tag:nysbar.com,2010:/blogs/lawyersintransition/7 2010-08-05T19:20:54Z Sponsored by the Committee on Lawyers in Transition of the New York State Bar Association NYSBA Blogging Policy Movable Type 3.33 tag:nysbar.com,2010:/blogs/lawyersintransition//7.2755 2010-08-05T19:16:08Z 2010-08-05T19:20:54Z

Navigating the Perfect Storm: Recruiting, Training and Retaining Lawyers in the Coming Decade by Jerome Kowalski The global recession has dramatically changed the situation for talent recruitment and retention in law firms. Reported record highs of layoffs in the profession,...

Katherine Suchocki Navigating the Perfect Storm: Recruiting, Training and Retaining Lawyers in the Coming Decade by Jerome Kowalski The global recession has dramatically changed the situation for talent recruitment and retention in law firms. Reported record highs of layoffs in the profession, with estimates of Lawyers in the country who are unemployed or underemployed ranging from 30,000 and 100,000, coupled with the fact that each year Law Schools produce approximately 45,000 graduates each year, mean that there are more lawyers than jobs available The recession has rocked the legal profession, and old game plans for Recruitment, Training and Retention will no longer work. Managing Partner Magazine’s new report - Navigating the Perfect Storm: Recruiting, Training and Retaining Lawyers will enable you to re-examine your current recruitment, training and retention processes to ensure that your firm is in a better position to anticipate future needs while remaining competitive in a challenging market. It looks at the key strategies needed to exploit the lessons that have been learned and the opportunities that lay ahead on topics including: - Developing new skills including Project management and Convergence - Changing client demands - New-graduate recruitment - Shortcomings in law school education - Lateral Partner and Lateral Associate recruitment - Training first and second year associates - Ongoing professional development needs - Morale, motivation, and compensation - Associate attrition and retention Navigating the Perfect Storm is a candid review of the current problems and challenges, that provides fresh ideas and strategies to improve Recruiting, Training and Retaining practices It represents a valuable reality check for firms and individuals, setting out in clear terms the changes they must face up to survive and thrive in today’s legal profession. For more information about this publication, please go to http://www.mpmagazine.com/Publication.asp?pubid=78AE6CEB-1078-4874-9ADD-AD003C5515CD ]]> tag:nysbar.com,2010:/blogs/lawyersintransition//7.2719 2010-07-23T15:42:51Z 2010-07-23T16:05:11Z

A Lawyer Walks Into a Comedy Club . . . Laid-off Attorneys Search for Work Far Outside Traditional Law Firms Alex Barnett spent 14 years as an attorney handling several high-profile class-action lawsuits involving consumer fraud and product defects. But...

Katherine Suchocki A Lawyer Walks Into a Comedy Club . . . Laid-off Attorneys Search for Work Far Outside Traditional Law Firms Alex Barnett spent 14 years as an attorney handling several high-profile class-action lawsuits involving consumer fraud and product defects. But after getting laid off by two firms in the spring of 2008, he began prepping for a different kind of spotlight: He launched a career in stand-up comedy. Read the full article at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704913304575371243914408322.html#printMode View the ABA link at http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/a_funny_thing_happened_to_alex_barnetts_legal_career_in_dismal_job_market_h For more information about the NYSBA Committee on Lawyers in Transition, go to www.nysba.org/LIT. ]]> tag:nysbar.com,2010:/blogs/lawyersintransition//7.2696 2010-07-15T20:37:04Z 2010-07-15T20:39:31Z

Starting a Law Firm - Your Questions Answered LIT Panelists Answer Your Questions from Successful May 12 Webinar The panelists from the Lawyers in Transition Committee’s webinar on May 12, 2010, answer questions about starting a law practice. Thank you...

