After seeing the other thread, I felt compelled to make my own:
I'm a New York admitted attorney. I graduated from a good law school a year ago and since January I have been clerking for a judge. It's been a great general experience, but the clerkship is nearly up, the money hasn't been great, and in any case, the position was only meant to be an interim position. I now have to begin my actual legal career in a specific legal field.
The job search has been extremely daunting, to say the least. Either the listed position is not in my field (I was an IP concentration and most of my law school experience has been in that field, but at this point I'll do anything in transactional law with the exception of tax. I really don't think I'm cut out for litigation, but I do understand that many lawyers get their start in litigation.), or they require years of experience (most of them require 2 + 3 years of experience, at the minimum).
I've been using different job platforms like my school's job website, Indeed, LinkedIn, Law Crossing, etc., but so far no dice. I was wondering if anyone had any advice or maybe even an in. I would be eternally grateful for any help you may provide.
Start an LLC! My attorney did it and now he's a highly regarded "super lawyer" has been for years and still isn't even 40 yet..
LLC! LLC!
Anakim Defense Team LLC
You can do it bro. Best of luck either way
Checked those out as well. The catch is they only place attorneys with experience. They don't place attorneys straight out of law school.
Don't underestimate yourself ...
Don't underestimate yourself ...
This is what I was going to basically say....being young get out of your comfort zone and maybe you'll find something you like....ie litigating and it would make you a better attorney in the end having that type of experience. Best of luck
as a technology company it's critical and then with GDPR and other regulations they have had to learn data privacy and security.
You know this better than me (if it's true) but it seems like there are a glut of lawyers, but any time I need a contract reviewed it's the hardest thing to get done in my company of 300,000+ people. So maybe not many willing to move into corporate law.
It seems like they'd be dying for people like you with an interest in that.
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you're at an age where you need to discover the world and taking risks will push you to your potential.
Don't underestimate yourself ...
This is what I was going to basically say....being young get out of your comfort zone and maybe you'll find something you like....ie litigating and it would make you a better attorney in the end having that type of experience. Best of luck
Agreed, get out of your comfort zones constantly, otherwise it's too easy to get sidetracked and left behind.
Don't underestimate yourself ...
What kinds of risks are you referring to?
It's a mindset ... the search doesn't have to be daunting, it can be a blank canvas for you to visualize where you want life to go.
Take risks, trust us.
as a technology company it's critical and then with GDPR and other regulations they have had to learn data privacy and security.
You know this better than me (if it's true) but it seems like there are a glut of lawyers, but any time I need a contract reviewed it's the hardest thing to get done in my company of 300,000+ people. So maybe not many willing to move into corporate law.
It seems like they'd be dying for people like you with an interest in that.
Absolutely. I'm absolutely interested in corporate/compliance. The thing is I don't really know what it entails on a daily basis. I never took a class on compliance (but I have taken one on corporations and did quite well. I actually somewhat enjoyed it, with the exception of the accounting aspect. Haha).
In hindsight, I wish I had taken more classes in fields I never considered. Mediation, arbitration, real estate.... It's funny because in school you usually take classes you find interesting, where you like the professor, where you think you'll get a good grade...but school is really meant for exploring and truly finding yourself. I always knew from my passion about sports and entertainment (future Giants GM!) that I wanted to go into that field and so I concentrated in (soft) IP, but I discredited how popular that particular field was and how much competition there would be. I just knew that I would fight tooth and nail to be at the top of the field and thought that would be sufficient, but it's all about getting your foot in the door first. They're not waiting for me. Tough realization.
Take risks, trust us.
Well, I always wanted to work for the Giants.... Haha, but seriously, I actually did send a letter to 1925 Giants Drive. Never heard back from them.
For sure. I have. I've networked with quite a few people in industries other than law, but no bites so far.
Don't make the $ the determining factor: there are plenty of lawyers who make good money who hate or disdain what they do. The ones who are challenged in their work, don't feel like they're on a treadmill for "the man", and have to problem solve in their relationships with clients, those are the ones to emulate, if at all possible.
