BUSINESS
CAREERS
Jobs
Continued From Page 21
time to consider going back to
basics — just because you’ve graduated doesn’t mean you can’t do
anything else now.
Apply everywhere
Perhaps you’d never considered
doing anything else other than
joining a firm and hopefully getting on the partnership track. But
a law degree is impressive and
marketable in all sorts of different
areas. This is the time to cast your
net widely and think broadly about
your degree.
Network
The adage “It’s not what you
know, it’s who you know,” is a true
one. Get out your law school yearbook, tap into old connections, ask
professors and former employers
for recommendations, and make
sure you have a presence on sites
like LinkedIn.
Volunteer
Think about things that matter
to you. Maybe you have an interest
in social justice issues or righting
wrongful convictions. Meaningful
legal work — even if pro bono —
can be fulfilling and add pizzazz to
your resumé.
Join
Become a member of community organizations like Rotary,
Toastmasters, or sit on boards of
directors. Doing this can raise
your visibility and show prospective employers that you can bring
in business, have a platform from
which to showcase your abilities,
and are a well-rounded person.
Reach into your past for ideas
Were you a jock in high school?
Even if you have your sights set on
being a corporate lawyer, maybe
sports law is something to consider. Think about any little competitive edge that will help you get
your foot in the door.
Find help
The Law Society of Upper
Canada, for example, has a men-
torship program which pairs
unplaced articling students with a
member of the profession who can
give advice and encouragement. If
you don’t qualify for that, then try
asking an older lawyer whom you
respect to mentor you. Websites
like that of ZSA Legal Recruitment
have resumé writing tips and sam-
ples. There is a lot of information
on job searching out there.
Keep learning
Fill in employment gaps with
more education. Brush up on your
French so that you can consider
positions requiring bilingualism,
or take continuing education
courses in the area you want to
practice — and chat up the other
attendees while you’re there — you
may get a job lead from the person
sitting next to you.
It’s undeniable that 2009 was
tough for lawyers, and we’re not
out of the woods yet. But with a
positive attitude, an open mind,
and the determination that got
you through law school in the first
place, 2010 might be the year you
find the job you were meant for. ;
The adage “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” is a true
one. Get out your law school yearbook, tap into old connections,
ask professors and former employers for recommendations,
and make sure you have a presence on sites like LinkedIn. “
Law firm treats employees well,
gets dedicated workers in return
Work
Continued From Page 24
ing that defines Ritch Durnford,
but there both senior partners
understand they have a key role
to play. “Everybody contributes,
but it is important to see people
like me and Eric setting the
tone,” said Ritch.
Lawyers and staff pick up
and respond to that tone.
“People know where the line is,
but everyone has access,” said
Ritch. “Everyone’s opinion mat-
ters. There is a sharing of infor-
mation.”
And the occasional four iron.
Ritch Durnford’s annual golf
tournament for clients exempli-
fies this. The intent is to say
thanks. The intent is to have a
good time. “It’s not a schmooze
fest,” said Ritch.
And it’s not about business,
noted Durnford. “This is not a
marketing opportunity. We are
not here to get files. We’re here
to have fun. We’re here to say
thank you.”
Clients certainly seem to
appreciate the intent — and the
day itself. “People say this is one
tournament they won’t miss,”
said Ritch. “It’s very relaxed.”
That relaxed atmosphere is
reflected back at the office.
However, as the firm grows, so
does its formal structure. “We
are in the process of developing
more policies,” said Ritch.
Some policies, not surpris-
ingly, are fairly standard —
enhanced maternity benefits,
for example. Others are more
reflective of the philosophy of
the firm. Take, for instance, the
fact that a certain amount of
money is given to employees to
put towards gym memberships.
Announcements
Gregory W. Cooper and Michael B. Kleinman
are pleased to welcome
Amy R. Dixon
to their Family Law practice
and wish success to
Leanne Shafir
as Director, Mediation Clinical Program,
Osgoode Hall Law School
(Leanne will maintain a family mediation practice with us)
Family Law
Advocacy Mediation Arbitration
COOPER, KLEINMAN
Barristers
(Practising in Association)
3 Rowanwood Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4W 1Y5
tel. 416-867-1400 fax 416-867-1873
OOPER, KLEINMAN
BARRISTERS
--------------------------------------------------------;-------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------;-------------------------------------------------------
