Many attorneys believe in the power of giving back.  While many firms routinely do pro bono work, there are those lawyers who like to get a bit more personal in their efforts and mentoring is often the solution.

What is Mentoring?

A mentor is one who is experienced and knowledgeable in his chosen field of law and chooses to extend that experience to those who are just beginning their legal careers in an effort to help them make the transition.  It’s usually informal and the mentor makes himself available for questions or advice in the less experienced lawyer’s daily responsibilities.  He might serve as a sounding board, an advisor and a means to building networking skills.  A Harrison Barnes offers career advice for both the seasoned lawyer and newly graduated and licensed lawyer.  He says mentoring is on the rise.  Nearly half of all American lawyers had mentors early in their law careers, up from 29% of those who are aged fifty or older who say they had early mentors when they started out.

Laying the Foundation

For those looking for a mentor, A Harrison Barnes says the direct approach is best.  Invite the co-worker to lunch and explain that you’re looking for someone who can provide constructive criticism and advice as you begin your legal career.  Most of the time, you’ll receive a very favorable response.  Most are flattered and sincerely want to help.   Explain too that you know their schedules are busy and that you don’t want to be a distraction, but that you’d appreciate any time they are able to extend.

Once you’ve begun establishing the relationship, it’s important to remember any constructive criticism should not be viewed as insultive; after all, this is part of what you asked for.   In many ways, the resume reviews provided on LawCrossing.com do the same thing; they provide feedback on areas you can improve in your resume so that it’s a consistent and through documentation of your past experience and educational background.  Of course, the LawCrossing.com team stands ready to build your resume from a blank slate, too.

If you’ve decided to mentor a newly hired lawyer, again, you might wish to take the invitation to lunch approach.  Explain to the new employee that you’re available to listen, provide advice or anything else you can as they begin their new law career.  We all remember that first difficult year.  We go into it convinced we’re going to change the world only to realize it’s not going to be an easy task.  Only through the wisdom of experience do we realize it’s going to take far more than our vision to change the world.

Regardless of whether you’re looking for a mentor or are considering becoming a mentor, it’s a win win for both parties and can provide a foundation for a lifelong professional and personal friendship.  Although it requires an effort from both parties, it can be highly rewarding.  The mentor gains leadership skills while the new kid on the block gets the benefit of your experience and wisdom.

Tweet This Post

Considering opening your own business? Depending on who you ask, starting a small business in an unpredictable and unkind economy is either a savvy decision or a sure fire way to bankruptcy and other financial ruin. Its true arguments can be made for both; however, it’s important to not allow others determine those decisions that affect the rest of your life. Your decisions affect your family and your livelihood and you need those closest to you on board.  And too, much as you might hate the thought, you’ll need your banker on your team as well.  Assuming you have those folks on board, it’s now a matter of doing a bit of research into how well start up businesses do in a recession.

Many believe priorities, timetables and results at different milestones are drastically shifted in a weak economy. A. Harrison Barnes, founder of LawCrossing.com says that’s not necessarily true; in fact, it’s even more important to remain focused, on track and disciplined when the economy is less than ideal.  Sure, there are factors that must be considered and concessions made, but it doesn’t define a small business’s action plan. It’s those factors that allowed Microsoft and General Electric to not only open their doors during an economic downswing, but thrive in that same downswing.  If Hewlett-Packard can run with an idea and create the conglomerate it is today during the Great Depression, then certainly, anything is possible.

Starting your business now gives you leverage over companies that choose to wait until the official announcement that declares the recession over, says A. Harrison Barnes.  You’ve already grabbed the best talent, courtesy of LawCrossing.com, you’ve carefully treaded the uncertainties and your hard work and dedication is no longer considered a gamble, but rather, a beacon for those just now beginning to take their own risks and gambles.  And when you think about it, you had no less at stake when you began your own journey than those who waited for better timing.

