First thoughts Re: Esqspot.com

Craigslist Ad for EsqSpot.com

There are a lot of "social" ways out there to get legal jobs.  The first one I found was JD Match.  I used this site a while back and didn't have much luck with it.  I always wondered if it was the kind of site that helped people from the Elite schools (such as Georgetown) more than those from lesser known schools.  Also, I figured that it was the kind of place that mainly existed for those who were on law review or were in the top 10-15% of their class.  As such I never heard back.

Today I was looking at Craigslist for part time jobs to get me by until I move back to the west coast.  I came across this ad here.  I posted a picture above, but will also post the text below for those who are having trouble reading it:

Are you an attorney or a legal professional looking for your next job or a way to advance your career in the legal field? Opportunities will not come knocking and sending out your resume with thousands of others on Craigslist will not help. You should be networking, meeting other legal professionals, and making personal connections!

Join Esqspot.com, a new online community of legal professionals. Esqspot is built with the goal of establishing a real community exclusively for legal professionals, where members can find career opportunities, refer cases, ask questions, get advice, share knowledge and support each other. We are also hosting joint live networking events with NYCLA and The Brooklyn Bar Association to give our members a chance to meet and network with other legal professionals in person.

Membership is absolutely FREE and there are no point systems or limitation of any kind, just an open platform for sharing and supporting each other. There are now over 500 legal professionals on Esqspot!

Join today and post your availability and resume in the "Jobs" forum to get noticed by other attorneys. You will greatly increase your chances of finding your next carer opportunity. And since its free, you have nothing to lose!

Sign up at Esqspot.com.

Anyway, here is a picture of the website of Esqspot.  It seems like it's a social network for law students.  Think LinkedIn or Facebook, but for those holding a coveted Juris Doctorate.  Now, I wonder how valuable such a site will be.  Keep in mind, I gave up LinkedIn a while back, as I found no use for it as a law student.  I still think that LinkedIn is highly dubious and have no plans on going back.

I also noticed that Esqspot is hosting a "midsummer's eve party."  I am not a very social person, so there's no way I would go to something like this.  I can't help but wonder what kind of individuals will be here.  Will it be law grads who are still looking for work, big time Cardozo top 10%ers or those who are stroking their Columbia educated egos?  Or perhaps it's mostly future 1Ls and summer students? 

Thinking about the site, and the fact that they want you to sign up using your Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn account, I doubt I will join.  Social Networks generally do not get people jobs.  Instead, I am a firm believer that it's making connections and creating tailored resumes and cover letters that land people jobs.  Also, volunteering your time and getting skills helps.  Sitting around on the internet poking people over a social network will do you very little in the end.

Getting that first law job

I was pleased to hire a couple of students recently to assist me with some projects. One is a first year student, the other a second year student. I really wished for a practical opportunity in my first year(s) of law school, and would have probably done it for free at the time (not that I condone free labour). I really appreciated the resumes that were submitted by various students. It was really neat to see the variety of backgrounds of the law students, and also to see where their interests were developing in law school.

I have said in the past that law school grades are not important, in my mind, but on the other hand, seeing transcripts certainly allows for a peak into what actually interests a potential candidate. A high grade in a particular subject could perhaps indicate that the student is more keen in that area. On the flip side, it could simply reflect that they liked the professor, that the examination style suited their learning style, etc.

On this note, I recently applied for an exemption to the Law Society to reduce the 4-year requirement before I can hire an articling student. Their response was interesting - they can't provide a decision until I actually apply, or the student applies for an article with our firm. Then, they use their discretion, and we would have to show extenuating circumstances. I would argue that if a student wanted to come practice in Southern Alberta, and they wanted to start their practice at our firm, or if they wanted to focus on an area of law that our firm practices, that this would meet the extenuating circumstances test. So, if you are interested, let me know, and we'll test the waters. :).

If it doesn't work out, I'll just have to wait out the 4 years (another 1.5 years), and do it the old fashioned way.

Mediation should be emphasized in law school - all law schools

I conducted a great mediation this morning. It would seem that there would be no negotiated settlement at many points during the mediation, but in the end, I was able to assist the parties towards a negotiated settlement. What a great feeling of satisfaction. The parties shook hands and smiled at each other afterwards. Success!

It got me to thinking that mediation should be a mandatory course at Canadian law schools. It should also become part of the designation of a lawyer. Just as we all become Notary Publics upon completion of law school, we should all become certified mediators upon graduation. It would save our court system bundles, and would result in a much less litigious society. What do you think?

Senior Will & Estate Planner

Here's an example of a job posting that was on www.AlternativeLawJob.com. This is really cool. I'm glad to see these kinds of postings...

As one of Canada's Top 50 Employers for the fourth consecutive year, Scotiabank places great importance on recognizing and rewarding strong performance. We offer room for advancement, a stimulating work environment and the resources to help you make the most of your career. Together, we continue to make Scotiabank a great place to work. Incorporating the key personal investment and advisory activities within the Scotiabank Group, Wealth Management provides a full range of products and services that encompass retail brokerage, investment management advice, mutual funds and savings products, and financial planning and private client services for affluent clients. POSITION SUMMARY: Department assists clients appointing Scotiatrust as their Executor/Trustee with the development of an estate plan, and works with external lawyers for the preparation of client Wills. Key accountabilities for this role: Support the development of new Wills and estate / trust business and identify cross-sell opportunities Work with eligible clients to provide information / advice on planning options and record /confirm Will instructions Review draft Wills prepared by an external drafting lawyer as to form and content prior to execution Prepare and deliver seminars to staff and clients / prospects in Will and estate planning in conjunction with the Financial Consultants, SPCG and ScotiaMcLeod partners Develop relationships with Centers of Influence for the purpose of initiating new Will - estate opportunities QUALIFICATIONS: Expert knowledge and understanding of estates, trusts, Will and estate planning, and personal income tax, that may be supported by a LLB., relevant experience and Trust Insititute designations. Effective relationship management and networking skills with particular emphasis on supporting the sales team, working with affluent clients, SPCG and ScotiaMcLeod business lines, and internal and external centers of influence Excellent oral and written communication skills to effectively represent the department Demonstrated speaking and presentation skills in a sales team environment to attract corporate executor and other trust business. EDUCATION AND ACCREDITATIONS: LLB, or Trust Insitute Designation and Senior Estate and Trust Planning Experience The Scotiabank Group is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all interested parties. We thank you for your interest, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No agencies please. If interested, please apply online at Scotiabank Careers