The Lawyer Diaries

Why do some candidates land offers quickly while others struggle? In this episode, Becca and Erica explore six essential strategies that set successful candidates apart. Understanding these factors can help associates enhance their job search and increase their chances of receiving an offer.

In this episode, Becca and Erica analyze the data they collected on the time to partnership at the Vault 50 law firms, revealing trends in promotion timelines, practice group differences, and the impact of law school prestige. They discuss insights valuable for aspiring partners and law students planning their careers.

This episode explores current in-office policies among top law firms, trends towards more in-person work, and the impact of remote work on legal careers. Hosts Becca and Erica share insights from recent data they collected and discuss how these policies influence career development and industry dynamics.

This episode explores the widely accepted one-year rule for legal professionals considering a job change, examining when it's appropriate to move earlier based on market demand, interview skills, and market conditions. Email us at thelawyerdiarespodcast@gmail.com

This episode explores the complex decision of whether to follow a partner to a new law firm, weighing the potential benefits and risks. Hosts Becca and Erica provide practical advice on how to evaluate this career move, emphasizing due diligence, understanding motivations, and exploring all options. Email us at thelawyerdiariespodcast@gmail.com

What does it mean to be ready for the right opportunity? In this episode, Erica and Becca discuss how legal professionals can prepare for a potential job move even if they're not actively looking. They cover strategies like working with recruiters, polishing materials, and understanding the market dynamics to stay ready for the right opportunity.

In this episode of The Lawyer Diaries, Becca and Erica provide a comprehensive guide to crafting an effective legal resume. They discuss the essential components to include, while emphasizing the importance of formatting and presentation. The hosts also touch on additional sections like publications and interests, and how to ensure your resume stands out in a competitive job market.

In this episode of Lawyer Diaries, Becca and Erica discuss the significance of billable hour requirements in the legal recruitment landscape. They explore how these requirements vary across firms, particularly between larger and smaller firms, and the implications for associates considering lateral moves. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of billable hours, in...

In this episode of Lawyer Diaries, Becca and Erica discuss the challenges of lateral moves, focusing on how to avoid making a poor decision and what to do if you find yourself in an bad situation. They emphasize the importance of thorough research, networking, and leveraging recruiters to ensure a good fit before making a move. The conversation also touches on strategies for managing difficult sit...

In this episode of Lawyer Diaries, Becca and Erica discuss the marketability of litigators, emphasizing the importance of understanding career timing and proactive management. They explore the optimal window for litigators to lateral, the challenges faced by fifth-year associates, and the significance of maintaining relationships with recruiters. The conversation highlights the need for ongoing ca...

In this episode of the Lawyer Diaries, Becca and Erica discuss the importance of preparation and mindset for interviews, particularly in the legal profession. They share insights on common mistakes candidates make, emphasizing the need to focus on what you can offer the firm rather than what the firm can do for you. The conversation also touches on the significance of staying calm during interview...

In this episode of the Lawyer Diaries podcast, hosts Erica and Becca discuss the nuances of friend referrals versus working with recruiters for lateral searches. They explore common misconceptions about referrals, the importance of a recruiter's advocacy, and the impact of a friend's reputation on a candidate's chances. The conversation also highlights the advantages of partner referra...

In this episode of the Lawyer Diaries podcast, hosts Becca and Erica reflect on their recent experiences at the NALSC Symposium in Denver, discussing the evolving landscape of legal recruitment. They delve into the challenges faced by law students today, including earlier decision-making for summer associate positions and the impact of AI on junior associates. The conversation also covers retentio...

In this episode of the Lawyer Diaries podcast, hosts Erica and Becca discuss the essential aspects of choosing a legal recruiter. They emphasize the importance of the National Association of Legal Search Consultants (NALSC) in ensuring ethical practices in recruiting. The hosts provide valuable tips for candidates, including the significance of resume reviews, interview preparation, and the need f...

In this episode of Lawyer Diaries, Becca and Erica discuss the complexities of transitioning from a law firm to an in-house legal position. They explore the common misconceptions about in-house roles, the necessary experience and marketability required, and the unique challenges of the in-house job search process. The conversation emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations and strategic p...

In this episode, Becca and Erica discuss the essential materials needed for associates preparing to make a lateral move in their legal careers. They break down the requirements into three main categories: transactional work, litigation, and intellectual property. The conversation covers the importance of having an updated resume, law school transcripts, deal sheets, cover letters, and writing samp...

In this episode of the Lawyer Diaries, Becca and Erica tackle questions from the Big Law Reddit thread, discussing various topics related to transitioning from big law to small law, navigating job security during website time, and the challenges of dating in law school and big law. Email us at thelawyerdiariespodcast@gmail.com Thinking about what’s next? Redwood Legal Search  helps associates expl...

In this episode of The Lawyer Diaries, Becca and Erica discuss the complexities of retooling in legal careers. They explore the factors that influence successful transitions between practice areas, including seniority, market conditions, and credentials. They also share insights on navigating firm dynamics and managing expectations during the retooling process, ultimately encouraging listeners tha...

In this episode of the Lawyer Diaries, Becca and Erica tackle questions from the Big Law Reddit thread, focusing on lateral moves, declining work, follow-up emails after interviews, and taking time off for weddings. Email us at thelawyerdiariespodcast@gmail.com Thinking about what’s next?  Redwood Legal Search  helps associates explore new opportunities with insight, strategy, and zero pressure. L...

In this episode, hosts Erica and Becca engage in a light-hearted conversation where they share personal anecdotes, favorite foods, cocktail preferences, workout routines, and their love for reality TV. Email us at thelawyerdiariespodcast@gmail.com Thinking about what’s next?  Redwood Legal Search  helps associates explore new opportunities with insight, strategy, and zero pressure. Learn more at ...

In this episode of Lawyer Diaries, Becca and Erica discuss the importance of discretion for attorneys seeking new opportunities. They provide practical tips for conducting a discreet job search, including the use of personal communication channels, maintaining professionalism at the current firm, and the significance of office presence during the search. The conversation also highlights the value...

In this episode of Lawyer Diaries, Becca and Erica discuss essential tips for crafting an effective resume for legal professionals. They emphasize the importance of including relevant legal experience, highlighting significant achievements, and maintaining a concise format. The conversation also covers the value of including personal interests and ensuring the resume is polished and professional....

In this episode of The Lawyer Diaries, Becca and Erica discuss essential packing tips for attorneys who spend long hours out of the office for meetings, depositions, and mediations. They emphasize the importance of personal items that are often overlooked, such as spare contacts, chargers, hygiene products, and snacks. The conversation is structured around practical advice for maintaining professi...

In this episode of the Lawyer Diaries podcast, Erica and Becca share their top five interview tips for legal professionals. They emphasize the importance of having a well-prepared elevator pitch, advocating for oneself, practicing for tough questions, demonstrating profitability to potential employers, and building rapport with interviewers. Each tip is designed to help candidates present themselv...

In this episode of The Lawyer Diaries, Becca and Erica discuss strategies for lawyers facing slow work periods. The conversation provides actionable advice to help lawyers navigate the challenges of low billable hours and maintain their career momentum. Email us at thelawyerdiariespodcast@gmail.com Thinking about what’s next?  Redwood Legal Search  helps associates explore new opportunities with i...