How will 2012 treat lawyers looking for law jobs in 2012?  What is the outlook?

Has the recession for law jobs ended, as AboveTheLaw and others may think?

Law Jobs in 2012

The recession has bitten attorneys hard.  Finding good law jobs has taken more application and effort than ever before and there are some – a few – signs that jobs may be more plentiful this year than last.

But don’t hold your breath.  While the current situation is similar to what occurred in the US in 2000-2001, it is considerably more severe today, as LawCrossing and others have pointed out.

Instead, take the necessary steps to put yourself in the best possible position to score a law job and one that you can live and work with.

Because while the recession may have ended – again, we’re not holding our breath on that one either – the actual recovery has yet to kick in.

Banking, insurance and law all lost jobs during the recession, which hardly augurs well for the so-called “recovery”.  However, law graduates continue to pour out of law schools at a never-ending rate that creates a major issue for those seeking law jobs.

All depressing news on the law jobs front, but let’s look at the positives here.

The BigLaw firms look likely to hold their bonus levels and it appears that hiring at BigLaw is set to marginally increase for both laterals and also entry-level lawyers coming into the profession with those firms.

Similarly, there are expanded opportunities for lawyers outside of law – not exactly law jobs, but certainly legal jobs of the kind that actually reward all those years of legal study and the loans that accompany those who have finally achieved their legal qualification.

Emerging areas of practise and new jurisdictions opening in the Mid-East and Eastern Europe, as well as the ever-expanding legal market in China and Asia generally also increase the scope for law jobs.  If you are prepared to open yourself up to opportunities then you can obtain jobs in some exciting jurisdictions and in some exciting emerging areas of practise as well.

If you want to use your law degree for a ‘non-law job’ then if you go by what AOL have seen as the very best jobs from a lifestyle and pay basis, then you might want to consider other options, including becoming one of their top jobs – a law professor.  They not only earn reasonable money but work 400 hours per year less than the average US employee and enjoy major benefits along with their lengthy sabbaticals.

The key thing for anyone seeking a good law job is to ensure you’re not only open to opportunity but also putting your best foot foward with a resume that will sell you properly and using websites and recruiters who will best help you.

There are ample sites and information (including here on LawJobsPipeline) where we can help you get yourself best prepared for a great law job, but getting your resume into the best, possible shape is one of the very best things you can do.

For instance, continue to keep your options open by keeping on top of what is happening with law jobs.  It’s not good resting on your laurels with your existing job in case that terminates and you need to go searching.  You need to remain proactive, keep up-t0-date with information and keep your resume fine-tuned.  Ensure you are upskilling and keeping your law knowledge wide and deep.

And for lawyers who aren’t certain about their prospects and continue with advanced degrees, then you may want to think again because the issue of having an LLM or more can serve as a warning to potential employers that you’re uncertain about meeting the market with practical, solid application and have been avoiding the market by continued study – at least according one recruiter reported in LawJobs.com.

There will be great law jobs out there.  But you have to be in the right position to take them when you can.

That means keeping fully abreast of the law jobs market at all times.

Ireland’s been buffetted more severely than many jurisdictions when it comes to the financial crisis – and the law jobs crisis – and so its great news for lawyers to learn of 50 new legal jobs being created  by law firm Mason Hayes + Curran  to take its headcount at the practice above 300.

The Irish Times report:

“These are real and they will happen,” Mason Hayes’ chairman Declan Moylan said yesterday.

“There will be 20 new trainees. We will also provide new jobs in litigation, a small number in corporate, and some in tax,” he explained.

“We’ve developed a niche in aircraft finance and I’d image two or three will materialise there and we’ll be recruiting two real estate lawyers, to buck the trend.”

Mason Hayes didn’t make any staff redundant during the crash although salaries were frozen.

Moylan said pay rises have been awarded of late at “modest levels”.

“I’m not saying this is all fantastic. There’s pressure on pricing; a lot of competition on marketing, trying to get new clients; and tightening margins. We are living in tough times.”

Speaking from Mayo, Moylan was attending a conference run by the Pennsylvania-based Brehon Law Society, which attracted several high-profile Irish-American lawyers and former Irish politicians here.

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Law Jobs Upsurge!

Is it too early to pronounce that the law jobs market recession is over?

According to recent reports, including this one from the American Lawyer there has been 1500 new law jobs after a couple of months of declines.  The current position shows an increase of 1500 law jobs over the same period in 2010.  This comes from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics which nonetheless also showed an overall increase in general unemployment from 8.8 per cent to 9 per cent.

As AmLaw Daily reported:  The good news for the legal sector comes after the industry lost 300 jobs in March and 2,000 in February. (Last month, we reported that legal jobs were down by 500 in March, but BLS has since revised those numbers.)