There are resources available, including small business loans from the SBA.  Granted, you might find the banks, venture capitalists and even the Small Business Administration will want to delve a bit further, ask a few more questions and demand a more detailed business plan before any money is proffered, but those most dedicated will already have their bases covered and meeting these demands will be no problem.  Besides, if you succeed with securing start up funds, it should speak volumes in that you were able to provide a solid business plan to those who control the purse strings actually believe in.  Not an easy task, even in the best economic climates.

Bottom line: a dose of common sense, patience and a well-researched business plan can take you further than any news headlines ever will.  Sure, the air might feel a bit heavier now, but taking that deep breath and moving forward anyway should be enough to convince you that success is yours to define.

Tweet This Post

There seems to be a lot of hate sites up of former employees who have been ousted or faced the cutting block of the Great 21st Century Recession. These sites, while many might assume are illegal or slanderous in some way, are going on to live long and fruitful lives, courtesy of the internet. But are they legal? It’s a fine line, says A. Harrison Barnes, founder of LawCrossing.com. It’s difficult to prove slander when the “art” is imitating “life” and in this case, life being CEOs and other head honchoes who find it acceptable to trample on employees on their greedy climb to world dominance – and more financial wealth than one can spend in ten lifetimes.

Does this mean there will be a new trend in lawsuits from the group of CEOs who are finding it difficult to face the light of day after being exposed? You know the ones we’re talking about – the Bernie Madoff’s of the world. Do they not have rights? And shouldn’t they be able to control the brutal things being said about them by former employees? Not so fast, says Barnes. If the things being said are factual, then the law will protect the truth. Most recently, a series of embarrassing and marriage-ruining billboards popped up across the country that included Charles Phillips, one half of the presidential team of Oracle. Turns out, it was a scorned mistress who grew tired of playing second fiddle to Phillips’ wife. This forced Phillips to confess all – both to his wife and a curious public. Incredibly, there are likely no legal repercussions for the mistress who proudly displayed a favorite photo of herself and her married boyfriend. A. Harrison Barnes says while it was distasteful, there wasn’t anything that’s been shown to be untruthful. In other words, Phillips has a lot of repairs to make to his marriage, if it even survives.

The law is based on facts and as long as the blogs, websites and billboards are based on fact, as well, they will likely withstand the scrutiny of the law. Still, many law firms advertise every day on sites such as LawCrossing.com the need for attorneys with experience in handling these public affairs nightmares. Even when the best a client can hope for is containing the damage, it can still spread like wildfire via the technologies we’re afforded in a contemporary time.

Others who have found their own names in big, bold lettering include of course, Bernie Madoff, former CEO Chuck Jett of the Emageon debacle who has redefined burning bridges and whose treatment of his employees will surely become front and center in the next, “What NOT to do if you’re CEO” bestseller and even Dickie Scruggs, the former lawyer responsible for the Hurricane Katrina, asbestos and cigarette lawsuits. He’s serving time in a federal prison – and you can be sure it’s a far cry from his Beach Boulevard property in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Tweet This Post

With so many problems airlines are facing today, it’s no wonder the need for top notch representation is at an all time high. Consumers are frustrated and feel as though they have no recourse. As A. Harrison Barnes coaches his clients, “you need to be seen as the cure”. Those words have never rang more true than in these times when the can airlines feel more like bullies than carriers for folks. If you’re thinking you might enjoy the challenges that are unique to aviation lawyers, but aren’t sure what kind of cases you might find yourself being presented, keep reading for a few common scenarios.

Crash landings are perhaps the most likely cases aviation lawyers tackle. Their goal is to seek legal recourses for victims and any applicable monetary awards. Crash landings are caused by a number of factors, including design flaws, air traffic control failures, icing, pilot error and even birds. Unfortunately, passengers are often injured and even worse, death can occur as a result of these crash landings.

