Monthly Archives: August 2010

Entrepreneurs Love Mistakes: A New Column

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I think the best part of being my own boss is that I can take risks without having to answer to anyone. I can try new things and if anything doesn’t work, I can stop and change direction. I realize that this is a rare but essential privilege for any business person. No matter how supportive your work environment may be, it’s a lot easier to bet the farm when it’s your farm.

In other words, I’m allowing myself to make mistakes so long as I learn from them. And, trust me, I make plenty of mistakes.

That’s why I really appreciated this article on Bootstrap Website Advice, for example. While Steve Matthews focuses on websites, his advice to those bootstrapping their endeavors applies to many projects. I especially appreciated these tips:

1. Give yourself permission to launch a ‘Version One’ website. Nothing online is permanent, including this site.
6. Good enough. Along the same lines as the previous item, you don’t have time to be a perfectionist. Most new entrepreneurs wear lots of hats, or ALL the hats. That means you don’t have weeks to spend on your logo, or to perfect your business image coming out the door.
7. Know when your startup period is over. Whether it’s 6-months in or 18-months in, your ‘Version One’ website has a limited life span. Simply put: kill it and upgrade your home base. If you’re using that same website in Year 3, there’s a problem. New businesses are forgiven for bootstrapping; established businesses look cheap, and turn away work without knowing it.

Not only did Matthews remind his readers that mistakes and trial periods are okay, but he also reminded us that there is a limit to the mistakes we make. Entrepreneurs are still responsible business people, not simply the reckless black sheep of the corporate world.

But, back to my mistakes. I’ve decided to create a column here where I admit to some of the mistakes I’ve made along the way. (…probably after I’ve taken some time to stop kicking myself over them.) While I’m not sure if it’s the smartest thing I’ll ever do – admitting my mistakes freely and publishing them on the internet – I’m hoping that other people will also learn from them and also remind other entrepreneurs that they’re not alone.

I’ll try to include my mistakes and also how I went about fixing the problem. I’ll appreciate any tips or supportive comments in the comments.

And, yes, there is already a backlog of mistakes that I want to write about so look for the first installment soon!

Making Phone Calls Directly from Gmail

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Some law firms eschew social networking sites due to their potential as time-wasters and block access to them from work.

Other lawyers or law firms see social networking sites as a way to build or fortify relationships or find smoking gun evidence to win cases (e.g., in divorce matters). Usually, these are the firms that also take the time to draft careful social media policies to guide attorneys and staff members on how to use these sites.

Which one has it right? Well, in general, it’s hard to say without knowing the costs – including the opportunity costs – and benefits. When it comes to social media, it becomes even trickier. The costs – especially the opportunity costs of attorneys or staff members billing clients or doing other tasks – are incurred immediately. On the other hand, the benefits usually take months to become apparent. Even then, the benefits may be too intangible to assess a value.

And then Google steps in and changes the game.

Gmail users may now place calls directly from Gmail to any telephone in the United States for free. Telephone calls abroad are relatively cheap as well. Read the official announcement here or, if you prefer, watch the commercial. (I think it’s cute and clever.)

Disregarding what this means for VoIP in law firms or international communication, this is social media with immediately realized benefits(!), especially for small firms. For one, Gmail calls save cell phone minutes. For two, it makes it much easier to “pick up the phone” and keep in touch with people – clients, the associate down the hall, colleagues at other firms. Okay, okay, I’ll admit that this is not a scientific observation but rather personal opinion: Most of us who have grown up on web or video chatting did so to keep in touch with family and friends. This association makes the technology much more casual and less intimidating.

I’d be interested to know how firms are reacting to this announcement:

  • Are they encouraging members to use this new tool?
  • Are they scared to have associates make phone calls from personal gmail accounts?
  • Will this encourage similar corporate solutions?
  • In the future, will firms give out Google accounts rather than Blackberrys?

Further reading:  Gmail Phone Calls Are All About Facebook, Not Skype (Wired)

Lessons from #LawJobChat: @richard_russeth on Landing In-House Counsel Jobs

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On August 26, 2010, we hosted our third #LawJobChat, a chat on Twitter that takes place the last Thursday of each month from 9 – 10 pm Eastern. We welcomed our guest host, Richard Russeth.  I’ve pasted the full transcript below.