You have a lot of choices. Your lack of actual experience makes your decision more difficult for you than for other young lawyers whose choices are more limited.
Given a choice of: job with the most prestige; job with the best pay; job with the best chances for advancement; and job that you really like, I know where I would want to spend my career.
BTW, I think that you have the makings a fine litigator. Litigation does take talent in addition to legal savvy, but it is much, much easier if you have an experienced litigator to train under who is willing to guide you. It's like most sports. You can't do it well just by reading about it, you need some coaching and practice.
Don't make the $ the determining factor: there are plenty of lawyers who make good money who hate or disdain what they do. The ones who are challenged in their work, don't feel like they're on a treadmill for "the man", and have to problem solve in their relationships with clients, those are the ones to emulate, if at all possible.
That's fair. Like I said, the clerkship has been a fantastic experience. It was one thing to learn the abstract in the classroom, but to see how it's all done was an entirely different parallax. I can't say I haven't been jealous when I hear that my friends are making 100K+ straight out of law school and I'm earning peanuts but I do think the clerkship has been invaluable.
But it's ending soon. Someone is going to take my place in a couple of weeks. Simply put, it's not a long-term solution.
You have a lot of choices. Your lack of actual experience makes your decision more difficult for you than for other young lawyers whose choices are more limited.
Given a choice of: job with the most prestige; job with the best pay; job with the best chances for advancement; and job that you really like, I know where I would want to spend my career.
BTW, I think that you have the makings a fine litigator. Litigation does take talent in addition to legal savvy, but it is much, much easier if you have an experienced litigator to train under who is willing to guide you. It's like most sports. You can't do it well just by reading about it, you need some coaching and practice.
Money isn't the main issue (though it's obviously a huge factor). It's more about doing something that I love; that I can immerse myself in. That's the ultimate goal. In fact, law school was always a stepping stone of getting into the sports and entertainment industry in some capacity. It's always been my dream to work for the Giants (or any professional team but particularly the Giants). It was a way of setting myself apart from everyone else.
But with regard to litigation, I believe I'm not cut out for it, but at the same time I realize that many entry-level attorneys get their start in litigation. And just as important as the position itself is finding the right mentor. Having someone take me under his or her wing and show me the ropes. That's what I need more than anything. I'll sacrifice money in the short-term if it meant getting the right mentor.
Just get that first gig, no matter what you have to do or swallow to get it. After that, it gets a lot easier.
Also, what law school? Just curious.
Might be worth trying that avenue, and don't be afraid to ask for favors in general. People like to help other people.
I have been practicing 13 years now and one thing you should know is law school taught you next to nothing for your legal career.
You have a lot of choices. Your lack of actual experience makes your decision more difficult for you than for other young lawyers whose choices are more limited.
Given a choice of: job with the most prestige; job with the best pay; job with the best chances for advancement; and job that you really like, I know where I would want to spend my career.
BTW, I think that you have the makings a fine litigator. Litigation does take talent in addition to legal savvy, but it is much, much easier if you have an experienced litigator to train under who is willing to guide you. It's like most sports. You can't do it well just by reading about it, you need some coaching and practice.
With all due respect, this is terrible advice. The fact that the kid is out of school, coming to the end of his clerkship and STILL doesn't have a place to land yet screams that he does need to reduce his selectivity and focus on securing SOMETHING in or related to his preferred field.
I get tons of resumes from kids from well-ranked schools with clerkship, law journal and moot court experience who are a year or even two out of school still looking for their first associate position. It's a nightmare for them, because the reality is there are just way too many kids coming out of law school for the market to absorb. Lots of them end up going back to school for an LLM to give themselves a do-over on entering the job market.
So, my advice is to be relentless and get your foot in the door SOMEWHERE ASAP, before your degree and experience start to atrophy.
Either find a law firm suing trump & friends or find one defending trump & friends
Just get that first gig, no matter what you have to do or swallow to get it. After that, it gets a lot easier.
Also, what law school? Just curious.
