Welcome law students! Did you know that small firms represent the largest entry-level law-firm market in Florida or that firms of 10 or less attorneys comprise 73% of The Florida Bar’s membership?
Why consider small firm practice?
- More immediate client contact and case management
- Hands-on experience in the courtroom
- More autonomy and responsibility
- Greater variability in the types of work
- Work environment differences
- Ability to see how your work helps others
When do small firms recruit?
- Whenever need arises, there is no set hiring cycle.
- There typically is no formal, summer associate programs.
How do small firms advertise their openings?
- 80% of the openings are advertised by word-of-mouth
- Cannot rely solely upon career services postings as most small firms do not participate in On-Campus Interviews or necessarily list openings with law schools.
Then how do you find a job in small firm practice?
- Networking – Attending GPSSF CLE’s, receptions
- Volunteer to participate in service projects in local bar organizations or law offices
- Do a targeted mailing -The National Association of Legal Professionals survey indicates that over 22% of law students gained their post-graduation position by conducting a targeted mailing.
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How can the Florida Bar GPSSF Section help you if you are interested in solo or small firm practice?
Student membership in the GPSSF Section is $35.00 and includes:
- A host of resources to offer those interested in learning about solo and small firm law practice.
- Participation in the Small Firm Interview Program. The inaugural event occurred in October 2007. This program enabled employers to interview law students and recent graduates from all of Florida’s law schools for entry-level positions, part-time research or writing positions, summer clerkships or project-based legal work.
- Access to the section’s on-line membership directory that includes members of the former Practice Management Section that merged with the GPSSF section.
- Newsletter with timely articles on topics such as: Florida Land Trust Act, Social Security Disability Benefits, A Guide through the Administrative Procedures Process, Issues in Workers Compensation, Nuts & Bolts of Strategic Marketing.
- Live or recorded Continuing Legal Education programs on topics such as: Solo & Small Firm Convention, Marketing Your Practice, Technology for Solo and Small Firms, Managing your Mind: Stress, Drug/Alcohol Abuse Prevention and Intervention and Attorney Advertising. Encounters of the Criminal Kind for the General Practitioner, Making your Law Office Work, Retaining the Client Relationship and more.
- Access to seasoned lawyers who can serve as a mentor.
- To join (click here)