Comments on: The 5th Response (The School Desk Firm)

By: The Jobless Lawyer» Recession Job Search Tips for the Unemployed Lawyer- Creating a Job “Surge”

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 23:10:32 +0000

[...] Part Time Contract Position, NY (1 Point)- After being told there was plenty of work available and meeting the partners was just a formality, I was then told after the interview by the firm’s managing partner “ I hope we can be in touch soon with a few projects.” “Soon” never did come, as I was never contacted about available projects and subsequent e-mails from me were completely ignored. (Full Post) [...]

By: TC

TC — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:17:56 +0000

Just go to work for yourself. Head down to the coast and sue everybody for global warming:

http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2009/10/19/hurricane-k…

By: Kris

Kris — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:49:43 +0000

I hope this works out for you. A couple of months before the recession began, I found a job on Craigs List. I interviewed and started working there as a contract attorney. It turned out to be a well respected downtown boutique, and the firm didn't even know it had advertised for jobs on Craigs List. A recruiter had posted the ad to which I responded. Anyway, two years later, I am an associate at the same firm. I have gotten wonderful experience and training here, and, despite the bad economy, I am very busy.

I took a big chance (Craigs List, firm of which I had not heard), and it worked out fine. Congrats for thinking outside the box. I hope your creativity is rewarded. If this doesn't turn out, try not to get too discouraged.

By: Name

Name — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:47:44 +0000

While you are looking for work, why don't you offer your services free to a legal clinic? You will have better luck finding a job if you network with people who are actually working with clients. You've done it before…It would be good for your self-esteem to be helping people. You could sleep at night, knowing you were at least practicing law, and moving the energy forward.

By: tb1

tb1 — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:45:49 +0000

My take on it is that they're trying to land, or are closing to landing, a client, and if and when they do, they'll call you in. I think you aced the interview, you've done everything you could, and it's now out of your hands.

By: Anonymous Contract Lawyer

Anonymous Contract Lawyer — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:20:52 +0000

Uh, boy. Let's see. Law firm with no secretaries, no files, no desks that haven't been rescued from the PS 150 surplus sale. They contacted you on Craigslist. Spidey sense is tingling–this is not going to result in a job offer. This will not result in paid work (not even lowly doc review). If you had a huge book of business they would be in contact with you. Nothing they said suggests they have a job or work enough to bring you in.

By: angelthelawyer

angelthelawyer — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:46:39 +0000

You are such a sweet Pollyanna type. No matter what warning signs you saw, you tried to look at it through rose colored glasses. I wish I was that way. From what I can see, they are probably just another low life firm that is trying to take advantage of a smart guy who is down and out. They haven't contacted you in 2 weeks? What if that's how they treat their clients? Something is fishy in New York City and it's not the East River–if you ask me. Their range was questionable too. $30 to $50? With a portion of billable hours? Sounds like it's $50 to get you in the door–but ultimately $30 or less with a portion of your billables–if they ever bill you out at a decent rate or collect. BEWARE! http://butidideverythingrightorsoithought.blogs…

By: Tom

Tom — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:11:26 +0000

Sorry to hear about this. Yes, working for a small “nimble” firm may have its advantages, but there's something to be said for organization. Good luck & keep us updated!

By: SWT1

SWT1 — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:28:52 +0000

At least you weren't trying to get into Dos Caminos that day… or you may never have made it. (see picture)

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs…

Perhaps Obama has stopped in for some guac.

Anyway, I hope this works out for you and you can get some work with this firm! It seems like these are the types of firms that will be able to thrive in this economy because they can charge lower rates to clients. You may want to bring your own desk in though…