Small firms usually cannot predict their hiring needs far in advance. Consequently, they hire for summer and permanent positions on an "as-needed" basis. Typically, firms with under 25 attorneys recruit for summer positions between February and May. Other small firms hire new graduates after the results of the bar exam are announced. These firms have limited resources to allocate for training and want their new hires to be qualified to appear in court and assume immediate responsibility for a caseload. The formal on-campus recruiting that larger firms engage in is not practical for small firms because of the great expense and diversion of personnel required. Small firms use a more flexible and personal method of recruiting individual attorneys to round out their practice group.
Although not as visible in our on-campus programs, small firms employ 75% of practicing attorneys. The strategy for obtaining an appropriate small firm position is more complex. A successful job search requires in-depth research and a focus on geography. Small-firm practitioners often become involved in community activities and local bar associations as a way to develop and maintain a client base. When hiring, the employer looks for candidates who have regional ties and commitment to the area. It is important to convey this commitment when contacting these firms.
Although some people obtain jobs through mass mailings, a more targeted approach is recommended. The National Association for Law Placement Directory of Legal Employers (www.nalp.org) and Martindale Hubbell (www.martindale.com) are good resources to use when starting to develop a list. Many small firms, however, are not members of NALP, or wish to pay to be included in Martindale Hubbell further research is usually necessary.
The Career Services Office maintains a Law Firm Database, located on the computers in the Career Resources Library. This information is also available in hard copy in the Specialty Lists binders located in the Career Resources Library. The database includes information about over 4,000 law firms located in the New England states and New York City. It is updated each summer and contains the name, address, area of practice, hiring contact and size for each firm listed. You can sort this information by geographic region, areas of practice and size of firm, and then generate cover letters through mail merge. Special directories, such as The Directory of Environmental Attorneys and The Association of Trial Lawyers of America are also good sources of information.
Continuing Legal Education programs and the Young Lawyers Division of state bar associations present informative programs on specialty areas and general practice. These events provide opportunities for you to meet attorneys in your areas of interest and to network with others who would be good sources of referral. Students can become members of these Bar Associations and the small firm practice or specialty area sections at a greatly reduced rate.
At least 80% of all jobs are not advertised, but filled by "word of mouth." Networking is the means by which most people ultimately find jobs. Informational interviewing is a effective way to make contacts which can eventually lead to employment. Gathering information and advice from family, friends, former employers, college classmates, law school faculty and alumni can help you define your interests, learn specifics about different areas of practice and sharpen your interviewing skills. The Career Services Office has recently updated its Alumni Career Network, a computerized database containing the names and contact information for over 800 BC Law alumni who have offered to speak to students and alumni on career related matters. These individuals have volunteered to become part of your network and constitute an invaluable resource both locally and throughout the United States. Also, consider doing part-time, contract, and/or temporary work as you are looking for a full-time, permanent position. This interim work can allow you to "get your foot in the door" with an employer.
Occasionally, in the spring, a small law firm in this area will come to campus to interview. More often, interested firms will request that students apply directly. Apply Directly notices are available on the computers in the Career Resources Library. If you have time during the academic year, consider working part-time for a small firm or solo practitioner. Sometimes these jobs lead to summer or even permanent employment. Working for a solo practitioner who shares space or resources with other attorneys can also lead to additional employment opportunities and a wider professional network.
Remember that a successful small-firm job search requires patience, persistence and follow-up. Even if you have no luck with a firm in January or February, keeping in touch can result in a job offer in April or May. Please feel free to make an appointment with Maris Abbene, Soo Jin Lim, Judy Levenfeld or Freda Fishman if you would like help developing a strategy for your job search.
BIBLIOGRAPHY AND RESOURCES FOR SMALL LAW FIRMS
Best Resources:
•Martindale Hubbell - www.martindale.com
•Law Firm Database available on-line in the Career Services Resource Library.
Information is also available in the Specialty Lists binders in the Career Resource
Library. Includes small firms in New England states (Massachusetts, Maine, New
Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island) and in New York City.
•Boston College Law School Alumni Directory, Alumni Office, Barat House
• Alumni Career Network, Boston College Law School. This Network
is composed of BC Law graduates who have volunteered to offer career guidance
to students through informational interviewing. The information is found on-line
in the Career Resource Library. It includes the names, addresses, phone numbers,
employers and areas of specialization of the participants. Please remember,
Network members are to be contacted for informational purposes only, not for
jobs.
•Career Services files of firm resumes
Also Try Specialized Directories:
•Directory of Environmental Attorneys
•Association of Trial Lawyers of America
•National Directory of Criminal Lawyers
•Law and Business Directory of Litigation Attorneys
•Law and Business Directory of Intellectual Property Attorneys
•Law and Business Directory of Bankruptcy Attorneys
•Law and Business Directory of Sports and Entertainment Attorneys
•Directory of Construction Law Firms