NEW YORK MCarch 2012 OUNTY VisitLus at wwwA.nycla.orgWYER Volume 7 / Number 10 Rocketing to Success INSIDE Journalist and founder of Forbes maga - Job,” on page 7, will provide you with zine, B.C. Forbes, once said, “Think not insight into how to best equip yourself for of yourself as the architect of your career success in a new position—an important Ask for a Raise 1 but as the sculptor. Expect to have to do a read for anyone thinking of changing jobs lot of hard hammering and chiseling and now or in the future. scraping and polishing.” It is true that it takes an enormous amount of time and You’ll find other articles within that I Social Media for effort for one to shape his or her career hope inspire to sculpt your career and as and that over time, one’s career takes a you do so, I encourage you to take the Job Search 3 unique shape because of experiences advantage of NYCLA’s career resources obtained. As a leading bar association, the including our Career Center, which New York County Lawyers’ Association offers job listings through (NYCLA) is here to help you do just that. Stewart D. Aaron legalstaff.com. Members and non-mem - Become a Better President, New York County bers can search job listings and post We are devoted to enhancing the careers Lawyers’ Association resumes there, at no cost. Also consider Leader 6 of our members by providing various attending networking events, joining our educational and networking opportunities. career on the right track, but ideas and LinkedIn group, staying up to date on And, we have dedicated this issue of New insight from career experts and leaders in your CLE credits, and participating in Tips for Summer York County Lawyer to “Rocketing to the legal field. I encourage you to read our committees to sculpt your career Success” to share with you resources and “Ask for a Raise” (below) to hear from into exactly the form you want it. Associates 14 ideas on how to make the most out of About.com’s Legal Career Guides’ Sally your career in the legal field. Kane, on how to research, prepare, and In the meanwhile, please share with me make a compelling case for a salary what resources you’re tapping into to TABLE OF Within this issue you will find informa - increase. shape your career by tweeting me CONTENTS tion not only on NYCLA resources avail - @NYCLAPres, and visit nycla.org to take able to you to help you build or put your Meanwhile, “Tips for Starting a New advantage of our many career resources. Annual Meeting Notice ................. 2 Ask for a Raise .............................. 1 Call for Applications ...................... 8 Ask for a Raise CLE Institute .................................. 4 By Sally Kane, About.com Guide company policies, employment hand - want to postpone your request for a raise. CLE Programs ............................... 4 Published: January 26, 2012 books, job descriptions and/or websites Commerical Litigation Treatise ... 11 to determine the pay range for employees Wait until your manager is in a good Committee Meeting Schedule ..... 12 Do you believe you are underpaid at in your position. If compensation infor - mood and not busy with other pressing Committee News .......................... 13 work? Asking for a raise can be an intimi - mation is not published, talk to your obligations. Research demonstrates that Court Simplification .................... 14 dating process. However, armed with human resources department or manager Mondays are typically not the best day to Electronic Research Center CLEs .. 10 research, preparation and the simple tips to gain insight into the company’s com - ask for a raise. below, you can create a compelling case pensation policies. Ethics Hotline ................................ 5 for a salary increase. 5. Advocate your case. Events Calendar ............................. 2 3. Develop your sales pitch. Fashion Law Committee .............. 13 Difficulty: Average Present your case for a raise to your Focus on Advocacy ...................... 13 Time Required: Indefinite Prepare and rehearse a presentation to employer, supporting your position with Leadership-Become a your employer outlining your value to tangible data and evidence of your value Better Leader ............................... 6 Here’s How: the company. Mention your accomplish - to the company, if possible. Now is not Libel Law Misconceptions .......... 12 ments, awards and goals. Emphasize any the time to be modest about your accom - 1. Determine the market value of your specialized skills, knowledge or expertise plishments. You must toot your own horn. Library Notes ............................... 10 position. you bring to the position that sets you Library Resources ........................ 10 apart from others. Provide concrete Your attitude will set the tone for the Message from Stewart Aaron, Take some time to research the market value examples, facts, figures, percentages and negotiation. Advocating your position President of NYCLA ................... 