Advice for the Lawlorn

Ann Israel is the legal profession's Dear Abby. A New York legal recruiter since 1979, Ann is president of Ann Israel & Associates, Inc. and a past president of the National Association of Legal Search Consultants. She answers your questions about finding a better law firm job, dealing with headhunters, resumes, and much more.

This Week's Question

Our intrepid 2L has racked up an impressive number of interviews and a massive sense of frustration as he failed to secure a summer associate gig. What went wrong? Can Ann throw him a parachute? Read on.

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Previous Questions

How I should handle questions regarding not getting an offer from the firm at which I spent my 2L summer. I am trying to go back to the city where the "no offer" firm is located so I'm sure I will be asked. Should I leave the "no offer" firm off my resume altogether?

I am currently working with several recruiters to find a lateral position. What is the most ethical, professional way to handle learning about the same opportunity from multiple recruiters? Thank you.

I am a first-year associate at a top New York firm and I graduated from a top law school. I don't mind the firm or the work, but my wife wants desperately to move to California. Would a top California firm be interested in me? If not, how long do I need to work in New York before a top California firm will take me?

After eight years practicing law, I am having trouble finding work. I always believed that where I attended law school matters less as I gain more experience. How can I overcome this stereotype of being less qualified simply because I did not attend a top ten law school?

Could you please address note-taking etiquette during an interview. I'm not always sure that the interviewer is comfortable when I take notes. Should I ask? Should I wait until after the interview to do so? How do most employers perceive applicants who take notes?