Written by Rena Hope Barnett Matthews, Attorney Career Coach
Rena Barnett Matthews is an executive legal recruiter with nearly two decades of experience placing attorneys in top law firms and Fortune 500 companies. A former practicing lawyer, she offers unique insights as a career coach, helping attorneys navigate career transitions and advancement in the legal field.
Landing your dream legal job can feel like chasing an elusive goal, especially when you’re getting no response after applying for what feels like a million positions. Whether you're a newly minted lawyer or a seasoned attorney with years of experience, the frustration of not getting hired can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, you're not alone! In this article, I’ll walk you through some common reasons why you might not be landing your ideal legal job and provide actionable strategies for overcoming these obstacles, from tailoring your resume to networking effectively.
1. Lack of relevant legal experience
Why you might not be getting hired
If you’re struggling to land your dream legal position, one common culprit could be your lack of relevant experience. Legal employers are seeking candidates who bring hands-on experience and practical knowledge to the table. So, if you're fresh out of law school or coming from a different field, it can feel like you're in a never-ending loop of applying without success.
How to overcome it
Gain experience through legal internships and clerkships: Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned lawyer looking to transition, internships and clerkships are invaluable for gaining practical experience and expanding your professional network. These positions, even if unpaid, serve as stepping stones toward securing a permanent role.
Freelance or volunteer for legal work: Offering pro bono or freelance services can help you build a solid portfolio. You can assist non-profits, small businesses, or individuals in need of legal services. This experience shows that you're committed to growing in your field.
Highlight transferable skills from non-legal jobs: If your experience isn’t purely legal, don’t stress! Many skills from other industries, like project management or communication, can be directly applied to legal work. Be sure to emphasize these transferable skills in your resume.
Temp or contract work in legal roles: Consider temp or contract positions in law firms or corporate legal departments. These opportunities offer hands-on experience, and often, temporary roles can evolve into full-time offers.
2. Weak resume and cover letter
Why you might not be getting hired
Your resume and cover letter are the first things a hiring manager sees, and if they aren’t tailored or don’t effectively highlight your skills, your application might get overlooked. A generic resume isn’t doing you any favors, especially in a competitive legal job market.
How to overcome it
Tailor your resume: Customize your resume to match the specific role you're applying for. Emphasize the skills and experiences most relevant to the position. For example, highlight your litigation experience for a law firm role or your business acumen for an in-house position.
Write a compelling cover letter: Your cover letter should demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and explain why you’re the perfect fit. Don’t just repeat your resume use this opportunity to show how your skills align with the company’s needs.
Optimize your resume for ATS: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used by law firms and legal departments to scan resumes. To increase your chances of getting noticed, include keywords from the job description. Think of this like optimizing for SEO, but for your resume.
3. Lack of strong academic credentials
Why you might not be getting hired
Some legal employers, especially in top law firms, prioritize academic credentials, such as a prestigious law school degree or a high GPA. If your academic record doesn’t meet these high standards, it can feel like you're constantly up against a brick wall.
How to overcome it
Highlight academic achievements that matter: Even if your GPA isn’t perfect, focus on areas where you excelled. For instance, if you’re applying for corporate law positions, highlight your academic strengths in business law courses.
Pursue additional education or certifications: If your academic background isn’t quite what you want it to be, consider additional courses or certifications in niche areas of law. Specialized certifications in areas like intellectual property or compliance can make your resume stand out.
4. Not networking effectively
Why you might not be getting hired
Networking is one of the most important aspects of the legal job search, and if you're not doing it right, you might be missing out on opportunities. Many legal positions are filled through referrals or word-of-mouth connections, so not tapping into your network could be holding you back.
How to overcome it
Attend networking events and conferences: Whether in-person or virtual, participating in legal conferences and workshops can help you meet industry professionals. Use these events to expand your network and gain insights into potential job opportunities.
Use LinkedIn to connect with legal professionals: LinkedIn is a goldmine for legal networking. Reach out to hiring managers, legal recruiters, and law firm partners to introduce yourself. Be proactive in building relationships that could lead to job offers.
