Dear 2L, How to Prepare for the Economy’s Impact on the Availability of Legal Jobs

“What will the economy mean for law-firm job offers after this summer—and beyond?”

That’s a common question I’ve gotten from a lot of you lately. (And same query as to other legal jobs.)

The concern seems to stem from the last bad recession in 2009, when many started 3L with deferred offers, or none at all.

Although I’ve seen no signs of a 2009 repeat, I get that you may feel helpless in the uncertainty. Being proactive may be the best medicine. Here are 3 Ideas:

🔹 1: Position Yourself for a Full-time Offer.

Whether you gave a 2L summer gig lined up yet or not, now is not the time to rest on your laurels:

Don’t waste a minute before trying to increase the odds that you’ll get a full-time offer at summer’s end (even if not all do).

—Start to learn more about the people w/ whom you will work with this summer.
—Identify those with shared backgrounds or common interests.
—Be ready to engage in substantive conversations with people before they even meet you.

If you will be working in a specific industry, keep up with news and goings on of companies there. Start learning about the key players, the trends, the issues.

🔹 2: Be Malleable.

Focus now on attaining skills and knowledge that can translate into success in a wide range of attorney (and other legal) roles. I’m not saying to abandon plans to specialize, but make sure you’re adding and tuning a diverse skill set, too.

—Pay particular attention to your oral and written communication skills. Aptitudes in these areas are critical for lawyers of all types.

As for knowledge growth, consider adding another practice area where you could bring value if your top choice isn’t open.

—If you planned to go into M&A, for example, you might end up thrilled there’s a spot in the firm’s bankruptcy group for you.

Any number of forces, both internal and external, can trigger the need to pivot. A diversified skill & knowledge portfolio will position you in the best light no matter what happens.

🔹 3: Beef Up Your Networking Game.

Finally, whatever lies ahead, having a strong network to fall back on will be invaluable.

—Aim to introduce yourself to one new person each day. You never know who you’ll meet and what opportunities might arise.

👉 Everyone in your law-school class is a prospective client, employer, or referral source in the future.

Start cementing those relationships now, and start building new ones every day.

***
I’m sorry for the timing of current economic news—right when many of you are first having to start worrying about such things as an adult.

I’ll continue to read and learn in the hopes of passing along more ideas for you.

Fondly,
💌 Amanda