| Topic Name: |
MBA/JD having hard time |
| Message Name: |
Practical Advice |
| Date Posted: |
04/07/2006 |
| In Reply To: |
graduated in December with my JD and MBA, and have been looking for work since with little luck.
I have several years experience while in school, but they are mostly of an entrepreneurial nature, and very little to do with law. I'm looking in both legal and business fields, though I'd like to do a little of both. My experience hasn't seemed to translate particularly well into the HR departments search criteria.
I'd like to stay in the Northwest, but I'm willing to relocate if absolutely necessary.
Any suggestions? I'm far past frustration and would appreciate any help. |
| Message: |
I practiced law for over 10 years and did well. (I was a trial attorney and just burned out). But I was always in demand and always working at top firms by utilizing some creative job attainment techniques:
1. Be willing to relocate; consider practicing in a small town for a couple of years. Head hunters will come to you.
2. Publish an article in a local or national business or law magazine or trade journal. Something timely or badly needing a comphrensive review, e.g.: The impact of Sarbanes-Oxley Post Enron; or, A HIPPA Summary and How its Changed the Face of Medicine, etc. If the research is complete and recent, and the article is well written you'll get published and it bowls over the boys and girls on the hiring committee I assure you.
3. If you can swing it, offer your legal services for 1 month FREE. Research, write, routine court matters, getting lunch whatever grunt work they need done. Tell them they have no obligation to hire at the end of the month, but you'll hope they will if your performance meets their needs. You aren't working anyway so give it a shot. I got 2 very coveted positions this way while I was still in law school. It works best if you have limited experience but are willing to work your ass off. Btw, not only was I hired, but they paid me for the "gratis" month too.
4. Apply to law schools, and public service organizations, public government positions that require a JD or MBA, local and national Bar associations, internships, or law clerk positions. Not well paying, but the key here is to get your foot in the door, get noticed, and get some experience on your resume. Don't stay anywhere you don't want to be longer than 2 years, but after 2 years, you are much more marketable.
5. Volunteer for charities sponsored by the companies you target (you are researching and targeting specific corps/businesses in specific geographical areas, right?). Selling your soul? You bet. Get used to it. The law is a business just like any other... marketing is key. Get to know the big boys in the big firms. They often are willing to mentor or help out a new lawyer in finding a new job. Plus it shows you have initiative and creativity.
If all else fails consider a different direction. I'm in pharma sales now and LOVE it. If your GPA as an undergrade is a 3.0 or better you can get hired with your degrees right out of school with a minimum 60k base plus another 20-30k bonus, company car, lap top, cell phone, and expense account. Don't like it? Go into consulting!
Good luck... and don't worry. It WILL happen for you. Lisa A. Leitter
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