Alli Gerkman
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Alli Gerkman created the group Legally Speaking
139 weeks ago
Alli Gerkman
15 more ABA-accredited schools are getting sued by recent graduates who claim the schools misrepresented job placement statistics and violated state consumer protection laws. Will this force change?
http://www.lawschooltransparency.com/2011/10/15-more-aba-approved-law-sc...
Alli Gerkman
Wow. At 30 law schools, less than 50% of students had a job requiring a law degree within 9 months of graduation. Did you? http://balkin.blogspot.com/2011/09/sobering-numbers-law-graduates-who-do...
Edward Antrobus:
My best friend went to law school. He had a clerkship lined up right after graduating. Did another clerkship after that which he is just finishing ...MoreMy best friend went to law school. He had a clerkship lined up right after graduating. Did another clerkship after that which he is just finishing up. Then he's moving to DC to work for the DOJ. So yeah, he did.
That said, he told me that the legal profession was impacted by the recession way more than most people realize. So it's no surprise that a large number of law school graduates are struggling for work.
20 weeks ago
That said, he told me that the legal profession was impacted by the recession way more than most people realize. So it's no surprise that a large number of law school graduates are struggling for work.
20 weeks ago
Nicole Bienfang:
It is struggling Edward, but not the law firms I work with! Besides that though consider we were in the Gold Rush would you want to be the guy ...MoreIt is struggling Edward, but not the law firms I work with! Besides that though consider we were in the Gold Rush would you want to be the guy panning for gold or the guy selling the shovels? I'm not a lawyer, I don't carry that degree, but I do sell the "shovels" when it comes to people needing legal advice!Alli send all your unemployed law school buds my way, I'll hook em up!
20 weeks ago
20 weeks ago
Alli Gerkman
Curious if anyone read the recent Room for Debate in NYTimes on how to reform law school... and what you thought about it. http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2011/07/21/the-case-against-law-school
TOP IDEA:
Alli Gerkman
Marketing Programs for Attorneys Should Provide Value, Not CLE Credits - http://www.brazencareerist/2010/05/01/marketing-programs-for-attorneys-s...
TOP IDEA:
Alli Gerkman
Transitions, Testing and Transparency: Saving Our Future Lawyers - http://www.brazencareerist/2010/05/27/transitions-testing-and-transparen...
Nathan Johnson:
I'm with you and Howard. I've had a couple of books on my desk since my second year of law school about life after graduation. I have also had ...MoreI'm with you and Howard. I've had a couple of books on my desk since my second year of law school about life after graduation. I have also had conversations with fellow grads about hanging a shingle and preparation is almost always the biggest concern besides capital. A bad economy is one thing, but the lack of adequate education is an ever bigger can of worms.
We can all see the problem, and as you point out it's a high-stakes situation for all players. My biggest sticking point is price. If you're a student the WI State Bar waives CLE costs - why not extend this for unemployed recent grads? If anything, this isn't an extra cost for the State Bar, but an investment - right?
A united front is always good for pushing change, the problem is the divided interests of each party have failed to produce a front or an effective leader for change. Law school rankings have only added to the problem. Tier 1 schools rate of change is glacial at best, while lower tier schools are focusing on this problem. A notable example is UC Irvine. Dean Erwin Chermerinsky has challenged that they build the ideal law school for the 21st century. The ABA could impose stricter standards, but what should they be - mandatory clinics, revised legal writing courses, or better admissions (why do we take the LSAT)?
This is an important issue thanks for keeping the light on it.
88 weeks ago
We can all see the problem, and as you point out it's a high-stakes situation for all players. My biggest sticking point is price. If you're a student the WI State Bar waives CLE costs - why not extend this for unemployed recent grads? If anything, this isn't an extra cost for the State Bar, but an investment - right?
A united front is always good for pushing change, the problem is the divided interests of each party have failed to produce a front or an effective leader for change. Law school rankings have only added to the problem. Tier 1 schools rate of change is glacial at best, while lower tier schools are focusing on this problem. A notable example is UC Irvine. Dean Erwin Chermerinsky has challenged that they build the ideal law school for the 21st century. The ABA could impose stricter standards, but what should they be - mandatory clinics, revised legal writing courses, or better admissions (why do we take the LSAT)?
This is an important issue thanks for keeping the light on it.
88 weeks ago
Alli Gerkman
Ignite Law 2 is set for April 10 at 7:30pm the night before the ABA Tech Show kicks off this year in Chicago! Promises to be lots of fun--anyone else going? http://www.ignitelaw.com/
Alli Gerkman
I keep hearing that young lawyers "don't like to network in person" because they're not showing up to events. I don't buy into it, but I wanted to ask you guys: Why do you choose to show up (or not) for an event or conference, legal or otherwise?
