Exploring Legal Careers Through the Lens of Waitaha Values in the Bay Area
Finding Legal Jobs in the Bay Area
You can find law jobs in the Bay Area by upholding the cultural values of the Waitaha people of New Zealand.
“I will not take life, unless it is in necessary defense of my own life, or the life of another.” – Waitaha Books
These words stilled my mind as I contemplated my future plans to pursue a legal career. I am now well aware that the Kingdom of Waitaha, a tribe in New Zealand holds this value, as do many of the local tribes in the state of California. Some of these cultural values are preserved publicly via Waitaha oral histories. It has been said that law was not only a set of rules back in the 18th and 19th centuries. There were no judges or lawyers during this time; only consensus, community support and individuals sharing knowledge was present. In modern times these cultural values speak volumes when finding a legal career in the Bay Area.
This is an exciting time to be in the Bay Area as new companies continue to flock here – demanding legal talent to meet their demands. The Bay Area is becoming the legal capital of the nation, it is clear that you can no longer count on entering the workforce and staying at one company for a long and successful career. However, due to the high cost of living in San Francisco people cannot afford to take jobs at small companies. According to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (LA BLS), there are more lawyers and law firms in the San Francisco region than anywhere else in the country. The legal job market in the Bay Area continues to remain strong, as wealthy businesses move into the Bay Area. Many of these firms are seeking attorneys within the technology sector.
Except, in order to get hired by these companies your resume must jump off the page and your professional journey must be reflected through an accurate microcosm of who you are, personally and professionally. In addition, you must exhibit an understanding of the industry you wish to join. You should consider education and training as a prerequisite to success; I would also consider that your success can be found interrelating with the natural world. To stand out from your competition, you must be prepared to create a story about yourself – this is true in the law and is the case for all professional opportunities.
To reach that stage in your career it has been said that “you must stand for something” however, this should include your cultural values. According to a case study of the Waitaha people, their notion of unselfishness can be seen philosophically and can be defined as “the whole world is everyone’s responsibility.” This unselfishness promotes a concern for the well-being of others, this must be clear in your work and your home life. Quiet confidence allows for humility and shared respect amongst peers. As you search for comprehensive legal job opportunities in the Bay Area, your attention to these cultural values will allow you to translate your resume into a professional journey that can open doors. Consider these teachings, share them and apply them whenever you can.
