Slowing Down

Things have been a little slow lately. I haven't been given an assignment for  two weeks. Good new is I still have to be paid for one appearance so eventually I will meet with him. He talked about more work in January but I hope I can land a full-time gig by then. This piece-meal occupation makes you wonder when you're going to receive income. I applied to three jobs this past month but this time I can finally put I have courtroom experience on my resume, albeit not extensive experience. Still counts! When January comes, I wish the new year brings something great in the form of employment.

Differences in demeanor

I went to another courthouse yesterday but for the first time I spoke with the judge in his chambers. It was nothing major as several other attorneys were also present in the room informing your honor the status of their respective cases. While I was waiting, another attorney in his mid 30s to early 40s said to me he didn't like being in this courtroom because it takes awhile to be called and he has to drive a long distance home.  He kept rambling about how much work he has to do and could have completed if he wasn't there. I told him in this economy, so many people would love having so much work.  He briefly laughed and shook his head. Meanwhile another attorney in his late 60s to early 70s asked me how I was doing. He appeared to have a calm and joyful demeanor compared to the other lawyer. He joked around and was constantly smiling and chatting with people around him. I was surprised to see that a much older attorney would have more pep in his step so to speak instead of being frazzled like the younger lawyer. Maybe he figured something out to still be in this occupation.

Watch Out For The Well

Had another appearance yesterday in the busiest courtroom I've experienced so far.  I was about to cross the judge's well before the courtroom clerk politely reminded me not to be there. I got to keep looking out for this sacred space. The Deputy District Attorney was kind of a jerk. I approached him at his table because I wanted to talk about the case, just basic things like setting up the next calendar date and any possible settlement offers. He abruptly left and talked with other attorneys, most likely other DA's or city attorneys, even though I was standing right beside him. I first thought he didn't hear me because the courtroom was a little loud although not deafening.  I walked towards him and before I can finish asking if we can talk, he interrupts me and says, "Just wait over there [pointing to his table.]" I overheard their conversation and it was the usual friendly banter but had nothing to do with work. I took a step back and told him, "I'll just wait right here."  We went to his table and briefly discussed the usual before my case was called. Although it wasn't the smoothest meeting, I'm glad I met someone like him. It could have been the nature of the hectic courtroom or he could have always been  abrasive, but I'm glad I went through it.

Meeting Clients

I had another appearance today but the wait was the longest I've ever had. I met the client and his family who were very nice people. It was their first time in court so I made sure to explain what would take place. I felt bad for them not only for their legal situation but because they waited nearly two hours for the case to be called. Original time was set at 8:30 but client wasn't called until a little past 10:00! After the appearance, I answered more of the client and his family's questions. They thanked me for their help and I thanked them for their patience. I never expect such things to start on time but I didn't expect it to be this late. I didn't have breakfast before court because I thought I'd be done by 9:30. I was still able to get that deluxe platter at McDonald's though.

A little more work

I made my third appearance last week. It was more of the same but the wait was a little longer. I noticed there were quite a few semi-fresh attorneys like me doing similar work. We all talked about how this kind of job is the only employment we can find. We exchanged business cards but most likely I won't even look at them except just to find out what law school they attended in the state bar website.

Speaking of state bar matters, exam results came out  last Friday. I can't believe it's been a year since I let out that big exhale. For many, I know it was a night of jubilation and for many others, I wish nothing but the best. I won't lie and the statistics tell it all too. Most people who don't pass the first time don't pass it after multiple attempts. However, it has been done. Ten of my friends didn't pass the first time around but four of them eventually got it on the second or third attempt. It's improbable but not impossible. The opportunity to succeed is there.

Second Time Around

Made my second appearance yesterday and it went much smoother than last time. No surprises or snarky judges thrown at me. I did ask an attorney what's the usual protocol for this courthouse and she happily helped me. She also informed me I was standing in the well as I was looking through the client's file. It's something new to learn and remember for next time.

You are soon going to change your present line of work.