Scott Asai:
To meet people. In these days of social media, meeting face to face still is the best way to do business. It's all about trust and that's earned ...MoreTo meet people. In these days of social media, meeting face to face still is the best way to do business. It's all about trust and that's earned in person. Conferences that give you the opportunity to meet others and start a conversation are worth it for that alone.
60 weeks ago
60 weeks ago
Bob Larson:
Jeremy's post is the entire reason why I don't bother to attend many networking events (e.g., New Lawyer Happy Hours). I realize that networking ...MoreJeremy's post is the entire reason why I don't bother to attend many networking events (e.g., New Lawyer Happy Hours). I realize that networking is about expanding my network, and not explicitly about job seeking, but if that's really the case, then I can expand my network just as effectively at the bar on my own schedule.
Scott's post rolls into the second half of my reasoning. Given the dismal state of the legal job market, I'm not really expecting to find an employer that's hiring right now, even on the sly. Instead, I'd rather network with people who can become potential clients for my one-man solo shop. And those people aren't usually found at networking events for lawyers.
57 weeks ago
Scott's post rolls into the second half of my reasoning. Given the dismal state of the legal job market, I'm not really expecting to find an employer that's hiring right now, even on the sly. Instead, I'd rather network with people who can become potential clients for my one-man solo shop. And those people aren't usually found at networking events for lawyers.
57 weeks ago
John C
How normal is it for a company to hire you on a two-month probationary, "temp" basis (no benefits) if you're relocating for the position?
Kim Luu:
@John. The probation status might be due to employment law within that state. For some states, unless you have a clear probation period, you end ...More@John. The probation status might be due to employment law within that state. For some states, unless you have a clear probation period, you end up with long lengthy lawsuits to fire anyone.
It's hard to know whether someone is real or not as well from the viewpoint of the employer. I've had to fire a CEO within 3 weeks. She looked perfect on paper when the hiring committee picked her but her abilities were obviously inflated when she actually had to do the job. Despite our state's employment law, it was still a 6 months process to clean up that mess and massive legal costs.
59 weeks ago
It's hard to know whether someone is real or not as well from the viewpoint of the employer. I've had to fire a CEO within 3 weeks. She looked perfect on paper when the hiring committee picked her but her abilities were obviously inflated when she actually had to do the job. Despite our state's employment law, it was still a 6 months process to clean up that mess and massive legal costs.
59 weeks ago
Kathryn Smith:
just saying "no probabtionary period" isn't really a realistic counteroffer if the probationary period is a hardline company policy. The hiring ...Morejust saying "no probabtionary period" isn't really a realistic counteroffer if the probationary period is a hardline company policy. The hiring manager and HR representative may not have any control over it. Express your concerns by first saying that you are enthusiastic about the position and ready to come to work for the company and then seeing what they can do to make things more comfortable for you. Be prepared that they may not be able to budge - again, company policy can get in the way. If they cannot budge, you need to think about whether it is feasible for you or not. If it is not, politely decline. If it is, go for it.
59 weeks ago
59 weeks ago
Alli Gerkman
In her post today, Penelope Trunk suggests that women don't find success as rainmakers in law firms because they aren't "breaking the rules." I think it's more complex than that, but curious what others think. http://bit.ly/dILfev
Kim Luu:
I didn't read Penelope's post but I just had a conversation with two new women partners at regional law firms. They both have young children ...MoreI didn't read Penelope's post but I just had a conversation with two new women partners at regional law firms. They both have young children under 10 and they were quite resentful about any time away from their children.
It's a struggle for them to balance the extra hours needed to be "rainmakers" in order to bring in new business and the need to be home by 5PM for their children. I think that any single parents without a partner to handle child rearing have the same issues.
It's not about not breaking the rules. It's about having only so many hours in a day to do everything that is needed.
61 weeks ago
It's a struggle for them to balance the extra hours needed to be "rainmakers" in order to bring in new business and the need to be home by 5PM for their children. I think that any single parents without a partner to handle child rearing have the same issues.
It's not about not breaking the rules. It's about having only so many hours in a day to do everything that is needed.
61 weeks ago
Alli Gerkman:
I think you're right that time is important.
There's also some evidence that men are more likely to pass their big clients (as they phase out of ...MoreI think you're right that time is important.
There's also some evidence that men are more likely to pass their big clients (as they phase out of practice) on to other men. This isn't necessarily intentional. It often happens because they naturally formed closer relationships with male associates. But it's a problem because men had all the clients in the first place (because at one time, there were almost no women lawyers).