Katherine Suchocki Starting a Law Firm - Your Questions Answered LIT Panelists Answer Your Questions from Successful May 12 Webinar The panelists from the Lawyers in Transition Committee’s webinar on May 12, 2010, answer questions about starting a law practice. Thank you very much to the 350+ of you who attended the Lawyers in Transition Committee webinar on May 12, 2010: “Opening Your Own Firm: The Things They Never Told You and What You Forgot to Ask.” Far more questions were asked than the panelists had time to answer at the time of the program. Therefore, we have assembled some of the unanswered questions and asked the panelists to give you their thoughts. We divided the questions among the five panelists, and each gives his or her ideas below, with a few added perspectives from the others sprinkled in. The Committee gives huge thanks to our panel members, both for giving us all a very successful program and for their extra time responding to these questions. The members are: David Caplan - Moderator - Principal: Law Offices of David S Caplan (Chapel Hill, NC, & San Jose, CA) Lori Cantwell – Partner: Cantwell Law Firm (Plattsburgh, NY) Willard DaSilva – Partner: DaSilva, Hilowitz & McEvily (Garden City, NY) Carlene (“CJ”) Jadusingh – Principal: Jadusingh Law Office (New York, NY) Marshall Isaacs – Attorney at Law (New York, NY) Dave Caplan agreed to give us his thoughts on the most commonly asked question of all: • What are the considerations for choosing the form of business entity for a new law practice? The first consideration for a potential solo practitioner is whether to form any type of separate entity or whether to practice as a sole proprietor. As a sole proprietor, you just pick a trade name such as the “Law Offices of NAME” and don’t need to set up any separate entity to house the business. Perhaps the key reason why sole practitioners often remain as sole proprietors is that no form of business entity can create a “corporate veil” to protect personal assets from exposure to malpractice suits. This means that the time and expense of setting up a separate entity won't yield protection from the most debilitating liability a lawyer can face. On the other hand, even a sole practitioner may have other business obligations besides the (hopefully small) potential of professional negligence, such as office and equipment leases and other contracts. Unless the counterparties to these contracts require personal guarantees, a limited liability entity would protect the lawyer’s personal assets in the event of a problem. The lawyer opening his or her practice must weigh the potential benefits of liability protection against the cost and administrative workload of setting up and maintaining a separate entity. Once a decision is made to form an entity, the usual choices are a professional corporation or a professional limited liability company (PLLC). A PLLC requires more carefully prepared paperwork to set up (and therefore more costly if done right and you can't do it yourself). However, it will require far less formalities to operate. The absolutely most important consideration in choosing which form to use is the tax impact. We are not going to try to give tax advice. Make your decision after sitting down with a tax accountant who knows all the facts of your financial situation and the impact of each form of entity on your tax planning requirements. So with that background, we recommend that you sit down and decide whether an entity will be useful, find out what it would cost to set one up (depending on location and prevailing fees – including whether you are familiar enough with corporate law to do it yourself or will have to hire someone to do it for you), and decide whether to form an entity at all. Then sit down again, this time with your accountant, and decide which form puts you in the best tax position. A couple last considerations: • Many practitioners have commented that there is a slight marketing advantage to having PLLC or P.C. in the business name – to show a degree of professionalism. • If you are joining with another lawyer to jointly operate the firm, one of these limited liability forms is ESSENTIAL. Do NOT just go into practice without a formal written agreement outlining all aspects of your relationship. Mainly, though, if you don’t set up a P.C. or a PLLC, you will be deemed to have a general partnership, and each of you will be personally liable for the other partners’ mistakes. • Finally, limited liability protection is only valuable if you operate the separate entity like a truly separate company. The finest quality initial set-up will be useless if you start commingling business and personal funds and if you don’t make it clear to the business’ counterparties that they are dealing with a limited liability entity, as opposed to you personally. Here are Bill DaSilva’s thoughts on three more of your questions: 1. What key points should a lawyer starting his or her own practice consider in purchasing malpractice insurance? Are there any required minimums? In purchasing legal malpractice insurance, have as much coverage as is affordable. The minimums are the smallest amounts that the insurance company will offer. Be sure that legal expenses are included in the coverage; they can often be more than a claim that is settled. Be aware that most policies are on a "claims made" basis. This means that the coverage must be in effect when the claim is made, not when the alleged malpractice is claimed to have occurred. [Be careful, though, to review the ‘prior acts’ coverage date – this is the earliest date of a potentially erroneous act that will be covered when the claim is made during the policy period.] Choose a deductible that makes sense. If the difference in the annual premium between a $5,000 deductible and a $10,000 deductible is $3,000, estimate the likelihood of receiving a claim within the first two years of coverage. If there is little chance, then the $10,000 deductible makes sense because the savings in premiums after the first two years is $6,000. Then again, there is the issue of "peace of mind" with full coverage. Also, ask your peers about the reputation of the carriers. It can be worth paying a little more to have coverage from a top quality carrier committed to customer service. If you know a lawyer who practices in the malpractice defense area, ask him or her which carriers are easiest to work with when a claim arises. Finally, we want to emphasize again the critical importance of having a policy where the carrier will hire the defense lawyer and start advancing defense costs as soon as you have consumed the deductible. Beware of policies that will only reimburse you for your legal fees after the fact. No small practitioner can afford to carry those costs. 2. Do retainers have to be held in a trust account until earned, or may they be deposited into my operating account – subject to my duty to pay it back if not earned? Whether you have to place unearned retainers in a trust account depends in part upon the area where you are practicing. In upstate New York, e.g. 3rd and 4th Departments, I believe that the general rule promulgated by the bar associations is that retainers must be deposited in escrow accounts and not removed until earned. However, in downstate areas, e.g. 1st and 2d Departments, I know of no such rule, and most attorneys do not place retainers is escrow accounts. However, the better practice is to keep retainers is a separate account so that funding is readily available if a retainer, or part of it, is to be refunded. Regardless of the local departmental practice, however, you can only do what your retainer agreement allows. The analysis will be driven by how that document is drafted. If you set out an hourly rate and ask for an upfront retainer with no further clarification as to how that upfront money is to be treated, the funds are not yours until you have performed the hours of service and the unearned portion should be held in a trust account. 