Lawyer after Maternity Leave

[Anonymous]

I took an extended maternity leave and now I want to return to work as a lawyer. My preference would be a government job.

Any tips?

[Anonymous]

You initial post was a bit short on details. How long were you out? What type of law? how senior. Without more details the best I can do is to tell you to go on USA Jobs and start searching for opening.

[Anonymous]

My tip would be to start applying on USAJOBS. I think the Patent Office is hiring.

[Anonymous]

I was working as a litigator in a government job in nyc for 5 years. I took a maternity leave for 3 years (my twins had some special needs). I've since moved to the NOVA/DC area.

Pretty sure anyone I know can figure out who I am, but hey, maybe someone on here can help!

[Anonymous]

Do you know anyone who works at Doj or the Sec? Try to work your connections.

Btw- It sounds a little weird to refer to three years off as a maternity leave. I wouldn't say that in the interview.

[Anonymous]

Were in the federal government in NYC? If so, start with your old agency's DC office. It's hard to answer such a general question. What is your specialty area of litigation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you know anyone who works at Doj or the Sec? Try to work your connections.

Btw- It sounds a little weird to refer to three years off as a maternity leave. I wouldn't say that in the interview.

But I really was focusing on my kids the entire time. They needed the attention. What else should I say?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Were in the federal government in NYC? If so, start with your old agency's DC office. It's hard to answer such a general question. What is your specialty area of litigation?

I worked for state government, so no dc office agency for me. I was offered a job where I'd work part time there and here, but my twins really need me home. I did tort work there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you know anyone who works at Doj or the Sec? Try to work your connections.

Btw- It sounds a little weird to refer to three years off as a maternity leave. I wouldn't say that in the interview.

But I really was focusing on my kids the entire time. They needed the attention. What else should I say?

You are a SAHM. You aren't on maternity leave anymore.

Does your old job have any connections here? I stayed home for 5 years and came back as an attorney for gov. The job market may have been worse, but I didn't get anywhere until I landed an interview through someone I knew. Otherwise, I'd start there. Join the local bar association, start going to events and meeting people.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for this advice. THANK YOU for sharing your personal story. I have a lot of friends and will definitely work those connections.

[Anonymous]

If you do employment law or contracts it shouldn't be that difficult to find a government job as long as you know what you are doing. Read up on how to apply through USAjobs, using the right terminology, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you know anyone who works at Doj or the Sec? Try to work your connections.

Btw- It sounds a little weird to refer to three years off as a maternity leave. I wouldn't say that in the interview.

But I really was focusing on my kids the entire time. They needed the attention. What else should I say?

Maternity leave is temporary and you usually go back to your old job, hence leave. Just keep it simple, you took time off to be with your special needs kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you know anyone who works at Doj or the Sec? Try to work your connections.

Btw- It sounds a little weird to refer to three years off as a maternity leave. I wouldn't say that in the interview.

But I really was focusing on my kids the entire time. They needed the attention. What else should I say?

Family hiatus?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you know anyone who works at Doj or the Sec? Try to work your connections.

Btw- It sounds a little weird to refer to three years off as a maternity leave. I wouldn't say that in the interview.

But I really was focusing on my kids the entire time. They needed the attention. What else should I say?

That you left the workforce to stay home with your children. That's what you did, after all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you do employment law or contracts it shouldn't be that difficult to find a government job as long as you know what you are doing. Read up on how to apply through USAjobs, using the right terminology, etc.

Do you have any Links or suggestions?