As mentioned, I did contact headhunters, but they only take on lawyers with experience. They don't do entry-level.
I check my school's job postings every day.
And yep, I must've sent out 200 emails with my resume and cover letters. 8 out of 10 times I'll get no response. Other times I'll get a response saying they have no openings but they'll keep my resume on file and I should keep checking back.
Cardozo
Have you spoken to the Judge you are clerking for? Does he have any connections or suggestions?
Good luck. Getting that first job is the toughest. Once you have the job, you should be able to get others!
Use connections. Friends, friends of friends, distant family. Anything to get you in front of the right people.
Might be worth trying that avenue, and don't be afraid to ask for favors in general. People like to help other people.
Did that as well. The judge provided me with a list of attorneys and firms who argued in front of him in housing court. I emailed most of them. Nothing came of it. He obviously couldn't call in any favors because I think that would be considered bribery.
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you don't have to take a job because that is the only job offered to you. Your credentials- Law Review & clerkship- show that.
You have a lot of choices. Your lack of actual experience makes your decision more difficult for you than for other young lawyers whose choices are more limited.
Given a choice of: job with the most prestige; job with the best pay; job with the best chances for advancement; and job that you really like, I know where I would want to spend my career.
BTW, I think that you have the makings a fine litigator. Litigation does take talent in addition to legal savvy, but it is much, much easier if you have an experienced litigator to train under who is willing to guide you. It's like most sports. You can't do it well just by reading about it, you need some coaching and practice.
With all due respect, this is terrible advice. The fact that the kid is out of school, coming to the end of his clerkship and STILL doesn't have a place to land yet screams that he does need to reduce his selectivity and focus on securing SOMETHING in or related to his preferred field.
I get tons of resumes from kids from well-ranked schools with clerkship, law journal and moot court experience who are a year or even two out of school still looking for their first associate position. It's a nightmare for them, because the reality is there are just way too many kids coming out of law school for the market to absorb. Lots of them end up going back to school for an LLM to give themselves a do-over on entering the job market.
So, my advice is to be relentless and get your foot in the door SOMEWHERE ASAP, before your degree and experience start to atrophy.
That's what I've been trying to do. I've exhausted all my options.
Once you are at that point, there is only one reason to keep doing it: the money.
So my advice is, if you want fulfillment, go ahead and travel, start a family, focus on your friends, or perhaps volunteer time for a good cause. But your work? Your work is really about money, and that should be your priority when it comes to your career. Do well enough, and you can retire while you still have some vitality left.
all the other judges will be in awe and want to hire you (at least for poker games).
and then if you get in a bind for cash because of your friend worm, you can borrow 10 grand from one of your friend judges.
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CDO job listings and submit resumes to any and all that are even remotely suitable, and start carpet bombing firms in your preferred practice area(s) with resumes and cover letters.
Just get that first gig, no matter what you have to do or swallow to get it. After that, it gets a lot easier.
Also, what law school? Just curious.
As mentioned, I did contact headhunters, but they only take on lawyers with experience. They don't do entry-level.
I check my school's job postings every day.
And yep, I must've sent out 200 emails with my resume and cover letters. 8 out of 10 times I'll get no response. Other times I'll get a response saying they have no openings but they'll keep my resume on file and I should keep checking back.
Cardozo
A few more things, then.
First, try mailing -- NOT emailing -- your resume and cover letter (printed on quality bond papers) to specific lawyers at specific firms that operate in the areas in which you are interested. Emails are just too easy to ignore. Don't bother with big firms with strictly regimented hiring procedures. Focus on boutique shops that usually hire on an as-needed basis.
Second, consider offering to come in and work for free (essentially on an internship basis) for a period of time to allow yourself to familiarize yourself with the firm, and them with you. A few youngsters have gotten their foot in the door with my NY office that way and ended up getting associate positions.
Third, try reaching out specifically to Cardozo alumni at the firms you are targeting. Similarly, consider targeting alumni from your undergrad as well (wherever that is). My most recent associate hire went to the same undergrad and law school as me, and unquestionably got the job for that reason. As a bonus, it turns out he's the hungriest, hardest working associate I have ever hired.
