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I have an initial recruiter phone interview with Square Thursday. Is it it just a phone call or is it a video call and they didn’t specify. If it’s a video call what’s the dress code like? I’m coming from consulting so all my interviews were in suits. Any tips to get past the recruiter phone screen?
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I am a 12th year attorney without a large book and joined a lower AmLaw 100 firm as counsel to support an existing practice. The firm was looking for someone to come in as senior associate or counsel level.
This is the type of job I've thought would be a good fit for me. I'm about the same yoe as you and never wanted to be a business generator, just enjoy the work. Unfortunately the only way to really find good compensation in that type of role is in big shops that have the rainmakers and can afford to pay good, but not exorbitant, salaries to of counsel/service partner types.
I mean what are your goals? Practice area? If you’re in a specialized in a niche for example, you can probably target counsel roles at firms that need that expertise. But if you’re a standard M&A lawyer, the realistic move is to aim for senior associate roles and be prepared to take a steep class-year cut. Even then, it’s still a tough sell and those roles aren’t exactly falling out of the sky. The recruiters are right that at your level without a book or some specialized expertise, it’s gonna be tough.
Have you considered trying to go in house?
I’m in a similar position have been looking for almost 1.5 years. I’m finding that firms aren’t interested unless there’s a portable book involved and the in house positions are, of course, very coveted and competitive. And the market is awful. All this to say, it’s rough and I wish you the best.
It is quite challenging for an 11 year practitioner (without a book of business) to move to a law firm. The only time it is feasible is when a firm has too much work in your area and they don’t have enough bodies— but that rarely happens. In this market, will likely not happen. Your best bet might be going in house. Start with companies you litigated for (regardless of whether on plaintiff’s or defense side). Even your former opposing counsels (assuming you maintained amicable relationships) might be good source. Good lawyers understand that you were fighting for your client and won’t likely hold most of what happens (even procedural games) against you. Those people are also in the area you want to continue practicing. Good luck!
Following because I’m in the same place (I do have a small book of business but it’s not good enough for my current firm, I guess). Where the heck do I go from here?
You might look for staff attorney positions.
There are lawyers/practices that need service partners. They are at firms of different sizes. It is harder to find a place than a partner with a big book of business, but is far from impossible. For example, if you leave your current firm, they might need to fill your spot with someone that doesn't necessarily need a book of business. There are opportunities like this in every decent-sized market. I used to practice in another state and still get recruiter emails seeking to hire for roles just like this. Talk to different recruiters, talk to friends, look on Indeed.com for jobs that might not hire recruiters. There is a place for you if your work is good and you just don't have a book. Many people make a career out of it.