The Hot Legal Jobs for 2008

MENLO PARK, Calif., Jan. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Law firms are moving
quickly to hire legal professionals with specialized expertise as they
pursue plans to enhance services in high-growth practice areas and attract
new business. Legal departments also are in need of skilled talent as they
expand to meet ongoing corporate governance requirements, according to the
2008 Salary Guide from Robert Half Legal, a leading staffing service
specializing in positions in the legal field.

"Intellectual property, litigation, corporate and security, and
bankruptcy law are generating a significant amount of casework and a steady
increase in demand for legal services," said Charles Volkert, executive
director of Robert Half Legal. "Many employers, particularly those at large
and midsize law firms, are offering higher salaries to job candidates who
possess the most sought after practice area expertise, certifications and
technical skills." Following are five in-demand positions for 2008,
according to Robert Half Legal:


-- First-year associates - Competition has intensified among large and
midsize law firms for graduates from the nation's leading law schools.
Job candidates who have finished in the top 20 percent of their class
or possess experience within a specific practice area are highly
sought.

-- Patent attorneys - Demand is robust for attorneys with trial expertise
at law firms specializing in intellectual property or the information
technology, biotechnology and healthcare industries.

-- In-house attorneys - To meet ongoing corporate governance requirements,
companies seek experienced attorneys with regulatory compliance,
corporate and security law, and commercial litigation backgrounds.

-- Litigation paralegals - The hiring of paralegals is expected to remain
steady as law offices continue to build teams to handle rising
caseloads. Litigation paralegals are sought by law firms who are
managing an increasingly high volume of lawsuits.

-- Intellectual property legal secretaries - The shortage of experienced
support staff remains acute. Legal secretaries with trademark or patent
experience, including patent prosecution, are in strong demand.