Boutique Law Firms, Contract Attorneys, Job Searches, Small Law Firms

The End Of The Race?

Could this be the job opportunity Shannon Achimalbe has been waiting for?

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Over the last two weeks, I gave a lot of thought to the email that I sent to Stephanie. Even though I do not regret telling her that I am looking for full-time work, I thought that I may have told her too much about my personal situation, which might have made her feel awkward. I planned to call her and let her know that things are fine and I was just having one of those days. But before I got the chance, Stephanie called me. She wanted me to schedule a time when I can meet with her and one of her partners to discuss working full-time at her firm.

There are some things you should know about Stephanie and why I hold her in such high regard. She is the managing partner of a highly respected boutique specialty firm. She is charismatic and her knowledge of the law is encyclopedic. Some of the attorneys at her firm have moved on to Biglaw, judicial clerkships, and other prestigious positions. All of her firm’s partners and associates have solid academic and professional backgrounds.

And now she is giving me a chance to work for her.

Could this be the opportunity I have been waiting for? After the jump, I will talk about what I will be doing at Stephanie’s firm and whether this could be the end of the race. Also, read onwards for information about a special federal clerkship opportunity…

I was greeted by Stephanie and her partner Eliza at the firm’s reception area. They gave me a walk-around tour which included the law library, conference rooms, the partners’ offices, and a room that they call “The Playpen.” We passed by the storage room, where I saw the names of local politicians and influential businessmen on multiple bankers’ boxes.

When we sat down in Stephanie’s office, we chatted for a bit, and then they asked some questions about my background, prior work experience, and future career goals. They then told me that they needed someone to help with their growing transactional work and they thought I would make a perfect fit.

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The arrangement is that I will be hired as a contract attorney. While the position was designed to be a full-time position, I was free to show up and leave whenever I wanted. Also, I did not have to give up my existing clients and I can continue my solo practice while working concurrently with the firm.

I accepted their offer on the spot. I begin next week.

Afterwards, Eliza introduced me to her secretary and some of the staff. She then explained some of the office protocols, gave me some things to read for the next few days, and told me to report to her office on Monday morning for my first assignment. She then took me into my new office and told me to wait for Stephanie.

A few minutes later, Stephanie came in:

Shannon, I want to let you know that we are really happy to have you here, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what you are capable of. I know you haven’t done any of this work before, so don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions. There is definitely a learning curve for you to overcome.

We have a lot of work for you to do, and I anticipate you’ll be here for at least a few months. Eliza and I will monitor you and if you perform well, then we’ll give you other projects. If things work out, we may have a permanent position for you.

I know you will do your best, and I’m sure this will end up being a win-win for all of us. Stay positive.

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As I was watching the sunset outside the window of my new office, I felt as though a phase in my life was also coming to a close. Tomorrow, I will feel a little older but at the same time, I will also feel young again. This is one of those rare moments in life where you get a chance to prove yourself despite your past. I now have a chance to work and learn under some great attorneys, and I too want to turn this into a win-win outcome.

But I don’t consider my journey to be over. This is a contract position with a possible expiration date. While I am confident that everyone at the firm will treat me as one of their own, I have to also to position myself to be marketable elsewhere should the firm no longer need my services. There are also other questions to answer. Should I continue my solo practice? Should I gun for a permanent position with the firm? Or should I use this opportunity to make myself more attractive to other firms? As the months pass, I hope to find the path to the finish line.

And so the race continues. And now for the good news.

Chief Administrative Judge Susan Biro of the Environmental Protection Agency asked me to announce four immediate openings for law clerk/attorney-advisor positions. This a great opportunity for someone seeking to start or build a career in environmental law. And the pay is better than those plain-jane Article III clerkships. Click on these links (here and here) for more details. I would like to wish you good luck, but I may be one of the applicants!

Shannon Achimalbe was a former solo practitioner for five years before deciding to sell out and get back on the corporate ladder. Shannon can be reached at sachimalbe@excite.com.

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