Like in most professions, the internet has revolutionized the way attorneys find, apply, and even interview for jobs. There are countless online tools available for job seekers, which is good news for attorneys facing challenges in the current job market.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth rate in the legal field is likely to continue at an average pace for the next ten years. The problem for job seekers is that the rate of new law school graduates continues to outpace the number of new employment opportunities. Given the growing difficulty of obtaining new employment in the legal field, job seekers must have as many tools as possible at their fingertips. The following eight websites are useful in the legal job search process:
1. Indeed
The most helpful part of Indeed is that it aggregates an enormous number of job listings from across the internet into one website. Indeed constantly updates, and it allows users to set alerts for specific types of jobs. While the site is not specific to the legal field, its search function allows to narrow down jobs by area and profession. It is even possible to scroll through lists of firms that hire through Indeed even though they don’t have current job listings.
2. LawCrossing
LawCrossing is one of the first job sites specifically targeting the legal field. While applicants are more likely to avoid search results that are not relevant to their interests, there is also a much smaller volume of opportunities compared to larger sites.
3. LawJobs.com
LawJobs.com is another job search website designed for practicing attorneys and in-house counsel. This site stands out for its additional search options. In addition to searching by keyword or location, users can also search by practice area or job type.
4. CareerBuilder.com
Another large job search website that offers legal placement is CareerBuilder.com. In addition to its basic job search function, CareerBuilder also provides other tools, including interview advice and salary information.
5. Monster.com
One of the first largescale job websites on the internet, Monster.com, has an enormous array of jobs to choose from. Their advanced search options allow searching by job title or the name of a specific employer. It is also possible to narrow the results by location, how recently the job was posted, and whether it is full-time or part-time work.
6. USAJOBS
USAJOBS stands out among the other options on this list, as it is the only avenue to apply for federal employment. Given the scope of the federal government, there are often hundreds of attorney jobs listed at USAJOBS nationwide at any given time.
7. LinkedIn
For the most part, LinkedIn is known as a social networking website for professionals. However, it also includes a job search function. The search function allows for sorting by job title and location, and it is available without the need for a LinkedIn account.
8. National Association for Law Placement
The National Association for Law Placement (NALP) is a group of legal professionals focused on aiding law school graduates and practicing attorneys to ensure they experience a fair and ethical hiring process. The NALP provides a job board, but it requires registration with their site to apply.
Additional Considerations for Legal Job Hunts
Remember, a successful job search is about more than scrolling through employment listings. To be successful, a candidate in this challenging job market must show prospective employers that they are the best fit for the position. Recent graduates need a strong resume that highlights their relevant educational background and experience.
Established attorneys should also note that there are substantial ethical issues involved when migrating to a new firm. As attorney Steven R. Sorenson explains in the NBI OnDemand CLE course, Legal Ethics: Law Firm Breakups & Lateral Moves, attorneys should understand the rules related to notifying clients, returning client property, or transferring case files.
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This blog post is for general informative purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or a solicitation to provide legal services. You should consult with an attorney before you rely on this information. While we attempted to ensure accuracy, completeness and timeliness, we assume no responsibility for this post’s accuracy, completeness or timeliness.
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