Seek informational interviews: Informational interviews are a low-pressure way to learn about a firm or legal department while making important connections. These can also help you find job openings that aren’t advertised.
5. Geographic location may be limiting your opportunities
Why you might not be getting hired
Sometimes, your job search might be hindered by the location you're focusing on. Certain legal markets are more competitive, or they may not have the type of legal work you’re looking for. If you're in a smaller city or remote area, it could be worth considering expanding your job search to other regions.
How to overcome it
Research high-demand legal markets: Cities like New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles have an abundance of opportunities in law firms and in-house roles. Research the top legal markets for your practice area to see where your skills are most in demand.
Be open to relocation: Widen your search and consider relocating to areas with a higher concentration of legal jobs. Some positions may be exclusive to specific geographic regions, and being open to relocation can unlock a wealth of opportunities.
Consider remote or hybrid positions: Many law firms and legal departments now offer remote or hybrid roles. These positions allow you to work from anywhere while still being part of top-tier organizations.
6. Your practice area might not be in high demand right now
Why you might not be getting hired
The legal job market is cyclical, and the demand for different practice areas can change based on the economy. If your practice area isn’t in high demand during this economic cycle, you may struggle to find opportunities.
How to overcome it
Adapt and pivot to related areas: If your area of law is slow, consider pivoting to a related niche that’s in demand. For instance, if bankruptcy law is experiencing a downturn, explore areas like debt restructuring or financial services law.
Stay informed about legal market trends: Keep an eye on the economic landscape and trends in the legal industry. By staying updated, you can position yourself in a practice area that aligns with market demand.
7. Gaps in your resume or job-hopping
Why you might not be getting hired
Employers value stability. Frequent job changes or unexplained gaps in your resume may raise red flags for hiring managers, making them question whether you’ll stick around for the long term.
How to overcome it:
Be transparent about gaps: If you’ve taken time off for personal reasons or additional schooling, be upfront about it. Employers appreciate honesty, and showing how you’ve grown during the gap can demonstrate your dedication.
Showcase stability in your previous roles: Highlight positions where you've stayed long-term and made significant contributions. This reassures potential employers that you’re not just looking for a temporary fix; you’re committed for the long haul.
8. Limited or outdated legal skills
Why you might not be getting hired
Legal technology is advancing rapidly, and if you’re not keeping up with new tools or changes in the law, your skills may be outdated. The legal profession values candidates who can keep pace with the latest trends and technological innovations.
How to overcome it
Stay updated with legal trends: Read legal blogs, attend webinars, and participate in professional development opportunities to stay current on changes in the law.
Take continuing legal education (CLE) Courses: CLE courses are an excellent way to stay current with industry changes, even if they’re not required in your jurisdiction.
Improve your tech skills: Familiarize yourself with legal technologies, such as e-discovery platforms and contract management systems. These tools are essential in today’s legal market and will make you more competitive.
Conclusion: Don’t give up, you’ve got this
If you’ve been struggling to land your dream legal job, you’re not alone. But with persistence, a tailored approach to your resume and cover letter, and a willingness to network and adapt, you can increase your chances of securing that ideal role. And if you still need help, reach out to me! I’m a legal career coach, and I’d be happy to set up a free consultation to dive deeper into your unique situation. Together, we’ll tackle any challenges you’re facing in your job search and find the perfect legal position for you.
Good luck, and don’t give up! Your dream job is just around the corner.
Rena Hope Barnett Matthews, Attorney Career Coach
Rena Barnett Matthews is an executive legal recruiter with nearly two decades of experience, placing attorneys nationwide and internationally in leading law firms and Fortune 500 companies. Her background as a former practicing attorney gives her invaluable insights into the legal profession. Rena has supported attorneys throughout their careers, from junior associates to managing partners and C-suite legal officers. As the founder of attorney-career-coach.com, Rena offers her expertise to law students, associates, counsels, partners, and in-house attorneys from junior to chief legal officers; helping them navigate the complexities of the legal job market and advance their careers, empowering them to reach their full potentials.
