Leading the Way - August 2009
Are You Ready?
by Robin Kunce, PLS
NALS of Washoe County
Are you ready if you are laid off? Are you prepared for long period of unemployment? Are you prepared to begin searching for a new job? According the American Bar Association, over 14,400 jobs in the legal community have been lost as of January of this year and over 25,500 since last year.
One of the best ways to be prepared for searching for a new job is to take one of the NALS certification tests. Taking either the ALS, PLS or PP exam shows a prospective employer that you are serious about your career and plan to stay in the legal field.
Another way to be prepared is to update your resume now, before you need it. Be sure to update the contact information for your references at this time also. If your firm downsizes, you may not be able to contact your former supervisor or administrative staff to obtain references.
NALS online education is a way to refresh your skills and learn something new. In the last month, online courses in Bankruptcy and Legal Document Preparation have been offered by NALS online. Just last week, a course was offered in resume preparation. Joining an online study group even if you are not planning on taking one of the NALS certification tests is still a great way to refresh your skills.
Attending your chapter’s monthly meeting is a great way to continue your education and as a networking source for seeking a new job. Your fellow chapter members may know of an upcoming job opening at their firm or another firm. Many chapters also post job ads in their newsletters and/or websites.
As an alternative to fulltime employment, you may consider becoming self-employed and offer your services to the legal community by placing an advertisement in your local bar newsletter. With many firms downsizing, there may be a need to hire someone for a specific project or as a temp while another staff member is out.
You may also want to consider volunteering some of your time at a self-help or legal aid clinic. This gives you another opportunity to network and learn about other opportunities in your community.
Be creative and think of this as a time to shine and look to the future. There are many opportunities out there if you take the time to look and be prepared!