Applying for attorney positions online is a lot like preparing for a high-stakes courtroom battle: it requires meticulous preparation, a strategic approach, and a sense of humor to navigate the occasionally absurd twists and turns. Fear not, legal eagles! Here's a practical guide tailored just for you to help you manage the online job application process without losing your composure—or your sanity.



The Art of Online Job Applications for Attorneys: A Survival Guide for the Legal Professional Dealing with Online Employment Portals

Applying for attorney positions online is a lot like preparing for a high-stakes courtroom battle: it requires meticulous preparation, a strategic approach, and a sense of humor to navigate the occasionally absurd twists and turns. Fear not, legal eagles! Here's a practical guide tailored just for you to help you manage the online job application process without losing your composure—or your sanity.


1. The Digital Paper Trail Tango

First things first: your resume, your Curriculum Vitae (CV). Ensure it's polished to perfection and in a format that won't induce a system-wide panic attack. PDF is your golden ticket. A Word document might cause your formatting to morph into something resembling a courtroom transcript with every line out of order.

Keep it sleek, clear, and devoid of jargon that might be misinterpreted as cryptic code. However, don't forget to adjust your resume for each application; use the job description as a guide. Analyze the job description carefully and incorporate relevant keywords. You can even create a “Keyword” section at the top of your resume, which can be tailored for each job description. Mirror the language in the job description, and where it accurately overlaps with your skills, include that keyword.

  • For a litigation position, highlight your courtroom experience and successful case outcomes.
  • For a corporate law role, emphasize your experience with mergers and acquisitions or contract negotiations.

Remember, your resume should tell a compelling story of why you're the perfect fit for that specific position.


2. Password Pandemonium

Just like preparing a case file, you'll need a plethora of passwords. One for each application portal, one for each email address you've used for job hunting, and one for each firm's or in-house employer’s online system. Consider using a password manager unless you enjoy living in the suspenseful thrill of resetting your password every other day.

And remember, LegalEagle2024 might sound like a good idea now, but trust us, your future self will appreciate the extra layer of security.

When creating passwords, use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Aim for at least 12 characters. Password managers like LastPass, 1Password, or Dashlane can generate and store complex passwords securely, saving you the headache of remembering them all. These tools can also auto-fill your login information, making the application process smoother and more secure.


3. The Skill-Set Shenanigans

Online applications often have a section for your skills. This is where you need to tread carefully. While "Expert in Legal Jargon" might not win you any accolades, "Proven Track Record in Complex Litigation" will. Highlight your skills with precision and clarity. Avoid boasting about your Keen Ability to Obfuscate Legalese unless you want to sound like a character from a courtroom drama.

Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Instead of saying “Experienced in contract negotiation,” try “Successfully negotiated over 50 high-value contracts, resulting in $10M in cost savings for clients.”

Don't forget to balance technical legal skills with soft skills. Emphasize qualities like:

  • Strong oral and written communication
  • Effective team collaboration
  • Client relationship management

These will showcase your well-rounded professional profile.


4. Autofill: The Best and Worst Friend

The autofill feature can be both a blessing and a curse. While it saves you time when filling out repetitive forms, it might insert Habeas Corpus where Relevant Experience should be. Always review what your browser has auto-filled before hitting Submit—you don't want to accidentally send an application where your previous job is listed as Legal Wizard instead of Associate General Counsel.

To make the most of autofill:

  • Create separate browser profiles for different types of job applications (e.g., law firm applications, in-house counsel positions, government roles).
  • Regularly update your stored information to ensure accuracy.
  • Double-check all fields before submission, paying extra attention to job titles, dates, and contact information.

5. The Black Hole of Application Status

Once you've pressed Submit, welcome to the black hole of application statuses. This is where your application will float in a digital void, occasionally emitting status updates that may or may not resemble the cryptic clues left behind by a disgruntled associate. Sometimes you'll receive a polite "Your application is under review," and other times, you might get nothing at all.

Don't let it get to you. The digital job market can be as elusive as a subpoena served in a remote jurisdiction.

Stay organized during this waiting game:

  • Create an Excel spreadsheet to track your applications, including the firm or company name, position, application date, and regularly update the status.
  • Use job application tracking tools like Huntr or Teal to efficiently manage your job search.
  • Set reminders for follow-ups and potential interview dates.

6. The Follow-Up Fiasco

The follow-up email is your chance to demonstrate your professionalism without coming off as a legal stalker. A polite "I'm following up to inquire about the status of my application" is ideal. Avoid overly aggressive follow-ups like "I'm just checking in for the 5th time because I'm concerned you've misplaced my application." A balanced approach will show you're interested without crossing the line into persistence bordering on obsession.

Here's a template for a professional follow-up email:


Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I submitted my application for the [Position Name] at [Firm Name] on [Date]. I'm writing to express my continued interest in the position and to inquire about the status of my application.

I'm particularly excited about the opportunity to contribute to your firm's [specific practice area or recent achievement]. If you need any additional information from me, please don't hesitate to ask.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]


In the legal industry, it's generally appropriate to follow up 2 weeks after submitting your application, unless the job posting specifies otherwise.


7. The Post-Application Blues

Once your applications are sent and your follow-ups are completed, it's time to deal with the post-application blues. Engage in activities that refresh your legal mind and keep you grounded—like catching up on your favorite legal dramas or enjoying a well-deserved break with a good book. It's all part of maintaining your sanity while you wait.

Additionally, use this time to:

  • Network with other legal professionals through bar association events or online forums.
  • Attend legal webinars or conferences to stay current in your field.
  • Consider taking on pro bono work to gain experience and make connections.
  • Update your LinkedIn profile and engage with relevant content in your industry.

8. Repeat as Necessary

Finally, remember that applying for attorney positions is often a numbers game. Don't be discouraged if you don't land the perfect role immediately. Keep refining your resume, honing your cover letter, and adjusting your approach. Persistence is key, and eventually, the right opportunity will come knocking—probably with a very well-dressed recruiter in tow.


So there you have it—the best ways for attorneys to manage applying for positions using online portals. With these tips, you'll be well-prepared to tackle the digital job market with a blend of professionalism and humor. Good luck and may the legal job search be ever in your favor!