Money to open your own practice

Civil Action Finance, LLC7800 Glenroy RoadMinneapolis, MN 55439-3122Toll Free: 800.328.7171
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The current economic climate has significantly impacted the prospects in the job market. Recent graduates are faced with the possibility of job loss while upcoming graduates have to deal with the reality of few placement opportunities. Thus, more young lawyers are looking at the advantages of a solo or small firm practice. Civil Action Finance, LLC, through our Young Lawyer Financial Program®, provides the entrepreneurial civil litigator viable options for setting up a law practice to financially compete with the well established firms and withstand the deep pockets of the insurance industry. We work directly with the young lawyer to provide the necessary funding to litigate personal injury and product liability cases. If any of your upcoming or recent graduates have any desire for the solo or small practice “life” please let them know there are financial options for them. If you need more information, I encourage you to contact me personally so we can get the information into the hands of those interested. You might also go to our website at www.CivilActionFinance.com/YoungLawyers.aspx . As with anything worth pursuing, the more options and/or information, the greater the opportunity.
Sincerely, Craig Robbins CRobbins@CivilActionFinance.com Civil Action Finance, LLC Tel: 952.830.8348

www.CivilActionFinance.com

"Be Bold and Valiant" in your job search

I came across an article today that seems both counter-intuitive and perhaps brilliant. The author cautioned law students not to settle and to after their dream job with gusto. The article states "[h]iring partners, career professionals and candidates agree on some basics for seeking work in today's difficult market: Applicants need to be realistic about qualifications and the market, sweat the professional details, and be flexible enough to think about alternative job opportunities." But then goes on to state that "like investing in a down market, the reward for taking the risk to seek that dream job may be stunning." So, while you want to be ruthless with the details, perhaps you also want to be "bold and valiant" in your consideration of opportunities. Check out the article to find out how.

Is contract work right for you?

In a tight legal market, no option should be off the table. For some, contract work is a great alternative to the rigors of firm life. Check out this article from the ABA about the benefits of contract work. If this is a path you'd like to pursue, come see me, and we will strategize the different options. One benefit of contract work is it could be short-term or turn in to your career. The options are almost limitless.

Help at tax time

With everything going on and bad news almost daily, everyone is looking for ways to save money. One way to save is on your taxes. You may be eligible for tax breaks and/or credits for educational expenses. Follow this link for more information.

What's your greatest weakness?

If this isn't the most dreaded interview question, then it's certainly in the top 5. How you answer this question says a lot about you as a candidate and an employee. How to respond? There is really only one option - identify a weakness that does not impede your ability to perform the job responsibilities and highlight your efforts to improve. The Wall Street Journal has some excellent examples and tips for overcoming this question. Whatever answer you craft, make sure you deliver it confidently and with a smile. As always, if you need assistance or guidance with interviewing, visit our office. We're here to help!

What's Hot and what's not

We all know the economy is bad, but there are still opportunities out there. Where are they? Check out this list:

Hot: Restructuring, bankruptcy, health care, alternative energy, family, IP, employment,
immigration, criminal defense (especially white collar crimes)

• Warming: Litigation (especially class actions), environmental (depending on what the new administration does)

• Cool: M & A, private equity

• Cold: Real Estate, Project Finance, Securitization

An area that will be very important in the coming months and years is all regulatory areas. So, if you're interested in a practice area, even one that may be cooling, and there is a regulatory aspect to that practice, check it out and think about that as an option.

Heartland Diversity Legal Job Fair

The 5th Annual Heartland Diversity Legal Job Fair (HDLJF) will be held August 7-8, 2009, in Kansas City, Missouri. Students who are interested in becoming part of Kansas City’s dynamic legal community should strongly consider attending this event. Students who will be returning to school in August and those graduating in May are eligible to attend the job fair, as employers will be interviewing for both summer and post-graduate positions.

The HDLJF is the result of Kansas City's leading law firms, legal associations, and corporate legal departments coming together to encourage law students to practice law in Kansas City. The HDLJF is designed to expose law students of diverse backgrounds to both traditional and non-traditional legal employers. In addition, the event is a great way t to learn more about living in this wonderful city.

The HDLJF will be held at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center. It will kick off with an evening Welcome Reception on Friday, August 7th at the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association. The Saturday schedule includes a continental breakfast, interviewing from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and a luncheon at which participants will be greeted and addressed by a special Keynote Speaker.

Please register as soon as possible after registration opens on March 26. Students who register before May 25th will be entered into a drawing for exciting prizes. The final deadline for registering is June 20th, 2009.

Students can register on-line and find more information about the Job Fair at http://www.heartlanddiversity.org/StudentReg.htm. You may also contact Emily Perry at 816-474-4322.