law practice

I have read this book, and admittedly not employed all of its suggestions. However, from what I have read and tried, my feelings are mixed. First of all, I'm a graduate from the bottom of the class of a "Top 10" law school. I could not get into any firm, thus I don't have the problem of having to explain not receiving an offer after my summer (I'm interested in gov't at this point).

Grades/school: this book is great for people who are currently enrolled and doing fairly ok-to-well in law school, and want an extra boost to get into a better firm/employer. Students at the very top and very bottom of the class are unlikely to benefit from the book. Why? Because most firms only look at grades, then school, nothing else. Almost all big firms, the ones most capable of hiring graduates, won't hire below the top 75% of a top law school. Kimm suggests avoiding firms that are concerned about grades. Well, unfortunately, that would be almost all of the firms except the ones that pay $28K a year.

Small firms: the author suggests looking at small firms. The problem is these firms also tend to be fixated on grades, sometimes even more so than large firms. In addition, small firms tend to be very low paying ($40K and below) and you will be required to work the same long hours as at a big firm. Grant it, you will have your foot in the door. On the other hand, small firms don't hire until you admitted to the bar, so you're looking at a few months without an income, or longer if you don't pass the bar the first time.

Volunteering: the book suggests doing this at various gov't agencies like DA's or City Attorney's offices. Watch out: most of these places will use the free help and not offer a job. They DO hire volunteers in boom times, but then everyone hires in a boom time so there would be no point in volunteering in the first place. You have to be at the right place at the right time. The experience you will get from volunteering is limited, on the other hand if you are unsure about what you want to do (i.e., corporate vs. litigation), it can be helpful.

Networking: Kimm suggests ways to network. I actually tried her suggestions, and found that I was meeting partners from large grade-heavy firms who could never hire me if they wanted to, OR, solo practicioners. This makes sense, because these are the people who need to make appearances at public events the most. I never really ran into that associate/partner at an up and coming small or mid-sized firm that was recruiting heavily. Although we are in a recession, many firms are doing well. Maybe I'm just looking in the wrong places. However, it seems that more and more firms have set procedures for hiring and are not willing to be schmoozed as easily as in the past.

Mass mailings: her opinion of mass mailings have been confirmed by many attorneys who received my resume. However, I did receive 3 interviews that way. Moreover, if one does not do a mass mailing, how is one supposed to contact employers? Afterall, it is a numbers game. To her credit, I think Kimm talks about well-tailored emails to alum at law firms. This works well, but again, if the firm has a grade-floor, there is no way around it generally.

In conclusion, while many of Kimm's suggestions would be fruitful for that student in the top 55% of a top 25 school wanting to work in NYC, it is not right for everyone.

As a recent law graduate, I have tried "Kimmbo's" suggestions for networking, resume, cover letters, and interviews. So far, no job, but it hasn't been 12 months yet, so I won't ask for my promised refund at this time. I would say that this book can definitely help a law grad get many more interviews than he or she would otherwise get, but so far, the response I hear from employers is, "You interviewed well, and I'm sure you have a great career ahead of you, but there was a more qualified applicant who we have hired." So, as far as making up for poor credentials goes, Kimmbo gives good advice, but don't rely on it as a panacea for your legal career difficulties.

I agree with some of the other reviews that the writing is "cutesy" in this book, but it is a self-help book. But I actually followed a lot of its guidelines and I believe it worked to help me get a job in a tough market. Where it is helpful is where it discusses interview preparation and tips for writing cover letters. I really felt prepared for my interviews based on the book's recommendations for preparation. A lot of the other stuff you can skip. And DON'T follow her advice on thank you notes -- she says to send a hand-written card, very unprofessional! But if you are a 3L and having a hard time with the whole job search process I think this book is a good way to start getting organized.