The upheaval in the law  job market is especially troubling for the many  lawyers and law students who are ready to graduate this month but have no jobs to go to.  The law jobs positon has been through some serious upheavals with the recession, law firm closures, shrinking departments and more. 

Last week, in an article for The New Republic, University of Colorado law professor Paul Campos said the jobs picture is far more dismal than most law schools let on to students.

Law school employment statistics are flawed, Campos wrote–he says the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) and U.S. News and World Report often inflate graduate employment in the legal field. These reports–the ones students largely rely on–include temporary jobs and low-paying gigs that barely require a legal degree, Campos claims.

Whether the law jobs market is set for a sustained recovery only time will tell.

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Law Jobs Growth in China

It won’t surprise anyone to know that the fastest-growing law jobs market is China which, according to the National Law Journal is now the second most popular location for American law firms.

The NLJ figures cover 2010 and show that of the “NLJ 250″ firms, 70 of them maintained offices in the fast-growing economy with a total legal complement of 2055 lawyers.

The major international law firms – be they US-based or UK-based have opened offices in China over the past decade or longer, but the developing, dynamic legal regime in China itself has also given rise to the development of new law jobs with Chinese law firms that have risen steadily.

Robert Chu, who headed the Beijing office of New York-based Sullivan & Cromwell LLP from 2007 to 2009 said to Bloomberg last year:

“The secular rise of these Chinese firms is part of a seismic shift in the competitive landscape for international firms in China,” said Chu, who now heads his firm’s Australia practice.

Law Jobs - Chinese law firms (and the law jobs that go with them) have echoed the growth seen by such firms as Baker & McKenzie, based on capital flows and following the expansion of their own clients beyond China.

This too was remarked upon by David Fleming who was B&M’s managing partner, which has expanded beyond its Chicago base to open offices around the globe.  Lawyers like David Fleming see no reason why Chinese law firms will not offer the range and quality of services that major international law firms currently offer.

China itself has 190,000 lawyers (one for every 7000 people), which compares to a ratio in the US of one lawyer per 303 people, and one per 390 in the UK.

Law firms other countries like Japan, Australia, Germany and elsewhere – over 20 in fact, have also seen growth in China’s legal market and a total over over 230 offices have opened on mainland China and 70 in Hong Kong.

The scope for law jobs in the growing China market is high.

Question about the obligation of a company to advertise internal vacancies for a new position?

I’m a full-time employee for a regular company. I have just found out that a new position has been anounced an an existing employee has been promoted into that position. The job was not advertised (either informally or formally through the internal vacancy list). I wanted to apply for the position but couldn’t as the position wasn’t advertised. Is this legal in English Law?

The Equal Opportunities act has more or less annihilated the “promote on merit” policy – it’s very unusual for a company to do that because they can be taken to an industrial tribunal. If you’re a member of a union, ask for advice

Legal Secretary Jobs

Helpful Tips in Establishing the Integrity of a California Law Firm

Finding a California law firm can be easy yet tricky. It is easy in a sense that many sources provide guidelines on how to look for these companies. You may simply do an online search to have a list of law firms that you may choose from.

However, when finding a law firm in California, you need to be aware that not all of these establishments are reputable businesses. Some of these companies are bogus and are only after the money that you will pay as their client. In the end, you will end up short changed and unable to find the best law firm to handle your case.

Here are some helpful guidelines on how you can avoid becoming a victim of unscrupulous or fraudulent law firms. These tips may serve their importance in achieving a successful case result.

1. Do check if the law firm you are intending to deal with is accredited and authorized.

Practicing any legal profession without the necessary certification is illegal and punishable by law. To check if the firm is allowed by law to handle legal cases, you can check out the listing of the California State Bar Association.

2. Find out the specialization of the law firm.

Law firms may vary in their field of expertise. Thus, look for a company that would cater to your needs. For instance, if you are filing for a personal injury claim against the liable party, the best firm to look for and engage with is a company that specializes in personal injury. They can give you the best remedy to your legal concern.

3. Check out its track record and list of accomplishments

Even though you are successful in finding the law firm that is fitted to your needs, it is not an indication that they are the right company for the job. It will be to your advantage if you will conduct a research on its achievements or track record. By doing so, you will be able to determine whether they can handle the task of handling your case or not.

If you cannot find any accomplishments or winnings, then it would be better to look for another firm that is more competent and effective in handling claims.

4. Establish any connection with legal networks or associations

Determining whether they are connected with legal networks or associations is an important consideration when looking for a law firm. This will give you a better picture of their position in the legal world.

Of course, you want a company that is recognized in the industry to handle your case. By being a member of an established connection, you will have an idea that the firm handling your case passed strict standards set forth by the organization or network.

