Looking for a job with a small or midsize firm requires initiative and perseverance. There are three primary components of the small firm job search: networking; applying to jobs posted on Symplicity and other law school job bulletins; and targeted mailings to firms that you have researched. Smaller firms do not have a hiring season. Because of their size, they are not able to forecast their hiring needs in advance. Therefore, you can search for a job in a small or midsize firm throughout the year.
Although grades are considered in hiring decisions, they are not the only factor. A good "fit" is especially important to lawyers in small and midsize firms. It is important to show that you can work well with clients, as well as with others at the firm. Attorneys at these firms are interested in people skills, practical experience, maturity, work ethic, ability to work with clients and bring in business, and enthusiasm for practicing law and for working for their firm. You should consider how to demonstrate these qualities in your resume, cover letter, and interviews.
On-Campus Interviews & Job Fairs
It is typically the larger private employers who recruit through on-campus interviews and job fairs. On-campus recruiting is a very expensive business for participating employers, considering travel, lodging, food, and time lost from work. Because of the cost, many employers will not expend the resources to recruit on campus, especially many small and midsize firms. However, we encourage you to research each opportunity to see which smaller firms might be participating.
Job Bank on Symplicity
Many small and midsize firms that do not participate in On-Campus Interviews or job fairs post job openings for both summer associate and entry-level associate positions on the Job Bank on Symplicity. Job bulletins from other law schools throughout the country are also a good resource for finding job postings.
State Bar of Texas Resources
The following resources from the State Bar of Texas may be useful for those working in small and midsize firms or as a solo practitioners:
LexisNexis Searches of Martindale-Hubbell Directories
The following law firm searches are linked from LexisNexis. You'll need a login and password to LexisNexis in order to review the reports. For more information or to obtain a login and password, contact Jaclyn Thompson, Esq., Account Executive for the Law School, at jaclyn.thompson@lexisnexis.com.
Texas Law Firms by Practice Type: Appellate Practice, Bankruptcy, Banking or Finance, Civil Rights, Constitutional, Construction, Contracts, Elder Law, Employee Benefits, Entertainment, Environmental, Government, Health Law, Intellectual Property, Immigration, International, Labor & Employment, Mergers & Acquisitions, Personal Injury & Torts, Products Liability, Securities, Sports Law, Tax, Technology or Science Law, Trusts & Estates, Workers Compensation
Targeted Mailings
You can identify law firms that interest you through researching the Martindale-Hubbell Legal Network, Lexis and Westlaw; and through informational interviews that you conduct as part of your networking. Send a cover letter and resume to each firm that you are interested in. The letter should mention any connection that you have to the firm, such as a referral from another attorney, and should show a strong interest in the specific firm. It is important to follow-up with a phone call within two weeks to introduce yourself and to express your interest in the firm.
Networking
Networking is essential to both the process of researching firms and finding job opportunities. Many jobs at smaller firms are never posted or advertised. Instead, attorneys prefer to hire people who have been recommended to them. Networking will enable you to find out about many opportunities. It will also help you to develop important contacts that will be useful to you throughout your career and to become knowledgeable about law practice and the legal community. You can begin your networking by contacting attorneys that you know or that your friends or family members know; by searching our UT Law Mentor Directory; by attending CSO programs, such as panels, Cocktails & Conversation Mentor Reception and Small & Midsize Firm Reception; by attending bar association events; and by volunteering in the community.