Careful Who You Refer

In general, referring a strong candidate to your firm can elevate your standing at the firm. But be careful in making referrals. A poor candidate can reflect badly on your own reputation. If you know a law school classmate well, go for it. But if you know nothing about someone's work style, experience, etc., then think twice before putting your own career in jeopardy.

How to Reject an Offer

If you are seeking to make a lateral move and have the good fortune of choosing between multiple offers, always make the firm you rejected feel that it was the hardest decision you ever had to make. This is the advice of BCG's CEO. Making that extra set of phone calls when the process is over is the right thing to do. It could also pay valuable dividends down the road.

It's Not All About the Money

Managing Partner of Jenner & Block suggests that money is only one of the reasons that attorneys practice law. He argues that firms should pay more attention to a lawyer's need for recognition, autonomy and pride in an organization.

Higher Pay May Not Equal Greater Satisfaction

As you get further along in your life, you may come to understand that high pay comes with big tradeoffs (toxic work environment, lots of travel, long hours, colleagues you do not respect.) So think twice before accepting a job which offers more pay. Is the opportunity going to increase your career satisfaction? Is it a good stepping stone to the destination that you want to reach? Or is it just a chance to buy more toys? Career Journal weighs in.

Getting Back Into Practice

Women who leave the practice of law (to raise children or pursue other interests) face an up hill battle in finding work at larger law firms. The Legal Times suggests some ways that women (or men) can reenter law firm practice after an extended leave. Also, the law profession can learn a few things from the accounting profession. Deloitte, for example, has created programs that keep alum linked to the firm during their absense.

Managing Your Boss

Career success require you to be a good manager (of yourself and of others.) But it also requires that you learn how to manage "up". Have you learned what makes your boss(es) tick? Can you anticipate the reactions that you will get from different partners? A career coach shares some wisdom on the subject.

Multitasking Produces Poor Results

Consider whether you are doing anything well when you are multitasking.

Being a "Go To" Lawyer

Are you a "go to" lawyer? Altman Weil thinks you should be and gives some tips on how to become one.

Lawyers and Depression

Here is an interesting interview with Ellen Ostrow, a psychologist who does a lot of work with lawyers (women in particular) on work/life issues, etc.

Thinking of a Career Change?

Here is a quick guide to structure your thinking.