Tips for hiring an effective employer - ie. how to be an effective hire

I came across this article in the Washington Post today in response to a small firm administrator who is having trouble hiring and retaining effective employees. The advice s/he gets is a great insight into what it takes to be an effective hire. So, if you know what employers are looking for, you can tailor your responses to meet their needs. Give it a try at your next interview and reap the rewards.

Interested in becoming a law professor?

Here is a list of teaching fellowships courtesy of the TaxProf Blog.

Why e-resumes are different

It is so easy to submit a resume on-line that it has probably encouraged you to apply to many more positions than you have in the past. However, there is a downside to the ease of electronic submissions. Employers now spend even less time reviewing resumes. Thus, you need to make sure your e-resume stands out from the crowd. Here are some tips from the non-legal world of employment that are certainly helpful to aspiring lawyers. Pay particular attention to the section on using keywords. This is especially important for government employers and others who use resume software as their first-line resume reviewers.

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.