While the airline industry is one of the most heavily regulated sectors, there remains an incredible number of injuries to passengers, regardless of whether they’re awaiting a boarding call inside the airport, are attempting to board or exit the plane and even injuries caused on the plane itself. These injuries run the gamut and include trip and falls, overhead luggage falling onto passengers, impediments in aisles that present safety issues and many other scenarios. Further, pilot errors are up, including those who are discovered to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The discovery of faulty equipment on the planes themselves is also creeping up in the number of occurrences.

Still thinking aviation is the right avenue for you to take your legal career? Many lawyers in this specialty find it to be rewarding as lawsuits they file and victims they represent can often lead to universal changes in the airlines. If you’re thinking this just might be your calling, you’ll need a staff of experienced assistants, paralegals and investigators. LawCrossing.com is your one source for locating the most experienced personnel. Founded by A. Harrison Barnes, LawCrossing.com has an extensive database of support personnel with legal training who are looking for those same new challenges you are.

If you’re the experienced paralegal or legal secretary who’s looking for a new career challenge, LawCrosing.com has a database of legal jobs that is unmatched by any other employment agency or job board. It’s also a great place to team up with one of our experienced staff members to ensure your resume is as powerful and impressive as possible as you seek your new career.

While airline safety will always be a top priority, those who are on the front line to ensure changes are made in the spirit of passenger safety will likely find themselves in a rewarding career that has the potential to forever change this multi-billion dollar a year industry. Aviation lawyers ensure airlines are in compliance with all applicable federal laws and when they fail, legal recourse is often the only option.

Tweet This Post

Up until the recession really began kicking us all in the teeth, the word “freelance” was sometimes synonymous with “between jobs” or “until a real job comes through”. Fortunately, for freelancers everywhere, we’re beginning to look mighty wise in selection our options. Freelancing offers an impressive list of benefits more traditional employment options lack. Not having to run out in the freezing weather at 7 a.m. to start the car is priceless, as is the redefined sleepless night; it’s no longer a guarantee for a long work day after lying awake all night, instead, it’s about taking advantage of the creativity one finds in the wee hours of the morning when sleep is elusive.

But how does the legal field, and more specifically, a lawyer looking to change his career path, define freelancing? Is it even viable? If you ask Sara Greenberg, who is a Boston lawyer, the answer is a definitive “Absolutely!” Although she doesn’t freelance, she tells Hannah Hayes of the American Bar Association that she often hires freelance attorneys to help with the overflow of cases in her growing practice.

As A. Harrison Barnes, founder and CEO of EmploymentCrossing.com and LawCrossing.com, says, “The workforce is ever-evolving and as the foundations shift, lawyers – whether they’re seasoned trial attorneys or just graduating law school – must keep up with these changing climates.” What does this mean, though, for those looking for work and better still, how would one even begin to offer freelance legal services? Knowing the need is there is enough for nationally renowned companies, such as LawCrossing.com, to redefine and grow right along with the changing demands. A. Harrison Barnes continues, “Ensuring we meet our clients’ needs with every available opportunity is the only way we, or any other legal recruitment firm can maintain its stability, especially in these tough economic times.”

Other benefits of providing freelance legal services is you no longer have to commit to a minimum number of billable hours, usually around 2200, as most law firms insist upon. You define your own scheduling parameters. Further, as the dynamics shift, so must the freelance attorney’s mindset. It’s no longer a “position”, but instead, it becomes a commitment that no one else can help you shoulder, at least on its most core levels. Still, more law firms are beginning to see the many advantages of incorporating freelancers versus bringing in new associates. Often, it becomes a win-win for all parties and not only that, but it’s quite profitable as well.

The possibilities are endless. Many freelancers, armed with their degrees and licenses, prefer to work out of their homes on either a part time or full time basis, while other freelance lawyers are willing to travel to any particular firm and work out of their offices until the completion of a contract.