Hope that helps.
Idk though man
I'm gonna say it again.. I REALLY think you should start an LLC and build your own practice from the ground up.
Office space is CHEAP these days .. just saying
Have you spoken to the Judge you are clerking for? Does he have any connections or suggestions?
Good luck. Getting that first job is the toughest. Once you have the job, you should be able to get others!
Use connections. Friends, friends of friends, distant family. Anything to get you in front of the right people.
Yep. I've checked government jobs. I actually applied to the NYC Law Department yesterday. I've also seen postings for federal government, from FBI agents to bureau jobs. Problem is that most of them are in DC and I'm only admitted to practice here in New York.
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In comment 13989475 Don in DC said:
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CDO job listings and submit resumes to any and all that are even remotely suitable, and start carpet bombing firms in your preferred practice area(s) with resumes and cover letters.
Just get that first gig, no matter what you have to do or swallow to get it. After that, it gets a lot easier.
Also, what law school? Just curious.
As mentioned, I did contact headhunters, but they only take on lawyers with experience. They don't do entry-level.
I check my school's job postings every day.
And yep, I must've sent out 200 emails with my resume and cover letters. 8 out of 10 times I'll get no response. Other times I'll get a response saying they have no openings but they'll keep my resume on file and I should keep checking back.
Cardozo
A few more things, then.
First, try mailing -- NOT emailing -- your resume and cover letter (printed on quality bond papers) to specific lawyers at specific firms that operate in the areas in which you are interested. Emails are just too easy to ignore. Don't bother with big firms with strictly regimented hiring procedures. Focus on boutique shops that usually hire on an as-needed basis.
Second, consider offering to come in and work for free (essentially on an internship basis) for a period of time to allow yourself to familiarize yourself with the firm, and them with you. A few youngsters have gotten their foot in the door with my NY office that way and ended up getting associate positions.
Third, try reaching out specifically to Cardozo alumni at the firms you are targeting. Similarly, consider targeting alumni from your undergrad as well (wherever that is). My most recent associate hire went to the same undergrad and law school as me, and unquestionably got the job for that reason. As a bonus, it turns out he's the hungriest, hardest working associate I have ever hired.
Hope that helps.
Interesting. I figured mailing rather than emailing would be more effective, but obviously more costly and more time-consuming.
I do reach out to specific lawyers, whether they're alums of Cardozo or they're in the field I'm interested. More times than not they don't bother to respond, but occasionally they'll forward or walk (so they say) my resume to HR and I'll get a reply back saying there are no openings at this time.
I don't mind shadowing either (especially in big law), but I do want it to be a means to an end. If I'm going to devote myself to something wholeheartedly, I'd like to know there's a light at the end of the tunnel. I've had plenty of internships and while they can be good learning experiences, I did many tasks and spent many hours in the office and I should've been compensated.
Again, money isn't the main factor, but it is a huge factor. I need to support myself. I need to earn a living. I need to pay off my student loans. Haha
Idk though man
I'm gonna say it again.. I REALLY think you should start an LLC and build your own practice from the ground up.
Office space is CHEAP these days .. just saying
I mean yes, I'm eligible. I'm an admitted to the NY Bar. But I know from personal experience that criminal defense is about as messy as it gets. Aside from not wanting to do litigation, I definitely don't want to do family law, criminal law, or mass torts/personal injury. Those fields are extremely messy and cases can last for ten years.
I hope you find what your lookIng for, I'm sure you will.
Hopefully BBI can give you a nice assist, if not, keep grinding it out , you'll be good.
I hope you find what your lookIng for, I'm sure you will.
Hopefully BBI can give you a nice assist, if not, keep grinding it out , you'll be good.
I appreciate it. Thank you.
all the other judges will be in awe and want to hire you (at least for poker games).
and then if you get in a bind for cash because of your friend worm, you can borrow 10 grand from one of your friend judges.
