With the economic downturn, the legal market has been in major turmoil. Reports abound that firms are reducing the number of first-associate positions and cutting costs in unprecedented ways. These changes in the legal market are having a profound effect on recent law school graduates. One way to improve your chances of landing your dream job is to demonstrate not only your expertise in case law and legal theory, but also professional skills -- including advanced legal research. Patrick Meyer, a law librarian in San Diego, recently wrote on article about a survey done with law firm librarians about the skills needed in a law firm environment and what employers are looking for in prospective employees.

Law firm legal research requirements for new attorneys -- Law Library Journal (Patrick Meyer)