The Walking Wounded
The phone calls and office visits are increasing. Like recruiters all over the country, I am spending an increasing amount of my time counseling associates who have been "let go". The effects are visceral. I can see it in their faces and hear it in their voices. "How can this be happening to me? I did everything right." I reassure them that they will get another job. I also point out that it might take some time. It is clear that not everyone believes that someone else will hire them.
Getting laid off or fired is one of life's most stressful events. For most of us, it raises immediate financial concerns. For lawyers and other professionals who define themselves by their careers, the psychological damage can be profound.
If you are in this situation, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- You are in good company. Getting "let go" in a major downturn doesn't require a lot of explanation. Everyone knows that law firms are slow.
- Be honest. You will hurt your credibility with a future employer if you allow your current employer to pretend that you are still employed when in fact, you have been asked to leave
- You do not need to explain everything that led to your demise. Just tell the truth and nothing but the truth.
- Get exercise to combat stress.
Labels: getting laid off from a law firm, job hunting in a down economy
posted by Stephen Seckler, Esq. at 10:50 AM
4 Comments:
Yeah it stinks that folks are getting laid off, but what about those of us recent law grads that can't even get the first law job? Recruiters aren't interested in us and most firms are in a hiring freeze. Also add in the fact that several experienced attorneys are willing to cut their salaries and work for "first year associate" pay. How can we compete with that?
You guys are in a tough position. But you will have time to get your career back on track once things pick up at law firms (which will happen sooner rather than later). In the meantime, try to find law related projects to keep you busy. Network like crazy and ask for contract work. Eventually, this too shall pass.
Contract work? Have you done any contract work? It is the fast track to moving out of a career in legal. The pay is terrible. The highest rate in NYC is $40/hour. You don't work for the firm, you work for the temp agency that placed you at the firm. When the case dries up so does your small paycheck. Often times with little or no notice. If you want to be a cog in a wheel that clicks a button all day (doc review) then contract work is for you. Networking is the best advice and consider what your JD can bring you outside of law.
I am not a big fan of document review jobs. I agree that they are low paying and don't do much to build the resume. I should have clarified what I meant when I suggested contract work. There is contract work that comes from temp agencies. This is generally work to be avoided (unless of course you really need the money and it is the only thing available). Rather, through networking, you can find higher level work that needs to be done (research and writing, taking depositions, other drafting projects). It is harder to find this work; but it is more likely to lead to a real legal job.
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