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Swimming in Small Ponds: A Glimpse of Small Town Practice
By Andrea Welker • February 15, 2010 •Writers in Residence
As usual, I pull up to the courthouse five minutes before nine. I'm always pushing the limits of punctuality. In a packed courtroom, no one notices latecomers. But out here, everybody notices. I hurriedly park my car. Too hurriedly, in fact, as it takes four tries to get into the space and people have begun to stare. My parallel parking inability is embarassing, I know. I'm accustomed to parking garages and long walks down city streets, not pulling up out front and walking into the building. Somehow I finally manage to park the car. Two minutes, I note. I dart…
Small Firm Life: Office Humor
By Michelle Valerio • February 11, 2010 •Writers in Residence
When I first started at my firm as a Summer Associate I was advised by one of the Senior Attorneys that the Managing Partner was concerned about hiring me because I was “too quiet”. I confronted him about this comment and he told me that did not feel that he could joke around with me. Being from the Northeast, I know am more reserved than many of my Miami counterparts, however, I was shocked when I realized that what I considered to be my professional demeanor was affecting my career. In contrast, some of the Associates in my office have…
Ms. Prof: Is Sisterhood a Myth?
By Ursula Furi-Perry, Esq. • February 11, 2010 •Writers in Residence
Sisterhood. We may not always use the exact term, but we talk about the concept constantly, from women’s bar meetings to conferences discussing the advancement of women lawyers. According to several reports, the concept of sisterhood among women lawyers – assuming it truly exists – is being threatened. And the greatest source of threat, as it is suggested, may be ourselves. In an article in Texas Lawyer, writer Michael Maslanka reports on the “queen bee” concept suggested by some articles and books about women at work: “The female imperative, from ancient times, is ensuring offspring survival. A female who is…
Ask Miranda Pennoyer: of Iqbal & the Princess Bride
By Miranda Pennoyer • February 10, 2010 •Writers in Residence
It’s time once again for “Ask Miranda Pennoyer,” the column that gives no legal advice, or none that any sane person would follow. Rather, we strive to apply an ointment of knowledge to the burning questions of law students, young professionals, and people who think they are on Cash Cab. Our first question comes from a concerned student in Gainesville, FL: Q. What is the difference between “ex ante” and “ex post”? A. “Ex ante” is a Latin consumptive phrase used when lawyers talk, write, or play poker, such as “he lost $100 before the ex ante.” Whereas “ex post”…
Confessions of a Non-Networker: Internal Networking
By Laura Cullison • February 09, 2010 •Writers in Residence
With a fresh shiny new year spread out in front of us, I have decided to make a personal "networking resolution" for each month of the year, and see what happens when I try to follow it through. As a disclaimer, my concept of networking is largely theoretical, since I have not consciously attempted to network as an attorney. Until now. Since this is a journey for all of us, feel free to send in suggested resolutions for me to try - I may need some prodding! And, if anything I blog about raises a question, or reminds you of…
Forget the Linen Closet: Balancing Family with Your Legal Career
By Katrina Richards • February 09, 2010 •Writers in Residence
Many women entering the legal profession from Generations X and Y are pioneers in their families: the first to go to college, the first to go to graduate school, the first to do both of these and raise a family. While we may feel like we're the first to struggle with balancing a legal career and a family, it's helpful to look around and realize that scores of strong women have blazed the trail and have done the hardest work of mapping the territory so that we would have a well-worn path to make our journeys a little easier. Choose…
Couture-at-Law: How To Dress for Success on an Interview
By Mikki Collier • February 05, 2010 •Writers in Residence
Ed. note: Couture-at-law appears as part of Ms. JD's Writers in Residence publications. Every day we will be featuring content from our WIR's monthly columns. More information about the WIR and the 2010 WIR posts is available here. We have all heard the warning: "you never get a second chance to make a first impression." No where is this statement more applicable than when interviewing for a job. Regardless of how stellar your credentials are, the first judgment a potential employer makes is going to be based on the image you present. Therefore, you want to wear an outfit that…
Ms. JD Welcomes the 2010 Writers in Residence
By Ms. JD • February 04, 2010 •Writers in Residence
Ms. JD is thrilled to announce the 2010 Writers in Residence! This accomplished group of men and women will tackle a variety of issues in thought-provoking monthly columns. From finding balance to the finding the perfect interview suit, from advice for making partner to advice for working in a small legal community, from perspectives from law school to perspectives from a CEO's office, we believe you will enjoy the many viewpoints that this diverse group of writers plan to share in the coming year. Please help us in welcoming Wendy K. Akbar, Impey Biggs, M.R. Byrum, April A. Christine, Mikki…
Lawyering and Living for Less: Networking on a Budget
By Erin Rohne • February 04, 2010 •Writers in Residence
As a graduating 3L in a dreary economy, finding that first job is more than ever about who you know and not (only) what you know. Networking is essential to job success, especially when you're just entering the legal field and don't have the contacts of a more established professional. Yet when you're living off student loans and work-study, it's difficult to rationalize spending your precious extra cash on drinks at a fancy event or posh business cards. Here are a few tips on getting your name - and yourself - out there without breaking the bank. Card yourself It…