From the Blog ...The 6Ps of the BIG 3 

 Tax Law is Sexy (#LawJobChat No. 13) 

Job Change Notifier for LinkedIn  

Google+ for Lawyers/Law Students
   

Raising Your Profile to Get Hired (#LawJobChat No. 12) 
 

Lessons for Unemployed Lawyers from Laid-Off Social Media Specialist/Fitness Blogger 

For the most recent review of The 6Ps of the BIG 3® for Job-Seeking JDs, click here to read why one attorney commented:

"I think every 1L should get a copy when they arrive at law school."   

Click here for information about purchasing a single copy or bulk orders of the book. 

Will the "Big 3" social networks, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, become the "Big 4" after the explosive launch of Google+, Google's social networking platform that launched at the end of June and reached 20 million users in three weeks? For comparison, it took Facebook three years and two months to reach 20 million users. It's also worth noting that Google+ reached this impressive level of growth while only available on an invite only basis.

My initial reaction to Google+ was a fear of social media saturation.  I can manage three social networking sites, but four?!   However, my opinion quickly changed after a lawyer from Google added me to one of his circles in my first two days on the site.  I began to imagine the possibilities of being able to connect with lawyers across the country.  It's still too early to say Google+ is a winner for legal recruiting, but I've seen enough to realize that Google+ might play a significant role in legal recruiting.   

To understand what role Google+ might play in legal recruiting, you must understand how other social networking sites have worked in recruiting and four features unique to Google+.

How Social Networking Works in Your Job Search          

Social networking sites are not job boards. Job seekers can't expect to join a social networking site and immediately find a job. Rather, social networking has been successful in job searches because it helps lawyers and law students develop new relationships from which job opportunities arise. I provide three examples in my book. In all three examples, job opportunities arose after months or years of engaging with contacts on the social networking sites.  It's critical for lawyers and law students to approach social networking as an ongoing networking activity which they must practice consistently before they need a job.

Four Features Unique to Google+ 

For a fourth social networking site to compete with the other "Big 3," it must offer features the other sites lack.  Consider the following four features of Google+:

1. Circles
   
   Finding legal professionals to add to your Google+ professional network is similar to the process on other social networking sites.  Google+ has a "find people" search bar where you can enter keywords for the type of person you are looking to find. For example, "lawyer," "corporate counsel," "law professor," or "law student." You can even specify a particular legal market. For example, when I search "counsel" and "Texas," my result results included an IP attorney at NASA, an attorney at Dell in Austin, a Senior Counsel with Atwood Oceanics in Houston, and more. 
   
   Once you find the people with whom you wish to network on Google+, you place them in a circle, and you can share certain information with that circle. The people you place in a circle are notified that you placed them in a circle but (unlike Facebook or LinkedIn) they don't have to grant permission in order to be added. Thus, Google+ is more like Twitter (where you can follow anyone with a public profile) in that you can connect with anyone by placing them in a circle.
   
   You can create an unlimited number of circles and you may add up to 5,000 people to your circles (though the number of people who can add you to circles in unlimited). The idea behind the circle concept is to share certain information with certain groups of contacts. Google+ provides five default circles but you can create as many circles as you'd like. And, you can place one person in multiple circles.            
2. Sparks
   
   The sparks feature is like Google Reader built into your social networking platform. The sparks feature feeds you content (articles, blog posts, videos, etc) based on the interests you indicate (e.g., legal careers, legal job market, Chapter 11 bankruptcy). You can then share the articles through Google+. Thus, the sparks feature helps you find relevant content to share and discuss with your professional network.            
3. Updates
   
   You can share the same type of information you share in an update on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter. However, Google+ does not limit the length of your updates.  In this respect, Google+ can seem like a discussion board.  You connections can share your updates, give it a "+1" (the equivalent of "like" on Facebook or LinkedIn) or comment back. You can tag other users in your comments or posts even if you aren't connected with them.             
4. Hangouts
   
   Hangouts allow you to hold online video meetings or chats with up to 10 people in your circles. The hangouts can be public or private.

How Google+ Might Work in Legal Recruiting        

We know that lawyers and law students must always be networking.  They can't wait until a month before they are ready to make a move and expect their network to help.  The four features of Google+ described above make Google+ an attractive platform for ongoing networking and discussions.    

Here's an example of how a law student might use Google+ during his 3L year.  Assume  the student is a 3L at Michigan Law  and did not receive offers from his 2011 summer clerkships.  The 3L is originally from Texas and went to college at the University of Texas.  He plans to return to Texas after law school graduation.  He's interested in real estate and commercial litigation and worked in commercial real estate prior to attending law school.   

Step 1:  Identify and Circle 

The 3L can use Google+ to identify, organize, and network with alumni from his law school.  For example, he would search "Michigan Law" in the "Find People" bar as shown below.  Then, review the results and click the red "Add to Circle" button.  He'll need to create a circle called "Michigan Law Alumni."  

