How to Get a Response to Your Email When Asking for a Favor

On January 25, 2015

Below are some great tips from Professor Adam Grant on making a successful email request: Start with the right subject line. You’ll get a better response if it’s interesting and/or useful. Some samples: “Advice for a fellow X”, “Applying your techniques to Y”, “Can you help me give away $Z?”. Connect the request to the recipient. Show you know […]

Job Search

How to Ask for Favors While Job Searching

On January 18, 2015

Because legal careers are often lockstep for the first few years, lawyers are not used to asking for favors. Yet, favors are essential to a job search – candidates need to do a lot of asking, e.g., for introductions, for informational interviews, for recommendations, for insight into a company, etc. Below are some strategies to get […]

Interview

When Can You Check In on Status After an Interview?

On January 11, 2015

Following up once after an interview if you haven’t heard in a week (yes, SEVEN days) is fine. If you are checking in more than that, you might be a pest. Some exceptions (i.e., when it’s OK to follow-up more frequently) include: Giving relevant new information about your work status, like you received another offer. […]

Career Management, Career Tips

Making Your New Year’s Resolution Stick!

On January 4, 2015

Happy 2015! If you made a resolution, this recent WSJ article gives pointers on how to make it stick. My favorites are below, which I’ve applied to the career context: Set concrete and realistic goals. To get a new job, you need to break it down, e.g., (1) get your resume and LinkedIn bio in order, (2) scan job […]

Networking

‘Tis the Season for Holiday Parties: What to Do at Them!

On December 14, 2014

I like this article on leveraging your network. Amuse yourself at holiday parties and practice these pointers: Make it a game to figure out what makes someone tick, what they are passionate about, and what makes them interesting. Follow up! If you have a great conversation, don’t let the momentum die. Send a thank you […]

Career Management, Job Search

Top 5 Ways to Position Your Career NOW!

On December 8, 2014

As we get close to the year end crush, don’t bother shooting out your resume in volume – it’s unlikely you will get attention during the holidays. But this time of year is good to plan your next career moves. Here are the top 5 things you can do now: Network (gently) so people will […]

Presentation

Give Great Presentations to Set Yourself Apart!

On November 30, 2014

I hate to say it, but most attorney presentations are pretty darn boring. Set yourself apart by following these tips: Keep your presentation focused by having a plan for the beginning, middle and end. As for the end, think about what the audience should come away with, and what comes next for all attendees. Lead […]

Inhouse

Transitioning from External Counsel to In-House

On November 16, 2014

A new GC and former Latham lawyer gives good pointers on how to go from big firm to in-house: Before you get started, learn what is management’s goal and what is your role (e.g., what are you expected to do yourself, where are you supposed to weigh in, and what are you leveraging outside counsel […]

Job Search

Top 5 Things to Avoid in a Job Search

On November 2, 2014

A good article on what not to do: Apply online. Except for people with the golden resume (top 20 law school, AmLaw training, transactional skills, prior in-house, and in the 4-9 year range), don’t expect a response for online submissions. Apply for jobs that do not match your skills. Employers are looking for immediate help, […]

Interview

How to Answer “Tell me about yourself”

On October 26, 2014

The most common question in an interview is “tell me about yourself” (or the close relative “walk me through your resume.”). Don’t answer this question literally! Think about why you are being asked. Interviewers want to know what you bring to the table and if you can do the job. Some guidelines to answer this question […]

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