Another angle is that the big organizations (who become the clients) are still predominantly run by men. And just like two men in a firm might have more in common, so might two men as prospective client and lawyer.
Of course, many women run smaller businesses and other types of organizations, so there is an argument to be made that women would be smart to develop business with that in mind, but the big companies are still where the big money is.
For the sake of conversation, I'm aware I'm making some sweeping generalizations.
61 weeks ago
There's also some evidence that men are more likely to pass their big clients (as they phase out of ...MoreI think you're right that time is important.
There's also some evidence that men are more likely to pass their big clients (as they phase out of practice) on to other men. This isn't necessarily intentional. It often happens because they naturally formed closer relationships with male associates. But it's a problem because men had all the clients in the first place (because at one time, there were almost no women lawyers).
Another angle is that the big organizations (who become the clients) are still predominantly run by men. And just like two men in a firm might have more in common, so might two men as prospective client and lawyer.
Of course, many women run smaller businesses and other types of organizations, so there is an argument to be made that women would be smart to develop business with that in mind, but the big companies are still where the big money is.
For the sake of conversation, I'm aware I'm making some sweeping generalizations.
61 weeks ago
Alli Gerkman
I keep hearing that young lawyers "don't like to network in person" because they're not showing up to events. I don't buy into it, but I wanted to ask you guys: Why do you choose to show up (or not) for an event or conference, legal or otherwise?
wendy aron
They say, "Do what you love and the money will follow." I did what I loved and the money ran away. Did you heed this career advice and where did it lead you?
81 weeks ago from What I Wish I Knew Then, Career Changers, Legally Speaking and Professional Writers and Editors2 more
Sadya Siddiqui recommended this
Elizabeth Marling:
My interpretation of this advice is that it regards specific situations. Say, for example, you love helping people. If you do the behavior ...MoreMy interpretation of this advice is that it regards specific situations. Say, for example, you love helping people. If you do the behavior people will see your abilities, and the likelihood of getting a chance to do it for $$ increases. Or if you love sewing, you should sew first to even have a chance at selling your finished work or services. I think by 'money' it just means making a living, not getting rich.
If you really love something, is it enough to just make a living doing it, or does money become a discouraging factor if your income doesn't increase along with your accomplishments?
75 weeks ago
If you really love something, is it enough to just make a living doing it, or does money become a discouraging factor if your income doesn't increase along with your accomplishments?
75 weeks ago
Iris Van Kerckhove:
I want to take the advice, but haven't quite got around to doing what I truly love! That said, doing what you love alone does not necessarily mean ...MoreI want to take the advice, but haven't quite got around to doing what I truly love! That said, doing what you love alone does not necessarily mean the money will follow.
75 weeks ago
75 weeks ago
Alli Gerkman
We had a primary election in Colorado yesterday and it got me wondering--how open is your office about politics? I've always worked in pretty open offices (in the legal industry) with diverse opinions--I don't mean to say we talk about politics much, but it's almost always been appropriate for people to acknowledge if they work on a campaign or volunteer for a cause. What is your office like? And does your online presence complicate things?
stephen levine:
In my office we express our opinions on politics and anything else to the extent we are opinionated. However, we are a small office made up of ...MoreIn my office we express our opinions on politics and anything else to the extent we are opinionated. However, we are a small office made up of people who are largely close personal friends, so differences of opinion mean very little in terms of personal terms. We've known about them for years. We all do the same kind of cases,so we tend to have similar opinions anyway. I don't think anyone knows or cares about my online presence, but this is perhaps a different environment from your experience.
78 weeks ago
78 weeks ago
TOP IDEA:
Alli Gerkman
CLE Providers Already Have Community Managers; Challenge Is to Get Them Online - http://www.brazencareerist/2010/08/07/cle-providers-already-have-communi...
Stacey Laskin
OK, so it's that time of year! Semi-ridiculous question: What's a girl supposed to wear to take the bar exam? I've heard that years ago, candidates were required to wear suits for all days of the exam. I know this is not the case anymore, but is it appropriate to show up in sweats and no make-up? Or is it better to keep those sentiments on the inside and at least LOOK like you've pulled yourself together? Any personal experiences/ tips?
K. L. Schneider:
Wear your pajamas if that is what you feel most comfortable in. Everyone else is likely too freaked out to even notice what you are wearing. I'm ...MoreWear your pajamas if that is what you feel most comfortable in. Everyone else is likely too freaked out to even notice what you are wearing. I'm sitting for Delaware's Bar in a little over a week and plan on wearing my favorite comfy velour sweatpants and then layers up top (probably a T-shirt & light hoodie). I would worry, however, about what you are and are not allowed to bring into the exam room. Some states are really strict here and seeming necessaries, like meds, water bottles, etc., may be relegated to an unmonitored hallway during the exam.