3. Are there any ethical or bar compliance requirements to be met when sharing office space with a non lawyer? I am not personally aware of any specific bar requirements in connection with an attorney sharing space with a non-attorney. However, basic rules apply, such as those protecting the confidentiality of files and information in them. This even extends to having names of clients exposed on files, desks, etc. where a non-lawyer may see them. Reasonable measures must be taken to protect the confidentiality of clients and their files, and safeguards should be in place to avoid even inadvertent exposure of client information (including telephone conversations that may be overheard by non-lawyer tenants and their employees and business visitors). Also, be sure to have all signage, etc., clearly show that your law practice is separate from the non legal office mate’s business. The Rules of Professional Conduct do prohibit fee sharing with non lawyers, and that includes having a legal and non-legal business share revenues. And perception often trumps reality. So, the clearer the presentation of separation the less likely it is that the public will be confused as to who is benefiting from the legal services you provide. More answers from Lori Cantwell: 1. What advice can you offer for preserving or obtaining health insurance for someone leaving a small firm to open a solo practice? Please include an explanation of COBRA and any related strategy advice. Generally, COBRA is a federal mandate that requires an employer to continue making health benefits available to an employee after the employee has separated from employment. The employee must pay the premiums, but the employer has to allow the coverage to continue for a specified period (I believe it is 18 months). There are also some state law requirements for this as well. It is easy to find detailed explanations on the Internet, so I will just add that you should be given an election form when you separate from the employer and if you are not given one ask. If you are stonewalled, call the insurance company. Once your COBRA runs out (actually well before) or if you want to shop and see if you can procure insurance cheaper, consider contacting your chamber of commerce, bar association recommended companies (the NYSBA has some great offerings), a local insurance agent/broker and, depending on your income level at first, you may be eligible for some State sponsored programs. 2. Do you recommend investing in case management software, like Abacus, when you are just starting out since it is very expensive? It is not necessary to have expensive software up-front, but remember that any tool which serves to organize you and essentially save you time makes you money in the long run, because that time can then be used for clients and thus billable. Also, remember that missed deadlines are among the most common reasons for malpractice claims. Perhaps to start, the Microsoft Office package would be sufficient because Outlook has the scheduling and organizing component you need. It has the ability to schedule events on a recurring basis if desired, so that they can be revisited periodically. Abacus relies mostly on your own created documents and entries. You can accomplish the same with a forms directory and macros if you become savvy with Word or Word Perfect. Abacus also requires you to purchase a word processing software package in addition to their management software. If you really want to save money, take a look at Open Office on the Internet. It is free and all your data can be saved onto your own hard drive to keep it safe. When you get large and have lots of clients, then you may want to look at more sophisticated and expensive organizational tools like those which Abacus provides. 3. What is the average rate being charged for per diem work for other attorneys in upstate New York? Hourly rates are ranging from approximately $50.00 to $300.00 depending on the level of experience, expertise and regional demand. Most attorneys are charging in the $175.00 to $275.00 range. In terms of per diem, it really depends on what you will be able to negotiate, but the rate will probably be half to one-third of the firm’s regular hourly rates. Consider that the courts will pay you $75.00 per hour to do assigned work in areas where legal representation/protection is constitutionally/statutorily mandated. Here are answers from Marshall Isaacs to more of your questions: 1. Please address the ethical and malpractice concerns of ceasing representation of a client for failure to pay. Could it be malpractice to just stop work? There are entire law review articles dedicated to this issue, so here’s the “30-second” version (and it only speaks to litigation!). If a client fails to pay before the attorney has appeared in an action, the attorney can simply advise the client in writing that representation is being terminated. I always do this both by email and certified mail. If a client fails to pay after a lawyer has appeared in an action, the lawyer is required to move by Order to Show Cause to be relieved as counsel. I make this application routinely. I never state the reason for my withdrawal in my application so as not to enflame my client and to protect his or her privacy (the attorney-client privilege applies even to the fee dispute unless the client makes it public). Instead, I advise the court that I am willing to give an in camera explanation, if required. I rarely, if ever, let a client’s balance grow beyond $2,000.00 before bringing my OSC. I also never sue a client for unpaid legal fees. I did this one time early-on, and my client counterclaimed for malpractice and filed a grievance. Even though my client’s claims were frivolous and ultimately dismissed, it was a huge boondoggle for my practice. Finally, be sure to review Rule 1.16 of the New York Rules of Professional Conduct. It contains specific requirements for the termination process that apply in all contexts, not just litigation, including the requirement to take steps to avoid undue prejudice to the client, even when terminating for nonpayment of fees. 2. What should I consider before deciding to represent a relative in efforts to collect a debt, or any other litigation? I rarely agree to represent relatives or close friends. Why risk destroying those relationships? I have represented friends and relatives in straight-forward DUIs and Small Claims Court. Again, I do it rarely and only when there is not a lot at stake. 3. If I decide to not represent family or close friends, is there a reason to not market through them (i.e. asking them to refer their friends)? Oh my! Definitely lean on friends and family for business! My friends and family have been the source of some of my most lucrative referrals. Also, referrals from my family and friends almost always turn out to be quality clients because they are coming from a trusted source. Finally, C.J. Jadusingh responds to the last of your questions: 1. What are “virtual” offices and what are their pros and cons? Is it ok to use a virtual office for about a year while I build my client base? Generally, when we hear the term “virtual office,” it is referring to a facility that provides only an address for your business cards etc. & receipt of mail. Some facilities also provide use of a receptionist, voice mail and conference rooms for meetings & such. Prices range from $100/month up- depending on what services you want and how frequently you want to use them. From what I have heard, depending on the provider used, it is not a bad thing & can be a very convenient resource for starting a practice. If I couldn't afford an actual office and didn't have the ability to build an office at home, I would definitely look into a virtual office situation. Just make sure you read the lease, contract, agreements thoroughly and that the terms are suitable to your needs etc. Also, visit the location a few times and see how professional it will appear to your clients and prospective clients if they come to meet with you there. 2. How does a young lawyer find mentors? Work hard at it. Be open and honest about your needs, goals etc. Try to give back at least as much as you give in whatever way you can. Don't be restrained by ego, pride or fear of rejection. Understand that you may get hurt, ignored, or frustrated in the process and even angry at times but, just like dating, sometimes things work out really well. And, on that point, remember, remember you are NOT dating! Do NOT flirt or lead people on - really bad idea - unless the feelings are mutual and genuine of course. One specific thing I did when I started looking was make it known to everyone I met that I was looking. Friends, strangers, anyone - because you never know who other people may know. Another thing I did was to start my own networking group, initially from my contacts on social networks but then others started joining. Both methods have proven very successful for me. Where can you start looking for mentors? The two best places to start are at your local bar association and at your law school. Get active in your bar association (they always need people to help on myriad projects) and seek out the older lawyers in your chosen field. Join a field specific committee or section. At your school, go to the professors in your chosen field, or talk to the alumni office about networking events, listservs, etc., where you can meet older alums in your field. COMMENTS PLEASE!!!!!! If you have more questions or have ideas of your own about the subjects covered here, PLEASE POST A COMMENT below. Thank you, again, to our panelists and all who attended the program. See you at the next event. Sincerely, Lawyers in Transition Committee ]]> tag:nysbar.com,2010:/blogs/lawyersintransition//7.2651 2010-06-28T20:30:07Z 2010-06-28T20:36:33Z

New Directions Program: Practical Skills for Returning to Law Practice Two sessions conducted at locations in White Plains, NY, and New York, NY Developed and conducted in collaboration with the Westchester Women’s Bar Association Are you an attorney who has...

Katherine Suchocki Are you an attorney who has taken a leave from practice or never practiced? Would you like to return to the practice of law, or an alternative legal career, but you’re not sure how or where to begin? Would you like to bring your legal skills up to speed, learn and practice on-line legal research, develop a resume, refresh your interviewing skills? Would you like to obtain a current practical legal experience and, as a result, develop a current writing sample, references, and networking contacts? Pace Law School has developed a unique and innovative program, New Directions, to give lawyers the substantive law updates, professional skills and practical experience they need to return to the legal marketplace, either as practicing attorneys or professionals working in alternative legal careers. Pace Law School's New Directions session will take place at the Pace Midtown Center, 551 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY (45th Street and Fifth Avenue), from July 12, 2010 – December 17, 2010. Pace is currently accepting applications on a rolling basis. Application information can be found online at www.law.pace.edu/newdirections. If you have questions about the program, please contact Amy Gewirtz-McGahan, Director, New Directions Program, Pace Law School, 78 North Broadway, White Plains, NY 10603. She can be reached by phone at (914) 422-4606 or via e-mail at agewirtz@law.pace.edu. www.law.pace.edu/newdirections ]]> tag:nysbar.com,2010:/blogs/lawyersintransition//7.2583 2010-06-04T17:02:31Z 2010-06-04T17:06:37Z

Position Available in the Legal Department at Wyndham Worldwide Wyndham Hotel Group is seeking counsel responsible for litigation matters reporting to the Vice President, Legal. If you are interested in this opportunity, please send your resume to recruiter@wyndhamworldwide.com. Please include...

Katherine Suchocki Position Available in the Legal Department at Wyndham Worldwide Wyndham Hotel Group is seeking counsel responsible for litigation matters reporting to the Vice President, Legal. If you are interested in this opportunity, please send your resume to recruiter@wyndhamworldwide.com. Please include “Counsel, Legal - Litigation” in the subject line. Responsibilities include, and not limited to: -Work in Company’s Litigation Group in managing litigation related to Wyndham Hotel Group Assist in the management of Wyndham Hotel Group’s outside counsel involved in litigation, including franchise and management company litigation, vicarious and direct liability claims, judgment enforcement and bankruptcy -Ensure that discovery requests, subpoenas and other requests for information are responded to in a timely and complete manner -Assist Litigation Group with pre-litigation dispute resolution and risk analysis and general counseling of business clients -Develop a thorough understanding of and familiarity with the Company’s business, its people, products, markets, facilities, customers and competitors to identify trends and formulate strategies accordingly -Establish good rapport and working relationships with management at all levels. The successful candidate will possess the following requirements: - Minimum of 3 years of litigation experience with an outside law firm - Strong verbal and written communication skills; acute attention to detail - Demonstrated exceptional judgment and critical thinking - Strong interpersonal, collaborative, and leadership skills - Must have experience in all procedural elements of civil litigation practice If you are interested in this opportunity, please send your resume to recruiter@wyndhamworldwide.com. Please include “Counsel, Legal - Litigation” in the Subject line. The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) offers anIn-house Jobline, a comprehensive database of job listings and resumes specifically for the in-house counsel community. Whether you are actively searching for a new in-house position, want to post a job opening or just want to stay current with what is out there, the In-House Jobline is for you. 500+ employers and 4000+ jobseekers are visiting and posting every day. To view ACC's job postings in NJCCA's region visit: http://www.acc.com/chapters/njcca/jobs.cfm ]]> tag:nysbar.com,2010:/blogs/lawyersintransition//7.2519 2010-05-10T15:46:44Z 2010-05-10T15:53:49Z

NYSBA Committee on Lawyers in Transition 2010 Live Webcast Series Session Three Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) Opening Your Own Firm - The Things They Never Told You and What You Forgot to...

Katherine Suchocki Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) Opening Your Own Firm - The Things They Never Told You and What You Forgot to Ask Many great programs and books are available on the basic requirements for starting a solo or small law practice. Still, all experienced solo or small firm lawyers have lists of questions they wish they had asked, or things they never realized were important, until several years after opening their firms. A panel of solo and small firm lawyers who successfully opened and maintain their practices will share what they learned “the hard way” with tips that will help smooth the way to getting your practice off to a good start. Register online - www.nysba.org/May12thWebcast Panelists David S. Caplan, Esq. Moderator Principal of the Law Offices of David S. Caplan Chapel Hill, NC & San Jose, CA Carlene "CJ" Jadusingh, Esq. Principal of the Jadusingh Law Firm New York, NY Willard H. DaSilva, Esq. Partner of DaSilva, Hilowitz & McEvily LLP Garden City, NY Lori A. Cantwell, Esq. Partner of the Cantwell Law Firm Platzburgh, NY Marshall R. Isaacs, Esq. Attorney at Law New York, NY The program is free to all attorneys, but pre-registration is required. Materials will be forwarded to all registrants, along with the web access code and link to view the program. Participants will be able to ask questions of the presenters using the online link. This webcast is part of the New York State Bar Association's Committee on Lawyers in Transition series of free programs on Career Development. If you are unable to participate in the LIVE webcast, the recorded archive will be available online and posted at the Committee's website at www.nysba.org/LawyersinTransition. If you are looking to make a career change, leave your current job, or transition back to the workforce after time away from the profession, the Committee on Lawyers in Transition is here to help. View past webcast programs at www.nysba.org/LITArchivedWebcasts or for more information, go to www.nysba.org/LIT. ]]> tag:nysbar.com,2010:/blogs/lawyersintransition//7.2506 2010-05-05T17:26:14Z 2010-05-05T17:40:12Z

The Legal Aid Society was awarded a three year grant funded by the Pro Bono Institute in Washington, D.C., to establish a "Second Acts®" program - an innovative and replicable model to engage transitioning and retired attorneys in significant, volunteer...

Katherine Suchocki Rharebey@legal-aid.org. ]]> tag:nysbar.com,2010:/blogs/lawyersintransition//7.2415 2010-04-08T16:51:23Z 2010-04-08T16:53:38Z

New York State Bar Association Launches New Career Center Resource for Attorneys Web Site Provides One-Stop-Shopping for Job Seekers, Employers and Recruiters Continuing its commitment to providing cutting-edge resources to help attorneys find employment in this difficult job market, the...

Katherine Suchocki New York State Bar Association Launches New Career Center Resource for Attorneys Web Site Provides One-Stop-Shopping for Job Seekers, Employers and Recruiters Continuing its commitment to providing cutting-edge resources to help attorneys find employment in this difficult job market, the New York State Bar Association launched a new Career Center that will match attorneys who need jobs with employers who need attorneys. The NYSBA Career Center, powered by JobTarget and located on the State Bar’s Web site at www.nysba.org/jobs, will be a complete, one-stop-shopping resource for job seekers, employers and recruiters. For additional resources, please visit the Committee on Lawyers in Transition’s webpage at www.nysba.org/LIT or www.nysba.org/LawyersinTransition ]]> tag:nysbar.com,2010:/blogs/lawyersintransition//7.2397 2010-04-01T15:47:49Z 2010-04-01T15:58:44Z

NYSBA Committee on Lawyers in Transition 2010 Webcast Series Thursday, April 1, 2010 - 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time Session Two - We Are Our Stories Session Two is jointly sponsored by the Committee on Lawyers in Transition and the Senior...

Katherine Suchocki Thursday, April 1, 2010 - 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time Session Two - We Are Our Stories Session Two is jointly sponsored by the Committee on Lawyers in Transition and the Senior Lawyers Section of the New York State Bar Association. We Are Our Stories: Small Changes, Big Impacts 1. Preparing Our Story Why we need to know our stories The importance of honest self assessment Creating an inventory of our skills, successes, experience, strengths and limitations Presented by Rosemary Byrne, J.D., Step-by-Step Coaching LLC 2. Telling Our Stories How we are our stories How Our Stories can become Liabilities Using our stories in resumes, cover letters and interviews How to Change Our Stories to have positive impacts Presented by Jane Genova, President of Genova Writing, Coaching and More, New Haven, CT. 3. Writing the Next Chapter Planning the transition journey to our next job, career or our version of retirement Determining where we want our professional and personal lives to go and the steps we can take to get there Presented by Rosemary Byrne, J.D., Step-by-Step Coaching LLC Session Two features Jane Genova, President of "Genova Writing, Coaching and More" and Rosemary Byrne, J.D., from Step-by-Step Coaching LLC. Jane Genova has been coaching all generations in all lines of work in career transition, with a special focus on those over-50. Her new book "Over-50: How We Keep Working" will be published in the Spring. She is the co-author of "The Critical 14 Years of Your Professional Life." Her ebooks on presentation of self and emotional intelligence have each had more than a million downloads and are available free upon request by emailing Ms. Genova at mgenova981@aol.com. Her two syndicated sites, also distributed by Amazon.com's Kindle, are http://careertransitions.typepad.com and http://over-50.typepad.com. Rosemary Byrne is a lawyer who transitioned to an encore career in personal coaching. She is a cum laude graduate of Cardozo Law School, an NYU trained and certified coach, member of the International Coach Federation and President of Step by Step Coaching. She specializes in coaching professionals in career transition, with an emphasis on senior and retirement life planning. She is a frequent contributor to www.TOS50.com, a web site for those on the other side of 50. Rosemary began her legal career as a federal law clerk in the Southern District of New York, spent 8 years as a litigator at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft and was the general counsel and a business executive of an investment bank for over 20 years. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Cardozo and chairs the law school’s Committee on Alumni in Transition. If you miss the live program, you can view the webcast archive on April 5, 2010 at www.nysba.org/LITArchivedWebcasts. ]]> tag:nysbar.com,2010:/blogs/lawyersintransition//7.2363 2010-03-22T20:08:43Z 2010-03-22T20:10:30Z

The Women Lawyers Alliance invites you to attend a Webinar on March 23, 2010 - "Drive Your Women's Initiative Forward with a Strategic Approach" Many firms have been forced to cut expenses; resulting in less or no money for various...

Katherine Suchocki Drive Your Women's Initiative Forward with a Strategic Approach" Many firms have been forced to cut expenses; resulting in less or no money for various arenas sometimes including diversity and gender initiatives. Specialists in organizational change and gender issues, Karen Kahn of Threshold Advisors and Jane Pigott with The R3 Group, will present a strong, intentional approach for leaders who want to help women advance and are currently challenged by the firm's financial resources. They will offer participants new ways to focus their attention on increasing return on investment and offer a strategy that will drive the agenda forward by getting more from less. This one hour webinar will help you recalibrate your thinking and inspire you to move optimistically ahead. Date: March 23, 2010 Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Central Time Cost: $35.00 You may pay online after registering by going to www.wlalliance.org and clicking on the link below the "Announcements" section on the home page. After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/996781707 ]]> tag:nysbar.com,2010:/blogs/lawyersintransition//7.2362 2010-03-22T20:02:25Z 2010-03-22T20:05:37Z

The Law Library Association of Greater New York (LLAGNY) annual Bridge the Gap Legal Research Program helps new summer associates and judicial clerks refresh their research skills in preparation for summer employment. This year they are broadening the audience to...

Katherine Suchocki Friday, March 26, 2010. See http://bit.ly/dl8g8t (PDF file) for more information. ]]> tag:nysbar.com,2010:/blogs/lawyersintransition//7.2335 2010-03-12T15:06:30Z 2010-03-12T15:14:10Z

New Directions: 2010 Practical Skills for Returning to Law Practice Pace Law School (In collaboration with the Westchester Women’s Bar Association) Information Sessions for 2010 DATES: March 24, 2010 and April 14, 2010 TIME: Noon – 2 p.m. AGENDA: Noon...

Katherine Suchocki New Directions: 2010 Practical Skills for Returning to Law Practice Pace Law School (In collaboration with the Westchester Women’s Bar Association) Information Sessions for 2010 DATES: March 24, 2010 and April 14, 2010 TIME: Noon – 2 p.m. AGENDA: Noon -12:30 Introduction by New Directions Staff 12:30 - 1:30 Remarks by Current and Past New Directions Participants 1:30 - 2:00 Informal Q & A and Conversation PLACE: Pace Midtown Center - Room 811, 551 Fifth Avenue (45th St. and Fifth Avenue) New York City For information about our innovative and unique program to facilitate attorneys’ return to the legal marketplace, please come to one or both of our upcoming Information Sessions. New Directions graduates and current participants will be attending to describe their experiences. For more detailed information, visit our website at www.law.pace.edu/newdirections, call Amy Gewirtz, Director, New Directions, at (914) 422-4606, or email us at agewirtz@law.pace.edu. Please RSVP to agewirtz@law.pace.edu by March 17, 2010. ]]> tag:nysbar.com,2010:/blogs/lawyersintransition//7.2317 2010-03-05T17:10:33Z 2010-03-05T17:14:04Z