That's what the inscription from my fortune cookie reads. If life drops hints inside dough wrapped in plastic, I don't know if this sign bodes well for me. Either way, I'm holding onto this paper for a long time. Maybe when or if I make it, I'll look back and read it again.

New Post

Sorry for the mundane post title but it's the best I can come up with right now. I received a message from an employer asking me to call them back to verify a few things I listed on my resume. I'm not sure what they're asking, probably has to relate to my availability. I called them back but got their voicemail. Funny thing is I don't remember this specific employer. I'm sure I applied to them but with all the anonymous craigslist job postings, it's hard to identify the one to whom you sent your materials.

Another employer emailed me today to let me know my application isn't complete. They need a copy of my transcript because the one I sent doesn't list the name of my school or the matriculation date although it lists all my classes and units obtained for each term. I'm most likely going to email them a picture of my diploma.

Update 12-8-11
I spoke with a representative from the firm that wanted to verify a few things. It was mostly how much experience I have in certain areas and like always I answered with "none" to a lot of the questions. In that areas where I have no experience, I just resorted to telling her I will learn arduously and work hard for them. The rep said they'll call back if I qualify for an interview but with so many "nones" I gave, I doubt I'll hear a call for an interview. It was good to receive a call from an employer nonetheless.

I emailed the other employer a picture of my diploma but still have yet to know if it suffices for my application. I should get a response tomorrow.

Got my first gig..

I'll be getting my first paid assignment as an attorney tomorrow [actually it's today]!   I'm just to make an appearance for another lawyer who couldn't make it. It's nothing complicated and shouldn't be too bad I hope. Just contract work but maybe it leads to more work?  Anyway, I'm a little excited and nervous but it's the type of nervous that I look forward to experiencing.

Same Old Again..

Well, the end of the month is nearing and October has been the same like the last 10 months. Albeit, I was able to apply for 5 attorney positions. My last application required a letter of recommendation from an attorney or someone in the legal profession and my former supervisor was very gracious enough to write one for me. I haven't really kept in touch with my old boss but she must know it's bad considering she's aware I don't have a job.
I can't believe November will arrive. It was about this time last year I could start to feel the brevity of  the approaching  results. I even thought to myself if I should study now and give myself a two week head start just in case I didn't pass. All that needless studying, I figured, would be more than welcomed if I saw my name on the list. So to all you waiting, I wish the best.

Groundhog Day

I'm pretty sure I replied to the same job posting for the third time in 4 months. If I'm correct, I interviewed with this office in July. I'm assuming they still remember me because I haven't heard any responses from them since the other times I applied. They probably wrote down on their notes, "Do not HIRE", during the interview.

Update 10-25-11
I saw another posting from an employer to whom I previously sent my application a month ago. I know it's the same one because unlike the other craigslist postings, the email listed was not made anonymous. The domain name is registered to a law firm so it's unlikely the ad is a scam. They probably just skipped over my file or weren't even interested but I wonder why would they recycle the same ad again? If you didn't get the preferred attorneys from a pool of hundreds of applicants the first time, I don't see how a month can make a difference.  I wanted to make my own ad calling out all these other employers who keep putting up the same job postings but craigslist requires payment first. That idea was shot down.

Caller ID

I woke up early this morning because my phone was ringing. I didn't recognize the number so I initially thought it was an employer who received my application and was going to ask me to come in for an interview. I was getting excited and my heart started jumping. I haven't received a call for almost two months now and it was going to be a great wake-up call. When I said "hello", an automated voice message from my cable company informed me my internet was back online. I should have known better it was Saturday and employers aren't likely going to be at the office. I hung up and went back to dreaming about better days.

Just As Expected

Well it's been a little over four weeks since I got the reply from that government attorney position and as expected, I didn't hear anything back. I called their office to check my status and they said if I wasn't contacted already, my name will still be on their list for another 6 months. Despite that setback, October has started to be a better month than September in the job search quest for now. I was able to apply to three attorney positions, albeit nothing is guaranteed but it already totaled the number of applications I sent the previous month.

