Tips on How to Get a Job in a Law Firm (5 Tips)

According to Canadian Lawyer Magazine, law firms believe that younger legal professionals entering the field are less prepared, largely due to the impact of the pandemic. Remote education and the lack of face-to-face training during this time were noted to have significantly affected development. Firms express a desire for junior associates joining them to place greater emphasis on:

• Practical Skills: Law firms highly value skills like mock trial experience and client interviewing abilities. Participating in mock trials not only sharpens your courtroom presence but also demonstrates your ability to apply theory to practice.
• Must-Have Soft Skills: Communication, adaptability, and teamwork are essential. Emphasize these in your resume and during interviews.
• Willingness to Learn: Employers prioritize candidates who are eager to grow and adapt to the firm's needs.

Transitioning from law school to the workforce requires proactive steps. Success in a legal career often hinges on preparation, adaptability, and a willingness to continuously develop professional skills. While building a strong legal foundation is critical, here are additional strategies to ensure you stand out as a capable and confident professional:

• Enhance Practical Knowledge: Gain as much legal experience as possible during your undergraduate and graduate academic career through internships, volunteering, or workshops for law students or client interviewing courses for legal professionals to build confidence. You can often find internships through job searching websites and also through sites of the law firms you want to work for.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Some volunteer opportunities include:
  • The Ontario Bar Association Current Opportunities and Needs
  • The Canadian Civil Liberties Association
  • The Canadian Bar Association
• Invest in Advanced Certifications: Programs focusing on technology in law or specialized areas can boost your resume. Consider advanced law certifications to boost your career or technology certifications for lawyers to align with industry trends.
• Avoid Common Resume Mistakes: Proofread your resume carefully to eliminate errors. Tailor it to highlight transferable skills and relevant experiences.

Tailoring Your Resume for Legal Job Opportunities:

• Emphasize relevant coursework, certifications, and leadership roles.
• Include experiences like volunteering or participation in legal clinics to showcase initiative and a commitment to the profession.
• Stick to the basics of writing a resume:
  • Keep your resume to one page.
  • Use a standard font such as Times New Roman.
  • Select a font size of 11-12 points.
  • Ensure your resume is error-free.
• An example can be seen here (from Yale University) and also here from Resume Builder (with a focus on attorneys). Remember that resume writing trends are constantly changing, so always research what's current.
• Key Updates in Resume Writing:
  • It is now recommended to not include your address.
  • Use strong action verbs to create an image of what your role entailed.
  • Ditch the summary/objectives part on the resume (your cover letter can do that now–with more space to boot!)
  • Shift focus from core responsibilities to career highlights.
  • Many hiring managers like to see numbers (e.g., how many people did you serve at one time?).

Writing a Winning Legal Cover Letter:

There's a myth that no one bothers reading cover letters because hiring managers are swamped with applications. But the truth is: your cover letter does get read. Now with technology many companies now use keywords to find resumes that peak their interest first before reading the cover letter. But at the end of the day your cover letter gets read–so it's up to you to keep their interest. A cover letter shouldn't just be a summary of your resume, it should try to capture the attention of the hiring manager. A compelling cover letter is key to making a strong first impression.

• A good cover letter, according to Yale Law:
  • Tells the employer who you are and what you are seeking.
  • Shows that you know about the employer and the kind of work they do (civil or criminal, direct client service, “impact” cases, etc.).
  • Tailor your letter for each firm, showcasing your understanding of their practice areas and how your skills align.
  • Highlight achievements from internships, coursework, or extracurricular activities.

Landing an interview at a law firm is an achievement in itself, but the real challenge lies in making a memorable impression. Unfortunately, it's not enough to simply have a strong resume or impressive credentials. Many law firms want to see if you are going to be a good fit, they want you to demonstrate your knowledge, skills and also your passion, professionalism and cultural fit. This means going beyond rehearsed answers and showing that you're the ideal candidate. So when you go to your next interview, prepare. Here's how:

• Be yourself: An interview is your chance to let the firm get to know you—not just as a name on a resume but as a person they might want on their team. Think of it a bit like that memorable scene in Suits (2011), where Harvey Specter tells his assistant, Donna, “Give me a wink if they say something clever.” While you don't need to land a punchline to make an impression, showcasing your personality and confidence can go a long way.
• Prepare Thoroughly: Thoroughly researching the firm's history, key cases, and areas of specialization is essential preparation for any law firm interview. This knowledge not only demonstrates your genuine interest in the firm but also equips you to ask insightful questions at the end of the interview. Remember, the interview is a two-way street—they're evaluating you, but you're also assessing if this is the right fit for you. Consider asking about the firm's culture, their expectations for associates, what qualities make someone successful there, and what a typical day might look like.

  Beyond impressing your interviewers, this research can spark deeper, more meaningful conversations during the interview. A strong understanding of the firm's founding story, leadership, and notable achievements gives you valuable context about its culture and priorities. If this is where you hope to spend the next several years of your career, knowing these details will help you determine if their values and working environment align with your own goals and aspirations.

• Be Prepared to Share: Expect the interview to delve deeper into your past experiences, often going beyond what's listed on your resume. Yale Law offers a helpful list of potential interview questions that could be worth reviewing, many of which focus on your previous work. This is your opportunity to highlight your accomplishments and skills, showcasing not only your technical expertise but also your soft skills—such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—that are just as essential in a law firm environment.

  A key point to remember: when discussing your past work experiences, maintain a positive tone, even if you've faced challenges or difficult situations. Criticizing former employers or colleagues can leave a negative impression. Instead, focus on what you learned from those experiences and how they've prepared you to excel in this new opportunity. This approach demonstrates professionalism and resilience, qualities every firm values.

• Attend Networking Events: Many organizations host events specifically for aspiring lawyers. Look for bar association meetups or legal career fairs. Practical tips include:
  • Bringing business cards: If you have them, exchange business cards or connect digitally, via LinkedIn during or after the event.
  • Follow-Up: Send a polite follow-up email or LinkedIn message to anyone you had a meaningful conversation with. Reference something specific from your discussion.
• Leverage Online Platforms: Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals, join legal groups, and participate in discussions. Practical tips include:
  • Reach out to people with jobs you're interested in. For example, if you want to be a public defender, find someone with a connection to your school and ask them out for coffee.
  • Many people suggest cold-emailing attorneys or people in your field who have graduated and have jobs.
  • Join Legal Groups on LinkedIn and try to engage thoughtfully.
  • Connect strategically. Send personalized connection requests, mentioning why you'd like to connect (e.g. shared interest in criminal law or admiration for their work).
• Build Connections in the Legal Field:
  • Stay in touch with professors:
    • Request their advice on your career path or legal research projects
    • Seek mentorship and opportunities for collaboration on academic papers or speaking events
  • Seek mentorship from alumni networks for job insights.
• Participate in Alumni Networks: Many law schools have active alumni networks offering mentorship, job opportunities, and industry insights. Attend their events or reach out for advice.