Transition from working at a small firm to starting your own….
Tuesday February 23, 2010
By Michelle Borman
What It’s Like to Work at a Small Firm & Then Start Your Own
During a brief lunch-lecture Loyola’s own Matthew Willens discussed his career path and what it takes to make the transition from working at a firm to opening your own.
Matt previously worked for Rapoport Law Offices, CNA insurance company, and Clifford Law Offices before opening his own personal injury firm.
Of all the great advice Matt offered, some of the highlights included:
-Learn how to be interviewed, a lot of us lawyers/law students think we already know how and think we can ‘charm’ our way into any job, but you need to know when to say the right things and to say them to the right people.
-Learn how to interview. Informational interviews are a great networking tool and informational resource. Matt was offered every one of his esteemed jobs through informational interviews…he never sent a resume! However, the golden rule of informational interviews is never ask for a job.
-Network, network, network. Matt pointed to two different students in the audience (in the same class) and asked if they knew each other. They did not. He advised us, networking starts now! Networking now will build your referrals and client base in the future.
-Always be looking to “make it rain” Matt says. As in, always be looking for business and the opportunity to be the lawyer another lawyer refers business…you want to become that person’s “go-to” for, say, personal injury matters. Once he/she receives the attorney referral check, they’ll surely send more business your way.
Borrowing a quote from Sydney Smith – English essayist (1771 – 1845) Matt shared –“Whatever you are by nature, keep to it; never desert your line of talent. Be what nature intended you for and you will succeed.” If you feel it in your gut that you’ll be good in a certain field, go after it. Don’t simply follow the biggest paycheck…do something you’re passionate about from the get-go.
For more info about Matt & his firm, visit www.willenslaw.com.