I have a feeling more applications will be available the sooner bar results come out. I suspect this to be true because firms are aware of the release date and are eager to reel in fresh attorneys who will sadly be eager to work for low paying or non paying employment. I hope I'm not one of them.

September to Remember

[Originally posted 10-1-11. All future posts will now new.]

Well, not really. September is the first month when I wasn't able to land an interview since being licensed in December. I always had at least one interview each month since then but that streak came to an end. Overall, September was a slow month in the job search quest. I think I only applied to maybe 3 or 4 positions and most likely won't hear any replies back. I did get that notice from that government position I mentioned in an earlier post but other than that news, everything was devoid of employment prospects. On top of that pile, my fellow blogger FJD had to leave the country so the room feels emptier now. Here's to wishing October brings something anew.

Last Time Tears Fell From My Eye

[Originally posted 9-20-11]

 

Attorneys have a reputation for being cold, callous, and arrogant but I've been very fortunate to come across good people through my time. However, I've personally met a few lawyers who perpetuate those aforementioned stereotypes.

During my first year in law school, I clerked at the local public defender's office. I was mainly assigned to assist attorneys in the aggravated crimes division. One of  my duties consisted of gathering and summarizing vasts amounts of information and composing the collected data into a notebook which the attorney would use for his case.   I would sift through hundreds of documents like police reports, witness accounts collected from the office's investigators and my own efforts, crime scene and evidence photos, etc.. Since I got this information first, I would know more about the case than the attorney did. Normally, one project would take 6-7 hours to complete. In one particular homicide case, I spent a total of three days completing the task. I was so happy to be done because I completed it before my last day at the office. I was very proud, too, because I felt it was my best job. I didn't get to meet all the attorneys I made these notebooks for. I mostly worked with paralegals who taught me how to do these kinds of things. I was surprised how much of the law and the nuances of the criminal justice system these paralegals knew. It's really people behind the scenes that hold everything together. I didn't do much "lawyer work" such as writing motions or legal research. I did it a few times before I was assigned to this particular division. I didn't mind at all because this unit needed some support which I was eager to help. The paralegals were gracious I was there and my supervisor also appreciated my help.

So like I mentioned, it was my last day. There was only one paralegal and me present but she left early for her prenatal exam with her doctor. Before she left, she asked me to make copies for her in a case she was working on. I was in the supply room making copies and an attorney walked in. I introduced myself and he did as well. After some small talk, he saw me feeding the documents into the copier and asked me a question I still remember to this day, "Have you been doing anything meaningful besides copying?"At first, it took me a little by surprise. I didn't understand the meaning of that word , 'meaningful.' About two seconds passed before I  informed him of the work I was doing. He then said, "You're trying to be a lawyer and you're just doing that?" He rolled his eyes and  walked back to his office. At that moment, I didn't know what to think. The room felt quiet even with a machine spitting out paper next to me. I went back to the paralegal room and sat in my cubicle just staring at the computer screen which was as blank as my face. I was thinking about all the weeks I've been there. Me being the only clerk they've had in years. All the times waking up 5:30 in the morning and arriving back home 6 in the evening. My Friday nights being shot because all I wanted to do was rest. The more I thought, the more saturated my eyes became until a trail of tears came streaming down my cheek. I quickly gathered myself because I didn't want anyone to see me like this. Before I left, I logged into my computer to check all my documents were saved. I opened my last file, the one that took me three days to complete, and I saw the name of the the attorney who was going to handle the case. It was the same attorney who asked if I did anything meaningful.

I packed up my stuff and went to my supervisor's office to say bye. I thanked her for this opportunity and she was very grateful too. She told me to keep in touch because she'd like me to work there in the future. I never told her what happened. I just like to keep those things to myself. I'm actually glad I went through that experience. It motivated me through law school and still pushes me. I know one day I'll look back and see how far I've come. Got to keep on.