About Richard

Richard Russeth (@richard_russeth) serves as Vice President and General Counsel for Leprino Foods.  Directly after law school, he went in-house serving as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel for The Pillsbury Company.  Since then, he’s continued to work in general counsel positions for major corporations or their subsidiaries.   He offers his advice about moving in-house and what in-house lawyers need to know.  He also shares with us the benefits of being The Last Generalist.

5 Takeaway Tweets

  • richard_russeth: GENERALIST credentials are helpful in going in-house. SEC experience is amazingly helpful.
  • richard_russeth: Try to get an internship with a company after 1L – then firm after 2L.
  • richard_russeth: I think transferable skills are most important. Also many corps hire their outside counsel when they are impressed! case
  • richard_russeth: Early on I think salaries are about 70% of private practice. But get close to parity at about 7-10 years.
  • richard_russeth: Not all boards are created equal. Avoid “general” boards. Stick to reputable. Don’t “overexpose”. Desperate is bad.

I’d also recommend Amanda’s post that highlights the important points that Richard covered.

Full Transcript

1:00 am		 aellislegal: Welcome to the 3rd #LawJobChat! Our topic tonight is finding in-house law jobs and our guest co-host is @richard_russeth. #lawjobchat
1:01 am aellislegal: Just a friendly reminder that I’ll start the discussion with some questions. I’ll assign a # to them – Q1, Q2, etc. #lawjobchat
1:01 am aellislegal: Please include the question number in your subsequent questions/replies/etc. Helps when reading transcript from chat. #lawjobchat
1:02 am aellislegal: To get started, I’ll let @richard_russeth introduce himself! #lawjobchat
1:02 am richard_russeth: @aellislegal Glad to be here and thanks for inviting! #lawjobchat
1:03 am mjsq: Thanks for joining us, @richard_russeth! #lawjobchat
1:03 am richard_russeth: @aellislegal I’m GC at Leprino Foods. Have been practicing for 28 yrs. Everyone of them in-house. #lawjobchat
1:04 am aellislegal: Q1: how many yrs experience does an atty need before looking for in-house positions? #lawjobchat
1:06 am aellislegal: Q1 cont: or, how easy is it to go in-house immediately after law school like you did? #lawjobchat
1:06 am richard_russeth: @aellislegal I think it depends on the position they are seeking in-house. #lawjobchat
1:07 am richard_russeth: Q1: But I think at a minimum one should have 5 years in private practice before trying to go in-house. #lawjobchat
1:08 am richard_russeth: Q1: I think I was pretty unusual in my career path. Very few go straight to in-house. It works if its a large corp. #lawjobchat
1:08 am aellislegal: Q1 cont: any particular type position that typically requires less experience? more experience? #lawjobchat
1:09 am richard_russeth: Q1: I was lucky to find a large company like The Pillsbury Company with a GC willing to take a chance! #lawjobchat
1:09 am richard_russeth: Q1: I think specialized roles such as IP are more demanding of experience. But positions in general contract work less so. #lawjobchat
1:10 am aellislegal: Q2: Assume a 5th year atty begins an in-house search. Is there a particular time of the calendar yr that’s best to look? #lawjobchat
1:11 am richard_russeth: Q1: credentials are helpful in going in-house. SEC experience is amazingly helpful. #lawjobchat
1:11 am aellislegal: Q2 cont: for example, does in-house hiring slow during particular months? #lawjobchat
1:11 am t10nbaum: Q2: What would you say is the most important thing to do in law school if you want to end up as GC one day? Moot, Journal, etc.? #lawjobchat
1:12 am richard_russeth: Q1: GENERALIST credentials are helpful in going in-house. SEC experience is amazingly helpful. #lawjobchat
1:12 am richard_russeth: Q2: I don’t think there is a special time of year anymore. This used to be true. Its more dictated the economy. #lawjobchat
1:13 am richard_russeth: Q2: That said, fourth quarter is a bad quarter in which to look. #lawjobchat
1:13 am squirrelpants: How can one go from a staff attorney position to an in-house one? #lawjobchat
