Legal Matters Sheet Helps with Jobs and Clients
As an attorney you probably remember many of the matters (cases and/or deals) you have worked on. However, how many have you forgotten? What about you law students? Do you remember all the pro bono or clerk matters you helped with? Keeping a “matters sheet” on hand solves this problem.
This article at Guerrilla Job Hunting explains the benefit of a “deal sheet” for salesmen:
Sales guys — show them proof! Keep an up-to-date deal sheet – instead of a resume – on your PC at work which you can share with recruiters when they call.
My thought is to expand the notion into a matter sheet for lawyers and law students. This summary of your work can then be used for marketing your services in two ways.
First, use your matters sheet whenever a potential matter crosses your desk. Easily link the new matter into something you have done before, with this quick reference. Provide potential clients a quick snapshot of your prior experience related to their situation. All from within one document. You could also use a redacted and public-friendly document to update your “experience” list on your website.
Second, the matters sheet can help you find a new job. Everyone talks about tailoring cover letters, resumes, and the like to the position in which you are applying. This capsule summary of your experience makes that task a breeze. Use it when speaking with recruiters, preparing for interviews, and updating your resume.
Do you keep a running matter sheet on hand? If you have any tips or ideas on this, please post a comment or drop me a line.
[tags]legal andrew, career, lawyer, attorney, matter sheet, matters sheet, deal sheet[/tags]
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2 Responses to “Legal Matters Sheet Helps with Jobs and Clients”
March 21st, 2007
Andrew, one of the easiest ways to track this type of information is in Excel or for students Google Docs & Spreadsheets. Clients and customers always want to know that you handled an issue “just like theirs” so a quick list can help demonstrate the depth and bredth of your experience.
– David Perry
March 21st, 2007
David,
Your suggestion of using Excel is great. This would make it really easy to have details about each matter you’ve handled.
Thanks for commenting,
Andrew