Friday 5: Resources For New Attorneys

Last week WSBA announced that 247 candidates passed the Washington State Bar exam. With (potentially) 247 new attorneys joining the Washington legal community (and many more lawyers in the first years of practice), we’d like to take the opportunity to highlight some resources for new attorneys:

1. New Lawyer Education

It’s true; law school didn’t cover everything you need to know as an attorney. Expand your knowledge with New Lawyer Education, which offers free and low cost accredited programs for attorneys in their first 4 years of practice. Upcoming NLEs include Handling Employment Law Issues (June 21) and the Trial Advocacy Program (Oct. 25 & 26). Don’t forget to check out our other CLE offerings, as well.

2. Young Lawyers Committee and WSBA Sections

As a new attorney, you’re probably looking to connect with colleagues and opportunities around Washington. The Young Lawyers Committee and WSBA Sections are great places to start!

3. Job-Seeking Support

You’ve finished law school and are on your way to getting your bar card. Now all you need is an office wall to hang your diploma. Whether you’re looking for a position in a firm, want to go solo, or acquire an existing practice, we offer resources for your job search. Make sure you:

• Watch the listings on our Job Board for positions across Washington State. You can sign up for email alerts, too!
• Post your resume to the resume bank so employers can find you!
• Look for contract opportunities on the Job Board.
• Check out the career opportunities with the WSBA—you’d have some really cool colleagues!
• Look for Practice Transition Opportunities listings to find practitioners who are ready to transition their practice to new hands.
• Use the resources offered by the Lawyers Assistance Program (LAP) to help you conduct an effective and productive job search.

4. Moderate Means

You’ve got the degree. You’ve got the skills. And you’ve got the bills. Now you need clients. The WSBA Moderate Means Program is a statewide free referral panel designed to connect clients, whose income is within 200–400% of the Federal Poverty Level, to lawyers who offer legal assistance at a reduced fee in family, housing and consumer law-related matters. You can also check out your local county bar association for their Lawyer Referral Service programs.

5. Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP)

So you want to hang your shingle, but you’re not sure where to start. LOMAP, of course! LOMAP offers many resources to help you set up your practice.