If you're a law student
looking to enter this challenging
job market you need to do your homework and we're not talking about
those "law books" we're talking about researching the firms you want
to work with. Here are a few tips
on researching a law firm:
- Go
to the law firm's website and actually read it. Read the newsletters, press releases, and learn about
promotions, new clients etc.
- Research
articles on the law firm using search engines, the library or the tools at
Leopard Solutions.
- Use
Leopard Solutions to identify key personnel at the law firm.
- Conduct
an informational interview with employees at the law firms
- Talk
to former employees of the law firm to find out the negative aspects of working
for that particular firm.
What you want to find out is
the philosophy, culture and reputation of the firm you want to work with. You
also want to find out the vision of the law firm and what their plans are for
the future. Do you really want to
work for a firm that may be considering a move to another state in five
years? Or, do you want to work
with a firm that has a business model that isn't viable or sustainable in the
long-term? Remember, you can never know too much information about a law firm
that you're considering investing your time with. And it is an "investment."
Editors Note: Researching law firms can be done on this site! Navigate to Law Firm Profiles for a firm overview. Participants in our Law School Project can use their Leopard List to contact and identify attorneys with whom they will have common backgounds and interests. If you are interested in joining our FREE Law School Project, please see HERE.