tag:nysbar.com,2010:/blogs/ReasonableDoubt/36 2010-02-26T21:50:49Z Sponsored by the New York State Bar Association Committee on Lawyers in Transition Why I Changed Careers to Become a Lawyer. How I am Trying to Find a Job, and Keep Me Real. - by Carlene Jadusingh Movable Type 3.33 tag:nysbar.com,2010:/blogs/ReasonableDoubt//36.2281 2010-02-26T01:47:27Z 2010-02-26T21:50:49Z

Friends, my partner and I will be hosting a fund-raiser on Saturday March 27, 2010 @ 7:00 PM in Manhattan for a truly righteous organization— “The Lamp for Haiti.” The Lamp is a free medical clinic and community resource center...

CJ http://www.philly.com/philly/news/homepage/82768327.html?page=1&c=y Believe me when I say, that for several years Tom and The Lamp have been doing amazing work on a daily basis in one of the most forsaken and devastated parts of the world— Cite Soleil in Port-Au-Prince. We hosted a similar fund-raiser in 2008 in response to the floods that almost wiped out that city. The recent earthquake compels us to respond again. Now, I am also asking my legal community for support. The donation is $100 per person and is tax deductible. Tom and members of the board will also be there to answer questions and give us a first hand account of the current conditions. There will also be a silent auction with original art directly from Haiti and a raffle. The event will be catered (for the 2nd time) by “Table Tales” (http://www.tabletales.com/cafe.html), which is an absolutely fabulous restaurant downtown owned and operated by my good friend Grace Clerihew. Not only is the food simply marvelous, the prices are as well. You will also feel like you are in your living room with good friends sharing a wonderful evening. Grace will most likely come over to your table to make sure your lamb and shrimp bisque are just right. Please make a reservation soon. My other good friend, Chris Cooper will be donating an amazing chocolate and wine experience. Please let me know if you can attend and send me your email address. I will then send you an evite with the event details. When you receive the evite please RSVP and send me a check to the address on the invitation made payable to “The Lamp for Haiti.” Thank you very much. ]]> tag:nysbar.com,2010:/blogs/ReasonableDoubt//36.2280 2010-02-26T00:15:23Z 2010-02-26T00:20:38Z

Rise and shine. Pet the dog. Make the coffee, according to my partner, before I am a barrister, I am a barista. Get dressed — office casual— great. Walk the dog. Take a few minutes to look at and smell...

CJ Rise and shine. Pet the dog. Make the coffee, according to my partner, before I am a barrister, I am a barista. Get dressed — office casual— great. Walk the dog. Take a few minutes to look at and smell those things in the neighborhood that were never really fully appreciated. Go to office. Check PDA calender, no appointments or court appearances today— great. Check wall calender, confirm no appointments— great. Make list of things to do today. 1. Research employee/independent contractor 2. Research elements for withholding & CAT filing 3. Make misc. calls 4. Phone conference with client 5. Draft complaint 6. Check out electronic filing (find instructions, passwords, access codes) Organize case files on desk to correspond to “to do” list. Find post-it on bulletin board — reminder! Forgot, good grief! Add to list. Pet Dog. Decide dogs teeth should be brushed. Add to list. Answer phone call from mom, spend 30 minutes discussing Rachel Maddow, the Olympics, the state of health care, the state of her health, the dog’s health, the health of everyone we know. Answer door for mail delivery. Give postman legal advice for 10 minutes. Answer phone call confirming appointment for root canal— great. Add to list. Answer phone call from client, spend 20 minutes explaining why “we can’t just not mention that to the judge.” Answer second phone call from mom, discuss why I am "always in a rush to get off the phone" and everything else under the sun for 15 minutes. Redo list, this time on index card with Sharpie marker. Answer phone call from FED-EX, listen to 10 minute explanation as to why my overnight package didn’t get delivered overnight or over two days. Pet the dog. Brush dog’s teeth. Tear up list. tag:nysbar.com,2010:/blogs/ReasonableDoubt//36.2199 2010-01-31T22:57:33Z 2010-02-01T19:07:44Z

One of the best things for me about 2008 was graduating from law school and getting to shake hands with the most Honorable Judge Judith Kaye. To say she is a role model of mine is an understatement. Standing on...

CJ now judge, remembered meeting me, some two months earlier, looked up my address and sent me an invitation to her induction. When I met both of these judicial candidates, I knew that they were remarkable women. I knew that they were the kind of attorneys I wanted to be like and the kind of judges I would want to appear before. They were both very “real” and grounded people who I believe appreciate the often ethereal relationship between the law and justice. I also sensed that no matter how long they sat on the bench, they would still “be a part of” the society they were judging. And my feelings and opinions were more than validated by the statements of the many family, friends and politicians who spoke at their respective ceremonies. I have often thought of Judge Kaye and how sad I was when she retired last year. Whether there will be another like her remains to be seen. But after the second induction ceremony, I had only two thoughts, “The state of New York and especially New York County has some amazing judges” and “I am so proud to be a part of the New York State Bar.” ]]> tag:nysbar.com,2010:/blogs/ReasonableDoubt//36.2157 2010-01-16T01:15:45Z 2010-01-16T01:22:50Z

Perhaps one of the most remarkable things I have discovered since I started my firm is— adobe acrobat. As a new attorney with a general solo practice, I endeavor to be more like the adobe acrobat professional— practical and intuitive...

CJ Perhaps one of the most remarkable things I have discovered since I started my firm is— adobe acrobat. As a new attorney with a general solo practice, I endeavor to be more like the adobe acrobat professional— practical and intuitive with the power to transform and adapt to changing needs and programs. In addition to the law, I love tools— especially power tools. I love that feeling I get when I am working on some new project and realize that I have just the right tool for the job— that will make it easier and get it done right the first time. That reminds me of something a good friend said the first time he came into my office, “this is a place where things get done. One way or another, they get done!” He was no doubt moved by the juxtaposition of my fabulous all-in-one copier and my equally fabulous craftsman Laser Trac miter saw. Yes, I can fax, pdf and frame out a door way in the same office! The other day I found myself desperate for a certain immigration form that had to be completed and filed STAT. It also had to be signed by myself and my client. Enter my AAP. Using my adobe acrobat professional I was able to download, complete via type, sign & send the form to my client for him to sign and return to me via fax in less than 20 minutes! While I waited for him to send it back, I used my Dremel to change and refit the door nob and lock on my office door. On another occasion I needed to format and print a litigation cover (blue back). Two months ago I spend what felt like days trying to figure out how to properly align Blumburg forms for printing. Those days are gone. Now I simply scan, convert, type and— voilá! Being a general solo can be very nerve-racking, tiring, scary and overwhelming, but with the right tools, it can also be made simpler and even fun. FYI, my Potluck Legal Network is still accepting new members for 2010, please feel free to contact me if you would like to join the group. We meet on the second Tuesday of each month to eat, drink, socialize and network. Thanks and happy new year. tag:nysbar.com,2010:/blogs/ReasonableDoubt//36.2126 2010-01-01T21:12:30Z 2010-01-01T21:24:06Z

1. Don’t be afraid to take on a new challenge because you think you won’t know what to do— because you will. 2. Never underestimate the importance of a good printer/copier/fax/scanner 3. No matter how busy or tiring it...

CJ 1. Don’t be afraid to take on a new challenge because you think you won’t know what to do— because you will. 2. Never underestimate the importance of a good printer/copier/fax/scanner 3. No matter how busy or tiring it gets make time for the gym and the dog. As I walked through the door of my new life — as a general solo, I felt not only an enormous amount of pride, excitement and of course fear, but I also felt a certain sense of inevitable grace—it is now as it was meant to be. Everything has fallen serenely into place— from the art on my office walls and the placement of my new handy dandy, marvelous all-in-one professional business machine to the just perfect place where my dog rests when she comes in to check on me. Since my door opened in October 2009, my practice has undertaken cases in the areas of: name change, landlord/tenant, immigration, bankruptcy and contracts. And, I have an average of 4 new clients per month. In addition, I won my first immigration case— an amnesty petition. That was huge for me and of course my client was quite pleased as well. We got the decision right before the Solstice which made this holiday season the best my client and I have ever had. So, I feel pretty confident about 2010. But my optimism is built not just on the fact that I continue to get referrals and I can convert to pdf like nobody’s business, but my potluck legal network is growing and the bonds with my colleagues are getting stronger. For every new case I have had, I have had someone to look to for guidance. Questions ranging from “how much do I charge for this,” to “what format do I use for that,” to “good grief, what do I do now!” — all have been answered with patience and with grace. And for that I am very grateful and will say a special thank you now to Tom and Debra who are only two of many that I have been fortunate to have as mentors and friends. However, with all the commotion in the past few months, I have not been able to get to the gym as often as I had been, and it shows. My dog and I are not walking as long as we used to either, and she knows. Therefore, along with some new software, I will invest in those exercise walking shoes and the pup and I resolve to set out once again in our daily olfactory treasure hunt for urine and the other irresistible pleasures that makes my dog’s life, and therefore mine, so sweet. Happy New Year to you all and thank you for coming back despite my absence. I look forward to hearing from you. tag:nysbar.com,2009:/blogs/ReasonableDoubt//36.1981 2009-10-23T03:50:13Z 2009-10-23T04:34:18Z

Yea as walk through the valley of the shadow of the solo practice reaper and the threat of generic dog chow I shall fear no evil for my office phone is ringing...hallelujah, hallelujah. One of the things I do really...

CJ Yea as walk through the valley of the shadow of the solo practice reaper and the threat of generic dog chow I shall fear no evil for my office phone is ringing...hallelujah, hallelujah. One of the things I do really well, in addition to arguing, is worry. If I could get paid for just worrying for my clients, which I think is actually part of my job, I have no doubt I would do very, very well. But alas, my pain and suffering brings no compensation. When I made the decision to start this practice I worried about everything I could imagine, and I have a very vivid and creative imagination. The little things, like whether I would get any clients and make any money, were of concern too. I also kept telling myself that I worried too much and that things were going to work out fine, as they always do. Then again, I imagine it would be unreasonable to expect that I shouldn’t worry, all things considered. After all getting a solo practice off the ground is a heavy lift. But there is something to be said for just letting go. No, I don’t mean just drop the thing if it gets too heavy. Nor am I referring to fear and doubt— those two are really bad dates that just can’t take a hint and keep calling because they are sure you are just playing hard to get. It would be nice to just get rid of them but they are relentless and dense. And I certainly don’t mean letting go of goals or dreams. I mean that in order to withstand the pressures of a new solo practice, I had to release my attachment to outcomes. For example, I still worry about whether I will file the right papers at the right times. However, I no longer worry whether my practice will succeed. I want my practice to succeed but I don’t define success by how I may be doing in five or even one year from now. I measure success by how and what I’m doing now. And right now my office is open, my phone is ringing, I am writing retainer agreements and I can make time to play with my dog. In addition, I now have an increasing network of good friends and associates that I depend on for advice and guidance. Indeed, most of the cases I have gotten so far have been referrals from other attorneys. Networking in fact continues to be one of the most important areas of my practice and something I continue to devote a considerable amount of time to, with good reason. At the end of one of the most recent events I attended, another attorney approached me, handed me her card and offered to provide assistance when needed. I later realized that her office was very close to mine and we are scheduled to have lunch in two weeks. I also plan to invite her into my Potluck Legal Network and to perhaps join us for bowling next month. tag:nysbar.com,2009:/blogs/ReasonableDoubt//36.1917 2009-10-03T00:07:50Z 2009-10-05T13:36:59Z

The other day I took a walk down Memory Lane— a rather long, winding road just around the corner from How the Hell Did I Get Here Place. It was a very interesting and rather pleasant journey. I was cleaning...

CJ The Psychology of Drug Addiction, Probation Supervision: Protection or Threat, Juvenile Crime: Doing by Learning, Law Justice is Thy Name and two critique papers on Reinhold Niebuhr and Thomas Szasz. They were all very happy to see me and the feeling was mutual. As I read some of the relatively lengthy and in retrospect prophetic comments on my papers, I found myself in familiar conversations with those professors I had long since forgotten. Some of them were very enthusiastic about my writing and were very encouraging about my potential and future. Many of them wanted me to be a lawyer. One was sure I would be a philosopher. None were supportive of my decision to accept an offer from the U.S Probation Department in the Eastern District of New York. But that is what I did. I was twenty-something and the idea of being on surveillance, carrying a gun, having a nice office and earning a decent salary appealed to me more than three or four more years of school, much less law school. And, since I had been attending school at night because I had to work during the day, and student loans would soon be an issue, philosophical pursuits were impractical. As I looked back through those old files I could see and feel myself moving forward through my life— my childhood dreams, my hopes and ambitions, my fears. The experience reminded me of a line in my favorite movie— The Matrix. When explaining why he is not afraid of complete annihilation when such seems quite certain, Morpheus, one of the main characters, explains that he is without fear because he looks back. “I remember that I am here not because of the path that lies before me but because of the path that lies behind me.” The Law Office of Carlene Jadusingh is now open for business. My website has been updated to include my practice areas— please check it out, strong>cjadusinghlegal.com. Thank you.]]> tag:nysbar.com,2009:/blogs/ReasonableDoubt//36.1886 2009-09-17T21:24:06Z 2009-09-17T21:32:08Z

So I am flying solo now. In addition to navigating my way through the yet unknown and the can’t be known dark clouds of uncertainty, liability insurance, CPAs and ostentatious CLE instructors, I must now concern myself with my dog...