81 weeks ago
81 weeks ago
Ryan Paugh
I got interviewed this morning by a reporter who wanted to discuss Generation Y's heightened interest in Parks & Recreation careers and other careers related to the environment, conservation and the outdoors. Do you think that this has to do with inherent Gen-Y traits or the opportunities made available to use through social media. Are we more idealistic, or just more connected?
91 weeks ago from Green Social Media and Green and Environmental industries
Chris Williams:
I think it has to go with our generation no wanting to comprise. We want to heal the environment but don't think business needs to suffer for this ...MoreI think it has to go with our generation no wanting to comprise. We want to heal the environment but don't think business needs to suffer for this to happen.
90 weeks ago
90 weeks ago
Megan Atkinson:
I think that there are two major factors in the number of Gen Y'ers in green collar jobs. The availability of green jobs has increased because of ...MoreI think that there are two major factors in the number of Gen Y'ers in green collar jobs. The availability of green jobs has increased because of their social relevance. Also, I think Gen Y'ers may be more interested in the field (regardless of job availability) because we've been brought up under the pressure of "having to live with the mistakes of the past" and when the social relevance became more socially relevant, we were coming into the age(s) where we decide on a direction for our career.
83 weeks ago
83 weeks ago
Penelope Trunk
I find that almost all career questions I get fall into one of two categories: Lacking self-knowledge about how people perceive you or lacking the ability to take a risk to get what you want. I think the first one is actually about office politics. The most important thing about office politics is knowing what other people think of you so you can manage your emotional contribution at work. Do you agree with this? And, do you think everyone thinks they have good self-knowledge even if they don't?
Rebecca Thorman and Alli Gerkman recommended this
Melanie McGrath:
I don't necessarily think that many people aren't valued if they don't play into office politics. I think that we all need to know office politics ...MoreI don't necessarily think that many people aren't valued if they don't play into office politics. I think that we all need to know office politics strategy though so that you don't get rolled over by unscrupulous jerks.
87 weeks ago
87 weeks ago
Bryon Ownby:
I like your thoughts @Melanie. Although we don't play the game, you have to know the game real well (learning by experience).
86 weeks ago
86 weeks ago
Nathan Johnson
With the way the job market is today is it a good idea to seek alternative legal employment and still expect to be able to come back to law someday? Many people tell me that if you leave getting back in is very difficult.
Jennifer Reck:
For what it's worth (and this comes from my own perspective of recently deciding to back off a bit over the next year to figure out what I really ...MoreFor what it's worth (and this comes from my own perspective of recently deciding to back off a bit over the next year to figure out what I really want to do when I grow up) - I think that if your heart is in the traditional legal world (law firms, etc) then you should put your all into it but if you really want an alternative career, then you should go for it and not worry if you can go back to law in the future. I suspect that career issues are just going to be tougher from now on and we're more likely to succeed if we are focusing on what we really want to be doing.
88 weeks ago
88 weeks ago
Alli Gerkman:
Just saw this in my feed today and thought it might interest you based on this thread: MoreJust saw this in my feed today and thought it might interest you based on this thread: http://www.law.com/jsp/law/careercenter/lawArticleCareerCenter.jsp?id=12...
84 weeks ago
84 weeks ago
Nathan Johnson
Hitching off the previous post... I just graduated from Wisconsin with my JD and the job search is dismal. What is particularly troubling is that the radar is absolutely silent. I have applied for half a dozen jobs in the last month and I have heard nothing (not even a rejection). This seems really strange to me; wondering if anyone else has or is having a similar experience. Bad economy or not, I would at least expect some notification.
Dr. Woody:
Natahn, I certainly don't have to tell you that law is a particulary tough field these days. If you are looking to practice have you thought about ...MoreNatahn, I certainly don't have to tell you that law is a particulary tough field these days. If you are looking to practice have you thought about smaller firms? Keep in mind, they are going to be far less sophisticated in their on-line systems. Just to echo Benita, I would pound the pavement, knock on doors, hit professional law group monthly gatherings, happy hours...
85 weeks ago
85 weeks ago
Julie
Hi all! Was hoping either of you could give some insight in to the legal profession? After completing an MA degree in International Studies, I've been job hunting for over a year and am thinking of going back to school, thinking a JD/LLB may open doors and provide a much needed challenge. I would sincerely appreciate any advice or tips about how navigating this process or even sharing expertise in the area - is it what you expected?