Whether it is personal injury, social security disability, business, or employment claims, working with credible law firms in California can give you peace of mind – an assurance that the company handling your case can deliver a positive result as far as your claims are concerned.

Our law firm specializes in handling personal injury, employment, business and Social Security legal cases in California. Just log on to our website, fill out our free case evaluation form, for a quick response to your concerns.

About the Author

Jinky once aspired to become an hotelier. Now, she hopes of becoming a successful doctor. She intends to pursue this dream in the near future. In the meantime, she’s glad for the opportunity to enhance her writing skills while working as a content writer.

Law Firm Job Interview

Going to a marketing workshop for new job – “business casual” attire?

I just got a new marketing job for an estate planning law firm and my start date is Dec 21st.

Never be “under-dressed”.
J

Lou Dobbs: Law Firm teaches how to avoid hiring Americans

Project Ideas? Please help, it is a very easy ten points!?

For my Spanish project I am supposed to act as an employer and create an advertisement for a job opening.

You could be an Accounting office, a Nutritional office, A insurance office, an office to a grocery store (like Gerbes, Wal-Mart, Hyvee), Make up a company with Inc. at the end…I had a project like this my company was Marching Band, Inc. on 262 Band Hill Dr. Just an example…take an activity you like to do and make it into a company. Secretaries are needed most often at companies, so that part should be sort of easy. Back to the activity you like to do and making it into a company.

I.E. Twilight, Inc. ; Vampire Novel, Inc. ; Romance, Inc. ; Flutes, Inc. Idk, whatever you like. (those are my interests if you couldn’t guess)

Or you could use a real company: Scholastic, Inc. Wal-Mart, Inc.

Job Opportunities!

I need a legal job for a 14 year old?

Ok, so i need a job and i researched that to work in a resteraunt, and be around the eguipment, you have to be 15, and I will be a year until that happens. I want to apply for a job at Albertsons or City market, but I dont want to apply until I know how old you must be to have a job there, Also, any suggestions? Or answers?

You have not indicated your location . For example a 14 year old can legally work in Albertsons or City market.

Legal job market tightens

What are the prospects for Jobs in Social Care in Australia?

Have 10 years experience in Child Protection/Children in Care Work, wonder what the situation is like in Oz. I know the pay is lower than Ireland but if you have any info what so ever I would appreciate it, thanks. {I’m not a Social Worker but do have a degree in Applied Social Studies and a Diploma in Family Law}

Before you can work in Australia, you must have a work visa and before you can even apply for one, you must obtain a positive skills assessment from the body responsible for assessment of your occupation, so that’s where you need to start.

The following ASRI list provides job descriptions of all occupations that are eligible for work visas and includes links to the relevant assessment body. You need to check the qualifications required for your occupation to see if you have any chance of qualifying for a visa or use the list to determine if any other occupation would give you a better chance.
http://www.immi.gov.au/asri/occupations/s/social-worker-2511-11.htm Social Worker
http://www.immi.gov.au/asri/a-z.htm#s The complete list. Suitably qualified applicants in listed occupations that carry no points and are not on the SOL are only eligible for permanent, employer sponsored skilled migration.

So, you want to be a lawyer? Studying law at USQ

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Non-barred JD considering career other than Law. Interested in business career. Is an MBA a good option?

Have been unable to get a legal job despite graduating from Law school. Weighing my options regarding business career, possibly including an MBA. Which are the best Internet sites for job search for a non-barred JD, or am I doomed to a lifetime of low paying dead- end jobs with two worthless college degrees?

Why are you non-barred? Could you, perhaps, move to another state with a less rigorous bar exam, and take the bar there? That might improve your chances.
I’ve heard MBAs are pretty much worthless. I wouldn’t go there.

Klimm unilaterally changes lawyer job to a non-lawyer one.

Weekend in Review: On the Town, 3 hospitalized after crash, police probe fatal shooting
Sunshine in Toledo may be limited, peeking out only occasionally. However, there are plenty of ways to chase away the winter blues. Dining at our great local restaurants, taking in a Walleye hockey game, touring the Toledo Museum of Art, or breezing through the Toledo Zoo are just a few activities that can take the chill off. One can also get involved in giving back to the community, jumping in …
Bob Donnelly & Music Law [7/10] Careers in Music Law

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Career, Depression and Online Counseling to Provide Small Business Advice

Sometimes through Online Counseling people don’t always “like†the advice they’re given.

This was the case with M., a 31 year old professional saleswoman who had a small high end sheep leather coats import company. M. had recently lost here dream contract in early 2008 doing ‘big business’ with a nationally known prestigious clothing store. Since that time she had moved around a bit job-wise and slowly gotten herself into debt.

At the time when I starting communicating with her she had reached the point where she was willing to work part time for others, in a commission only based job. She was currently four months behind on her rent and was exhibiting the beginning stages of clinical depression.

