a book to discuss.  She read “The Thin Line Between Cupcake and Bitch:  Taking Action, Driving Change, Getting Results” by Joni Wickham.  While there were many gems throughout the book, today’s inspiration is one of Joni’s 10 leadership sessions - know a crisis when you see it.

In her book, Joni shared a framework for identifying a crisis.  The framework focuses on assessing the implications and severity of the situation to really identify whether something is a crisis.  The ability to discern a crisis is a valuable skill for attorneys to develop.

As an attorney, many people will come to you with what they think is a crisis.  Being able to make that independent assessment when you are presented with a situation helps set the tone for the way it is handled moving forward.  Discerning a crisis is important because everything that happens cannot possibly be a crisis.  The panic of thinking everything is a crisis keeps you constantly on high alert and can be exhausting and inefficient.

While every situation is different, Joni offers three questions for you to consider when you think you may be navigating a crisis:

1. Is someone’s safety at risk?
2. Is an individual’s or organization’s reputation at risk?
3. Is the mission of the organization or individual in jeopardy?

This simple and straightforward framework is easy to utilize and can set you up for successful decision making.

Do you think you know a crisis when you see it?  Keep the conversation going on Instagram @lawyerswholaunch and let us know!


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LWL Design Shop on Etsy
Use promo code PODJOB for 15% off any bundle now until October 31, 2022

_____________________

Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship.  Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow.  This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.

LWL Design Shop on Etsy use code LWLPOD for 15% off your purchase


Nothing contained within this podcast is intended or should be construed to be legal advice and does not create any attorney client relationship. Your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice.