Newly minted law grads will soon be entering the job market, but where are they most likely to find employment? In this episode of Asked and Answered, the ABA Journal's Stephanie Francis Ward speaks with Valerie Fontaine, founding partner of the legal search firm SeltzerFontaine, about which in-demand areas of law have open job positions—and how law grads can secure them.
Fontaine says there’s a demand for intellectual property and corporate lawyers right now, and work experience in related fields (engineering, life sciences, computer science, finance or accounting) is quite valuable. Areas like data security and online privacy could also be good for new lawyers, she says, since more attorneys are needed and many with experience don’t have much expertise in either area.
Young lawyers should identify a developing area of law that interests them, and try to find something there—where they may have a bit more equal footing with more experienced lawyers, Fontaine tells Ward.
Fontaine cautions that with fewer legal job openings, presenting well and networking are more important than ever. She shares some do’s and don’ts on how to successfully approach attorneys in your desired field of practice.