Excellent Rounders reference...well done pj
1 - target smaller offices and be willing to know it may be litigation. Unfortunately for you the ship has likely sailed in short term to get into a big IP firm. You can get there eventually but they have rigorous hiring procedures so they aren’t placing you now.
2 - Offering to work for free to show them your effort/skill is a great idea and one a lot of firms won’t pass up. Don’t just focus on places that are listing but actually mail resume to firms maybe 10-20 attorney large. If they do decide to hire they will have you already there.
3 - don’t worry about your first salary because at this point it won’t be great. Stay at firm for 2-3 years and try to switch to a place with more competitive comp then.
4 - have a long term plan once you get in place if you want to go in house and what skills will benefit you.
5 - look at consulting firms after you get your feet we
6 - look in other states that may not have same amount of attorneys but may have reciprocity with ny
Good luck, it sucks
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Federal Government agencies are always looking for attorneys. I'm not sure what the need is for attorneys right out of school, but I bet there are agencies searching for newer attorneys. Check out USAjobs.gov. And Im not saying in law enforcement. But agencies within the Treasury Department, CFPB, IRS etc. all have legal departments.
Have you spoken to the Judge you are clerking for? Does he have any connections or suggestions?
Good luck. Getting that first job is the toughest. Once you have the job, you should be able to get others!
Use connections. Friends, friends of friends, distant family. Anything to get you in front of the right people.
Yep. I've checked government jobs. I actually applied to the NYC Law Department yesterday. I've also seen postings for federal government, from FBI agents to bureau jobs. Problem is that most of them are in DC and I'm only admitted to practice here in New York.
If you are admitted in NY, you can waive into DC.
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In comment 13989513 Anakim said:
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In comment 13989475 Don in DC said:
Quote:
CDO job listings and submit resumes to any and all that are even remotely suitable, and start carpet bombing firms in your preferred practice area(s) with resumes and cover letters.
Just get that first gig, no matter what you have to do or swallow to get it. After that, it gets a lot easier.
Also, what law school? Just curious.
As mentioned, I did contact headhunters, but they only take on lawyers with experience. They don't do entry-level.
I check my school's job postings every day.
And yep, I must've sent out 200 emails with my resume and cover letters. 8 out of 10 times I'll get no response. Other times I'll get a response saying they have no openings but they'll keep my resume on file and I should keep checking back.
Cardozo
A few more things, then.
First, try mailing -- NOT emailing -- your resume and cover letter (printed on quality bond papers) to specific lawyers at specific firms that operate in the areas in which you are interested. Emails are just too easy to ignore. Don't bother with big firms with strictly regimented hiring procedures. Focus on boutique shops that usually hire on an as-needed basis.
Second, consider offering to come in and work for free (essentially on an internship basis) for a period of time to allow yourself to familiarize yourself with the firm, and them with you. A few youngsters have gotten their foot in the door with my NY office that way and ended up getting associate positions.
Third, try reaching out specifically to Cardozo alumni at the firms you are targeting. Similarly, consider targeting alumni from your undergrad as well (wherever that is). My most recent associate hire went to the same undergrad and law school as me, and unquestionably got the job for that reason. As a bonus, it turns out he's the hungriest, hardest working associate I have ever hired.
Hope that helps.
Interesting. I figured mailing rather than emailing would be more effective, but obviously more costly and more time-consuming.
I do reach out to specific lawyers, whether they're alums of Cardozo or they're in the field I'm interested. More times than not they don't bother to respond, but occasionally they'll forward or walk (so they say) my resume to HR and I'll get a reply back saying there are no openings at this time.
I don't mind shadowing either (especially in big law), but I do want it to be a means to an end. If I'm going to devote myself to something wholeheartedly, I'd like to know there's a light at the end of the tunnel. I've had plenty of internships and while they can be good learning experiences, I did many tasks and spent many hours in the office and I should've been compensated.