The 3L should also consider identifying and circling lawyers who practice in Texas, lawyers who attended college at UT, and lawyers who practice in the areas of interest to him.  Thus, his circles might include:    

• Michigan Law Alumni 
• Texas Lawyers 
• University of Texas Alumni
• University of Texas Alumni - Lawyers
• Texas Commercial Litigators
• Texas Real Estate Lawyers

Step 2:  Create Sparks    

The 3L may want to set up sparks for subject matters he'll want to discuss with his professional networks - for example, commercial real estate in Texas as shown below:   

The 3L's sparks may include:   

• Real estate litigation in Texas
• Commercial real estate in Texas
• Legal careers
• Big 12 football
• University of Texas
• University of Michigan School of Law
• Real estate law

Step 3:  Share Content 

As the 3L finds relevant information from the sparks feature, he may wish to share the information with the appropriate circles.  For example, he might share the following article about a REIT's sale of Houston real estate with his Texas Real Estate Lawyers circle.   

Step 4:  Comment

In addition to sharing his own information, the 3L can contribute to other discussions by commenting, sharing, or giving a "+1" to an update.  For example, the image below shows a post by a law student with comments by another law student and a Connecticut attorney.   

Step 5:  Explore the Hangouts  

I have not explored the hangouts feature, but I see potential here for informational interviews and preliminary interviews--especially for students like the one in our example who plan to move to a different legal market after law school graduation.   

I'm not a fan of just asking an attorney for an informational interview.  Rather, I think students should engage with attorneys for several months and then offer to meet or discuss how the student can help the attorney with a project such as a paper, presentation, or blog post.   I think students can use the hangouts feature to collaborate with attorneys across the country on such projects.   

Finally, the above example only covers one player in the legal recruiting process--the law student job seeker.  Lateral job seekers, law firm recruiting professionals, and law school career services professionals can follow the same strategies outlined in Steps 1-5 above.  Additionally, lateral job seekers, law firm recruiting professionals, and law school career services professionals should note the following strategies unique to their roles in the legal recruiting process:   

• Lateral Job Seekers.  Lateral attorneys interested in opportunities with corporate legal departments should use search terms like "corporate counsel" or "general counsel" to find the appropriate in-house contacts to place in their circles.       
• Law Firm Recruiting Professionals.  Recruiting Coordinators can search for law students with a particular background and put them in circles.  For example, a law firm interested in growing its patent section can search for "law student" and "electrical engineering" and then add the results to a circle labeled "Law Students - Patent -EE."  Over the next year(s), the Recruiting Coordinator can share updates about the firm's patent practice with this circle of students.  
  
  Recruiting Coordinators can also experiment with the hangouts feature--perhaps a monthly or quarterly chat with the "Law Students - Patent - EE" circle about the firm's patent practice.  Or, the firm might decide to conduct initial interviews through hangouts.      
• Law School Career Services Professionals.   Law school career offices can designate a staff member to identify and circle different types of attorneys.  This staff member can keep an updated list for counselors to share with students who are interested in using Google+ in their professional networking.  The list could divide attorneys by practice area, markets, etc.  For example, the career office at the University of Texas School of Law might have the following circles:
  
  Commercial Litigation
  Family Law Attorneys
  Tax Attorneys
  Bankruptcy Attorneys
  Real Estate Attorneys
  Corporate Attorneys
  IP Attorneys
  Criminal Defense Attorneys
  BigLaw Attorneys
  Small and Mid-Size Firm Attorneys
  Solos
  Law Firm Recruiting/Hiring Contacts
  UT Law Alumni
  UT Law Alumni - Non-practicing Lawyers
  UT Law Alumni - Dallas
  UT Law Alumni - Lubbock
  UT Law Alumni - Houston
  UT Law Alumni - Austin
  UT Law Alumni - San Antonio
  etc (for each market)  

Conclusion

 It's still too early to tell what role, if any, Google+ will play in legal recruiting.  Here are my observations from the four weeks I've spent on Google+:

• Facebook layout with Twitter crowd of legal professionals having longer discussions
• Professional site for me - I can't see my Facebook world migrating to Google+ anytime soon (of my 200+ contacts on Google+, only 10-15 are also my Facebook friends) 
• Easy to find lawyers across the country  
• Very surprised at the large number of lawyers already using Google+ (not sure of exact number - I stopped counting when I reached 1,000)  
•  Love the organization of the circles - beats LinkedIn in terms of organizing your contacts  

I encourage you to test some of the features and strategies I outlined above.  I would love to hear your thoughts and success stories.  If you need an invite to Google+, email me and I'll send you one.      

Featured Job Openings from Special Counsel

Please contact me (amanda.ellis@specialcounsel.com) if you are interested in a position below, and I'll connect you with the appropriate recruiter in your market. 

Denver - Corporate Associate

A branch office of a national firm is currently seeking a Corporate Associate with 2+ years of experience in general corporate matters with a top tier law firm including public and private transactional work, M&A and securities matters. Strong academic credentials and large law firm experience are a must.

Orlando - In-house Attorney

Bilingual (Spanish) in house counsel needed for large corporation. Must have seven plus yrs of experience in mergers and acquisitions, litigation management, and contracts negotiations. Excellent academics and prior experience gained at a large law firm or in house at a large corporation is required. Must have strong negotiations skills, excellent people skills, ability to work with senior executives and managers, and licensure in at least one US jurisdiction. MBA or business background is desirable.