Alli Gerkman:
Julie... Slaw.ca just had a post (below) on the limited articling positions in Canada right now. I recommend taking a look.
I'm sure you know ...MoreJulie... Slaw.ca just had a post (below) on the limited articling positions in Canada right now. I recommend taking a look.
I'm sure you know the system far better than I do, but as I understand it, if you don't get an articling position, you won't be called to the bar. And if you're not called to the bar, you don't get to practice law. So, in theory, law school isn't even opening the door to being a lawyer in Canada right now.
http://www.slaw.ca/2010/05/13/articling-students-in-need/
90 weeks ago
I'm sure you know ...MoreJulie... Slaw.ca just had a post (below) on the limited articling positions in Canada right now. I recommend taking a look.
I'm sure you know the system far better than I do, but as I understand it, if you don't get an articling position, you won't be called to the bar. And if you're not called to the bar, you don't get to practice law. So, in theory, law school isn't even opening the door to being a lawyer in Canada right now.
http://www.slaw.ca/2010/05/13/articling-students-in-need/
90 weeks ago
Penelope Trunk
I wonder about this power couple topic: here's something to think about: What couple is not aiming to help each other get what each person wants? What couple is not made of two people who are ambitious about meeting their goals, whatever they are? And when, in the history of business, has there ever been a marriage with kids that survived two extremely successful careers? I think never. I think someone always steps aside to take care of family. Or there's a divorce.
Rebecca Thorman recommended this
Kelly Whalen:
I don't know that I would define my spouse and I as extremely successful, but I know other people would. We work as a team. There are times one of ...MoreI don't know that I would define my spouse and I as extremely successful, but I know other people would. We work as a team. There are times one of gets frustrated by the dedication of the other to their goals, but we are great about "checking" each other and keeping it from being a brewing problem.
Part of the way we have been able to do that is by me putting our kids first, him focusing on his career as necessary, but also at many times putting our kids first. When I started to want to do more work, he has been supportive. We're still finding a balance, and frankly I'm hoping to earn more so I can pay to outsource more of my household duties, but it works for us.
I think we learned very early in our relationship through trial by fire. I have no doubt that no matter what we do career-wise, our relationship and family are always first. This actually makes us more successful since we have good boundaries and only invest time and effort when and where it will help us reach our goals.
91 weeks ago
Part of the way we have been able to do that is by me putting our kids first, him focusing on his career as necessary, but also at many times putting our kids first. When I started to want to do more work, he has been supportive. We're still finding a balance, and frankly I'm hoping to earn more so I can pay to outsource more of my household duties, but it works for us.
I think we learned very early in our relationship through trial by fire. I have no doubt that no matter what we do career-wise, our relationship and family are always first. This actually makes us more successful since we have good boundaries and only invest time and effort when and where it will help us reach our goals.
91 weeks ago
writeforhr:
Can u Please Digg and Comment on "Thoughts on an HRevolution"http://digg.com/d31QcTR Thank you.
91 weeks ago
91 weeks ago
Alli Gerkman
Bill would restore fair treatment of private student loans in bankruptcy http://bit.ly/brMHOM
Alli Gerkman
Bill would restore fair treatment of private student loans in bankruptcy http://bit.ly/brMHOM
Marie McKinney-Oates
Speaking of Power Couples, here's a great interview with Michelle Obama in Good Housekeeping http://bit.ly/b1p31I
Rebecca Thorman:
Paul - I don't agree at all! I think there are so many power dynamics, and if you look at it from the angle you are, then I would argue that she ...MorePaul - I don't agree at all! I think there are so many power dynamics, and if you look at it from the angle you are, then I would argue that she is just the behind-the-scenes power - equally as dominant, but not the public face. This is actually really common in politics. The most powerful people aren't always the most common faces. There are a lot of people - and I would argue, specifically wives - that work behind the scenes to give their partner or colleagues a greater chance at success.
93 weeks ago
93 weeks ago
paulmacp:
> I would argue that she is just the behind-the-scenes power
Reading what I have read from both sides of this "Power Couple"... I can't agree, ...More> I would argue that she is just the behind-the-scenes power
Reading what I have read from both sides of this "Power Couple"... I can't agree, but I guess we can agree to disagree.
93 weeks ago
Reading what I have read from both sides of this "Power Couple"... I can't agree, ...More> I would argue that she is just the behind-the-scenes power
Reading what I have read from both sides of this "Power Couple"... I can't agree, but I guess we can agree to disagree.
93 weeks ago
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