CJ think we are saying. The fact is communicating with potential clients— who is everyone we meet or bark at— involves more than words, it includes those fabulous personal billboards that so succinctly, eloquently and defiantly proclaim our moral, intellectual and spiritual superiority. For example, the pup is partial to her “Barack The Vote” shirt and my “I hated George Bush before it was popular” tank top has racked up some frequent flyer miles. Now I know what you are thinking, can the message on your tee shirts really be that important when someone is either trying to avoid being evicted or deported, especially when there is such a beautiful creature involved? Well, first of all, my dog is pretty cute too. Secondly, it would be imprudent to underestimate the power of the narrow mind and it’s cousin— ignorance. Some people can jump to enormous conclusions with very little effort. For instance to some, my “No War for Oil” shirt says I am an anarchist. My Habitat for Humanity shirts say I am a socialist and my Goddess wear indicates that I must worship the devil. The solution could lie in the next big sale at Old Navy— a dozen polo shirts. Or it could be solved by the fact that our wardrobe is changing with the season. It is getting colder and by next Summer my practice will either be thriving or the pup and I will both be eating food manufactured in China. Assuming for the sake of argument that I am not advocating the overthrow of either the government or capitalism and that neither my dog nor I are daughters of the dark lord, the question is, does the desire to wear our “Hate is Not a Family Value” or “Surviving Katerina by Any Means Necessary” shirts outweigh the possibility of deterring potential clients? Well that would depend on whether for the sake of building my practice, we are willing to sacrifice the shirts of our backs. The answer is no, because in the end it always come out in the wash. ]]> tag:nysbar.com,2009:/blogs/ReasonableDoubt//36.1852 2009-08-28T12:53:29Z 2009-08-28T13:00:01Z

I am not sure how exactly it happened. And, I am really not sure why it happened. But it happened. I let go. I released my attachment to the comfortable feel of an often unhappy but sure thing. And since...

CJ I am not sure how exactly it happened. And, I am really not sure why it happened. But it happened. I let go. I released my attachment to the comfortable feel of an often unhappy but sure thing. And since then I have been feeling waves of freedom, excitement and a sort of pensive optimism marked by further waves of nausea. I am taking a empty handed leap into the void — I am starting my own practice. Perhaps it was the slow state of the economic recovery, or the gradual decline of my willingness to conform my life experience into the parameters of a one page cover letter. Or, maybe it was just my rapid descent into insanity. Whatever the reason, at some point within the last month I decided that since the ever shrinking world of employers has yet to discover and appreciate me and my diverse talents, I needed to explore a new world. If my journey through law school and especially the bar exam was a passage into the seventh ring of hell, and it was, could this path be any worse? Well hell, of course it could! But again, in the face of reasonable doubt I choose to be Ben Bernanke — relatively sure things will be stable if not vastly improved soon despite evidence to the contrary. However, unlike the fed chief, I have a less volatile, better and more reliable indicator of my success — my increasing network of friends and associates. Building my practice will require that first client, and I am confident she/he will come. But maintaining it and keeping me real demands that I continue to seek and be open to receiving help. That being said, one of the most important things I’ve learned since I made the decision to go out on my own is that I won’t be alone. I have received nothing but encouragement, advise and assistance from my friends and the incredible group of attorneys that now form my Potluck Legal Network. I am very grateful. But for all the support and guidance I may not have taken this leap. Thank you. tag:nysbar.com,2009:/blogs/ReasonableDoubt//36.1831 2009-08-20T15:31:34Z 2009-08-20T15:34:10Z

I am hosting a reception for Leslie Crocker Snyder— the next district attorney for New York County— at the South Street Seaport please come on downtown and meet her, ask questions and have some refreshments on me. I am supporting...