Again, money isn't the main factor, but it is a huge factor. I need to support myself. I need to earn a living. I need to pay off my student loans. Haha
Ideally, you should email a pdf and also mail a hard copy. Note in the email that you are also sending a hard copy. That way you make it as easy as possible for the target to forward it to the right people. Emphasize that you are hungry, capable, and willing to prove yourself.
Honestly, if you hadn't said that litigation isn't for you, I would ask you to send me your resume so I could forward it to the folks in my NY office. But with you having said that, I think I would be doing you and my firm a disservice to recommend you.
1 - target smaller offices and be willing to know it may be litigation. Unfortunately for you the ship has likely sailed in short term to get into a big IP firm. You can get there eventually but they have rigorous hiring procedures so they aren’t placing you now.
2 - Offering to work for free to show them your effort/skill is a great idea and one a lot of firms won’t pass up. Don’t just focus on places that are listing but actually mail resume to firms maybe 10-20 attorney large. If they do decide to hire they will have you already there.
3 - don’t worry about your first salary because at this point it won’t be great. Stay at firm for 2-3 years and try to switch to a place with more competitive comp then.
4 - have a long term plan once you get in place if you want to go in house and what skills will benefit you.
5 - look at consulting firms after you get your feet we
6 - look in other states that may not have same amount of attorneys but may have reciprocity with ny
Good luck, it sucks
Thanks for the advice. As you said, going forward should be a much easier ride. For now, it's all about getting that first job and that necessary training. I just need to get my feet wet and have someone take me under his/her wing.
I just want to get my foot in the door so I can break the door down. I'm willing to take risks, but even that has proven to be fruitless so far. I'm just looking for someone to take a calculated gamble on me.
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In comment 13989540 Don in DC said:
Quote:
In comment 13989513 Anakim said:
Quote:
In comment 13989475 Don in DC said:
Quote:
CDO job listings and submit resumes to any and all that are even remotely suitable, and start carpet bombing firms in your preferred practice area(s) with resumes and cover letters.
Just get that first gig, no matter what you have to do or swallow to get it. After that, it gets a lot easier.
Also, what law school? Just curious.
As mentioned, I did contact headhunters, but they only take on lawyers with experience. They don't do entry-level.
I check my school's job postings every day.
And yep, I must've sent out 200 emails with my resume and cover letters. 8 out of 10 times I'll get no response. Other times I'll get a response saying they have no openings but they'll keep my resume on file and I should keep checking back.
Cardozo
A few more things, then.
First, try mailing -- NOT emailing -- your resume and cover letter (printed on quality bond papers) to specific lawyers at specific firms that operate in the areas in which you are interested. Emails are just too easy to ignore. Don't bother with big firms with strictly regimented hiring procedures. Focus on boutique shops that usually hire on an as-needed basis.
Second, consider offering to come in and work for free (essentially on an internship basis) for a period of time to allow yourself to familiarize yourself with the firm, and them with you. A few youngsters have gotten their foot in the door with my NY office that way and ended up getting associate positions.
Third, try reaching out specifically to Cardozo alumni at the firms you are targeting. Similarly, consider targeting alumni from your undergrad as well (wherever that is). My most recent associate hire went to the same undergrad and law school as me, and unquestionably got the job for that reason. As a bonus, it turns out he's the hungriest, hardest working associate I have ever hired.
Hope that helps.
Interesting. I figured mailing rather than emailing would be more effective, but obviously more costly and more time-consuming.
I do reach out to specific lawyers, whether they're alums of Cardozo or they're in the field I'm interested. More times than not they don't bother to respond, but occasionally they'll forward or walk (so they say) my resume to HR and I'll get a reply back saying there are no openings at this time.
I don't mind shadowing either (especially in big law), but I do want it to be a means to an end. If I'm going to devote myself to something wholeheartedly, I'd like to know there's a light at the end of the tunnel. I've had plenty of internships and while they can be good learning experiences, I did many tasks and spent many hours in the office and I should've been compensated.
