The current state of the economy has everyone in a flurry.  Employees are finding that jobs are hard to come by and employers are being left with an understaffed workforce.  It’s not only the big businesses that are being hurt by this situation, but also small businesses, that including law firms.  Cari Sommer and Lauren Porat recently launched Urban Interns, a New York based website that may provide some relief to the small workforces in need of a hand.  Urban Interns is a job resource that provides more flexibility options for both employers and employees.

Employers post detailed listings seeking paid or unpaid interns, with the option of selecting how many hours assistance is needed, what type of work it will be, and who is eligible to apply for positions.  They can also search through a database of potential employees based on their specific needs.  Sommer says this is a cost effective solution for small businesses and law firms as needs are changing and employers need help in a variety of fields in everything from admin work to research assistance.  Sometimes a full time employee is not necessarily needed, but there is a need for someone who is at least semi-qualified and possibly even skilled in some field. 

Skill isn’t, however, always a necessity.  Urban Interns is also a resource for interns who are trying to get their foot in their door.  And being by saying semi-qualified, it could mean merely holding an interest in the particular field of work.  To the benefit of employers, every candidate must be at least a college student, to post their profile on the site.  Small law firms can potentially recruit students who are eager and interested in being exposed to the legal world.  It benefits the students as well as their tight class schedules often require minimized work hours.  

Urban Interns aims to be different than other job-listing sites out there by allowing ease and flexibility on both ends of the spectrum.  Employers and interns also have the ability to communicate via messaging through the site before exchanging personal contact information.  The job market is changing right now, and needs are changing.  It is obvious that the part-time workforce is likely to grow.  And even when the economy IS restored, there will surely be a need to find competent part-time help.