The current legal needs of this tough economy have changed. Money is tight and law firms have been forced to downsize in order to remain profitable. The good news is that attorneys are getting opportunities to work in fields that they had never explored in the past. I have seen real estate attorneys switch their practices from the buying and selling of real estate to foreclosure defense and bankruptcy law. Litigation attorneys have told me that litigation remains strong, no matter which side you’re on. There seems to be a great demand for insurance and commercial litigation as well as in employment. Many attorneys are also finding work with distressed companies that need loan restructuring or asset liquidation. Estate planning and tax are also popular fields since many individuals are reevaluating their previews plans and with potential changes in the Tax Code, many more will likely need assistance.
Others are moving from the corporate world into government positions. Federal agencies such as the EPA and the IRS have various legal job postings on the usajobs.gov website. If you search thoroughly you can even find entry-level positions. If an attorney position is not available at the government agency that you want to work for, consider applying for another position in that department and hope to move up when one becomes available. For example, a Revenue Agent or Auditor can move up to be an IRS attorney and will have more internal experience. Competition is high, but this is where you can shine by ensuring that your resume and cover letter clearly showcase all your skills and experience.