Transcripts of So Close Yet So Far

[Originally posted 9-16-11]

The following is a transcript of  voicemail messages left from a potential employer beginning from the reply to the rejection. Names and other information have been redacted to preserve anonymity.  These correspondences occurred in early July 2011. I've been saving similar voicemails for a long time. I have ones almost a year old now.  I've deleted other messages but I always keep these ones. I really don't know why I do it, maybe for the hell of it. Anyway, here it is:

Message 1 (July 12, 2011):

"Hello, this message is for [John Doe].  My name is [Hiring Attorney].  About three weeks ago, I posted an ad on craigslist for an entry level position with my office.  I went through your application and I was wondering if you would be able to come in for an interview sometime this week. Please, give me a call back as soon as you can. My phone number is [####]. Once again my name is [Hiring Attorney] and that number is [####]. Thank you."

Message 2: (July 19, 2011)

"Hello [John Doe], this is [Hiring Attorney]. I’m calling to see if you are still interested in the job position you interviewed for last week.  It’s between you and another attorney . If you are still interested, I’d like you to come in again and interview with my assistant, Jennifer.  She really runs everything and if you are hired, you’d be working with her a lot. So I think it’s important , she’d  have an idea of who the new hire would be. So if you can call my office and  schedule an appointment, that’d be great. Thanks!" 

Message 3 (July 26, 2011):

"Hey [John Doe] this is [Hiring Attorney], just calling to follow up with you from your interviews with the office. We did hire somebody else for the position but I want to thank you for your time and interest. I know nobody likes to come in second but unfortunately that’s what you did. Out of 200 attorneys who applied , you were the second best guy we had, so you almost got the job. I’m going to keep your resume on file. If we need somebody else, you’d be the first guy I’ll call and I wish you luck in whatever you do. I know you’re going to be a great lawyer for somebody.  Good luck to you , [John Doe.]"

Just Throwing It Out There

[Originally posted 9-13-11]

Well, I got a response from one of those state government jobs I applied to 5 months ago. It was just a letter saying if I'm still interested in the position to reply and if I don't hear anything within 3-4 weeks, just  assume I didn't get the position. Chances are I won't hear anything but there's still a chance right? I haven't been able to apply to more jobs because none are available for someone like me.

It's almost a year since I passed the bar. I still remember what I was feeling just waiting for those results. I didn't think too much about it until the few days leading to the results. Just the waiting game I'm playing right now with this job hunt. I can't believe how time flies.

Resurrection

I wish the title corresponded to my job prospects but it's referring to the restoration of this blog. After so many appeals to google, I finally got this site back online! Maybe it's like that with my employment search too? Anyway, I'll be posting here. I'll miss my temporary site but damn it feels good to be back home!!
If you want to catch up what happened during the intermittent time, you can read my accounts over here. I'll try to transfer the relevant posts so you don't have to keep switching. Once again, I'm glad to be back here. Things haven't been going well but this news has been a glimmer of hope. I know it sounds corny but when you've been coming up empty, it's always nice to see something going your way.

Tell Me Something New

I contacted one of the attorneys I worked with when I was at the office.  She talked to my supervisor and said both of them were surprised and sad I wasn't interviewed. Accordingly, they believe the higher ups in charge of recruiting only want attorneys who have experience in drafting motions, making appearances, trial, etc.. In other words, they didn't want to  train newbies like me. I wasn't blown away by the news because it's more of the same I've been hearing from other employers. Nonetheless, it was nice to know they were pulling for me.
She also informed me times are tough at the office. Attorneys who were mainly in charge of supervising and managing have been delegated back to court work. Many employees also have been laid off these past couple years. Luckily for her, attorneys weren't let go but a lot of instrumental staff members like paralegals, IT, and other assistants have come and gone.

And it keeps on pouring..

