Today, I will meet with another law firm. Actually, it is the one I want to work at. This I have not told them of course. I follow my own advice in “Negotiate Your Salary Like A Pro!” and try to not reveal my own interests while trying to find out as much as possible about their interests.
I have prepared well for this meeting. When I contacted them they showed interest but said that I had to write down a “business case” for myself first. It’s how they work these law firms, they don’t want to hire a quite senior lawyer unless they are certain that s/he will be a profitable investment.
Writing this business plan was a perfect opportunity for me to make the sale of myself and my skills. As any salesman would, I focused hard on showing the benefits for this law firm if they hire me. Having done a competition analysis I showed them how they will be able to dominate the particular area of law I am specialized in within three years.
This will make their eyes look like dollar signs, and they will not want to lose me to another law firm. At least that’s my plan.
So, today I’ll go to the meeting and listen carefully to their reactions to my ”business plan”. I will try to avoid discussing any salary figures but will continue to try to find as much as I can about their interests and plans.
The story continues tomorrow.
/David Hill
