How To Find a Legal Job in Six Minutes (or less)

Jodie Zerega is a legal recruiter and founder of Zerega Consulting, focusing on finding superb candidates for her law firm and corporate clients. In additional work managing a team of ten, Jodie created the Attorney Jobs app where law students and attorneys can find fulfilling legal roles. Jodie shares her journey from considering law school to becoming a director of recruiting at a law firm. She discusses her experience working with legal recruiters and how it inspired her to start her consulting company, Zerega Consulting.

About This Episode

Background

Jodie Zerega considered attending law school, but ultimately, Jodie worked for a law firm and attended paralegal school instead. In this episode, Jodie discusses how lawyers can apply their knowledge and skills in various fields, even if they are not practicing law. As a legal recruiter and consulting company owner, she shares her experience as an example. Jodie highlights that legal education can be utilized differently regardless of career path. 

"So I felt like I had the background of not only hiring lawyers but understanding what law firms want and need and expect when they're not only hiring lawyers but when they're working with legal recruiters," shares Jodie Zerega on the You Are A Lawyer podcast.

Jodie provides examples such as running a food truck, pursuing a career in painting, or becoming a novelist. Her insights demonstrate the versatility of legal education and its value in diverse fields.

How to Find a Fulfilling Legal Career

Additionally, the guest emphasizes the significance of interview preparation. They stress the importance of researching the practice group and the individuals one will be meeting with. Finding commonalities, such as attending the same law school or sharing similar hobbies, is suggested to connect with interviewers. Furthermore, the guest highlights the value of using a legal recruiter, who can provide valuable insights and knowledge about the position. Legal recruiters understand the role in-depth and can assist with any questions or concerns. They also serve as intermediaries, offering guidance throughout the interview process. Overall, the episode underscores the benefits of interview preparedness and legal recruiters' role in helping candidates navigate the process.

How To Find a New Legal Career?

Jodie Zerega emphasizes the importance of being honest and upfront about one's interest in opportunities. She highlights that wasting time is not beneficial for listeners and clients, but applying to a job that interests you can be beneficial if you do not meet every aspect of a job description. Although most lawyers tend to be risk-averse, but stress that exploring attractive opportunities is worth the time and effort. 

"The most important thing that you can do when you go on an interview is to be prepared," shares Jodie Zerega on the You Are A Lawyer podcast.

Recruiters like Jodi Zarega act as a concierge for attorneys, helping them navigate the job search process and understand the positions they are applying for. They ensure that candidates are intentional in their approach, not simply applying to any job that comes their way. By taking the time to understand the candidate's goals and preferences, recruiters can help them find roles that align with their interests and skills.

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Side Hustles for Lawyers

Jodie Zerega launched the Attorney Jobs app, allowing attorneys to explore job opportunities discreetly. This is particularly beneficial for lawyers who may be considering a move to another city or state. The app allows attorneys to search for jobs in specific locations and understand available opportunities. This allows them to make informed decisions about their career path and potentially find a job closer to home.

"So there wasn't a one-stop place for attorneys, and also understanding how valuable attorneys time is, you know, our sort of mantra is you can find your perfect job in under six minutes," explains Jodie Zerega on the You Are A Lawyer podcast.

Another advantage of working with legal recruiters is their nationwide reach. Jodie Zerega's consulting business serves clients across the United States and Canada. This broad network allows recruiters to connect attorneys with job opportunities in various locations, expanding their options and increasing their chances of finding the right fit. Whether an attorney wants to move back home or explore new cities, recruiters can provide valuable insights and connections.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.