Author Archives: CDLB

The Total Practice Management Association Scholarships Help Legal Professionals in “Transition”

Here’s something that may be helpful to Attorneys in Transition:

In response to news of continued layoffs at medium- and large-sized law firms, the Total Practice Management Association (Total PMA) is announcing a scholarship program for unemployed attorneys to attend the Get a Life.™ Conference on May 27-28 at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago. The Get a Life Conference is a two-day, hands-on workshop being led by experts on marketing and practice management, social networking and law firm strategy in a highly interactive format. Topics include client relations; legal marketing & ethics; staff support & outsourcing; technology enabled services; and office infrastructure and expansion. The scholarship program provides full tuition to 10 unemployed but actively job seeking law firm associates looking to gain insight and advice on running their own firm. Candidates can read the eligibility requirements and download the application at the Total Attorneys Web site. Total PMA will accept applications now through May 22nd at 5:00pm CST and announce the recipients via email and on its Get a Life Conference site by May 26th, 2009 at 5:00pm CST.

To further support the legal community and specifically help law students struggling to find summer internships and employment, Total PMA is also offering 2nd and 3rd year law students a “Get a Life Student Discount package” for $400, a deep discount off the standard cost of tuition. This special offer is being made available to 30 students on a first come, first serve basis and is being actively promoted by Chicago area law schools, related legal news groups, and list serves. For more information, email Total Attorneys.

Attorneys in Transition Event on May 8, 2009

Panelist Leonard Amari of Amari & Localo speaks about thinking beyond law firms for employment opportunities. (L to R) Cliff Scott-Rudnick, John Marshall Law School, Alexis Reed, Special Counsel, Leonard Amari, Amari & Localo, David Glynn, Law Bulletin at the Attorneys in Transition event co-sponsored by Law Bulletin and The John Marshall Law School on Friday, May 8th at The John Marshall Law School. Photo by Colleen OBrien.

Panelist Leonard Amari of Amari & Localo speaks about thinking beyond law firms for employment opportunities. (L to R) Cliff Scott-Rudnick, John Marshall Law School, Alexis Reed, Special Counsel, Leonard Amari, Amari & Localo, David Glynn, Law Bulletin at the Attorneys in Transition event co-sponsored by Law Bulletin and The John Marshall Law School on Friday, May 8th at The John Marshall Law School. Photo by Colleen O'Brien.

The John Marshall Law School and Law Bulletin Publishing Co. recently held the Attorneys in Transition Seminar on May 8th. Attendees enjoyed a networking breakfast followed by a panel presentation from five legal and business professionals. Panelists discussed resume tips, networking, financial planning and more with attorneys who are changing careers or in the process or finding their next job.

See the photos.

The Road Less Traveled: Working as a Contract Lawyer

By Lisa Solomon

For many, the term “contract lawyer” refers to an attorney who is hired by a staffing agency to peform relatively low-level work (such as document review), related to a major litigation or transaction, for a large firm or corporation. But there is another path for contract lawyers, one that comes with intellectually fulfilling work, excellent working conditions and a comfortable living. I’m referring to becoming an independent contract lawyer.

Independent contract lawyers are a small but growing cadre of solo practitioners who, enabled by technology, work on a project-by-project basis for other lawyers. Contract lawyers perform various tasks, including making court appearances, conducting depositions, and researching and writing briefs.

Getting Started as a Contract Lawyer

Contract lawyering is well-suited to the needs of attorneys in transition because it takes advantage of their existing professional networks. As a contract lawyer, you have a ready pool of potential clients, including your former law school classmates, the colleagues you meet though bar association activities, and even former employers (who may not have enough extra work to justify hiring a permanent full- or part-time employee, but may have a periodic need to have more hands on deck). Continue reading

Welcome to Attorneys in Transition

Welcome.  This blog is all about assisting lawyers in transition.  We offer employment help, encouragement, resources and networking opportunities.  Stay tuned for plenty of features and assistance.

Some quick resources:

Law Bulletin’s Legal Career Center

Chicago Lawyer’s Top Jobs

Law Bulletin’s Legal Employment Weekly

Chicago Lawyer Network - Professional Networking Site