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Last year was a grim one for young associates in the legal profession. Take Daniel Lyons, for example. He graduated from Queen’s University’s law school in 2005, and after articling got his masters degree in 2007. In taxation, no less. You would think that such credentials would open any number of doors — but not in last year’s economy. Lyons was unemployed from March to December 2009, finally landing a position with a boutique tax firm just before the holidays. 'I was lucky,' he said. 'My unemployment (benefit) was due to run out soon.'

And it’s not just those in highly specialized areas like tax who had a tough year. Young generalists had an equally hard time: Lyons’ common law spouse has been unemployed since last January. Other young associates have been the victim of firm restructurings. Those who were unlucky enough to graduate from law school into the recession faced the added difficulties of dwindling choices for articling positions at the beginning of their term, and competing with unemployed juniors with more experience at the end. There’s even been an uptick in lawyers hanging out their own shingle — not out of a great desire to go it alone, but simply as a way to make some money while waiting for jobs at bigger firms to open up.

But 2010 promises to be somewhat better, according to Susan Kennedy, managing consultant at ZSA Legal Recruitment. She said that she 'has a feeling we’ll be seeing more hiring in the new year.' She cautions, though not to expect large hiring booms. 'Law firms want to make sure the improvements in the economy are staying' before launching into hiring. She thinks things will begin to pick up late in the first quarter, and that firms will be hiring in the two-to-five year associate range.

Kennedy sees some emerging trends for the next decade, which young lawyers should keep their eyes on. 'I’m seeing a lot more people interested in contract work.' Professionals are moving beyond the notion of staying at a firm for twenty-five years until they retire, she said. 'Young lawyers now tend to look at their careers in five year increments. The mindset is different now.' Contract work provides an opportunity for lawyers to try out a practice area to see if that’s where they want to spend their careers. As well, Kennedy sees corporate outsourcing of legal work as a developing trend about to take off.

If you are unemployed and not entirely convinced that 2010 is going to be a better year, don’t despair. Here are some tips for staying sane and making the best of a bad situation during your quest for work:

Be humble

Good honest work is good honest work, whatever the type. If you were a poor student who paid your way through law school by waiting tables, and you’re short of cash, now’s the time to consider going back to basics — just because you’ve graduated doesn’t mean you can’t do anything else now.

Apply everywhere

Perhaps you’d never considered doing anything else other than joining a firm and hopefully getting on the partnership track. But a law degree is impressive and marketable in all sorts of different areas. This is the time to cast your net widely and think broadly about your degree.

Network

The adage 'It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,' is a true one. Get out your law school yearbook, tap into old connections, ask professors and former employers for recommendations, and make sure you have a presence on sites like LinkedIn.

Volunteer

Think about things that matter to you. Maybe you have an interest in social justice issues or righting wrongful convictions. Meaningful legal work — even if pro bono — can be fulfilling and add pizzazz to your resumé.

Join

Become a member of community organizations like Rotary, Toastmasters, or sit on boards of directors. Doing this can raise your visibility and show prospective employers that you can bring in business, have a platform from which to showcase your abilities, and are a well-rounded person.

Reach into your past for ideas

Were you a jock in high school? Even if you have your sights set on being a corporate lawyer, maybe sports law is something to consider. Think about any little competitive edge that will help you get your foot in the door.

Find help

The Law Society of Upper Canada, for example, has a mentorship program which pairs unplaced articling students with a member of the profession who can give advice and encouragement. If you don’t qualify for that, then try asking an older lawyer whom you respect to mentor you. Websites like that of ZSA Legal Recruitment have resumé writing tips and samples. There is a lot of information on job searching out there.

Keep learning

Fill in employment gaps with more education. Brush up on your French so that you can consider positions requiring bilingualism, or take continuing education courses in the area you want to practice — and chat up the other attendees while you’re there — you may get a job lead from the person sitting next to you.

It’s undeniable that 2009 was tough for lawyers, and we’re not out of the woods yet. But with a positive attitude, an open mind, and the determination that got you through law school in the first place, 2010 might be the year you find the job you were meant for.