1:13 am richard_russeth: Q2: As for law school, I think the broader your course load the better. Don’t over specialize. #lawjobchat
1:14 am richard_russeth: @squirrelpants Not sure I get the “staff” vs. “in-house” #lawjobchat
1:14 am aellislegal: Q3: good question RT @squirrelpants: How can one go from a staff attorney position to an in-house one? #lawjobchat
1:14 am richard_russeth: Q2: Try to get an internship with a company after 1L – then firm after 2L. #lawjobchat
1:15 am aellislegal: @richard_russeth I think he’s referring to being a staff attorney in a law firm, but will let @squirrelpantsconfirm #lawjobchat
1:16 am aellislegal: Q4: How does your company hire in-house lawyers? recruiters, company website, job boards, social media, etc? #lawjobchat
1:16 am richard_russeth: Q3: I think transferable skills are most important. Also many corps hire their outside counsel when they are impressed! #lawjobchat
1:16 am richard_russeth: Q3: For example, my predecessor was hired out of private practice where he represented our company #lawjobchat
1:17 am aellislegal: Advice to law students looking to go in-house: RT @richard_russeth Try to get internship w/company after 1L – then firm after 2L #lawjobchat
1:17 am richard_russeth: Q4: rely a great deal on networks and recruiters. Interestingly company’s make the mistake of using executive recruiters. #lawjobchat
1:17 am t10nbaum: Q4: being as that GC work is for a company, is there a business bground required? Or do lawyers from any background have a shot? #lawjobchat
1:18 am richard_russeth: Q2: My company hires a 1L each summer! We like the new ideas and the opportunity to introduce folks to in-house practice #lawjobchat
1:18 am t10nbaum: RT @aellislegal: Advice to law students looking to go in-house: RT @richard_russeth Try to get internship w/company after 1L – then firm after 2L #lawjobchat
1:19 am squirrelpants: Q3: Yeah, from a staff attorney at a law firm to in-house counsel #lawjobchat
1:19 am richard_russeth: Q4: Business background helpful but not essential. I do think in-house need to have an aptitude for business. #lawjobchat
1:20 am aellislegal: Q5: What skills do you look for? For ex, do in-house lawyers have diff daily responsibilities (from firm lawyers) that you seek? #lawjobchat
1:20 am mpsever: @aellislegal Just took the bar. Waiting on results. All jobs say they want 3-5 yrs experience. OK. where’s that come from? #lawjobchat
1:20 am richard_russeth: Q3: I don’t think status in the firm is what drives hiring at the company. Fit on expertise and cultural fit are important #lawjobchat
1:21 am richard_russeth: Q5: 3-5. We all want experience in-house because usually in-house is not big enough to devote much time to training. #lawjobchat
1:22 am richard_russeth: Q5: in-house is about providing practical answers not memos #lawjobchat
1:22 am aellislegal: @richard_russeth “@mpsever Just took the bar. All jobs say they want 3-5 yrs experience. where’s that come from?” #lawjobchat
1:23 am richard_russeth: Q5: I haven’t written an “opinion” in many many years. Face to face helping the business succeed is the role of in-house #lawjobchat
1:23 am aellislegal: @mpsever I assume you’re referring to firm and in-house job-postings. I’ll defer to @richard_russeth re in-house #lawjobchat
1:24 am richard_russeth: Q5: The need to be able to interact with business folks is critical. As is need to provide answers in real time at the meeting. #lawjobchat
1:24 am aellislegal: @mpsever Re firm jobs, remember most jobs aren’t advertised. Market your experience to firms. Target smaller firms that don’t #lawjobchat
1:24 am richard_russeth: I’m guessing 3-5 is in-house criteria. I think its usually closer to 5. #lawjobchat
1:24 am t10nbaum: Q6: You say your job is to help the business succeed, what is your daily schedule like? #lawjobchat
1:25 am DWesterberg: Son=2yr Law S: Worked at AnheiserBusch GC office1.5yrs prior to Law School, at civil Lit law firm past yr. Strong resume? #lawjobchat
1:25 am aellislegal: @mpsever (cont) Target smaller firms that may need junior attys. Volunteer w/legal aid or bar groups to get experience #lawjobchat