4 New Legal Jobs posted at the Westchester County Bar Association's Career Center. For more information about these postings, click here Associate Ford & Harrison LLP - New York, NY Ford & Harrison LLP has an opening for a second...

Katherine Suchocki click here Associate Ford & Harrison LLP - New York, NY Ford & Harrison LLP has an opening for a second or third year associate in its New York office. All candidates should have at least 2 years of employment litigation experience, an interest in labor law, good academic credentials and strong writing skills. Ford & Harrison is a national labor and employment firm with close to 200 lawyers in offices throughout the country. For consideration, please submit a cover letter, resume and copy of your law school transcript to Alice Trahant, Director of Recruiting, at atrahant@fordharrison.com. Transactional Associate Iseman, Cunningham, Riester & Hyde, LLP - Poughkeepsie, NY Our Poughkeepsie office has an immediate opening for a transactional associate with top academic credentials and at least 5 years of practice. Insurance Coverage Associate Rivkin Radler & Kremer - Uniondale, NY Prominent Long Island law firm has an immediate opening for an associate with 3 to 5 years of Insurance Coverage experience. Must be familiar with the terminology and application of liability insurance policy language. Experience in taking Depositions and Examinations a plus. The ideal candidate will have strong legal research and writing skills. Please note: Candidates with insurance defense experience only are not qualified for this position. EOE Litigation Associate McDonough Law Firm, L.L.P. - New Rochelle, NY Fast-paced law firm seeks associates with 1+ years of litigation experience. more info... ]]> tag:nysbar.com,2010:/blogs/lawyersintransition//7.2255 2010-02-18T14:50:00Z 2010-02-18T15:08:31Z

Committee on Lawyers in Transition 2010 Career Development Free Live Webcast Series Session One Attorney Employment Outlook 2010 and Beyond Wednesday, February 24, 2010 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time To help lawyers better manage their careers during this...

Katherine Suchocki Committee on Lawyers in Transition 2010 Career Development Free Live Webcast Series Session One Attorney Employment Outlook 2010 and Beyond Wednesday, February 24, 2010 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time To help lawyers better manage their careers during this tough economy, the New York State Bar Association Committee on Lawyers in Transition is continuing its series of free, live Career Development webcasts in 2010. Session One, Attorney Employment Outlook 2010 and Beyond, will be held on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 and will cover the following topics: Document Review and E-discovery Jobs Zelda Owen, Managing Director, Hire Counsel Law Firm Associate and In-House Counsel Jobs Carmen Grossman, Partner and Global Practice Manager - Associate Practice Group, Major Lindsey & Africa Law Firm Partner and General Counsel Jobs Janet Markoff, Partner and Leader, NY Practice Group, Major Lindsey & Africa Government Jobs Andrew Chapin, Director of Public Interest Program, Fordham Law School Premium Contract Attorney Jobs Greg Richter, Global Practice Leader, Inside Edge Legal Re-entry Attorney Jobs Amy Gewirtz, Director, New Directions Program, Pace Law School The program is free to all attorneys, but pre-registration is required. Register Online at www.nysba.org/February24thWebcast ]]> tag:nysbar.com,2010:/blogs/lawyersintransition//7.2182 2010-01-25T18:31:29Z 2010-01-25T18:34:59Z

Navigating the New Economy: Career Strategies for Lawyers The New York State Bar Association's Career Development Conference is being presented at the 2010 Annual Meeting on Monday, January 25, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Join leading career and...

Katherine Suchocki Navigating the New Economy: Career Strategies for Lawyers The New York State Bar Association's Career Development Conference is being presented at the 2010 Annual Meeting on Monday, January 25, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Join leading career and psychology experts as they discuss how to stay positive and focused on a job search in the current economy. VIEW THE PROGRAM ONLINE at www.totalwebcasting.com/live/nysbar. For more information, go to www.nysba.org/LawyersinTransition.]]>