Originally published in Student Lawyer magazine, May 2004 (Vol. 32, No. 9). All rights reserved.

Jobs

Small firms provide big opportunities for students

by Donna Gerson

If you assume that big law firms are where all the hiring action is, remember one thing: It’s a small world after all, especially when pursuing a career in private practice.

Statistically, the small-firm market is a big destination for recent law school graduates. According to the American Bar Foundation, 74 percent of all lawyers work in private practice. Of these lawyers, 83 percent work in firms of 50 or fewer lawyers--the accepted definition of a small firm.

In contrast with large firms, small firms provide associates greater client contact opportunities, the chance to undertake considerable responsibility early in their career, and greater promotion potential. Entry-level lawyers can expect to manage cases from beginning to end, meet directly with clients, and handle most aspects of a representation. (Admittedly, this sometimes includes more mundane duties such as photocopying and replacing paper in the fax machine.)

Most significantly, small firms offer big opportunities to advance in your career, perhaps more quickly than your large-firm colleagues. While large firms typically promote associates according to a seniority-based model (everyone in the same class progresses at nearly the same pace), small firms can offer more creative incentives for excellence and promote without regard to precedent. It’s not unusual, for example, to double one’s salary within several years or become an equity partner in less than five years, depending on the firm.

The median starting salary at firms of 25 or fewer lawyers is currently $53,500; this number will vary depending on region. For many entry-level lawyers, the availability of jobs in the small-firm market and the opportunities for raises and advancement make the initial sacrifice in salary worth it.

But don’t be lulled into thinking that a starting salary below the large-firm average implies an easier workload, fewer billable hours, or less responsibility. To the contrary, because small firms have fewer staff, you may be working longer hours and have greater responsibility.

When do small firms hire? The short answer: whenever the need arises. Because small firms can’t predict their hiring needs the same way large firms or government agencies can, you’re unlikely to encounter many small firms during fall on-campus interviews. While some small firms may participate in the smaller spring on-campus interviewing season, you can’t depend on your career services office to entice every small firm to your law school. In most instances, small firms hire when the need arises or when a particularly promising student crosses their path either through networking contact or the student’s targeted mailing.

You can reach small-firm employers by responding to job postings or contacting small firms directly. Responding to job postings for known vacancies should be a straightforward process. Be prepared with your essential job search paperwork (resume and cover letter) and respond as soon as possible. Time is of the essence, particularly with a limited number of openings. If fax information is provided in the posting or e-mail submissions are accepted, the quickest response will be most effective in your quest for a job.

What qualities should you emphasize in your cover letters and resume? Ask nearly any busy small-firm lawyer what they seek in a candidate, and among the first words you'll hear are "useful," "competent," and "responsible." Notice that small-firm employers aren’ t unduly focused on grades or law review. They’re seeking individuals who can leverage prior legal experience (whether at another small firm, government agency, judicial internship, or clinic) and solve problems with minimal supervision. With that in mind, showcase your research, writing, and analytical abilities both on your resume and in your cover letter. If your law school grades aren'‘t stellar, consider listing classes where you excelled (under the heading "Selected Courses") or honors you received for activities such as moot court.

If you’re graduating this spring, keep in mind that passing the bar is a key credential for consideration by most small firms. Small firms need lawyers who can represent clients from the outset, so gaining admission to the bar should be a priority. Many small firms delay hiring decisions until bar results are posted. You’ll therefore notice a spike in job postings and hiring in mid to late November in most jurisdictions.

Rather than wait for the perfect job posting, you can take the initiative by researching small firms based on geography or practice area and contact them directly, even if a job vacancy isn’ t listed. In many cases, small firms don’t have the time to search for associates but welcome unsolicited applications from those who demonstrate a sincere interest in the firm’s area of practice.

When searching out of town for a small-firm position, explain your connection to the area. While few hiring lawyers will question your decision to seek employment in a major metropolitan area, lawyers in less populous cities or regions might question your choice of location. Be prepared to explain your connection to or interest in your target location. A plausible explanation will help allay the employer’s fears that you’ll move on at the first opportunity. It also will help bolster your ability to attract and retain clients of your own someday.

You can narrow your small-firm job search by focusing on a few practice areas that truly inspire you. While many small firms provide general practice litigation services, others are boutique firms that specialize in a particular practice area or group of practice areas. While you shouldn’t feel the pressure to commit to a practice area, be aware that small firms might specialize in particular areas of the law and that you should market yourself accordingly. For example, if you know you have no interest in family law practice, don’t waste your time (and a potential employer’s time) applying to family law firms.

Where can you find the names of small firms in your areas of interest and desired geographic locations? Research into the small-firm market requires some sleuthing on your part. Unlike the largest firms, which are conveniently listed in the NALP Directory of Legal Employers by city in alphabetical order (along with a practice profile), small firms aren’t listed in a centralized compendium. To find small firms in your region, consult several sources, including the state and local bar directories (particularly the section on solo and small-firm practice), the Internet, and the Yellow Pages.

Another valuable search method is to use the Martindale-Hubbell database to find small firms in your city or area of interest. Remember, though, that Martindale-Hubbell is a subscription service and therefore doesn’t include all small firms. Some law school career services offices maintain databases of small firms and also offer mentor services to link you to small-firm practitioners. The ABA Standing Committee on Solo and Small Firm Practitioners (www.abanet.org/solo) offers resources for law students, including a directory and access to publications.

In researching small firms, don’t discount the importance of networking in the legal community through the local bar association, scheduling informational interviews based on alumni or other connections, and informing others of your desire to work at a small firm. Small-firm hiring typically is not regimented the way large firms or government agencies hire, so chance can play a big role in your job-hunting success. Don’t be afraid to let others know what you’re seeking, and follow up with all potential leads in the small-firm market.

Small firms can provide tremendous career opportunities. Consult your career services office for information, research the resources, and tap into your network to discover the range of job opportunities out there.

Donna Gerson, a former law school career services director, is author of Choosing Small, Choosing Smart: The Secrets of Small and Mid-Size Firm Hiring (NALP, 2001). E-mail her at donna@donnagerson.com if you have comments on this article or would like her to speak at your school.

For more career and job search guidance, visit the ABA Career Counsel at www.abanet.org/careercounsel/students.html.

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