M. lived in New York City by herself, most of her friends and family lived overseas. She did have a few friends in the area but she hadn’t seen very much of them recently because in her own words: “What friends I do have here, I rarely see anymore as I have withdrawn into my apartment. A typical weekend for me will be to stay up all night Friday night only to sleep for the next two days consecutively until I have to return to work on Monday.â€

Through our introductory Online Counseling session M. revealed that she was falling into a type of depression and having all sorts of strange dreams whilst sleeping (12-14 hours). She could not afford health care at this time and did not know what she was going to do financially. The weekend she had contacted me she had simply decided to discontinue eating and stated that she, “did not even feel that hungry anymore.†It was later revealed that she had also been engaging in other activities that pointed to sings of her Depression. She showed signs of drinking binges beyond socially acceptable standards; there were also some concerns about promiscuity (with one of her potential client).

I assessed that M.’s life was spiraling out of control and the things that provided her with a feeling of self worth i.e. her job, her apartment, her standard of living in general – were all dropping significantly. She was trying to get past these difficult times and just reached the point where she did not know what to do.

Three Online Counseling sessions were needed in order to formulate my assessment and professional advice; generally speaking, I appreciate someone who is having a true awareness about him / herself and wants to take the right steps – and she falls into this group.

I had the feeling that M. is having ‘an o.k. personality’ and therefore is capable of getting through the current situation, if major changes would occur in four domains:
A. Drinking should be a definite target for a change in her life.
B. Job and Business re-structuring: This economy has no room for many high end products; leather sheep coats are definitely within the heavily affected range. Use your sales ability, and move into another area. You are good in that line, so do high commission jobs.
C. Love / Sex / Relationships – no more and never again with clients or potential clients. Adopt therefore another mission: to look inward for your ‘self assets’ and thereafter outward, to find the right one.
D. New business location – no chance in NYC. Costs are too high and market trends are alarming. You are single, I told her, with no real supportive social circle around your location. Transform this “negative asset†into a big “plus†and move int to a growing areas, economy wise. Neither you nor I are going to produce miracles that would beat the economy trend. Since I’m not a magician, only a professional, I could see no reason to support an effort to swim against the stream when she could float on it instead.

So the strategy is:
- Look for another business and or job, elsewhere in the US.
- Establish a new ‘you’ – no drinking, financial responsibility and healthy relationships.

M. questioned me on the necessity to move out of New York; she was slightly agitated by my recommendation. Our Online Counseling work has ended; the Small Business Advice I could give her was left untouched.

About the Author

Expert on People and Corporate Behavior, Online counselor and Small Business Advice provider.
online counseling
and Small Business Advice

General Counsel Jobs Video

Housing shaky as confidence sags on jobs worry
U.S. consumer confidence sagged to a 10-month low this month on worries about jobs and fears gridlock in Washington could hinder efforts to restart employment, curbing the economic recovery.
How to Get a Job as a Law Student, Getting First Legal Job

Pros and Cons of each type of lawyer? Their job descriptions also.?

Hello. I am interested in becoming a lawyer. I want to know the description of criminal law, civil, and family law. Pros and cons of each would be appreciated. I am especially interested in looking out for the children involved in divorce and being the voice for them. I don not want to be a guardian ad litem, I want it to be an actually career that is rewarding and making a difference. So your help is appreciated! Thanks!

I practice family law, so I can answer about that practice area.

Pros – it’s very “real life” work, you hear people’s stories, it’s rewarding because you are making a real difference in someone’s life and doing something that really matters.

Cons – family law issues can make generally rational, nice people turn completely irrational and crazy. The most difficult part of the job is dealing with your own client. There’s so much anger and so much changing in the client’s life, that it’s often hard for them to make decisions and agree to a perfectly reasonable settlement offer. This can be quite trying on the attorney, and is why a lot of attorneys have no interest in family law.

I’m not sure you understand the role of a guardian ad litem. Actually, the GAL role varies by state. In some states, it’s just a community volunteer. However, in my state, the GAL is actually an attorney. They are paid well (it’s “actually a career”), and they do make a difference, as their job is to represent the child’s best interest. They are typically used in custody disputes. They interview the child, therapists, school teachers, parents, etc, and form an opinion as to what they think is in the child’s best interest. States without GAL attorneys probably have something similar with a different name.

You should also consider juvenile law. You can represent Child Protective Services in abuse and neglect cases. I did this for a year, and it’s definitely rewarding (but also low paying)! If you try juvenile law and don’t like it, one benefit is that you will spend a LOT of time in court, which will give you experience to help you move to a different practice area. My state also has GAL attorneys for child abuse and neglect cases, and I do some of this work now (it’s court appointed work in my county).

Trial Lawyer Career Information : Trial Lawyer Job Description