1:26 am aellislegal: Q7: How can a litigator position herself to move to an in-house position? #lawjobchat
1:26 am richard_russeth: Today: pension issues, mexican tariff issues, employment law issues, global supply contract and mtg with Linkedin rep #lawjobchat
1:28 am richard_russeth: Q7: Some businesses need in-house litigators e.g., pharma But most firms farm it out. So the ability to manage lit is top. #lawjobchat
1:28 am t10nbaum: good to know #linkedin is making its way to the GC office. It’s everywhere! #lawjobchat
1:28 am richard_russeth: @DWesterberg I think these are very good points on a CV and the AB connection is top. #lawjobchat
1:28 am richard_russeth: @t10nbaum and companies in general are really using Linkedin as a tool to find folks. #lawjobchat
1:29 am aellislegal: Q7 follow up: @richard_russeth any particular type companies litigators should target (more likely to hire 4 lit mgmt)? avoid? #lawjobchat
1:29 am richard_russeth: #linkedin is so key and network building from 1L forward. You never know who will end up where. #lawjobchat
1:30 am mjsq: @richard_russeth, to clarify, companies using linkedin to find outside litigators or to find GCs? #lawjobchat
1:30 am richard_russeth: Q7: Fun ? I’d do a westlaw search and see who’s drowning in lit! But also consumer intensive not B2B are more likely #lawjobchat
1:30 am aellislegal: LAW STUDENTS: @richard_russeth linkedin is so key and network building from 1L forward. You never know who will end up where. #lawjobchat
1:31 am richard_russeth: I think they are using linkedin across the spectrum but I’m not sure its reached the C-Suite yet. #lawjobchat
1:31 am aellislegal: @richard_russeth re Q7, I like the Westlaw search response!! #lawjobchat
1:31 am DWesterberg: Thank you RT @richard_russeth: @DWesterberg I think these are very good points on a CV and the AB connection is top. #lawjobchat
1:32 am aellislegal: Q8: Can you recommend job boards/websites helpful 4 attys seeking in-house jobs? #lawjobchat
1:33 am stone239: My background in accounting/finance helps tremendously as GC for RE Developer Q4: GC…is there a business bground required? #lawjobchat
1:33 am t10nbaum: @richard_russeth I sure hope so. Thanks to @aellislegal i’ve been working on my profile. Im a 2nd year law student #lawjobchat
1:33 am richard_russeth: Q8: I’ve looked for a job 3 times in my career and job boards are increasingly important. The ACC is tops! #lawjobchat
1:33 am t10nbaum: RT @aellislegal: LAW STUDENTS: @richard_russeth linkedin is so key and network building from 1L forward. You never know who will end up where. #lawjobchat
1:34 am richard_russeth: Q8: Not all boards are created equal. Avoid “general” boards. Stick to reputable. Don’t “overexpose”. Desperate is bad. #lawjobchat
1:34 am richard_russeth: NO Monster.com. Period. #lawjobchat
1:35 am aellislegal: Q9: how do in-house salaries compare 2 salaries @ BigLaw? What % salary reduction can BigLaw associate expect 2 move in-house? #lawjobchat
1:35 am aellislegal: RT @richard_russeth: NO Monster.com. Period. #lawjobchat
1:36 am richard_russeth: Q9: Early on I think salaries are about 70% of private practice. But get close to parity at about 7-10 years. #lawjobchat
1:36 am mjsq: Very true! RT @richard_russeth NO Monster.com. Period. #lawjobchat
1:36 am t10nbaum: RT @aellislegal: RT @richard_russeth: NO Monster.com. Period. #lawjobchat
1:36 am richard_russeth: Q8: You are not going to get rich going in-house, on the other hand you will have weekends free more often than not. #lawjobchat
1:37 am richard_russeth: Q8: In-house focuses on company performance so bonuses are tied to that. 30% is typical. #lawjobchat
1:37 am aellislegal: Q9 cont: how is comp structure diff from law firms? higher bonus opp, lower base? bonus tied to company performance? #lawjobchat
1:37 am aellislegal: @mjsq funny that we both RTd Richard’s commend re Monster! #lawjobchat
1:38 am richard_russeth: Q9: Base tends to be lower. Bonuses can range across the spectrum. Median is about 30% I think. #lawjobchat
1:38 am richard_russeth: Q9: If a company lists a in-house job on Monster, you don’t want to work there. #lawjobchat