CJ FIRST female district attorney in New York County! That’s right, in the history of New York State, there has only been one female DA— Liz Holtzman in Brooklyn. We can do better. Please come downtown on Wednesday, August 26th @7:00 PM and let me introduce you to Leslie. I am sure you will also be impressed with her. Please RSVP to: cjadusinghesq@gmail.com Thanks & I hope to see you on Wednesday! ]]> tag:nysbar.com,2009:/blogs/ReasonableDoubt//36.1825 2009-08-14T19:52:38Z 2009-08-14T19:54:01Z

You are cordially invited to attend a private reception for Leslie Crocker Snyder who is running for Manhattan District Attorney. I am supporting Leslie and I am hosting this event for her because I believe in her. I believe in...

CJ You are cordially invited to attend a private reception for Leslie Crocker Snyder who is running for Manhattan District Attorney. I am supporting Leslie and I am hosting this event for her because I believe in her. I believe in her because during her career she has not only demonstrated a commitment to fighting crime but to also fighting injustice. I met Leslie for the first time when she was still a judge sitting on the bench in New York Supreme Court and I was still a federal officer with only plans of attending law school in the future. She inspired me then. I am an attorney now and I am still inspired. She inspires me on many levels but especially as a woman by braking gender barriers for other women like me. And as a lawyer, by doing her best to do the right thing and by using the power of the law for good. I am also supporting Leslie NOW and asking you to come and meet her and support her NOW because NOW is when we have an opportunity to elect ONLY the 2nd Woman in New York history to the position of District Attorney. It is never too late to make a difference but we must act NOW. Please come and meet /greet Leslie Crocker Snyder on: Wednesday, August 26th @7:00 at the South Street Seaport. Please RSVP to me directly ASAP. This is a private event & there will be a guest list limited to a maximum of 50 people. Upon RSVP you will be sent the exact address of the event. I look forward to meeting you & I know you will be inspired too. Thank you. RSVP to: cjadusinghesq@gmail.com tag:nysbar.com,2009:/blogs/ReasonableDoubt//36.1817 2009-08-12T02:24:23Z 2009-08-12T02:30:37Z

A common complaint or obstacle among unemployed people is the unwillingness or reluctance to more “aggressively” seek out or follow up with contacts for fear of being perceived as annoying, harassing or “too desperate.” I think a large part of...

CJ A common complaint or obstacle among unemployed people is the unwillingness or reluctance to more “aggressively” seek out or follow up with contacts for fear of being perceived as annoying, harassing or “too desperate.” I think a large part of the problem, besides pride— which is a an emotional chimera I battle with often, is failure to communicate. Basically, whether you are employed, unemployed, underemployed or unhappily employed, to network is to ask for assistance in expanding, improving or otherwise modifying that status. But whether you are engaging in effective networking or being a nuisance will depend more on how you ask than how often you ask. When networking, I have found that it is better to be open, honest and straightforward. It also helps if you can cultivate some sort of personality or at least have a really great dog. Now, given that I am still unemployed, I am obviously no expert on the art of finding a job. But my experiences while searching have made me a little less obtuse about certain principles of effective networking. First, even the most gifted legal orator, including myself of course, must learn to recognize the value and appropriateness of brevity. For example, at a recent event, I overheard someone ask another person in the beginning of their conversation if they were employed and where they were working. It wasn’t a trick question really but despite the rhetorical gymnastics and the curriculum vitae recital, neither the person asking nor I could figure out whether the person being asked had a job. Networking can be as simple as exchanging business cards at a party or it can be a very complex psychodrama. Personally, I prefer to keep it simple. Now, I know we lawyers are endowed with the art of elocution and are naturally ostentatious, but really, if you are unemployed and need a job and someone asks you if you are working, just say no. On the other hand, If you work for AIG and someone asks where you are working, then you might consider babbling. In addition, whether you are at a party, a designated networking event or walking your dog, remember first impressions are often not as they seem. Therefore, it is not particularly productive to attend events in the hope of making contacts if you only spend time with the people you know criticizing the wardrobe of everyone else in the room. I learned this lesson the hard way— suffice to say the owners of tutu wearing Chihuahuas are not all created equal. tag:nysbar.com,2009:/blogs/ReasonableDoubt//36.1781 2009-07-23T14:31:56Z 2009-07-23T14:33:46Z

The first meeting of the Potluck Legal Network— attorneys meeting monthly to network, socialize and discuss current legal events— will be held in Manhattan on Tues. Aug. 18th @7:00 PM. There are 6 participants so far and we are still...