Finally, A. Harrison Barnes reminds those considering freelancing their services that networking is crucial. Constructing a website with no forethought and no attention made to proper marketing and networking strategies is akin to only partially completing a brief. For more information on legal positions for attorneys, paralegals and anyone else associated with the legal sector, visit lawcrossing.com

Tweet This Post

A. Harrison Barnes reported this week several features that had been revised or added to one of his many career oriented websites. Now, users who incorporate LawCrossing.com can add their job search to the popular iGoogle application. This makes the job search even easier than before for clients who have added LawCrossing.com to their arsenal of tools in defining their new and challenging careers. In any given week, there are between six and nine thousand new legal oriented careers posted for premium members of the LawCrossing website. From positions for law students and those looking or clerkship jobs to legal staff, partner staff and postgraduate clerkships, the possibilities are endless.

So what does 2010 hold for the EmploymentCrossing.com suite of sites? A. Harrison Barnes says new benchmarks are crucial for any business venture and with his experienced staff, he anticipates new challenges that tough economies present. “Confidence is key”, says Barnes. And if anyone knows, it’s Barnes.

LawCrossing.com works by incorporating a browsing tool that allows users to streamline their search by job types, locations and even keywords. It’s an all-inclusive method that saves both time and frustration for those whose time is limited and whose goal is to eliminate the fluff in their efforts. With a staff of over three hundred, including researchers, programmers and analysts, their goal is to put the needs of the job seeker first; unlike others who meet the needs of employers. Further, they incorporate methods that others insisted would never work: they don’t charge employers to post jobs.

Another reason LawCrossing.com works? No advertisers allowed – ever. Ads can be distracting and a job hunt is stressful enough without any added distractions. Couple the stress with challenges such as getting a resume to the top of the stack, waiting for that one magical phone call and then of course, those stresses that go along with the first few weeks of a new job, it’s crucial job seekers feel they have someone on their side during the dreaded job hunt. We cross our nets wide and far so you don’t have to. We check the deadlines, the terms and conditions for applying and educational requirements. Our no-fluff method of only including the necessary information in the job listings ensure a streamlined experience that allows users to spot those positions they’re best suited for while leaving the rest behind.

Not sure which direction you wish to pursue? Our extensive database of articles and career advice can provide guidance, inspiration and interview tips to keep you dedicated to the task at hand. Other information found on the site includes networking tips, ways to gracefully decline a job offer and how to recover from a less than perfect interview. Everyone can relate to these hiccups, but they don’t have to be deal breakers. It’s all about organization, focusing on one’s strengths and tailoring communication efforts so that the message is received loud and clear. It’s time to rethink the traditional methods of looking for jobs and LawCrossing.com leads the effort.

Tweet This Post

As defined by The American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants, an LNC is a title that represents a specialty practice of the nursing profession but that also differs from a traditional paralegal. Law firms, as part of their efforts to hire experts such as engineers for their expertise in their professions, will also discover a need for an expert in the medical field. There is a Code of Ethics and Conduct, as well as a Scope of Practice for the Legal Nurse Consultant, as defined by the AALNC that legal nurse consultants must adhere to. In these documents, the role of the legal nurse consultant is spelled out in detail and provides guidance on their role as witnesses. Legal nurse consultants:

* Have advanced degrees in nursing or healthcare * Are employed by law firms, insurance companies or they can sometimes work as independent contractors * Ensure the lines of communication are kept open between lawyers and medical personnel, such as physicians * Educate lawyers on the specifics of a case as they prepare for court * Research guidelines and regulations in the medical field and report their findings to a lawyer or law firm * Review and analyze medical records associated with a legal case * Provide expert testimony and documentation regarding medical records; and * Interview witnesses

Indeed, the role of the legal nurse consultant sounds similar to that of a paralegal; however, as mentioned above, their roles are significantly different. A legal nurse consultant brings to the table an extensive understanding of the medical field, whereas a paralegal’s scope is usually limited to specific laws with little or no medical training or background.

According to A. Harrison Barnes, lawyer and founder of LawCrossing.com, the need for legal nurse consultants continue to rise as more physicians are finding themselves against the wall due to liability issues and parameters defined by insurance companies. All too often, the needs of the patient get lost in the process, leaving vulnerabilities. This is where the expertise of legal nurse consultants enters the picture.