1:38 am aellislegal: Q10: how does in-house hiring/recruiting process differ from firms? less formal? more interviews? slower/longer process? #lawjobchat
1:39 am aellislegal: RT @richard_russeth: Q9: If a company lists a in-house job on Monster, you dont want to work there. #lawjobchat
1:39 am stone239: weigh quality of life outside biglaw v lower salary RT @aellislegal Q9: how do in-house salaries compare 2 salaries @ BigLaw? #lawjobchat
1:39 am richard_russeth: Q10: I think the process can be much slower because you are an expense not a profit center in-house. #lawjobchat
1:40 am t10nbaum: RT @richard_russeth: Q9: If a company lists a in-house job on Monster, you don’t want to work there. #lawjobchat
1:40 am DavidCohenEsq: So true. Creative problem solving is a must. “@richard_russeth: Q5: in-house is about providing practical answers not memos #lawjobchat“
1:40 am richard_russeth: Quality of life and interesting practice are big reasons to go in-house #lawjobchat
1:40 am jcasalmir: RT @richard_russeth: Q8: I’ve looked for a job 3 times in my career and job boards are increasingly important. The ACC is tops! #lawjobchat
1:40 am aellislegal: RT @stone239: My background in accounting/finance helps tremendously as GC for RE Developer #lawjobchat
1:41 am richard_russeth: Lots of responsibility early on in-house. Seeing a project from beginning to end and not just the paper. Impact outcomes! #lawjobchat
1:42 am aellislegal: Q11 any other adv to going in-house besides quality of life, interesting practice? #lawjobchat
1:42 am richard_russeth: @aellislegal @stone239 Absolutely finance can be a good background #lawjobchat
1:42 am stone239: Amen! RT @richard_russeth Quality of life and interesting practice are big reasons to go in-house #lawjobchat
1:42 am t10nbaum: RT @richard_russeth: Lots of responsibility early on in-house. Seeing a project from beginning to end and not just the paper. Impact outcomes! #lawjobchat
1:43 am aellislegal: Q11 related: Any disadvantages to going in-house? #lawjobchat
1:43 am richard_russeth: Q11: Instead of answering to a BigPartner you r part of business team making it happen. #lawjobchat
1:43 am lawyerkm: how should law firms connect with GCs? #lawjobchat
1:44 am richard_russeth: Q11: Disadvantages: you won’t get rich with some exceptions. It can be hard to transition back to private practice… #lawjobchat
1:44 am jcasalmir: 3-5 years =shorthand for “I can provide at least an initial “take” on clients’ question while on the phone with them.” #lawjobchat
1:44 am aellislegal: Good question! RT @lawyerkm: how should law firms connect with GCs? #lawjobchat
1:46 am richard_russeth: I’m a fan of the slow sell myself. Demonstrate worth. Provide solutions. Don’t “sell.” You’re not a car dealer. #lawjobchat
1:46 am richard_russeth: @jcasalmir #truth #lawjobchat
1:46 am t10nbaum: RT @richard_russeth: I’m a fan of the slow sell myself. Demonstrate worth. Provide solutions. Don’t “sell.” You’re not a car dealer. #lawjobchat
1:46 am aellislegal: @richard_russeth re transitioning from in-house to private practice, I was going to ask how easy it is to make the transition? #lawjobchat
1:47 am richard_russeth: Big fan of free seminars as way to get to know your firm. One hour. Lunch or breakfast. Webinar! #lawjobchat
1:47 am DavidCohenEsq: I connect w many law firms at local ACC events. @aellislegal Good question! RT @lawyerkm: how should law firms connect with GCs?#lawjobchat
1:47 am aellislegal: @richard_russeth Is it easier for certain types of in-house counsel to transition into private practice? #lawjobchat
1:47 am richard_russeth: Since I have never “transitioned” I don’t have first hand, but the longer in-house the tougher I think #lawjobchat
1:47 am aellislegal: LAWYERS: RT @richard_russeth: Big fan of free seminars as way to get to know your firm. One hour. Lunch or breakfast. Webinar! #lawjobchat
1:48 am richard_russeth: I think litigators and IP folks have a much easier time of transitioning back to private practice #lawjobchat
1:48 am jcasalmir: Q1: in contrast to @richard_russeth and @DavidCohenEsq I went in-house after 2 yrs govt. + 3 private practice. #lawjobchat
