Wednesday, February 17, 2010

RETURN?

Hi all. I'm sorry I had to curtail my blogging for awhile. There was just a lot going on personally and professionally and I just couldn't keep up. I am starting to feel like I can resume the blogging -- but I wonder if you are still interested? And if so, what interests you most these days? I hope things have improved for the job seekers -- I do feel like I see more opportunities starting to open up out there -- though I still hear from clients that they are under tremendous budget constraints. Clients are definitely handling more things in-house these days - trying to do things on their own rather than calling outside lawyers. I think the opportunities I have seen more recently are in-house, governmental, etc.

Anyway, let me have your thoughts? Continue? Topics?

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Go away.

Anonymous said...

Yes! Please keep blogging.

I have a question for you -- as an incoming associate, I'll be going to clerk for a year. How much contact with the firm and my contacts at the firm is appropriate during that year? If it seems like I am staying in touch just to stay in touch (out of paranoia, of course I would never say so), is that more annoying than anything else?

Anonymous said...

OCI tips
OCI tips
OCI tips

Anonymous said...

Stick around! More information on how to increase your network of contacts without having a job would be great! 3L and worried.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you're back, and hope everything is going well now.

I also have a question-- which may be too specific for your blog. I attended law school part-time at night at an accredited school, while working in a full-time non-law job. As a result (and boy do I regret this), I had no internships, clerkships, etc. What's done is done.

I have many years of quality work experience, albeit outside the law, but I'm having an extraordinarily difficult time getting recognized as a good hire. Being non-traditional is practically persona non grata.

Any advice? I'm still in the job I had in law school, as I do have a mortgage, etc, but I'd appreciate any tips you might have.

Thanks and welcome back!

Anonymous said...

If we still don't have a start date (class of '10), what is the likelihood that we'll be getting one? And when?

Anonymous said...

I would like to hear more about how to make an impression as a first/second year as well as about lateral opportunities in different practice areas and how to set yourself up for the best opportunities.

Anonymous said...

Are you hiring 3Ls? Do you know anyone who is? I've got good grades from a very good school, a decent resume and interview manner, quite a few recs, and more debt than I can properly understand. Any leads would be greatly appreciated.

(And yes, I recognize that by not posting any contact info I'm preventing random web-surfing recruiters from contacting me. I'll keep an eye on the comments thread.)

Anonymous said...

Welcome back. Please continue blogging. Your posts have been incredibly helpful in the past.

As far as topics are concerned, I am interested in your opinion regarding lateral opportunities for those of us who have been practicing in smaller regional markets, in smaller firms, for three-four years and now want to move on, perhaps even to other jurisdictions.

When is the best time to start thinking about lateral move? When is it too late?

thanks!

Anonymous said...

I'm an unemployed 3L willing to practice anywhere. Should I take the bar? Where?

Anonymous said...

I'm glad to see that you're back.

Anonymous said...

Any chance you can provide SA tips for this summer, given that class sizes are smaller? How are permanent offers being viewed now? I can understand that they weren't to be taken for granted with the 100 student summer classes in 2009 and the bad economy. But with firms genuinely trimming down, can SAs afford to sweat a bit less this time around?

Anonymous said...

HP,

Could you share your thoughts on when and how law clerks should go about seeking BigLaw employment?

I'm particularly interested in your advice for applicants who practiced for a year or two before clerking.

Thanks.

Anonymous said...

HP. Welcome back! I hope you stick around!

I am a third year associate, and I am starting a new job at a larger firm on Monday.

I'd appreciate advice on how to make a good impression right away.

Thank you!

Anonymous said...

HP sucks. I heard he's a 1L at BLS. Apparently, he completely bombed his finals last term. That's why he had to stop blogging for so long. You better go read for Property, HP.