If you’re looking for a way to combine your medical background in a legal setting, becoming a legal nurse consultant can provide the ideal way to blend the two; all the while, serving a greater good. A. Harrison Barnes says it’s a situation that benefits both the legal and medical fields. LawCrossing.com is an excellent way to begin your career as a legal nurse consultant. There are additional educational requirements; however, the rewards are many for those who opt for this career path. Its classification as a specialty area in the practice of nursing makes it a lucrative choice for many and a rewarding career for all who choose it.

Once you’re ready to make that leap, LawCrossing.com stands ready to partner with you as you move forward in achieving your career goals in this noble profession. Help with your resume as well as the largest job database gets you noticed; your talents get you hired and your commitment ensures you’re never without job options.

Tweet This Post

The first and the most important question you need to ask yourself is that if you are willing to get into a legal career. Unless you cannot figure this question’s answer you cannot proceed further in your legal career. In order to get the correct answer you need to think deep. Before you make any decision be sure that you know and are clear with every aspect of the facts that you are considering to get an answer. Be honest with what you want because this decision will affect not only your career but also your entire life.

According to A. Harrison Barnes, who owns LawCrossing.com, many factors must be considered before taking any vital decision. You can even take help of LawCrossing.com whose recruiters provide with a correct advice of whether to continue with a legal career or shift to a second career. They are experts and getting advice from the expert is the best way to proceed. They will guide you in the best possible way and you will definitely feel the difference once you speak to them and take their guidance.

A. Harrison Barnes believes that at times you need to think about what you are doing, is the work suiting you, or are you more suitable for any other job. These are questions that need to be answered before getting into any career. If you continue with your law career then you will get time to be back in form with a better approach, this will help you to like your profession more. But if you prefer another job than law position which you currently hold, then you will realize what is meant for you and you can be more focused at what you are doing. Answering these questions will bring a smile on your face and not create disruptions in your personal and professional life later on.

In life, you will face situations where you do cannot exert any control. For example, you may be working with a big legal firm and earning more than any of your family member and friends. But for some reason you need to leave your job. Then during these situations giving a thought to the above mentioned questions will give you an idea or a vision of what exactly do you want and thus will help you move ahead in a much better way. While giving these questions a thought you can seek expert advice from the recruiters of A. Harrison Barnes’s LawCrossing.com. Being attorneys themselves they can guide you in every possible way.

The most important thing according to A. Harrison Barnes is what has motivated you to join the law school. Is it your own wish to be a lawyer or your parents’? Is it the prestige attached to this profession that motivated you or the money you will get by being a lawyer? Is it seeing a successful lawyer in the family? There can be many reasons for you joining law school.

There is every possibility that your motivation might change that’s what A. Harrison Barnes says. So in order to know the answer, you need to give it a good thought. You can take help of either your family or friends or can ask an expert for the advice. The recruiters of LawCrossing.com will guide you in every possible way. Once you come to know what the main reason of your motivation is then you can focus on your work with full enthusiasm.

If you realize that you are born to be an attorney then you do not have to worry about a thing, you just need to concentrate on your work and do it to your full potential. But if you get to know that you are best suitable in any other profession then start thinking of shifting to it rather continuing without any interest in the job. This will neither give you peace of mind nor will it give you job satisfaction.

A. Harrison Barnes suggests that you can even try shifting to another field of law than completely shifting to a new profession. You can even choose another place of work for yourself. If you are working in a large law firm then you may try shifting to in-house or even may become a government attorney. Choose the environment you are most comfortable to work in. The choice is up to you.

Tweet This Post

We live in a country that’s laws are written to protect its citizens. Our judicial system is the best in the world. Still, there are times that same judicial system appears to be flawed or imperfect. This is one reason why many choose law as their chosen profession, says LawCrossing.com founder A. Harrison Barnes. Despite the difficulties and incredible commitment to ensuring a law degree, attorneys across America go into the field of law on a daily basis.

