September 17, 2007 | Vol. XI, Issue 5

Finding Legal Work at Small To Mid-Sized Firms

Are you aware that almost half of all UF Law graduates who work in firms upon graduation choose to work in small to mid-sized firms? Consider joining these already impressive ranks if you are looking for immediate client contact when you graduate from law school, a personalized work environment, and the opportunity to immediately delve into the practice of law with the necessary safety net of a little supervision from those who are more experienced.

What are Small to Mid-Sized Firm Hiring Trends?

Smaller firms are typically unable to predict their hiring needs in advance unlike the large firms who have summer associate programs for which they usually recruit during Fall On Campus Interviews. Because small firms hire as the need arises, timing is everything. Respond quickly to postings, as postings reflect an IMMEDIATE need. Small firms will advertise anytime for part-time legal help/clerk positions, and will typically advertise and hire late in the season (February – May) for entry level attorney positions.

If Hiring Trends Aren’t Predictable, How Can I Find These Jobs?

Identifying smaller firms and solo practitioners is not as simple as it may sound. A small to mid-sized firm job search will require time and effort that is self-directed.

As you research potential legal employers, know that NALP’s Directory of Legal Employers and resources like Martindale.com might not include all smaller firms. Since these are subscription-based services or require a membership fee, not all small firm practitioners will elect to pay for them. Some areas have small firm listings or directories. Florida does not currently have such a directory, but Career Services has compiled a listing of smaller Florida firms. If you are looking for smaller firms in Florida, let us know what geographic area in which you want to work so we can provide you with the information we have. Where there are no state or local bar directories for other states, don’t forget to check out the Yellow Pages.

Most positions will be found through networking. This does not mean that you have to have a familial tie to an attorney in the area where you want to practice. You have been networking all your life through the contacts you make professionally, scholastically, and socially. Spread the word about your employment aspirations and participate in local bar events and CLE functions. Take the iPod out of your ears, and pay attention to those next to you at the coffee shop. You never know who you might meet and with whom you can establish valuable connections.

A great way to network is to join local bar associations and attend their events. Join the Florida Bar General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section (GPSSF) or the American Bar Association’s General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Practice Division. At these events, you can get to know attorneys who can share their insight about practicing in a certain area, give advice about what you can do to prepare for the practice of law, share tidbits from their wealth of war stories, and perhaps they will remember your name when they hear of an opening. Also tap into their membership list, which will be helpful for your targeted mailings. You could begin your letters by saying, “As a law student member of the GPSSF . . .”

Get involved with the community in which you want to practice any way you can. By volunteering in the community where you want to work, you will not only be helping the under-served and under-represented, but you will also be developing your skills and your legal network. For example, if you volunteer for Habitat for Humanity you could be building a much needed home, shoulder to shoulder with attorneys from the area.

The biggest way one can network with small firms is through targeted mailings. Small firm employers expect to receive unsolicited inquiry letters from qualified applicants. Do your research, find those you would want to work with, and sell yourself. Ask for informational interviews even if a firm is not hiring. Chances are they will know someone who is.

How Do I Market Myself to Smaller Firms?

Generally speaking, the ideal small firm candidates possess the “total package.” They are well-rounded, ambitious and self-motivated individuals. They have local ties, and can work with minimum supervision while excelling in both written and verbal communication skills. They are also ready to “hit the ground running” as they start their summer or permanent position. You also need to show them that you can get along with others.

A great way to demonstrate that you are a well-rounded individual ready for small firm practice is to gain experience during your time in law school. Through skills-based learning, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the competence and aptitude required to add value to their firm. An obvious way to gain experience would be to clerk for a small firm either in the summer or during one of your upper class semesters/years. Clerking for one of these firms can be a successful means of securing a permanent job.

Here are some ways you could consider enhancing your legal skills while in law school:

• Take practical courses in law school that emphasize skills such as interviewing and counseling, negotiation and mediation, law practice management, legal accounting and/or any skills-based clinics.
• Consider taking advantage of the law school’s clinic, externship, and mentor programs.
• Participate in Moot Court or Trial Team competitions.
• Attend CLEs relevant to small firm practitioners.
• Learn about rainmaking, bringing in new clients, and about trust accounts and billing.

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