1:48 am reneefishman: @aellislegal #lawjobchat more than just not knowing where people will end up; you never know who they will meet along the way who can help u
1:48 am aellislegal: RT @DavidCohenEsq: I connect w many law firms at local ACC events. RT @lawyerkm: how should law firms connect with GCs? #lawjobchat
1:48 am richard_russeth: @DavidCohenEsq I like the ACC events as well. #lawjobchat
1:50 am changesq: RT @richard_russeth: Q8: You are not going to get rich going in-house, on the other hand you will have weekends free more often than not. #lawjobchat
1:51 am t10nbaum: RT @richard_russeth: Q8: You are not going to get rich going in-house, on the other hand you will have weekends free more often than not. #lawjobchat
1:51 am t10nbaum: RT @reneefishman: @aellislegal #lawjobchat more than just not knowing where people will end up; you never know who they will meet along the way who can help u
1:51 am reneefishman: @aellislegal re #lawjobchat Q8: When I was practicing I found best in-house jobs came thru connections, recruiters & co’s law firms
1:51 am richard_russeth: To prep to be a GC someday I tried to practice in every conceivable field of law for at least a bit for the 1st ten years #lawjobchat
1:52 am t10nbaum: Can law students go to ACC events? #lawjobchat
1:52 am richard_russeth: A generalist with a strong SEC practice would be a killer combo for in-house public company #lawjobchat
1:52 am mjsq: Q12. In yr Rainmaking post, you say lawyers who spend time on social media should spend time on follow-up. Tips? #lawjobchat
1:53 am richard_russeth: I’m afraid I don’t know how the ACC and students work? It would be a clever idea in my book. #lawjobchat
1:53 am aellislegal: Provide 1 tip to junior associates in their 1st or 2nd yr of practice who want to go in-house in their 5th yr or so #lawjobchat
1:53 am stone239: For me, the sheer volume of issues. A GC really is a generalist (cont) Q: Any disadvantages to in-house? #lawjobchat
1:53 am aellislegal: RT @t10nbaum: Can law students go to ACC events? #lawjobchat
1:53 am TechSavvyLaw: RT @richard_russeth To prep to be a GC someday I tried to practice in every conceivable field of law… for the 1st 10 years #lawJobchat
1:53 am stone239: #lawjobchat certain issues require specialized knowledge from outside counsel
1:54 am richard_russeth: Q12: If you put it out there, be willing to spend time, for free, talking to people who are interested. the hours will follow. #lawjobchat
1:54 am richard_russeth: RT @stone239: #lawjobchat certain issues require specialized knowledge from outside counsel // very true. No law dept knows everything.
1:55 am aellislegal: @eicdocket may be able to answer this question or point u in right direction RT @t10nbaum: Can law students go to ACC events? #lawjobchat
1:55 am mjsq: Q13. You blog about how companies should pick GC, are these same Qs associates should ask themselves if they want to be a GC? #lawjobchat
1:55 am changesq: Took our legal interns to as many ACC events as they were allowed @richard_russeth @t10nbaum: Can law students go to ACC events? #lawjobchat
1:56 am richard_russeth: Q13: I think that post applies in lots of fields not just law but yes I think they are worth applying as an associate. #lawjobchat
1:56 am richard_russeth: @changesq thnks for the clarification #lawjobchat
1:57 am t10nbaum: I live in NY and am a full time student. Any events in NYC or LI are an attractive option. Please forward any info my way #lawjobchat
1:59 am DavidCohenEsq: I bring my interns as a learning & networking opportunity. “@t10nbaum: Can law students go to ACC events? #lawjobchat“
2:00 am aellislegal: Final Q: what about using Twitter to build relationships? Would u hire an in-house lawyer after developing relationship on here? #lawjobchat
2:00 am richard_russeth: 1Ls – broaden your horizons – make yourself interesting to work with – watch #ted talks. #lawjobchat
2:00 am DavidCohenEsq: If you want to attend, call your local chapter administrator & ask if you can. “@t10nbaum: Can law students go to ACC events? #lawjobchat“
2:01 am mjsq: One more blog Q, Q14. Your post ‘top 10 rules for job search success’ = A+ Any specific rules for in-house job search success? #lawjobchat
