Choosing a firm

The task of choosing the law firm for which you wish to work cannot be underestimated, no matter how you want to make your mark on the legal profession. From the high-flying city slickers to those looking for something a little less intense, job-hunting will creep to the top of the final-year student's 'to-do' list. What are your options?

The need to find a job suited to your talents becomes apparent as you approach that final year of university. It may seem a long way off, but 12 months will fly by. Suddenly you will find yourself clutching your scroll and realising that your student life is over. Now the serious work begins. However, the following should prove to be a useful guide for you to weigh your options.

The main divisions

Types of law firms generally tend to fall under the few basic categories listed below. Of course there will be some overlap, as they grow and shrink according to market forces. However, the general groups remain the same.

International firms

Here you will find names that will no doubt be familiar to you: Linklaters and Baker & McKenzie top the list of a distinguished group of firms. These companies have offices in major cities all over the world, amass corporate revenues in the billions of dollars and handle the high-profile deals for the big movers and shakers. The annual graduate intake varies according to the firm and the market, with companies typically taking on anywhere between 35 and 100+ new recruits each year. Although current Malaysian law prohibits offshore firms from opening offices in Malaysia, young legal eagles may look for opportunities to join these firms' offices in other Asia Pacific countries like Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai. However, as these companies are the creme de la creme, bear in mind that competition for jobs will be fierce. Only the brightest, the bravest and ultimately the most ambitious need apply.

Large firms (more 50 lawyers)

These large firms are usually concentrated in the city centre and their client list may include some of the country's top multinational corporations. These firms will also partner with or compete with international firms for business in the country. As Malaysia aspires to be a global Islamic finance hub, there will be plenty of work for these firms. Large firms include Shearn Delamore & Co, Skrine and Shook Lin & Bok. However, a number of international and other large law firms snap at their heels for a bigger slice of the domestic pie. Annual intakes will usually be in double figures and large firms are able to attract high-flying graduates.

Medium-sized firms

Further down the size scale, medium-sized firms are firms with fewer than 50 lawyers. Their areas of practice will be of a similar nature to those of larger firms, but on a much smaller scale. Firms of this size are also likely to operate a specialised area of practice alongside the usual commercial work. Expect companies of this size to take on a handful of fresh faces each year.

Specialist firm

Carving their niche in the legal world, specialist firms focus on one legal sector and make their mark that way. Depending on the area of specialisation, their client list could range from individuals to conglomerates. These firms tend to be smaller in nature, which would limit the number of graduates they can recruit. Due to the specialist nature of their work, they may not be able to offer the full range of exposure for a fresh graduate. Therefore, some may not even offer jobs for fresh graduates, but only recruit lawyers with a few years of experience.

Small firms

Most law firms in Malaysia are small firms made up of sole proprietors or a few partners. Their clients are usually small companies and individuals from the surrounding area requiring advice on diverse issues which affect them. Again, due to the size of the firm (the roll-call of which may not even make it to double figures) career opportunities and formal training may be somewhat limited. However, small firms are able to provide on-the-job training and greater interaction with senior lawyers on a range of issues. In addition, lawyers in smaller firms are exposed to the management aspects of running a law firm, which would be invaluable experience should they decide to set up their own firms in the future. Similar to specialist practices, small firms are unlikely to have annual or even regular recruitment drives, but will advertise as and when a fresh face is needed.

© GTI Specialist Publishers. Reproduced with permission.