Young Lawyers
Four Essential Steps to Take Before Changing Law Firms
The Legal Intelligencer
Thursday, June 13, 2013
As the economy starts to improve, attorneys will increasingly explore the possibilities of moving to new law firms.
Taking Advantage of a Summer Associate Position
The Legal Intelligencer
Thursday, June 6, 2013
As traditional summer associate programs are cut back year after year, it is harder than ever to score a coveted summer position. But you've done it. You have a legal job for the summer. Finals are over for the year, the weather has warmed up and it's time to get to work. For law students, summer jobs are not just a matter of putting nose to grindstone. A summer position comes with unique potential and risk, and must be treated as more than just a paycheck for the summer. You should go into the office with an understanding of what the job is and what it is not, and tailor your performance accordingly.
Letting Light Into a Dark Place by Dealing With Mental Health
The Legal Intelligencer
Thursday, May 30, 2013
On February 15, my friend Ari "Deebo" Johnson committed suicide. His closest friends had no idea that he was struggling with his mental health, let alone that he was suicidal. At a funeral service filled with memories of Deebo's expansive laugh and easy smile, we were left grappling with unanswerable questions.
Does a Graduate Law Degree Increase a Lawyer's Value?
The Legal Intelligencer
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Today, LL.M. degrees, a.k.a. Masters of Law, or, for the fancy, the Latin name Legum Magister, are offered in a variety of legal specialties ranging from trial advocacy to intellectual property to international law to taxation.
Lean in and Promote the Future of Women in the Profession
The Legal Intelligencer
Thursday, May 16, 2013
We have all read the myriad articles recounting the depressing statistics about the gender gap in the legal profession. We could lament that, despite the fact that more than half of incoming law school students are women, barely 15 percent of equity partners and just 26 percent of nonequity partners at the nation's most prestigious law firms are women. We could sigh as we hear that nearly half of the women in the profession leave mid-career and do not return to the practice. Or, as Sheryl Sandberg suggests in her new book, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead — which was recently released to much fanfare and has caused quite a stir in executive suites and feminist circles — we could "lean in" and figure out how to get women a seat at the table in leadership positions in the legal profession.
Using Lessons From Law School to Build Your Legal Career
The Legal Intelligencer
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Much — perhaps too much — has been written about the skills one needs to obtain a legal job.
Young Attorneys and the Yellow Brick Road to Professional Success
The Legal Intelligencer
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Women in the workplace have been a hot topic lately, and yet it is still not an easy subject to broach. Suggesting advice for young women in the legal profession is even harder, considering I am one myself. The legal field seems to be a world of its own at times. However, I do think that we can pick up some helpful cues and pointers from those around us.
Shingle Hanging 201: A Symbol of Hard Work and Commitment
The Legal Intelligencer
Thursday, April 25, 2013
My briefcase is broken. It has been broken for several years. I think it broke a few months before I went solo in 2009. One of the two latches does not click to close. I still use it every day.
Crafting Your Opening Statement for a Good First Impression
The Recorder
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Opening statement is one of only three times where you can speak directly to the jury, the other two being jury selection and closing argument. Each of the three has its specific function and your preparation and strategy for each will differ accordingly, but there is no question that many cases are won or lost during opening statement.
Using the Art of Storytelling as a Tool in the Practice of Law
The Legal Intelligencer
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Stories are incredibly potent, reaching a place deep in our cultural DNA. When presented with a great story, we simply need to hear it through to the end. As the great writer Neil Gaiman once remarked, nothing speaks more to the power of stories than the plaintive question, "And then what happened?" Stories are very important to the practice of law. Trial lawyers often discuss "telling a story" to the jury, or making sure that the judge sees the case through the lens of our narrative, and not that of our adversary. Our goal should be to make our client's story resonate with the judge and jury on a fundamental level.
Involvement With Alumni Associations Offers Many Rewards
The Legal Intelligencer
Thursday, April 4, 2013
New lawyers often overlook their law school alumni organizations as rich networking venues, eschewing them in favor of other professional organizations. Becoming an active and engaged alumnus is an excellent way to add value to your law degree, meet attorneys in a social setting and open doors to leadership and future employment opportunities. This column provides some suggestions for becoming an active alumnus, discuss pathways to leadership roles and highlight the benefits of engaging with your alumni organization.
Unforgettable Understandings From the First Year of Practice
The Legal Intelligencer
Thursday, March 28, 2013
My first year of practice was filled with apprehension and stress, new situations, some successes, a few failures and numerous lessons learned along the way.
Should Undocumented Immigrants Be Allowed to Practice Law?
The Legal Intelligencer
Thursday, March 21, 2013
The rite of passage to become an attorney draws to a conclusion when the law school graduate passes the bar in his or her respective jurisdiction(s). At this point, the applicant's bar application is reviewed to ensure that the character and fitness of the applicant is suitable for admission to the bar.
A Reminder to Embrace Opportunity When Looking to the Future
The Legal Intelligencer
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Eager summer and new associates frequently sit across the desk and insist that they intend to work in a particular practice area that is often depicted fictionally and that sounds glamorous. When asked the canned question of "What is the best piece of advice that you can offer me?" I jump at the chance to advise, "Be open to opportunity."
Making the Most of Your First Legal Job Search After Law School
The Legal Intelligencer
Thursday, March 7, 2013
You've graduated law school, passed the bar and are raring and ready to go into practice. Unfortunately, the job market has not been kind to its newest members. Recent statistics show that only about half of new law school graduates have secured full-time legal employment.
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