Tips to finding a position as a small firm lawyer

It was a full house when several leaders of the General Practice/Solo and Small Firm Division recently discussed how to find a position as a small firm lawyer with law students at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law.

Panelist Laura Farber of Pasadena, Calif., noted that 50 percent of all legal jobs are with small firms. The unfortunate fact, she said, is that few law students understand the process of finding these positions.

Other panelists included Alan Fowler, Everett, Wash.; William T. Hogan, III, Boston; Elio Martinez, Miami; Keith McLennan, Collegeville, Pa., and Patricia Sexton, Kansas City, Mo.

"Law schools typically work with large firms and government agencies because those groups are structured to recruit new lawyers," said McLennan, chair of the GP/Solo Division as well as a panelist. "They work well with law school placement offices because they have staff recruiters and generally work with the same schools each year. In contrast small firms recruit only when they have a need, do not have staff or structure dedicated to recruitment, and generally do not have long-standing relationships with law school placement offices."

Back to top

McLennan described his own experience as a case in point. "When I was searching for a position, I was uncertain where to look. I was in the top 25 percent of my class, but not law review and not connected.  I found some postings in the placement office that looked promising, one from a five-person general practice firm near my hometown.  I knew that was the type of practice I wanted.  I sent in my resume and was invited for an interview. Then I was invited back for a second interview. I thought I had done a good job with the interviews, but did not hear anything. A couple of weeks went by and still no message.  I finally called to find out one way or another and learned that they wanted to hire me, but were too busy to put together the offer."

Panelists encouraged the law students to use their alumni networks, take advantage of mentoring and volunteering opportunities, and to become involved with the ABA. Farber pointed out that working with student members on projects is a great way to build relationships, saying she invited a student to accept a summer job after she had worked with the student on a project.

Fowler said it is important to stay out there, saying that students are not a nuisance when they call to discuss opportunities.

"Many students become caught up in grades and law review," said Farber. "Small firms want people who can be out in the community as a way of marketing. Students can be well-rounded by being engaged and involved.  In addition to having something that sets them apart, students should have a sense of balance. They need to be someone clients will feel comfortable with right away."

Back to top

Hogan explained that the job-search process is a two-way street.  "Students need to think about the kind of practice with which they want to be involved. They need to ask, 'Do I want to practice law with these people?' 'Do I like them?'  Before you interview, do some research on the firm. When you are there, look around. Talk to the staff, the secretaries. Listen to how the receptionist answers the phone.  It’s also important to remember that a first job is a first job."

"From the time you step a foot inside the door, it’s important to do everything you can to make the chemistry work," said Martinez. "Small firms need lawyers who can hit the ground running, who can see opportunities and can handle the various types of practices from transactional to litigation."

 “Large firms,” Hogan pointed out, “pay their first-year associates more. However, it’s important to remember that the wealthiest lawyers in the United States are in smaller firms.”

Martinez reminded students to look for a firm that is going to put them in the best position to make decisions about their lives. “Firms will come and go. Whatever experience you have goes with you.”

Farber suggested students look to see if lawyers have family lives.  “Visualize yourself with these people for the long term. Does it make you happy?”

Fowler said a big advantage to working with a small firm or solo practice from his standpoint was being able to handle an entire case, not just a part of it.

Back to top

Back to home