Law Careers New York Law Journal

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

When advertisements for legal jobs state they want somebody from a "top ten law school," just how serious are they? What if you had good grades at a top twenty law school? What if you had excellent grades from a top forty school? They're not trying to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court, are they?

This Week's Topic

New York's new mandate that would-be attorneys need notch 50 hours of pro bono-related service as a prerequisite for bar admission would make even harder the toughest gig in the business - making it in New York, as a practicing attorney. And that is a good thing . . . or could be.

The Careerist

Vivia Chen, The Careerist's chief blogger, has been covering the business and culture of law firms for a decade. A former corporate lawyer, Chen is fascinated by those who thrive (as well as those who don't) in the legal profession. Her take: Success in the law (and life) doesn't always travel a linear path.

May 15

Ex-Wilmer Associate Pens Novel Packed with Intrigue and Fab Real Estate

Cristina Alger wrote her first novel while she was an associate at Wilmer. How did she do it?

Posted at 11:39 AM | Post A Comment

May 14

News Briefs?Iowa Has Lawyer Shortage; Retired Milbank Partner Takes on NYC Private School

Iowa looks for lawyers who want the simple life. And a retired Milbank partner battles a New York private school.

Posted at 01:53 PM | Post A Comment

May 10

Powerful Women Are Not Helping Other Women, Says Study

Women in power have little interest in helping the sisterhood.

Posted at 06:06 PM | Post A Comment

Diversity

Katherine Frink-Hamlett, a graduate of New York University School of Law and President of Frink-Hamlett Legal Solutions Inc., moves the diversity and inclusion dialogue into the 21st Century. She addresses questions from both law firm management seeking to recruit and retain diverse candidates and from legal practitioners confronted with professional and personal challenges surrounding inclusion and diversity.

This Month's Question

During our brainstorming and planning sessions, several of my colleagues discussed the idea of implementing a firm-wide celebration or event that would annually recognize New York's passage of the Marriage Equality Act. While I generally think that it's an attractive idea, I wonder if it might be offensive to those whose religious views don't embrace same-sex marriage.

As More Lawyers Head for Exit, Dewey Faces Several Lawsuits

by Christine Simmons

"Dewey & LeBoeuf is unexpectedly experiencing extraordinary difficulties. Unfortunately, the situation is deteriorating at a more rapid pace than was initially anticipated" the firm said in an e-mail to associates that provided a formal termination letter and protocol for their last day.

Attorney for Department Disciplinary Committee Sues Court System

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by John Caher

Attorney Nicole Corrado alleges in a federal lawsuit that she was sexually harassed by two now-retired officials at the watchdog agency while a third retaliated against her for complaining, and that her lawyer in an unrelated property matter was investigated by the committee until he abandoned her case.

Lawyers Settle Claim With City Over Police Incident

by Mark Hamblett

New York City has agreed to pay attorneys Evelyn and Michael Warren $360,000 to settle claims they were assaulted by police when they tried to assist a handcuffed man who was being beaten by officers.

Town Justice Resigns After Conduct Probe

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by Joel Stashenko

A town court justice in Clinton County has resigned after the Commission on Judicial Conduct said he engaged in improper ex parte communications in at least seven cases in 2009 and 2010.

Attorney Is Arrested for Alleged Role in Tax Fraud

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by Mark Hamblett

Michael Little, a British attorney who also has a residence in Long Island City, was arrested late on May 10 for allegedly engaging in an 11-year scheme to hide over $10 million for an American family.

Ripples From Dewey Collapse Swamp Lawyer Job Market

by Christine Simmons

Recruiters were hearing from Dewey partners and associates months before rising costs and falling revenues prompted the firm to replace chairman Steven Davis in April. "There were junior partners who were getting paid very little and we were hearing from them last year," said a senior New York recruiter who wished to remain anonymous.

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