The Flourishing Company - MCCA Employability Article

The economy at large, and the practice of law specifically, are changing rapidly and, often, unpredictably. Entire legal departments have been replaced after corporate scandals. New technologies have spawned — and decimated — whole industries. Established law firms have created new positions to meet attorneys’ expanding needs. And, evolving job functions continue to require new skills sets.

In a previous “D&B Brief” article, we discussed the importance of taking personal responsibility to plan your career. But what if, for better or worse, things do not go according to plan? How will you adjust if factors beyond your control knock you off your chosen course? How well prepared are you to respond if you come upon an unforeseen detour in your career path?

Searching for and maintaining gainful employment is one thing; ensuring your employability is another. The latter involves understanding the marketplace and being prepared to fill the available opportunities. So what are you doing to maintain your employability?

The most successful attorneys constantly prepare — even if they do not know for what specifically they are preparing. They stay attuned to market trends, build contacts, and strengthen relationships on an on-going basis. They stretch themselves professionally, taking on greater responsibilities and acquiring new skills. There is no prescribed set of tasks for maintaining your employability; what is important is to be conscious and intentional in clarifying what employability means for you, choosing what to do about your employability, and acting on your choices.

Think about what is happening around you — at both your workplace and in the industry as a whole. What do you notice?

How do hiring managers decide whom to hire? Prospective employers consider several factors.

Outstanding legal skills are a minimum job requirement today. How satisfied are you that your legal skills are current and fit employers’ needs?

In today’s work environment, legal skills alone are not a sufficient indicator of employability. Core skills such as communication, basics of finance, and rainmaking are critical to maintaining your employability. Unique skills such as a technical degree or experience in an unusual industry will help you stand out to employers.

Staying current on major industry trends is critical not only for maintaining your employability, but also for providing excellent service in your present position. Any development can have legal implications, so it is critical to monitor all aspects of a business. Specifically, how are these macro factors affecting your industry?

While the Internet makes it easier than ever to stay current, trade press in many industries offer daily fax reports that are crucial to keeping up-to-date with the latest developments.

Are you able to move or are you geographically limited? In general, the more mobile you are, the more employable you will be. That said, many employers offer flexible options, such as commuting alternatives and technology, to make the best fit.

Good relationships are critical for every aspect of business success, increasing your sphere of influence with colleagues, clients, potential mentors, and employers. Developing these core interpersonal skills is often underappreciated and overlooked. Yet, they are the lifeblood of successful organizations. Both in-house and in firms, attorneys are increasingly required to lead diverse and inclusive teams, both internally and externally. As a result, attorneys who are best at developing strong relationships will be the most employable.

Think about your confidence with each facet described above. How satisfied are you with your employability when you consider the market trends and your personal readiness?

If you are very satisfied, congratulations! Remember, the market changes constantly, so make a date with yourself every three to six months to review these questions and reevaluate your employability.

If you are not very satisfied with your employability, you have a couple of choices. You could choose to do nothing and be swept along with whatever changes come your way. Another choice is to consciously work to increase your employability and influence the factors within your control.

Take a few quiet moments and honestly inventory your personal preparedness. Look beyond what you found in the clarity section; the first step in creating your action plan is to identify specifically what you need to change.

• How well do your skills match the current and projected demands in the marketplace?

• How easily could you adapt your current skills to a new industry if necessary?

Promotions do not always go to the most qualified candidate. Often, they are awarded to the candidate who is best positioned. Minority attorneys, especially, often have to prove themselves beyond what is normally expected of other attorneys.

How visible are you and your accomplishments? You cannot assume that others know what you are working on, even if you work in a small firm or law department. It is up to you to craft the messages that will help you succeed and to deliver them to the key decision makers.

It is also important to position yourself with clients. Make yourself indispensable. The more you know about a project, case, or clients’ needs, the more employable you are. Think of partners who switched firms, taking their books of business with them. These partners have developed strong relationships and, thus, positioned themselves well with their clients. Ask yourself:

• How can I position myself so I am the first person they think of when they need help?

Ensure that you have a group of supporters who offers not only encouragement and opportunities, but also gives you honest and candid feedback. How can you expand your network? Review your relationship with your mentor. What new or additional assistance do you need to ask for?

With the shift from the concept of lifetime employment to lifetime employability, many aspects of employment are, indeed, out of your control. Yet you can be prepared to respond when change presents itself. Monitoring and increasing your employability is a way of protecting your professional assets and ensuring that you are prepared for any detour in your career path.

From the Employer’s Perspective: Why Invest in Employability?

Organizations no longer guarantee lifetime employment, and employees no longer guarantee lifetime loyalty. Despite the implicit transient nature of today’s work contract, promoting your staff members’ employability is a wise investment. Benefits can include:

• Attract top performers — Employability and a willingness to invest in young workers have become important factors for candidates when assessing potential employers.

• Increase Retention — Investing in employees strengthens their relationships with your organization. In turn, employees are more likely to stay.

• Improve Client Service — According to a law firm’s director of development, clients are starting to expect more service at faster and cheaper rates. Investments in employability are investments in superior service to current clients.

Miriam Bamberger, CPCC, and Heather Bradley, CPCC, are the co-founders of The Flourishing Company, which helps emerging professionals sharpen their leadership skills to generate immediate and lasting changes in their ability to successfully manage complex work relationships. For additional information, visit: www.TheFlourishingCompany.com.