Donna Gerson, NALP, 2004

One in every four law school graduates who enters private practice can expect to begin his or her legal career in a small law firm or in solo practice. Yet few resources address the tremendous range of issues confronting law students and graduates aspiring to join the ranks of the small firm or solo practitioner. Donna Gerson, a lawyer and an experienced law school career services director, offers comprehensive information about understanding the small firm market, including how to approach firms effectively, how to negotiate the best salary and benefits package with an employer, and how to succeed as a small firm lawyer.

Extensive interviews with small firm practitioners around the country as well as with law school career services directors and bar association professionals offer advice from the experts “in their own words.” The information in this book will help law students understand the small firm market, decipher hiring timelines, learn to market themselves to prospective employers, interview effectively, and flourish as a new attorney in a small firm environment. Gerson also addresses possible career paths for small firm lawyers.