Looking for private law firms for your 2L summer or post-graduate job? Three main steps you should be working on this summer: Identify, Network, and Apply
Identify:
Did you know the Career Research Bank can email you lists of firms over the summer, for any city and for any practice area? Let one of us CCD strategists put in a request for you. Martindale.com is another great resource to identify firms, as this site includes firms of all sizes. TIP: There is a free Martindale app that you can download. It is very user-friendly and will allow you to quickly search for Washington University alumni in specific regions and practice areas. Superlawyers.com is a good resource for identifying the attorneys who are considered the best in their practice area. Since often times these attorneys work in boutique firms, it is a good resource for identifying such smaller firms.
Network:
Many openings for smaller firms are never posted but, rather, filled by word of mouth. As such, networking is extremely important when targeting small and mid-size firms. Once you have identified target employers, searching LinkedIn is another way to learn more about a firm’s attorneys, where attorneys have previously been employed and the identity of current and former summer associates of the firm. Through your own LinkedIn Profile you will be able to see mutual connections who could be helpful in making an introduction on your behalf. Connect with those practitioners on Twitter and LinkedIn. Locating experts in a particular area will likely lead you to more relevant people with whom you can connect. Additionally, the Career Research Bank can email you lists of alumni over the summer, and we in the CCD can help connect you with them. Finally, don’t forget that your friends, family, professors, and classmates can be provide great networking connections and job leads.
Apply:
You should be sending out applications this June. Applying early will allow firms to have your resume on file and will afford you the chance to be an applicant when the time is right for them. Patience and follow-up can pay dividends in landing a small to mid-size firm job, and if the firm does not have a resume from you when they decide they are ready to hire, you can miss out on fantastic opportunities.