CJ The first meeting of the Potluck Legal Network— attorneys meeting monthly to network, socialize and discuss current legal events— will be held in Manhattan on Tues. Aug. 18th @7:00 PM. There are 6 participants so far and we are still accepting new members (up to a maximum of 13). If you are interested, please contact me directly at: cjadusinghesq@gmail.com. Thanks. tag:nysbar.com,2009:/blogs/ReasonableDoubt//36.1780 2009-07-23T03:02:36Z 2009-07-23T03:15:31Z

Every time I leave my apartment these days I take my business cards and the attitude that everyone I meet is potentially my new boss, business partner, co/worker or connection. My dog has also become a big part of my...

CJ Every time I leave my apartment these days I take my business cards and the attitude that everyone I meet is potentially my new boss, business partner, co/worker or connection. My dog has also become a big part of my guerrilla networking campaign. In addition to being a great judge of character, she is my biggest fan and most ardent supporter. She is also the most beautiful thing in the world and a magnet for positive energy and great people— I met some of my best friends because of her. Whenever we go out she immediately begins offering free hugs and kisses to anyone she senses is a possible contact for me— pretty much everyone we meet. None of my other friends do that. Granted, my dog is no fool, she knows that organic pet food is not cheap and kibble manufactured in China is just not an option! I am even trying to be less obviously annoyed when complete strangers touch and pet my pal without permission. These days that discourteous behavior is an opportunity for those fellow dog lovers to also help her maintain the comfortable lifestyle to which she has become accustomed. For example, in the past when the rude people tried to pet her without asking, I used to look at them like I would bite and sometimes, I growled. Now, I try to smile and say something like, “it’s polite to ask first.” Then, while they are in puppy heaven, I ask if they live in the neighborhood etc... and slip in that I am an attorney looking for a job, “do you have any leads perchance?” Most people are pretty cool and say something appropriate, others feel guilty and won’t leave until they give me a name or website to check out. A few folks get really weird and the weirdness ranges from a sudden onset of laryngitis to cynophobia. Fortunately my dog has a great sense of people, especially me— she really feels me and she will usually ignore the real freaks. One day for instance, a couple of very rude guys started heckling and calling at her/us from several yards away, knowing that if she went to them, I would be dragged over too. I was insulted and peeved at these imbeciles and I didn’t want to have to stop my dog from pulling me over there. I didn’t have to. She turned around her agile, 80 lb frame and started barking and growling at them— it was as though they had summoned the hound of hell. I was thrilled. I calmed her down while simultaneously praising her for being so wonderfully astute and she got a big treat when we returned home. On another less eventful afternoon stroll, we chatted and played with a security guard in the neighborhood who was standing outside his building smoking. He actually asked for my card because he had assumed I was a professional dog walker— he always sees me walking a dog in the middle of the day— and someone in his office building was looking for one. Well since his employer is Goldman Sachs, I gave him my card and explained that I was actually a new attorney looking for a job. He wasn’t aware of any legal positions, but suggested that all things considered, I should really consider dog walking. tag:nysbar.com,2009:/blogs/ReasonableDoubt//36.1766 2009-07-17T01:41:15Z 2009-07-17T14:25:50Z

Sending out resumes, especially cover letters, in response to an ad or online posting has become nothing short of professional masochism. It is an exercise in futility yielding only frustration and fury. I still do it, but not as much...

CJ pro bono. The email was about two pages long and detailed a sordid history of his personal life that culminated in his then current state of pending eviction. Despite my explaining that I could not yet practice law and needed a job where I would be paid, he insisted that I had the skills and karma he needed. I referred him to a friend who is a practicing therapist and I began learning how to network. I initiated my guerrilla networking campaign with a page on Linkedin— a professional online network through which I launched an appeal for “actual connections.” I indicated that I was interested in meeting other attorneys in the NYC area for the purpose of networking and socializing and I made it clear that I was not interested in simply increasing the number of my contacts. I then began to attend various legal functions— discussions, social events, etc., and I informed all my friends that I am open and interested in meeting and talking to anyone who either has or knows of a position that may be of interest to me. And, I am also blogging. I still haven’t found a job but the search to date has resulted in among other things, an invitation to the Hamptons this summer, my newly formed “potluck legal network” consisting of six attorneys so far, and most significantly, a group of new friends. ]]>