Two months ago, I applied for an entry level attorney position for a government office where I was a law clerk in my first year of law school. When the applications for this attorney position opened, I thought I had a good chance of at least being interviewed. It was a medium sized office and I was the only law clerk there during my time. I figured my experience with them would definitely give me this opportunity.
Last Friday, I called the human resources department inquiring about my application and they said someone would call be back with that information. Earlier today, I received a voicemail telling me my application was received but I wasn't considered for the job. The first feeling was disappointment but it was more of the "hey, don't you guys remember me?" disappointment. The type of disappointment where you thought they wouldn't forget the people who've helped them.   Maybe I'm a little naive to think after all those hours I put in, all that work I did, sleeping in early on  Friday nights because I'm exhausted from the week, that they wouldn't just place me aside? I know I did a great job unless the people I worked with lied to my face when they said they really appreciated my help. I wasn't asking for a job, I was just asking for a chance.
Oh well, just got to keep on..

Had To Let This One Go

For the first time, I had to turn down a job offer. I discovered during the weekend the attorney who would employ me has a disciplinary history from another state and he is still under suspension from that state bar. Technically since he is still suspended, he is not eligible to practice here in California as well. He never mentioned any of these things to me during the interview. I think he wanted someone who could bring in clients and keep his business alive while he's sorting all that stuff out. I told him I'm exploring other job opportunities and I wouldn't be able to work for him.  He said he understood and I thanked him for giving me the opportunity nonetheless.

Right now, this is the lowest point I have felt in my employment search. I got an offer but I can't accept it for obvious reasons. It's like having that cake but not being able to eat it. When some things are too good to be true.

Got a bite

Well, I'll be having an interview tomorrow for that opening I mentioned in my last post. Technically, it's today. It's  a contract position so it's not meant for anything long term right now. It's still better than nothing. The response was fairly quick, definitely the fastest response I had for an interview. Just got to reel it in. Maybe 11 is a lucky number?

Fishing Update

Well it looks like I'm not going to be receiving any interviews for those three job positions I mentioned in a previous post. It's been a little more than two weeks and I've heard no response. When it passes the two week mark, chances are nobody will reply to my application. I applied to another opening two days ago. I'll let you know if they bite.

Same Thing Over Again

About two months ago, I applied for five federal government jobs. They were not attorney openings but rather  legal administrative positions. Today [lets you know how fast things work], I received an email notifying me that none of my applications will be considered in the meantime because there are enough qualified veterans who applied.  If you are not aware, government agencies give "veterans preference points" to applicants who served in the military. Since I never served in the military, I'll have to wait for any more jobs to open.

Another Day of Fishing

Typical Routine for Morning and Evening
1. Check my email for job notifications or replies from potential employers.
2. Delete newsletter email from CEB or promotions from other state bar affiliates.
3. Craigslist search for jobs.
      a. Skim postings for any phrases that automatically disqualify me from applying. ["3-5 years experience"; "Graduated top 10 percent from top 10 law school" ; "non-attorney applicants only"; etc.]
      b. If no such restrictions exist, then apply even if I have no experience in that field.

4. Browse through Craigslist missed connections to see if any women out there may be looking for an unbeknownst to them, jobless attorney.

For the past week, this routine resulted in three job applications and zero missed connections. I'm surprised I was able to apply to three places because rarely would I find positions for attorneys like me. Here's to hoping for a reply to either one of them. If employers called me back, usually it would be about two weeks after I applied.

In Other News

Judge Suspended For Sexual Harassment

"[Judge]Abrams resigned in February after the Pima County Superior Court found that a public defender who had recently passed the state bar exam was subjected to unwanted and unsolicited contact of a sexual nature."

My Thoughts
An attorney who recently passed the bar exam got a government job? Government offices, especially Public Defender and District Attorney, in my area aren't hiring. I wonder how's the budget for that county? Sucks for the attorney to go through that stuff, however these kinds of actions are not rare in the legal field. You would think the profession would have mature and responsible adults but law school showed me people can still act like children.

El Nino in Spanish means "The Nino" [yes, I know there's a tilde]

I've been trying to make use of this down time by learning to speak Spanish. My ultimate goal is to speak the language semi-fluently. What I mean by "semi-fluently" is to be able to freely converse with a client whose main language is Spanish. I'm not trying to always use the proper conjugations or be grammatically perfect. I just don't want there to be any confusion between me and my clients.

