Attorneys Say Networking Most Effective Way To Find A Job: Use of Staffing or Placement Firms Second Most Popular Method, Survey Shows

MENLO PARK, Calif., May 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The old adage, "It's not what you know but who you know," may hold true when it comes to landing a job in the legal profession, a new survey shows. Nearly half (48 percent) of attorneys interviewed feel networking is the most effective way to find work in the legal field.

The survey was developed by Robert Half Legal, a leading staffing service specializing in attorneys, paralegals and other highly skilled legal professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and includes responses from 300 attorneys among the largest law firms and corporations in the United States and Canada. All respondents have at least three years of experience in the legal field.

Lawyers were asked, "Which of the following do you feel is the most effective way to find a job in the legal field?" Their responses:

    Networking/friend or peer referral                   48%
    Staffing or placement firm                           16%
    Internship/clerkship                                 13%
    Law school recruiting program                         8%
    Contacting law firms or companies that
     interest you                                         8%
    Internet/job board posting                            5%
    Classified advertisements                             1%
    Other                                                 1%
                                                        100%

"In the tight-knit legal community, knowing the right person is often the most effective way to discover the best opportunities," said Charles Volkert, executive director of Robert Half Legal. "Attorneys can use professional networking sites, in addition to traditional networking activities, to meet new people and uncover job leads."

Volkert suggested legal candidates also consider the services of a specialized staffing or recruiting firm. "With their vast databases of professional contacts and industry expertise, recruiters can provide numerous leads and in-depth information on prospective employers, opening doors job seekers might not even know existed."

    Robert Half Legal offers the following networking tips:
    -- Make time. Networking is not a short-term proposition. Its most
       valuable benefit is building a base of contacts to last throughout your
       career.
    -- Expand your circle of contacts. Include professionals at varying
       experience levels, not just your peers. Look outside the legal
       profession for contacts, and remember that networking isn't just for
       business occasions. Consider professional networking websites such as
       Legal OnRamp or LinkedIn.
    -- Be up-front. Let people know if you're looking for help, and be
       prepared with a 15-second elevator pitch describing your strengths.
    -- Take notes. After meeting a new contact and exchanging business cards,
       jot down a few notes about your conversation on the back of their card
       to jog your memory later.
    -- Say thank you. Always let people know you value their help. A simple
       thank-you note or e-mail is appropriate.
    -- Return the favor. Look for ways to help others in your network --
       whether or not they've yet been able to help you. This shows you are
       sincere about building a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship.

About Robert Half Legal

Robert Half Legal is the legal staffing division of Robert Half International. The company provides law firms and corporate legal departments with highly skilled professionals, including attorneys, paralegals and legal support personnel, on a project and full-time basis. Robert Half Legal offers online job search services at http://www.roberthalflegal.com.