Page 18 - FDCC - You're Hired!

You’re Hired! Job Hunting Advice For Law Students and Young Lawyers
What Firms Want
Firms want attorneys that fit into their culture, strategic plan and system and that have the hard and soft skills to serve their clients. The selection process, if conducted properly, should select attorneys that best fit the firm – much like finding the missing puzzle piece. Often, firms select the wrong puzzle piece, which hurts both the firm and the candidate. If you’re unemployed, getting a job, any job, may feel like a blessing. The fact is, though, getting the wrong job is more like a curse. Both firms and candidates have to discern whether the candidate is a good fit for the firm.
What the Hiring Partner Wants
The hiring partner wants to hire associates who have...
SECTION 03 WHAT FIRMS WANT
◗ strong academic records
◗ strong oral and written communication
skills
◗ well written and well reasoned writing samples
◗ held leadership positions in college and law school
◗ strong work ethic
◗ a positive attitude
◗ poise
◗ grit
◗ confidence
◗ relevant experience
◗ researched the firm and its attorneys
◗ values consistent with the firm’s
◗ the requisite skills
◗ the foundation to acclimate to and learn the firm’s processes and procedures
No surprises on this list. The more boxes a candidate checks off, the more likely a candidate will be hired.
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