So what happens when you graduate with your degree, take your state bars and are ready to set out and make your own mark in the world? LawCrossing.com is an excellent place to start – and likely the same place you’ll end the search. With thousands of jobs available in real time, the professionals at LawCrossing.com work tirelessly to help our country’s lawyers help themselves as they set out to define their legal careers. The site has absolutely no advertisements, so there are no worries about distractions or those frustrating pop up ads. The pros at LawCrossing.com work around the clock to provide resume assistance, answer questions and to ensure the jobs featured on the site are current. A. Harrison Barnes, who founded the site, is also an attorney and knows the frustrations many legal minds endure while looking for the right law firm to build their careers in.

In a recent article, A. Harrison Barnes reminds job seekers in every sector to allow your past experiences to empower you. He said to give them positive meanings and pull the lesson from each experience. It’s much the same way with college grads, and especially, law school grads. There is a certain amount of “due paying” most of us encounter, but the only to get past it is to get through it. He further explains that success in life comes by those references that empower, rather than drag you down. In other words, it’s what we make of life events that determine how they affect us – and our careers.

Clearly, the recession, which many say is the closest to the Depression a recession can be, has forced many of us to redefine our personal versions of success. Fortunately, if there’s any silver lining, it’s that each of us is also afforded the opportunity to redefine what we see “successful” as. Now’s the time to put forth your best resume, brush up on your skills and then approach the job market with a new energy.

You’ve worked hard for your legal education; trust the professionals to guide you in locating the right legal job. Whether its criminal law or federal crimes you’re looking to break into, LawCrossing.com has the latest and most current job openings found anywhere. It’s a one-stop service that provides assistance in preparing your resume and an article database written by the pros who can answer the toughest employment questions you have.

For more information on A. Harrison Barnes, visit his site at AHarrisonBarnes.com.

Tweet This Post

Lawyers across the country keep current on national events by following what many of their fellow attorneys are doing. This week, we take a look at the latest legalities in water laws. In early February 2010, Deputy Interior Secretary David Hayes addressed the issues and topics that were discussed at the 28th Annual Water Law Conference, sponsored in part by the American Bar Association’s Environment, Energy and Resources Section and the Water Resources Committee. The event was held February 17-19.

The program for 2010, “Whose Spigot Is It?” focused on water values and the changes since President Obama took office. Endangered species were highlighted and the effect of funding constraints has on them and those efforts being made to protect them – both on state and federal levels. Further, the media found itself in the spotlight when attorneys discussed the role of the collective media and how it shapes public perceptions of scientific developments, funding and other water related issues. This was especially interesting since the media has such an influence over the general public and its views on topics such as these.

Other interesting topics included developments on the U.S. Supreme Court level, especially those relating to varying laws and perspectives on drought management, an in-depth perspective of how other countries such as Australia, and its way of handling drought management. Finally, the long term aspects and future prospects of Native Americans and associated water settlements were discussed in great length. The conference, held in San Diego, was impressive and all-inclusive in water and water shortage matters.

So what does this mean for recent law school graduates? A. Harrison Barnes, attorney and founder of LawCrossing.com, says it opens up new opportunities for these recent grads to redefine their areas of specialty. It also provides a solid foundation for those established law firms to expand their own services, making it a great fit for those just now entering the law job market. Often, law firms take on pro bono cases on matters such as these. The conference provided many opportunities for those firms to expand their pro bono case loads.

Now’s a great time to consider law as a career, says A. Harrison Barnes. With more focus being paid to all things environmental related, more would-be criminal lawyers and civil lawyers are redirecting their energies to environmental issues. The ABA Section of Environment, Energy and resources has more than 11,000 members in a vast range of interests. This speaks to the dedication of many in the legal profession who remain dedicated to environmental law.

For the latest in all the available legal jobs across the country, be sure to browse the many paralegal jobs, administration jobs and of course, legal jobs on the LawCrossing.com job site. Jobs are updated in real time, ensuring only those legal positions listed are in fact available.

Tweet This Post