Creative Way of Deferring Hires from Law Firms

Similar to many of us, business for most law firms is down, with a 2% drop in employment between August 08 and August 09. Less work for the firms translate into fewer (if any) positions to offer new law school grads, leaving many firms trying to figure out what to do with the grads they would like to hire but can’t. Many of us know this well as we’re turning away quality graduate and MBA hires because there are no positions available. And like us, law firms spend a considerable amount of time and money attracting these candidates—they often have an extensive interview process and bring them in as interns. With no positions to offer them upon graduation, time and money spent is as just as good down the drain.

While some firms are rescinding job offers entirely, others are turning to a more creative solution—paid nonprofit internships. Firms are paying new associates a yearly stipend to work with a nonprofit for a year. The firms benefit by keeping desired associates at a reduced cost while boasting their charitable contributions and associates gain valuable experience in the process. Nonprofits are jumping at the opportunity to participate, particularly at a time when many can’t afford to hire the legal help that they need.

If you are missing out on quality candidates, explore possible paid options in the nonprofit sector to develop hires or suggest to candidates what types of specific volunteer opportunities would bolster their resume for future jobs at your organization or in your field. While paid nonprofit internships might not work for all organizations trying to hold onto college grads they can’t hire at the moment, the example set by law firms does show us that there are other options besides just rescinding offers.