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.