In California, or really elsewhere in this country, speaking a foreign language such as Spanish is a big plus. Let me redact that last statement....it is a GIGANTIC plus. I've seen more employers looking for attorneys who speak Spanish than I have seen employers seeking graduates from "top 20 [US News Ranking] schools." [I'll write about the issues I have with these rankings.So, if you graduated from a high ranked school and you speak Spanish fluently, you are a diamond.] I know three attorneys who barely had any work experience but their ability to speak the language got them a position to be a legal assistant or contract worker and eventually an associate. I am not expressing  jealousy nor am I hinting at racism. I wrote "speaking Spanish" is a benefit, not "looking like you speak Spanish." You'd be surprised the number of blonde hair and blue eyes lawyers who can speak it really well. It just shows you the impact the language has on the legal field.  Therefore, I will be watching my favorite movies in Espanol, starting off with "Mi Primo Vinny." Buena suerte!

Memorable Bar Exam Moment

It was during Day 3 and it happened after another restroom break. I was on the final leg of the PT and I removed my ear plugs for the first time. What I heard was a cacophony of a few thousand exam takers blitzing away the last 45 minutes to the finish line. This sound was very reminiscent of being under a light waterfall or inside your room while the rain is pouring, helping you fall asleep. Ironically, this sound many of us relate to relaxation originated from the most distressed.  It was like peace being created from chaos.

Definition of "Endeavour"

"Endeavour" as defined by the English dictionary:
 1) a strenuous effort or attempt toward an end.

"Endeavour" as defined by a potential employer:
1) a rejection of a job position you applied to obtain.

The nearly half of the job rejection letters I received so far have used that word to some degree. It's usually to the extent, "We wish you the very best in your future endeavors." Employers must have came to a consensus to use that word or they just copied each others' template. They'd probably save me a lot of time reading the letter if they just labeled the subject line with "Endeavour".

July 2011 Bar Exam Questions Released

July 2011 Bar Exam Questions
I'm surprised the questions for this past exam are already published. I thought it'd arrive about two months later as what happened with my test.

First thoughts
I would not have passed this exam. BUT that's only because I've been away from study mode for over a year. It's amazing how much you forget  the law after the test but on the other end, it's even more amazing how much you learn preparing for the bar exam.The brain is a very curious thing.

The most difficult question for me to answer would have been #2. Looks like civ pro? I don't recall learning much about motions to compel, dismiss, and summary judgment during Barbri.
#1 would have been my least difficult question to answer. The question was simply asked: "What crimes were committed?" I hope nobody wrote an excerpt about causes of action for torts committed!

These sets of questions would have been more difficult than my July 2010 test. Luckily for me, my exam didn't contain my worst subjects. My strong suit is criminal law and torts. So I was extremely relieved when three questions revolved around that area.

Memorable Bar Exam Moment
Speaking of relief, I remember during day 2 of the exam that I had to take a #2 during the exam! I ate a whopper meal for lunch and I knew it was going to come back to get me. When I walked into the restroom, the stall was occupied! After grudgingly waiting for 3 minutes, I proceeded to expel this demon. A proctor was present but contrary to belief, the proctor did not watch me during my business.  [I could have wrote a few notes inside my underwear before the day and skimmed it during this time. I did not cheat but I'd be lying if I told you I didn't conjure any scenarios during the weeks leading into the exam.]  Ironically, this toilet trip benefited me because afterwards I felt relaxed.  I was able to finish the MBE and had about 15 minutes to re-check my answers.

What's on my mind.

If you can't tell by the title , I am an attorney licensed to practice in California. I graduated law school in May 2010 and subsequently  passed the July 2010 California bar exam. Unfortunately times are tough and I haven't been able to land an attorney job since being licensed this past December. Believe me, it's not from a lack of effort. I've had about ten interviews with seven different offices. I was asked to come back for another round of interviews but like so many others in my position, the job offer was awarded to someone with "experience."  What I hope to bring to you is just my perspective and thoughts throughout this whole time. Enjoy!

First Blog

Hello everyone or whoever is out there. This entry is my first blog post ever. Just trying to test things out. Please be patient with me.