Just Continuing

Made two appearances this past week . I met other attorneys who were in a similar position as me. We were all the youngest looking in the courtroom so it wasn't that hard to strike up a conversation about our employment status. Two of them were licensed since 2008. [They didn't tell me this information but I just looked up their info on the state bar website. Their addresses are registered to a PO Box and a residential address.] We talked about other things not related to law such as sports, sports radio, etc..It was a good respite from all the legal jargon you hear inside the room. I sometimes get lost when unfamiliar terms are thrown out, thus causing me to retrieve the meaning of this lawyer slang from the internet or my boss.

I also got my check today. My boss said he has more work  for me this month but I really don't believe it until things are more definite which usually means giving  the details of the client and the courthouse location.

I called that employer's office who said he'll have his secretary set up an interview. I spoke with the receptionist who didn't know if the position is still open.She informed me the guy is in court but will call me as soon as they can. Where have I heard that before?

Delayed

Well, I was supposed to receive my check last week but he said he was busy and wouldn't be able to meet. He told me I can pick it up this week but I haven't heard from him at all. It's a little frustrating to say the least but what can I do about it? Eventually, I'll get it within a month because the client's next appearance is scheduled then and I have discovery.

I also haven't heard from that last employer who called me. I'm expecting his secretary to schedule an interview soon. Hope they didn't forget me either, right?

I applied to a job posting with quite the few spelling errors. When I was a new attorney, I probably wouldn't even have bothered sending my materials but with nothing out there, beggars can't be choosers.

One of my friends got a full-time job in the government office where I used to work during my law school years. She's been working there for over a month now. I was happy for her but sad and a little angry for me. She never worked in that office or in that field before she was hired. Granted, she had experience working in another unrelated field but no courtroom experience nonetheless. She was called in for an interview and eventually given an offer. Things like that make me wonder what exactly they are seeking in an employee. It's like they completely forgot about the people who helped them in the past. I've always said I'm not expecting to be given handouts only a chance. I was never given an interview and I feel disrespected. There's no such thing as loyalty in this business.

Good Things

Made another appearance today and I'm set to pick up my check this week too. The Deputy DA was really cordial and helpful even considering the hectic courtroom. Much more pleasant than that deputy douche bag I encountered a month ago.

An employer also called and asked the usual round of questions regarding my work experience. We also talked about my school because that area is where he grew up. He indicated the reason why it took a long time to contact me is because his office received hundreds of applications and he has just been combing through them. I told him I completely understand and was still grateful he replied to my application. He said his secretary will contact me to set up an interview and he thanked me for my time. Overall, it was nice to hear from an employer.

Sometimes people forget...

Just like my boss who remembered  paying me after I emailed him. He apologized and wrote I'll definitely get it next week. He offered to send me the check through a courier service but I told him I can just pick up the money at his office. I'd rather retrieve it personally so I can possibly get more assignments from him or meet his associates and possibly receive some work through them,

Today, I applied to be a full-time law clerk at a family law office. I don't have experience in that area outside taking a semester course in the subject or the various family and friends who have gone through those proceedings. I doubt I'll hear back from them  because as an attorney, I'm "over qualified."

That old familiar feeling again...

Well, it's been almost a month since I've been given an assignment and that feeling of emptiness is starting to creep up again. I haven't received any replies from the jobs I inquired nor have I seen any ads where I qualify to apply. I got a voicemail from my boss asking about the calendar dates for the clients. I was hoping he would give me more work or at least talk about paying me for my last assignment. I hope he didn't forget but I wouldn't be surprised if he did, considering the many times I had to re-send his clients' schedules.

For some reason today, the thought of never having full-time attorney work for the rest of my life crossed my mind. I always used to think it would be a matter of time, albeit  a long time but never was it that devoid of hope. Maybe I'm overreacting to a year of unemployment and such a time span is not a good sample size but it's not a good feeling right now.

I like to imagine me receiving that job offer, being in the office and hearing the words, "We'd like you to work here" or something to that extent, walking out of the building with a jubilation in my heart and probably water in my eyes. Only until then...

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.