Ten different law firms and another ten agencies participated in the first-ever San Joaquin College of Law Career Day/Resume Exchange on October 21st.
They came toting everything from logoed pens and Purell bottles to donuts and stuffed police dogs, but the biggest showstopper of all was the juggernaut of jobs. There were far more jobs than potential applicants, with most of the 20 firms and agencies offering more than just one opening.
There was at least one happy ending; a 4-L student was hired on the spot and the firm says it is considering two others as well. Another firm said they already have three SJCL alumni but are looking for others because “they know what they’re doing and need very little training.” Others pointed to the SJCL alumni Valley ties, meaning most would be staying, as opposed to job-hopping to another city.
Despite the seriousness of the prospective employers, there was an air of levity. With more than two dozen SJCL alumni represented among the 20 firms and agencies in attendance, it was like a reunion for some. Others joked if the shortage of prospects got any worse, they might start stealing the attorneys from the other tables representing potential employers.
The shortage of attorneys in the Valley is becoming so pronounced that Corin Hoggard from KFSN/Channel 30 came to the event with a camera crew to do a story. Aside from reporting on the plentiful legal jobs with few candidates, his story posed a worrisome question: What happens to our justice system when both the District Attorney’s Office and that of the Public Defender are short-staffed?