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Interview Strategies: The Challenges of a Coffee 'Date'
Special to Law.com
Like the dating scene, the job interview process may start with a rendezvous for coffee at a local cafe. Although the meeting is held in an informal setting, the rules of interviewing apply, note consultants Valerie Fontaine and Roberta Kass. You still must prepare, dress appropriately and sell yourself. Presenting your case in a public place presents some challenges, however, particularly when the location is noisy and busy. Here are some tips for getting coffee with an interviewer without burning yourself.
Dechert Patent Pair Jumping to Skadden
The Recorder
James Elacqua and Andrew Thomases are jumping from Dechert to Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in Silicon Valley, according to people familiar with the deal. Skadden is scooping up the two successful patent litigators after losing Jeffrey Randall in August to Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker. Skadden has been searching for a proven IP trial lawyer since then, according to recruiters and local patent lawyers. Recruiter Gary Davis, who wasn't involved in the deal, said it's a good pickup for Skadden.
Ga. Senators Eye Trimming Judges, Irked That Not All Take Voluntary Furloughs
Fulton County Daily Report
Georgia state senators irked by Superior Court judges who have not voluntarily taken furloughs matching those required of all state employees say they are exploring removing judicial positions from court circuits. Judge Kathlene F. Gosselin said many of the judges who have not taken furloughs have positive motives, using their money to help staff members compensate for wages lost due to the furloughs. Judge Clarence F. Seeliger said that the lawmakers' idea "sounds like retribution," since they cannot cut judges' pay.
Report Shows Some Improvement in N.Y. Legal Market
New York Law Journal
The New York legal market saw demand rise in the last months of 2009, with improved conditions in litigation and corporate practice areas. In its quarterly report on market conditions, consulting firm Hildebrandt Baker Robbins said demand nationwide grew 2 percent in the last three months of last year compared to the same period in 2008, with New York experiencing the strongest growth in billable hours of the major markets.
Legal Sector Lost 1,100 Jobs in January
The American Lawyer
The U.S. economy continued to hemorrhage jobs in the first month of the 2010, but the overall unemployment rate fell to 9.7 percent, according to the latest employment report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While the legal sector lost another 1,100 jobs in January, the number marked a noticeable drop-off from previous months. Since January of last year the legal services industry shed 44,700 workers.
Lawyer-Turned-Olympics CEO Looks Forward to Vancouver and Beyond
The National Law Journal
In January, the U.S. Olympic Committee named attorney Scott Blackmun as its new chief executive officer. Blackmun recently left Denver firm Holme Roberts & Owen, where he started his legal career in 1982, and which he rejoined in 2006 after stints with the USOC and Anschutz Entertainment Group, where he was chief operative officer. The National Law Journal spoke with Blackmun about his new job, the USOC's problems, the upcoming Vancouver games and what he'll miss about private practice.
Firms Grow Greener as Environmental Law Heats Up
The Legal Intelligencer
Environmental law, which saw the same slowdown in transactional work other practices did, along with decreased enforcement under the Bush administration, is showing signs of life in both lateral movement and practice niches. Attorney Kevin J. Bruno, who recently moved to Blank Rome, says government enforcement, particularly at the federal level, is going to pick up. And Manko Gold Katcher & Fox managing partner Robert D. Fox expects emerging areas like climate change and sustainability will continue to grow.
Pick Up Public Speaking Tips From Your Dog
Fulton County Daily Report
Consultant Joey Asher says he's sure that if his dog Balou could only talk and write on a flip chart, he'd be a great public speaker. That's because he understands how to connect with people better than most humans. Balou understands that you can do a lot wrong if you establish great rapport. Asher says that, taking tips from Balou, we can be successful public speakers if we infuse our presentations with energy and passion, use great eye contact and show our audience sincere affection.
ABA Report: Recession Undermining Diversity Initiatives
The National Law Journal
An American Bar Association report appears to confirm fears expressed by diversity advocates since the recession began: Spending on law firm diversity initiatives has dried up and layoffs are undoing the gains the profession has made. The ABA's first comprehensive diversity study since the economic collapse hit the legal profession offers no hard numbers on spending cuts but does declare the recession is "creating downsizing and cutbacks that may disproportionately and negatively affect lawyer diversity."
Haynes Firm Adds More Partners From Paul Hastings
New York Law Journal
Two more partners from Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker have joined Haynes and Boone's New York office. Lawrence Mittman, a restructuring lawyer, and Carolyn Sullivan, a real estate attorney, joined the Dallas-based firm this week. The moves followed the departure of four other Paul Hastings partners to Haynes.
White-Collar Lawyer Leaves Jones Day for Solo Practice
The Recorder
John Cline, a San Francisco white-collar defense lawyer who has made headlines for work in national security cases and has represented clients such as Oliver North and I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, is leaving Jones Day to start his own firm. Cline cited a desire to focus solely on individuals charged with crimes. He said he decided late last year the time was ripe to try and build a firm from scratch. "I really am moving in a somewhat different direction than Jones Day or any big firm would want to go," Cline said.
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