1 of your job. Internet-based salary calculators other hard data where possible. Save e- calmly and rationally will advance your Message from Barbara Moses, such as Salary.com and on-line resources mails or letters in which clients, co- cause further than raising your voice, President of the NYCLA such as the U.S. Department of Labor’s workers, vendors or others have com - arguing, being confrontational or giving Foundation ................................... 3 Occupational Outlook Handbook may pro - mented positively on your work efforts. ultimatums. vide helpful compensation information. Demonstrate how you have transcended Networking-Build Your Rolodex ... 6 Network with your peers at other law firms the boundaries of your position to add Tips: New Jobs-Tips ............................... 7 and companies to determine what people in value to the company. Networking Do’s and Don’ts ......... 7 your position at your experience level are 1. Solicit other offers. NYCLA In the News ..................... 6 paid. Professional associations such as the 4. Select the right moment. Recent Events ................................ 8 American Bar Association and National One of the most effective ways to obtain Sealing Reform ............................ 13 Federation of Paralegal Associations also The best time to request a pay raise is a raise is to get a higher job offer from Social Media for the Job Search .... 3 often maintain salary information. immediately after you saved the company another company and use that offer as money, received an award, completed a leverage. However, play this card care - Tips for Summer Associates ........ 14 2. Research your firm’s compensation large project or achieved some other note - fully. If the employer does not match or What’s Tweeting ............................ 2 practices. worthy accomplishment. Likewise, if you beat the company’s offer, you must be Young Lawyers’ Section Events .. 14 have just joined the firm or your recent per - willing to accept the other offers. SOPA ............................................ 15 Review the salary guidelines outlined in formance has been less than stellar, you may (See Ask for a Raise on page 15) 2 March 2012 / The New York County Lawyer EVENTS CALENDAR Notice of Annual Meeting & Reception Events are subject to change; please check the Association’s website, www.nycla.org, for schedule changes and additions. May 24, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. NYCLA Home of Law, 14 Vesey Street March April Annual Report of the President Public Forum: Getting on the Catwalk: Practice of Law: Trial Technique for Treasurer’s Report Careers for Lawyers in Fashion Law Beginners Election of Officers and Directors March 8 - 7 p.m. April 12 – 6 p.m. Panelists: Karen Ash , Partner and Speaker: Jeffrey M. Kimmel National Co-Chairperson, Intellectual This event will feature detailed discus - On January 30, 2012, the following were nominated as officers and directors by the Property Department, Katten Muchin sions concerning trial strategy, witness Committee on Nominations: Rosenman LLP; Charles Colman, Charles preparation, jury selection, Colman Law, PLLC; David Faux, Law opening/closing statements and Nomination of Officers: Offices of David Faux ; Guillermo direct/cross examination. Hearsay Board of Directors: Jimenez, Professor (F.I.T.-SUNY, Iona, objections and other evidentiary issues I.S.M.); Barbara Kolsun, General Counsel will be discussed. President – Stewart D. Aaron Secretary – Susan J. Walsh & VP, Stuart Weitzman, LLC; Members only President Elect – Barbara Moses Treasurer – Carol A. Sigmond Heather McDonald, Baker Hostetler LLP; Vice President – Lewis F. Tesser Event Chair & Moderator: Quinn Special Event: Edith I. Spivack Taurman (NY Law School) Award Ceremony Director – Class of 2015: Open to the public April 23 – 6 p.m. The NYCLA Women’s Rights Thomas G. Draper , Jr. Eugene B. Nathanson CLARO Volunteer Recognition Committee will present Donna Joseph M. Drayton Felix Shipkevich Program Lieberman, Executive Director of the Gordon Eng Asha Smith March 13 – 6-7 :30 p.m. New York Civil Liberties Union, with Hon. Margaret J. Finerty Daniel K. Wiig Fordham University, Lowenstein Building the Edith I. Spivack Award. Adrienne Koch Alison Wilkey Open to the public Judicial Reception March 15 - 5:30-7:30 p.m. Special Event: 49 th Charles Evans The Committee on the Supreme Court will Hughes Memorial Lecture Director – Class of 2014 : host a reception honoring newly elected, April 26 – 6 p.m. appointed, re-elected and re-appointed Speaker: Hon. Judith S. Kaye, of Counsel, Jonathan Pressment judges. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom; Welcome Remarks: Hon. Jonathan former Chief Judge, State of New York Committee on Nominations: Lippman, Chief Judge of the State of New Open to the public York ; Special Remarks: Hon. Bernard J. Class of 2015: Fried, retiring Supreme Court Justice, Law Day Luncheon Commercial Division, New York County April 27 – 11:30 a.m. Catherine A. Christian Susan B. Lindenauer Cipriani Wall Street Howard W. Burns Susan J. Walsh Practice of Law: Legal Ethics You Need The Justice Louis J. Capozzoli Gavel James B. Kobak, Jr. to Know Award will be presented to Hon. March 15 – 6 p.m.