Should I apply to a law firm even if I do not meet all of the requirements listed in the job posting?
Answer:It depends on the requirements that you meet and the ones you do not. Generally speaking, the more...
582 viewsStaff Attorney Articles
I just made a lateral move and am unhappy where I'm at after 6 months. Should I move?
Answer: Moving to a new city and starting a new job can be incredibly hard and stressful -especially when...
797 views
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
The Thomas M. Cooley Law School’s history in Lansing, Michigan makes it a young school by most measures....
2929 views
Can I lateral up?
Summary: Many say that it is much easier to move from a big firm to a small firm than it is to move from a...
347 views
I am a senior associate with about $80,000 in portable business. Is that good enough?
There are a lot of factors that ultimately determine whether your portable book is “good enough” for the...
2409 views
What are the major advantages and disadvantages of moving to an in-house position from a law firm?
Answer: Of course, whether the in-house path is better or worse for you than your current law firm path...
2780 views
As a third year corporate attorney looking to transfer to real estate, how should I approach this?
Answer: We are currently in a real estate attorney boom, so right now is the perfect time to make this...
687 views
Can You Share Some Insight Regarding the Pay Scale of Mid-size Firms?
Answer: There are a number of benefits to lateraling to a mid-sized firm, but keep in mind that not all...
2410 views
Is It Possible to Transition to a Law Firm in a City Where I Have No Personal Ties?
Answer: It certainly is possible, but you will need to make a strong case for why you are looking to move...
212 views
As a Third Year Associate, How Do I Select the Right Recruiter for Me?
Answer: Unlike many situations in life where you must rely on your instincts, there are actually some rules to...
259 views
Does the Fact That I’ve Changed Law Firms a Couple Times Already Affect My Chances of Being Able to Lateral to a New One Now?
Answer:Yes, the number of times you have moved can certainly affect how viable of a lateral candidate you are...
610 views
Do I Have to Reveal My Current Salary to a Firm with Whom I Am Interviewing?
Answer: You don’t have to, but it is recommended to do so if asked, for the obvious reason that you don’t...
53 views
Clearspire’s Revolutionary Journey from a Virtual Law Firm to a Legal Services Company
Clearspire, the virtual law firm that made headlines last year with its revolutionary moves of opening...
15 views
Is it a good idea to list "X" on my resume interests section?
Answer: The “Interests” or “Activities” section on a resume serves a couple important functions, the...
43 views
Can I count alternative portable business with my regular portable business?
Answer: The short answer is “yes.”For background, see my prior article on “Calculating Portable...
23 views
I got laid off and am willing to work anywhere. Why aren't firms considering me?
Answer: Think of finding your ideal job a little like finding a mate. If you are willing to go just...
1204 views
Should I look for other opportunities if my firm recently laid off staff?
Answer: Put simply, yes. Looking into other possibilities is certainly not an overreaction to this...
208 views
What's your advice on trying out another practice area in my current law firm?
Answer: Before I get to whether you have to leave your firm, I want you to ask yourself why you work in the...
169 views
What qualifies as "reasonable" travel expenses when asking for reimbursement?
Answer: Although circumstances will differ from situation to situation, as a general rule of thumb...
1385 views
Will I Be Happier at Another Firm, or Are They All Just Basically the Same?
Answer: Just as corporations are not all alike, neither are law firms. There are obvious differences in...
153 views
I've Done IP Litigation - Why Won't Firms Look at Me for IP Positions?
Answer: I get a lot of inquiries from attorneys who are trying to make a lateral move to an IP group, and...
758 views
I have an offer from a competing firm, so should I accept my current firm's counteroffer?
Answer: (PART I) No, you should not. Also, while this essay uses an example of an associate, the advice is...
530 views
What factors should I consider when thinking of moving from a big downtown firm to a smaller one?
Answer: I talk to many associates in large cities who have to commute long distances in order to reach...
16 views
When relocating, should I wait until I pass the California bar before I apply for positions there?
Answer: It’s terrific that you recognize that the California Bar is so important to firms in this state....
47 views
When asked about "salary expectations" in an interview how should I respond?
Answer: You should not beat yourself up for flubbing the question. It is a very hard question, especially...
748 views
Are there lateral opportunities for a Non-equity Tax Partner without portable business?
Answer: The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including your area(s) of tax...
147 views
After giving notice, what should be done to wrap things up at my current firm?
Answer: It’s great that your firm is giving you two weeks to wind everything down. This is a period of...
150 views
What Should I Do If I Don't Hear Back After A Good Interview?
Answer: As frustrating as it is to not hear back from a potential employer, you are not alone.It is very...
1752 views
How can I look for a job without burning bridges with my current employer?
Answer: It is very difficult to look for a new position while you are employed. However, the vast majority...
109 views
Is a phone or video interview less important than an in-person one?
Answer: Absolutely not, and in today's hyper competitive legal market, any interview request you receive...
133 views