Page 37 - FDCC - You're Hired!

You’re Hired! Job Hunting Advice For Law Students and Young Lawyers
Secure Written Recommendations
If possible, secure written recommendations from former employers or supervising attorneys. Every hiring attorney will do their due diligence and reach out to your former employers for a recommendation. Many, these days, don’t discuss former employees for fear of being sued by them, so many simply will confirm you worked at their firm and say nothing else. So if you can get one or more written recommendation letters from former employers, that will make you stand out among all the applicants.
Secure Your Transcript
Take the time to reach out to your law
school and secure a copy of your law school transcript. Many firms want to see them. They’re particularly interested in your first year grades and your grades in any research and writing classes.
Get a Mentor
Form a relationship with one or more attorneys in the practice area you want to pursue and who are active in the local legal community and ask them what firms to apply to, how to apply to them, how to develop your network, interview tips, etc. Having an experienced and thoughtful sounding board to assist you in your job hunt is invaluable.
Gather a Team
Sometimes, it takes a village to land a job. In addition to one or more mentors, consider working with one or more headhunters, possibly a career coach or resume coach, and with attorney friends who can help you think through options and next steps.
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