Legal job campaigns sometimes falter or fail altogether because of problems with references. Selecting and managing references has become much more difficult for legal job seekers, thanks to disputes between present and prior employers over reference accuracy, as well as employer policies disfavoring references altogether. This often overlooked job campaign component merits the same careful attention that you put into developing a strong résumé and solid cover letter/transmittal email.
Proofread your reference lists carefully. The path to great jobs is littered with the detritus of candidates who supplied incorrect or outdated addresses, phone numbers, or e-mail addresses for their references. Once they make your list, keep current as to your references’ contact information and what they know and love about you.