Legal news and trends for Canadian in-house counsel and c-suite executives
Issue link: https://digital.canadianlawyermag.com/i/50890
INCLOSING Our roundup of interesting trends and what's going on in legal departments SEEN&HEARD Networking most effective way to find jobs When it comes to landing a job in the legal profession, a new survey from Robert Half Legal shows that it may be who you know, not what you know. Almost half (48 per cent) of the 300 lawyers surveyed feel net- working is the most effective way to find work in the legal field. All respondents have at least three years of experience in the legal field and are among the largest law firms and corporations in the U.S. and Canada. "In the tight-knit legal community, knowing the right person is often the most effective way to discover the best opportuni- ties," said Charles Volkert, executive director of Robert Half Le- gal. "Lawyers can use professional networking sites, in addition to traditional networking activities, to meet new people and uncover job leads." Volkert suggested legal candidates also consider the services of a specialized staffing or recruiting firm. "With their vast data- bases of professional contacts and industry expertise, recruiters can provide numerous leads and in-depth information on pro- spective employers, opening doors job seekers might not even know existed." Top networking tips • Make time. Networking is not a short-term proposition. Its most valuable benefit is building a base of contacts to last throughout your career. • Expand your circle of contacts. Include professionals at varying experience levels, not just your peers. Look outside the legal profession for contacts, and remember that networking isn't just for business occasions. Consider profes- sional networking web sites such as Legal OnRamp or LinkedIn. • Be up front. Let people know if you're looking for help and be prepared with a 15-second elevator pitch describing your strengths. • Take notes. After meeting a new contact and exchanging business cards, jot down a few notes about your conversation on the back of their card to jog your memory later. • Say thank you. Always let people know you value their help. A simple thank- you note or e-mail is appropriate. • Return the favour. Look for ways to help others in your network — whether or not they've yet been able to help you. This shows you are sincere about building a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship. 50 A UGUST 2008 C ANADIAN Lawyer INHOUSE "Which of the following do you feel is the most effective way to find a job in the legal field?" 1% Other 1% Classified advertisements 5% Internet/job board posting 8% Contacting law firms or companies that interest you recruiting program 13% Internship 8% Law school 48% Networking/friend or peer referral 16% Staffing or placement firm Moves and shakes In a move to create its leadership team and align management responsibilities, Mis- sissauga, Ont.-based Kingsway Financial Services Inc. recently announced that Kathleen Howie has been appointed vice president and general counsel, Kingsway Financial, and Amy Pinkerman Condo has been appointed vice president and gen- eral counsel of Kingsway's U.S. holding company, Kingsway America Inc. Howie, previously assistant vice president and chief legal counsel of Kingsway, has an extensive background in complex insurance litiga- tion and significant experience in regulatory compliance, privacy, and corporate governance. Pinkerman Condo, previously assistant vice president and CLO of Kingsway America, has 13 years of experience representing insurance companies and agencies, princi- pally handling corporate, transactional, and regulatory compliance matters. Patheon Inc., one of the world's leading pharmaceu- tical service providers, welcomes Doaa A. Fathallah as senior vice president, general counsel, Europe and global pharmaceutical development services. Fathallah joins Patheon from Valeant Pharma- ceuticals International. In addition to her corporate experience, Doaa has extensive experience in all aspects of corporate and business law from her time in private practice where she represented privately held and pub- licly traded companies. Send your moves and shakes to moves@clbmedia.ca Amy Pinkerman Condo Kathleen Howie