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Perception V. Reality: Working in Biglaw, For Real

Posted on by Charisse Curiel

Many of us grow up watching great shows like Suits, Goliath, How To Get Away With Murder, to name a few. These television shows, while entertaining, show the most exciting parts of working on a case. These attorneys wear fierce suits, the women run around in heels all day, and they make it look super exciting. But aside from the glamour, the expensive suits and outrageous timepieces, legal practice inside the biggest and most prestigious law firms are far from whatever Shonda Rhimes' beautiful mind shows us. These shows brainwashed many with the idea that working at one of these firms is a dream come true.

Law, Women, And Their Great Contributions To The Practice

Posted on by Charisse Curiel

We don't have to say we're great because you already know it. The topic is old, tired and has has been served for decades. We do it all and you know it. There is nothing further that can be said about gender equality in business and in the legal world. Instead of taking a stand, the following highlights the unique traits and approach that women bring to the legal industry.

Anxiety & Depression In The Legal Sector (pt 2)

Posted on by Charisse Curiel

We continue the conversation from last week leaving off with saying that anxiety can be self-inflicted. The pressure of ascending the corporate ladder inside legal firms can be devastating. In addition, the relationship and rapport between senior partners and junior associates are far from friendly. It almost resembles a dictatorship instead of a healthy, mutual growing supervision. The legal industry is already stressful, there is no need to exacerbate and worsen conditions by bossing and belittling novice or younger lawyers. However, the same pattern repeats itself on every hierarchy level.

When It’s Time To Go And You Have A Non-Compete Clause

Posted on by Charisse Curiel

It is to be expected that after years of providing legal services, companies, law firms, and specifically the attorneys that work on their cases build a relationship. The level of closeness between the organization, firm and attorney is part of the natural symbiosis of mutual growth through the problems, cases, and claims that they've fought against. It is also quite normal that CEO’s and leading attorneys to meet on informal occasions, like holidays and social events. Some may say that after years of working hand in hand they have become friends. The problem with this situation is that the relationship is built with the leading attorney in charge of the entire legal needs of the company and not with the firm. The moment the contract of this lawyer is terminated, or they decide to go to another firm or create their own, the relationship is in jeopardy.

Avoiding the Courtroom: Presenting Offers, Settlements & Private Agreements (pt 2)

Posted on by Charisse Curiel

Litigation is a synonym of war. This idea is reinforced by the fact that client/lawyer agreements often include a fixed rate for the lawyer/firm based on the received compensation and amounts paid from the case. While there is nothing wrong about fighting for what’s right, whether a fair compensation for a client or proving intellectual property infringements, going to war for every case and every client may result in negative outcomes.

Top Law School or Bust: Does The Law School Determine Success? (pt2)

Posted on by Charisse Curiel

We continue with our look into the importance of your law schools rank. Although it is true that having an Ivy League degree is impressive, it is not the only reason lawyers have successful legal careers. Even if you did not attend Harvard or Yale (like a certain socialite who shall remain nameless), there other factors that can help you launch your career.

Combatting Anxiety & Depression In The Legal Sector

Posted on by Charisse Curiel

Stress is part of just about every job on the planet. Some professionals may even say that they need stress to stay focused, increase productivity and to perform better. Others will say that a little stress can be positive for employees. However, when it comes to the legal profession, intense levels of stress have become the industry standard, to the point that wellbeing in the legal profession is now a global concern

Top Law School or Bust: Does The Law School Determine Success? (pt1)

Posted on by Charisse Curiel

Whether you are a recent law school graduate or still building your legal career, you might wonder if you stand a chance at getting into a "good" law firm when there are other candidates with Ivy League law schools on their resumes. Fortunately, there are some things that matter more than where you went to school. When it comes to getting your foot in the door of that first step in your legal career there are other things that really matter.

Recruiter Corner: Using Social Media To Your Advantage

Posted on by Charisse Curiel

The legal search world has changed. Candidates no longer rely on job classifieds in newspapers, instead, they read blogs on job search platforms or on a law firm’s website. Resumes' are no longer mailed out, they are posted on LinkedIn. Networking has moved to the Internet, in business and socially. While most hiring managers have caught on, the legal profession has been a bit little slower incorporating social media into their legal recruiting.

How Millennial Attorneys Can Improve Your Firm

Posted on by Charisse Curiel

There is a new generation of entrepreneurs, CEOs, and professionals in the world. They are known for their disruptive approach to almost any part of their lives and their genetic disregard for the traditional ways of doing things: Millennials. Often misinterpreted and often misplaced at companies, their entire concept of work-life balance, schedules, and dress codes make many traditional manager's go crazy. This article, however, is not about defending millennials. They should follow company policies and industry standards like everyone else. But, the fact is that this same generation is running billion-dollar companies, they are pushing the limits of reality and developing great ideas for the near future. Millennials either are or will be, your biggest clients point blank. This is exactly the reason why law firms should have millennial attorneys in their legal roster.