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How to chose the ideal firm to work with.

published July 03, 2006

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( 3 votes, average: 3.8 out of 5)
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<<While it's easy to become complacent when you're being wined and dined by firm upon firm, it's also dangerous. After all, if you don't stand up for what you want in a firm, who will?

As a favor to yourself, you should make a conscious effort to take part in the interview process. For example, instead of letting the firm ask all of the questions, you should come up with questions of your own. Not only does this give the interviewers a good impression of you—communicating to them that you are serious about your future—but it also builds your confidence.


Asking your own questions produces a sense of control, which results in a greater ease when representing yourself. When the interviewer is asking all of the questions, on the other hand, it's easy to feel vulnerable and come across either distant or desperate, neither of which is a good thing.

Before you start the interview process, it's a good idea to sit down and come up with some criteria that you are looking for in a place of employment. That way, job hunting is something you are taking an active part in. You are no longer just waiting around for someone to choose you.

It may help to consider your past non-law-related jobs as well as your summer internships. Take some time to sit and ponder the things you liked and disliked about the various positions you've held. Talk to some seasoned attorneys and get their opinions on different things to consider and ask about during interviews. It may also be smart to speak with some of your law school professors, considering that they may have insights into your temperament and may be able to offer unbiased opinions regarding what sort of firm would be best for you.

Some things to ask questions about are the overall environment of the firm, the size of the firm, the type of law/clients the firm deals with, how the firm staffs its cases, an explanation of the partnership track, and, specifically, the expectations placed upon first-year associates.

Even though it may be difficult to think objectively during the interview process, it's important to look at more than just the superficial perks a firm can offer. Instead, take some time to consider the environment of the firm. Is it a hostile work environment or a peaceful one? Is the work environment conducive to learning and growing, or is it ruthless in its judgment of beginners? Does everyone at the firm get along, or are there major divisions? Factors like these will matter once the wooing days are over.

If you're teetering back and forth between joining a big firm or a small firm, take a moment to consider your personality and learning style. Do you learn better on your own or when you are tutored by someone else? Are you comfortable with trying things out on your own until you get them right, or do you prefer to be told specifically what to do from the start?

In a big firm, you will have a better chance of grabbing a mentor, who will be able to help you acclimate to law firm life. However, in a small firm, you're often thrown into the fray immediately. Be honest with yourself about your expectations and abilities, and proceed accordingly.

In addition, take some time to consider whether you even want to work in a firm at all. As I'm sure you already know, there are a ton of non-law firm jobs available to law school graduates, where you can put that J.D. to good use without the insane hours and office politics that go along with firm life.

Would you rather work for a nonprofit organization, helping out the less fortunate? Are you primarily motivated by monetary rewards or rewards of personal satisfaction? Would you rather work for a corporation? Do you enjoy preparing for and going to trial on behalf of clients, or are you more interested in the business aspect of a law firm?

Many times, looking at your past successes and examining what exactly it is that makes you feel fulfilled can help you decide whether a firm is the best place for you or if you'd like to go a different route.

Because it's now common to change careers numerous times within your lifetime, many law students may view the job-selection process as being of little importance, figuring that finding a good fit is usually done through trial and error.

While this is often the case, there are definitely benefits to making a good choice at the outset—the most obvious of which is the avoidance of many hours of stress and frustration in a position you're not happy with.

So, before you jump feet first into the interview process, take the time to prepare yourself. Know what you want, and make sure you get it.

published July 03, 2006

( 3 votes, average: 3.8 out of 5)
What do you think about this article? Rate it using the stars above and let us know what you think in the comments below.