DOES THE LAW SUIT
REALLY SUIT YOU? By Kanika Tandon
Noble yet competitive, the legal profession is one of the most prestigious and highly rewarding careers of our times. Recruiters are constantly on the lookout of candidates with strong academic credentials and those who can display a hunger for success, global thinking, ability to work in a team and adherence to the ethics of the field. Do you fit the bill?
Okay! So you’ve earned yourself the black coat and the right to be called a law soldier. In short, you’ve got your law degree and are now looking for that ideal job. But what is it that will make you get noticed by the best in the business and gain you entry into the hallowed foyers of famous law firms?
In the legal industry, the sweetest fruits are reserved for those who are academically outstanding. Earning your degree from a top law school, with good grades, automatically enhances your chances of getting selected. “The core points remain obtaining your degree from a strong school and performing well in your class,” says Danice Kowalczyk, Esq., Co-Managing Partner of North America for Laurence Simons International, a specialist international legal recruitment consultancy.
But that’s not enough! You also require the right attitude to court success in this profession. This would mean that any candidate who wishes to catch the eye of recruiters should impress them not just with their knowledge, but also with their personality. Tenacity, dedication, perseverance, presence of mind, confidence and willingness to work as a team are just some of the many prerequisites. “Legal recruiters generally look for candidates with a strong academic record, who possess confidence and presentation, the ability to work with others, and perhaps a certain hunger for success,” says Professor Tan Cheng Han, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Aspirants must also be forward-thinking, be aware of the current trends in the legal
sector and to be able to take quick decisions and calculated risks.
Being a self-starter helps, especially when you are expected to grasp any situation quickly. “Employers (and their clients) want lawyers who…can hit the ground running. Said differently, you should inspire confidence in the people around you,” says Carey Bertolet, Esq., co- managing partner of North America for Laurence Simons International. She adds that being proactive and competent is necessary but so is an understanding of the business aspect of the legal world. “Think with a legal and business mind during the interview, which is designed to show the employer that you can add immediate value not just on a legal scale but also on a business scale,” Bertolet says, adding
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