Again, money isn't the main factor, but it is a huge factor. I need to support myself. I need to earn a living. I need to pay off my student loans. Haha
Ideally, you should email a pdf and also mail a hard copy. Note in the email that you are also sending a hard copy. That way you make it as easy as possible for the target to forward it to the right people. Emphasize that you are hungry, capable, and willing to prove yourself.
Honestly, if you hadn't said that litigation isn't for you, I would ask you to send me your resume so I could forward it to the folks in my NY office. But with you having said that, I think I would be doing you and my firm a disservice to recommend you.
Oddly enough, no one has ever recommended sending a hard copy. I mean obviously that was the modus operandi before the internet, but it would seem to me that in this day and age, sending a resume in both an email and via snail mail would be redundant. However, if you think it really makes a good impression with them, I'll do it.
I appreciate it. If you know anyone who is hiring, I would be more than happy to send you my resume (IP or general).
(1) Give ( http://www.legalauthority.com/targeted-mailing.php ) a chance. It's worth $500-$1000 and they'll print out hundreds of resumes, cover letters, envelopes to firms that you're targetting and you'll be able to spam hundreds of firms. You're pretty much guaranteed to at least get a few interviews out of it.
(2) Reach out to your alumni network. Search the internet for alumni, reach out to them and set up time to talk about the job market to see if they have ideas or just to learn more about what they do. You're not asking them for a job, you're building a network.
(3) Ultimately, I ended doing what you said you didn't want to do in the OP. I went into tax. A lot of lawyers are afraid to do math, and there's a demand for lawyers to do this type of work. In-house tax departments often have large amounts of tax and benefits lawyers, so expressing interest here could be a path to a solid career. NYU's tax LLM is a good way in the door. It's not as hard as you'd think to get in, but you'll need to think long and hard before taking on additional major student loan debt.
(1) Give ( http://www.legalauthority.com/targeted-mailing.php ) a chance. It's worth $500-$1000 and they'll print out hundreds of resumes, cover letters, envelopes to firms that you're targetting and you'll be able to spam hundreds of firms. You're pretty much guaranteed to at least get a few interviews out of it.
(2) Reach out to your alumni network. Search the internet for alumni, reach out to them and set up time to talk about the job market to see if they have ideas or just to learn more about what they do. You're not asking them for a job, you're building a network.
(3) Ultimately, I ended doing what you said you didn't want to do in the OP. I went into tax. A lot of lawyers are afraid to do math, and there's a demand for lawyers to do this type of work. In-house tax departments often have large amounts of tax and benefits lawyers, so expressing interest here could be a path to a solid career. NYU's tax LLM is a good way in the door. It's not as hard as you'd think to get in, but you'll need to think long and hard before taking on additional major student loan debt.
1) Never heard of that, but I'll look into it. It's totally legit? Not a scam?
2) Done that. I know that's the best way and I've met a few alumni (either by phone or I visited their offices), but yeah, it never went anywhere. They either don't respond, they forward or walk my resume over to HR, or simply don't feel comfortable talking to the hiring partners on my behalf since they don't really know me.
3) Oh definitely. Tax lawyers are considered the creme de la creme of the legal profession. But I guess this goes to what the others have said: doing something you're passionate about. I can't say that I know a whole lot about tax law as I've never taken a class in it, but I've heard horror stories about how it's terribly boring memorizing the IRC and while the money is great, it's not exactly a rewarding field.
I can't say that I know exactly what field I want to go into (ideally IP, but I'm keeping my mind open), but I do know what fields I don't want to go into: Tax, T&E, Personal Injury, Mass Torts, Crim.
JonC is right, you need to broaden your horizons and take chances. I imagine you've still pigeonholed yourself quite a bit by not considering a large number of alternatives.
Did you ask the judge for leads?
Broadcast your interest to family and friends. Usually a personal connection helps a lot. Unless you have a family to support, be willing to work for nothing or almost nothing for 6 months to a year in your area of interest to get some experience.
As someone else mentioned, look to government agencies if the work will be relevant to your long term goals. (I worked at the patent office for a year and was in high demand after that while still a night student at law school.)