2:01 am t10nbaum: Or intern? @aellislegal #lawjobchat
2:01 am changesq: RT @richard_russeth: 1Ls – broaden your horizons – make yourself interesting to work with – watch #tedtalks. #lawjobchat
2:02 am richard_russeth: Final Q: I think twitter great place to find out about people. Their temperments and so on. Real time. So yes. It’s a start! #lawjobchat
2:02 am t10nbaum: RT @richard_russeth: 1Ls – broaden your horizons – make yourself interesting to work with – watch #tedtalks. #lawjobchat
2:02 am jcasalmir: 1. get a full understanding of an in-demand practice area. 2. demonstrate practical understanding of client’s biz needs. #lawjobchat
2:02 am reneefishman: @aellislegal #lawjobchat Q11: in- house can get monotonous, w/same type of work or projects & not much variety
2:03 am mjsq: RT @richard_russeth I think twitter great place to find out about people. Their temperments… Real time. So yes. It’s a start! #lawjobchat
2:03 am richard_russeth: Q11: I have never found in-house to be monotonous. Crazy sometimes but not monotonous. #lawjobchat
2:03 am richard_russeth: I think Top 10 rules are universal. #lawjobchat
2:04 am aellislegal: @richard_russeth THANK YOU 4 co-hosting!! Fabulous insight. I’ll post chat transcript tonight and summary over the wkd. #lawjobchat
2:04 am mjsq: @richard_russeth I agree. :-) #lawjobchat
2:04 am mjsq: Yes, thank you so much @richard_russeth for your insights. #lawjobchat
2:05 am richard_russeth: Thanks for having me. Lots of fun! Good luck to all the job seekers! #lawjobchat
2:05 am aellislegal: @richard_russeth Keep the discussion rolling if u have time and people have questions. this just ends official #LawJobChat hour #lawjobchat
2:06 am richard_russeth: @aellislegal Happy to stay on another 15 minutes! #lawjobchat
2:07 am aellislegal: Woo hoo!! Continue to ask questions if you wish RT @richard_russeth: @aellislegal Happy to stay on another 15 minutes! #lawjobchat
2:08 am jcasalmir: Q11: Even w/in my discrete practice area (advertising law), it NEVER gets monotonous. Hectic, nuts, crazy–yes (but I love it). #lawjobchat
2:09 am richard_russeth: @jcasalmir I suppose in a really big dept there could be some monotony but just hasn’t been my experience. #lawjobchat
2:09 am BriHoffman: Sorry I missed #lawjobchat tonight, interesting stuff, especially since I just became intern w/ in-house/cco of major investment company!
2:10 am BriHoffman: I will try to catch it next time! #lawjobchat
2:10 am richard_russeth: @BriHoffman I bet we’d learn a lot from your situation!! #lawjobchat
2:10 am richard_russeth: @BriHoffman Sounds like a very interesting position. #lawjobchat
2:11 am reneefishman: @aellislegal #lawjobchat tip to Jr associates: give at least 5 min to every recruiter who calls. Build rltnshps now & they will pay off
2:12 am richard_russeth: @reneefishman @aellislegal I say talk to them as long as they want to stay on the line… #lawjobchat
2:12 am tweetmcg: @aellislegal @richard_russeth @jcasalmir thanks for the great #lawjobchat #ff
2:13 am BriHoffman: @richard_russeth thanks. i’m excited, i start next week. working at Legg Mason for their CCO in mutual fund compliance! #lawjobchat #inhouse
2:14 am richard_russeth: Signing off here. Have a great night everyone. #goodnightmoon #lawjobchat
2:14 am jcasalmir: @richard_russeth true, but if you’re bored, it’s a win-win to proactively seek out interesting work since budgets are tight. #lawjobchat
2:16 am drewcarls: @richard_russeth @aellislegal enjoyed the convo tonight. great stuff to pass along to @utexaslawstudents & @utlawcso #lawjobchat
2:19 am t10nbaum: RT @reneefishman: @aellislegal #lawjobchat tip to Jr associates: give at least 5 min to every recruiter who calls. Build rltnshps now & they will pay off
2:25 am BriHoffman: @richard_russeth thanks for the follow! i’ll try to catch the next #lawjobchat
2:29 am aellislegal: @jcasalmir THANK YOU for participating in #LawJobChat tonight! I’m now following you – would love to include you as guest in future chat
2:34 am aellislegal: Transcript from 8/26 #LawJobChat w/@richard_russeth re landing in-house law jobs!http://bit.ly/9NneJA

