Mahta Talani

The U.S. associate market in 2025, while holding steadier than 2024, is still nowhere near the 2021 hiring boom. We are seeing a more strategic approach to hiring, clear shifts in demand, and new expectations for associates at every level. And unfortunately, the strategic approach to hiring is making it very difficult for international associates looking to switch to the U.S. market. Below is a snapshot of some trends and expectations for next year. Key Trends in 2025 Demand is Steady but...

Most lawyers (and humans?) hate writing cover letters. It feels redundant. You already have a resume, transcripts, a representative matters list, and a LinkedIn profile. So what’s left to say? Here’s the answer: a cover letter exists to fill the gaps.  It should explain anything a hiring partner cannot figure out from your other documents. It is not about making your life story sound fascinating or dramatic. It is about giving context. Here’s what that means in practice. What Your Cover...

If I could sum up my advice for cover letters (more to come on this in another post) and resumes in one sentence, it would be this: think about the questions a future employer will have about your profile and aim to answer all of them. When you’re in law school going through OCIs, the resume game is different. You don’t yet have substantial legal experience, so your resume paints a picture of you as a whole. Once you’ve been practicing law for a year or two, that changes. The thing that...