Land Your Dream Job at a Top Law Firm: Tips & Advice for Finding Success

Summary

Finding a job at a top law firm can seem like an impossible task to many law students. It is not easy to land such a position, but with hard work, persistence, and dedication, it is possible to land a job at a top law firm. It is important to understand that the competition is fierce, but there are certain strategies that can make the process smoother and more successful.


The most important step to take when attempting to secure a job at a top law firm is to start networking early. Reach out to lawyers and other contacts that may be able to help you land an interview. Don't be shy. Ask for help and advice and be sure to demonstrate your interest in the firm. You should also attend events hosted by the firm and do your research to learn more about the firm.

In addition, make sure your resume stands out from the competition. Give your resume the attention it deserves. Make sure it is tailored to the firm and highlights the accomplishments and skills that make you an ideal candidate for the job. Be sure to include the necessary qualifications, legal experience and academic achievements.

Once you have submitted your resume, be sure to stay in touch with the firm. Follow up on job applications and be sure to remain active in the job search process. In addition, put your best foot forward in the job interview and make sure you have done your research. Prepare yourself for any questions you may be asked and be sure to put your best foot forward.

Finally, make sure you demonstrate your commitment to the field of law. Show that you have the calm and level-headedness that employers look for. By doing so, you'll be able to stand out from the competition when attempting to land a job at a top law firm.

Securing a position at a top law firm requires a great deal of hard work and dedication. However, with networking, resumes, interviews, and commitment to the field of law, any law student can find success in finding a job at a top law firm.
 

Are Big Law Firms the Right Choice?

In a competitive job market, law students often view securing a job at a large law firm as one of the most desirable outcomes. The prestige associated with working at a large law firm has become a status symbol of sorts, and students aspire to work their way up the ranks to become partners.
 

What Makes a Firm Desirable?

When considering the appeal of a large law firm, several factors come into play. Salary, benefits, and career prospects are often at the top of the list but are not the only factors. Alumni relations, the firm's reputation and standing among the legal community, and its commitment to pro bono work can all play a role in making a firm desirable.
 

What are the Pros and Cons of Joining a Big Law Firm?

When it comes to the pros of joining a big law firm, there is much to consider. The salary and benefits offered can often be the deciding factor for many jobseekers, but the opportunity for advancement and to make a name for oneself in the legal industry are also attractive. Moreover, large firms often give attorneys the chance to work on high-profile cases, where they will get the chance to gain invaluable legal experience.

On the other hand, some of the cons of working at a large law firm include long hours, intense competition (both internally and externally), and the high-pressure atmosphere that can often exist in these firms. Additionally, attorneys at big law firms often have to work on corporate clients' needs, which can often lead to a lack of fulfillment in the work that they do.

<<Finding top paralegal positions is much like finding any other-networking, thorough research, and persistence pay off in the job search. ''Our firm posts on major job websites, as well as specialized legal sites,'' said Bethany Phillips, Human Resources Manager at one of Chicago's busiest and most well-known firms. Networking with current paralegals and legal assistants at top firms may also help jobseekers get their feet in the doors.

Above all, get to know the firm before applying. ''Research the firms out there and decide which one is the best fit,'' advised Sheila Grant, former legal assistant at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr, a top law firm in Boston. ''Although they all might seem similar, the cultures in some are different, and it is important…to work in a culture you enjoy.'' Simply browsing the firm's website or researching the type of work attorneys do can provide jobseekers with an edge. ''Firms tend to have many structural, operational, and value-based differences,'' said Bill Sparks, National Director of Human Resources at Greenberg Traurig, a renowned firm with more than 22 offices nationwide. ''It's always refreshing to come across an applicant who had taken the time to research the firm.''

Besides familiarity with the firm, human resource professionals at top firms look for a blend of experience, education, and skills. ''We tend to favor senior paralegals with well-rounded work experience,'' said Mr. Sparks, ''although we may hire an enthusiastic, but less experienced candidate who will grow and progress at our firm.'' ''Some of our practice groups shy away from candidates with no experience,'' Ms. Phillips stated, ''while others [are not adverse] to hiring candidates freshly out of college.'' Where a candidate's experience comes from usually doesn't matter. ''I wouldn't turn away an applicant just because he or she had only worked at small firms in the past,'' Ms. Phillips said.

Ms. Phillips and Mr. Sparks both stressed the importance of education: preference is often given to candidates with a bachelor's degree and additional paralegal training or certification. ''Skills, particularly good writing and organizational skills, are also tremendously important,'' Ms. Phillips said. Some top firms may require writing samples in addition to resumes, cover letters, and references.

Human resources professionals also consider a potential hire's personality, making sure he or she fits into the work environment. ''That fit is almost as important as the skills the candidate possesses,'' Mr. Sparks said.

Once hired, paralegals and legal assistants can expect a more specialized environment than at smaller firms. ''While in small firms, [legal staff] may handle multiple areas, larger firms are more concentrated,'' Mr. Sparks said. ''My job [at a larger firm] was much more focused,'' said Ms. Grant, who recently switched over to a small firm. ''I worked in the corporate department, so I cut stock certificates, helped incorporate companies and filed documents like qualifications.''

In addition to a more clear-cut job definition, top firms often employ an internal structure or corporate ladder for their legal staff. ''There are designated secretaries, legal assistants, and designated paralegals,'' Ms. Grant explained. Legal staff may have several levels of supervision at larger firms, and may even have subordinates to help them with clerical tasks. ''Paralegals are sometimes paired with legal secretaries,'' Ms. Phillips explained. ''Professional legal staff at larger firms are often exposed to more and perform less clerical, more professional-level work.''

''Paralegals and legal assistants who are just starting out may want to begin at a small firm,'' recommended Mr. Sparks. ''Doing so will allow them to gain experience and mature; to find their focus and interests within the legal field.'' At larger firms, paralegals can expect to be challenged. ''It can be intense,'' Ms. Grant said. ''In most [top] firms, the standard is perfection for every document you produce, as well as for dealing with clients. [That can be] quite demanding, but there is also a camaraderie with the people you work with, who are going through the exact same thing you are. You usually don't get [that] at a smaller firm [if] you are the only legal assistant.''

With the right mix of education, skills, experience, and personality, experts agree that landing a job at a top firm shouldn't be much tougher than getting hired by a small firm. ''Getting a job at a top firm isn't necessarily harder,'' Mr. Sparks said. ''In fact, at larger law firms, paralegals are a mainstay of everyday duties. At any one time, large firms may have more openings for legal staff than other places.'' A key difference may be the factors that larger firms consider when looking at applicants, such as experience in a specific area of the law or familiarity with specific professional tasks. ''[Larger firms may] have a more focused criteria on which they are basing the decision to hire,'' said Ms. Grant. ''They may look for more things in candidates than smaller firms.''