The 6Ps of the Big 3 Available for Pre-Sale

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Just in time for #LawJobChat #3 (this Thursday, August 26th from 9-10 pm EDT!), Amanda Ellis’s book is now available for pre-sale on Amazon.  The book, 6Ps of the Big 3 for Job-Seeking JDs: 60+ Ways to Get Hired Using Social Networking, costs $27.95 and is eligible for free shipping.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m more than a little biased when I say that Amanda Ellis is an expert on social networking and the legal job search.  After all, she and I have collaborated on a number of projects and we co-moderate #LawJobChat, a legal job search-themed chat on Twitter.  FN1.  At best, my endorsement may seem like expected support of a friend.  At worst, it may seem like back-handed promotion of my own work.

However, let me also fill you in on our back story:

Amanda and I both practiced law for a bit before becoming legal recruiters.  In late 2008, before we had met, we both recognized the potential of social networking sites in legal job searches, the changing nature of the legal industry, and decided to start our own firms with these new philosophies in mind.  We also both became active on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

In other words, it is not a coincidence that Amanda and I met on Twitter in early 2009.  Whereas traditional legal recruiting is even more cut throat than law school – hard to believe, I know – when Amanda and I met on Twitter, we immediately began collaborating on projects and bouncing ideas back and forth on how we could best help lawyers find jobs they love.  It was a natural partnership made in the clouds.

In addition to her lateral recruiting, over the past few months, Amanda has dedicated her time and energy to her book and a supplemental talk that she presents at law schools around the country.  I’m extremely proud of her and can’t wait to read the tips she offers.  If her free newsletter is any indication, I’m sure I’ll learn new tips and tricks even I may have missed.

With that disclaimer, I highly recommend that all JDs, recent and future, check out Amanda Ellis’s book when they embark on their job search.  I know I will.

FN1. ^ #LawJobChat is a monthly live chat on Twitter (“tweetchat”). On the last Thursday of every month from 9 pm – 10 pm Eastern, we invite guests hosts to chat about legal career paths and moderate incoming questions on Twitter.

5000th Tweet: Announcing Weekly Campfires

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Starting in September, I will host a “campfire” every other Wednesday from 4-5 pm Eastern.

The campfires will include 30 minutes of training on technology or career topics and 30 minutes of chatter.

Here is the tentative schedule of topics:

WordPress, Websites, and Your Firm
September 1, 2010
4-5 pm

Writing Effective Law Job Posts
September 15, 2010
4-5 pm

Cost for Non-Members: $19.99

Cost for Site Members: $9.99

E-mail me to reserve your spot!

BigLaw 100 Job Listings August 2010 Now Available

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August’s BigLaw 100 Job Listings is now available for the public. You can download them here.

Read more about the job lists project here.

Members, I’m still in the process of making the archives available to you once you’ve signed in. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me about viewing July’s listings.

Finally, thank you to all members/newsletter subscribers who purchased the August listings when I first published them last week. There are some updates in the version now available for download so I will send you the updated version for free ASAP. (Again, it’s only fair, right?)

Happy Friday the 13th!

Member Exclusive: August 2010 BigLaw 100 Job Listings

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It’s hot off the press! 

Download: 2010-August – BigLaw 100 Job Listings

I will send the link to newsletter subscribers on Friday (8/6/10) who are not already site members.  I will post the link on my site’s homepage on Sunday (8/8/10).

Therefore, take advantage of this knowledge while you can!  Get your resumes in early or make phone calls about the jobs now. On Sunday (8/8/10), site members will also be able to log in and access a limited version of the listings from July.

I plan to double-check the listings before I re-post them on Friday and Sunday.  If you purchase it now and there are any significant changes, I will send you the updated version for free.

Also, if you like this and/or find it useful, please let me know in the comments and/or send me an e-mail.  If you’re okay with it, I’d love to post some testimonials.

Once more…

Buy 2010-August – BigLaw 100 Job Listings

Change of Plans! BigLaw Job Listings

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I’ve decided to give registered users and newsletter subscribers the chance to download the job listings first.

Here’s the schedule:

Wednesday (8/4/10): Those who are registered — those who have a username and password — will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to access the listings.

Friday (8/6/10): Those who subscribe to my newsletter — but who are not registered — will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to access the listings.

Sunday (8/8/10):  I’ll post the link to the new listings on my blog and homepage.*

* As a reminder, as soon as I publish the new listings, registered users will have access to a limited version of the previous listings.