Miami - In-house Counsel

Motivated, accomplished attorney needed for national company in Miami Beach. The right attorney for this position will have five plus years of payment processing systems experience, as well as experience with contracts that govern merchant transactions. Must have FL bar license, great references, relevant experience and strong academic credentials. Immediate need.

Atlanta - Commercial Litigation & Bankruptcy

GREAT OPPORTUNITY WITH SMALL FIRM IN ATLANTA! This established but growing Buckhead firm with around 20 attorneys is looking to grow again. The firm needs an attorney with 4 to 7 years experience in commercial and bankruptcy litigation, with experience representing creditors in Chapter 11 proceedings. While actual trial experience is not necessary, it's a big plus. Strong writing skills are a must, as is Georgia Bar membership. Salary is commensurate with experience, and a book of business in NOT required- this firm has plenty of business.

Detroit - In-house Litigation

Metro Detroit area Corporation seeks a Litigation Attorney to join its busy legal team. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of prior litigation experience. Top academics, prior law firm training as well as automotive industry experience is essential. Candidates should be well versed in commercial, products liability and asbestos litigation.

Minneapolis - In-house International Counsel

Top Minneapolis Company has a terrific opportunity for an experienced commercial attorney with a strong background in international law and compliance in the area of medical device, life sciences, health care or high tech. In this role you will support the International Division on a wide variety of legal matters including general corporate, transactional, compliance and export matters. Candidates must have 4-6+ years of experience in these areas, a background in medical device, life sciences, health care or high tech, excellent academic and work credentials and an ability to travel internationally. Preferred skills include foreign language proficiency. If you've been looking for the opportunity of a lifetime - here is the position for you.

New York - Finance Associate

Our client, a top international law firm with a mid-sized NY office, seeks two fourth or fifth year finance associates. Candidates must have experience with mezzanine debt, servicing both mezzanine and private equity clients. Outstanding academic credentials and top tier law firm experience required.

Greensboro, NC - Corporate Counsel

Outstanding opportunity to join a large corporation in the Greensboro, North Carolina area. Strong law firm and in-house experience required. M&A, Securities, General Corporate, Contracts experience required. Strong compensation. Out of state applicants welcome.

Charlotte - In-house Mortgage Servicing Attorney

Great in-house position! Client seeks a mortgage servicing attorney with 5+ years experience. Must have default side and loan servicing experience in the residential mortgage field. In-house or law firm experience okay. North Carolina Bar required.

Cleveland - Health Care Associate

Cleveland Firm has an excellent opportunity for a health care associate with 2-6+ years of experience to join its busy health care practice. Excellent growth potential, opportunity for direct client contact and good work-life balance. Must have experience with federal and state health care legislation and regulations (HIPAA, Stark, and Anti-Kickback). The successful candidate will also have acquisitions and contract drafting and negotiation experience.

Pittsburgh - Environmental Attorney

Our client, a preeminent full service regional law firm, is seeking an Environmental Attorney for its Pittsburgh office. Ideal candidate will have 2+ years of experience with clean air, clean water, CERCLA, RCRA, their state counterparts, the Solid Waste Management Act, and state brownfield provisions (Pennsylvania's Act 2 Program), as well as experience negotiating administrative consent orders with the EPA and state agencies. MUST be admitted in PA. This firm was recognized in the 2010 U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" and boasts a uniquely collegial work environment that promotes the professional development of associate attorneys. This is a tremendous opportunity to join a firm that offers outstanding compensation, a sophisticated client base, solid mentoring and advancement potential.

Nashville - Employment Litigation Attorney

L&E litigator ready for your next move? If you have at least 3 years recent experience litigating employment matters under Title VII, ADAAA, FMLA, etc. and top law school academics, this may be this lateral move for you. Top Nashville law firm seeks credentialed attorney to join the L&E group.

Dallas - Real Estate Associate

National law firm has an opening for a Real Estate Associate with 2 to 6 years of experience. The firm is seeking candidates that have some experience or background in commercial real estate. Salary is commensurate with experience. Excellent bonus opportunity! Top grades and top law school is a must.

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About Amanda

Amanda Ellis is the Vice President of Search for Special Counsel.  She plans, designs and implements all direct hire training, development, integration and mentoring programs for the company's direct hire recruiters.   Prior to her current role at Special Counsel, Amanda worked as an Attorney Search Director at Special Counsel and her own search firm where she placed direct hire attorneys in law firms and corporate legal departments. 
Amanda is the author of The 6Ps of the BIG 3 for Job-Seeking JDs, the first book to teach lawyers and law students how to get hired using social networking sites.  Amanda is a nationally known speaker and has been retained by law firms as a consultant in litigation and other matters involving social media.  Prior to entering the legal recruiting field, Amanda practiced commercial bankruptcy law in Massachusetts and Texas.  Amanda obtained her J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law in May 2001.  She obtained her B.S. in Business, summa cum laude, from Centenary College of Louisiana in May 1998.