I am an attorney in New York City who cannot find a good job. Can anyone help me?

Question

I don't expect someone to hand me a job on a silver platter but good ideas would be appreciated.

I graduated from a top school but it was out of state and thus non-existent to New York lawyers. I had average grades and awards for public service. My school's CSO is useless, can only find jobs in St. Louis, and has not heard of New York City.

I've been working as a temp lawyer for several years to pay the bills but now I feel I've been labeled as a "Temp" and thus untouchable. The work provides no marketable experience.

I'm not looking to be a big firm associate or an ADA. I know that's not likely. I don't expect to get 100 grand a year.
I want a job that allows me to pay my student loans and rent. If I have to I'll try to declare bankruptcy for as much of my other debt as I can. I want to get a job that teaches me something or, in other words, invests in me.

I volunteered for two years during law school in SSD.

I have no connections in New York. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Are you passionate about practicing law or do you just want to utilize your law degree????



I went to a Tier 4 law school and graduated with average/marginal grades but have been steadily employed (making great money too!!!) since graduation.



I am a licensed attorney and live in the Pacific Northwest. However, I decided that I really didn't want to practice law (at least traditionally) so I applied to companies wanting someone with a legal background for various positions. Currently, I am a Contracts Administrator with a large hi tech company and it rocks. No billable hours or weekend work. I have it pretty good right now. It isn't very fulfilling dealing with contracts, BUT with 1-3 years experience I can move up. A JD plus BAR license plus corporate experience is golden. And since I have no desire to ever set foot in a firm....my plan is working out quite well.



What I suggest is that you consider a non-traditional career path with your law degree. Maybe you are not "marketable" to firms, but you are certainly marketable to a corporation. I had 2-3 years of various legal experience (including temp work) and was chosen over 15 candidates because I have the JD plus BAR. The company considered ALL of my experience (temp, short-term, schooling, law clinic and so on).



Here are some hot fields for attorneys seeking non traidtional work: real estate, zoning specialists, wireless industry, compliance, HR, sales, executive positions, contracts, and public relations. I just searched for a job as a Contracts Manager and came up with my current job using Monster.com. While contract work is NOT my destiny...I can certainly pay my bills while gaining experience that is indeed "marketable."



Good luck!!!!!



p.s. I haven't made below 65K (make well above it now) since going the corporate route.



p.s.s You may have to expand your search nationwide. However, the more flexible you are the better. I cannot imagine not being able to find work in NYC though. They have a TON of compliance jobs (50K -200K).

Answer 2

Before I start, feel free to E-mail me at [e-mail], : The entire world of real estate & finance is 100% LAW. As an attorney you should be helping people buy & sell houses, acquire mortgages & manage mortgages. These services cost $200 to $500 per incident; notaries cost $25 plus $3 to $5 per stamp. I am not advocating that you sell real estate.



The real need is your understanding of law as it applies in contracts. You can advertise "contracts reviews"; draw enough responses to make all your monthly bills. E-mail me I have a special thought that may work for you.



Since you are in New York City, you can advertise to visitors to the city. For a small fee (set a fair fee), you will review their contract. These people need to know the pit falls and suggestions on how to bolster their position within their contract.

Answer 3

You might want to apply online at different places outside of New York. There are probably people looking for attorneys all over the country. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Freshen up your resume. Then look in the yellow pages under law firms and send it out to all.



Post your resume on Monster.com also.



I hope you find one. Good luck to you.

Answer 5

Go back home . Start there .