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Building a Better Legal Profession

9/30/2009 8:13:10 PM EST

Law Firm Layoffs and What to Do about Them, Part 2: Advice for Associates

By Irene Hahn

Posted by BBLP

In the past year, a declining economy has led to a steady stream of associate layoffs in large law firms. Dechert, Thacher Proffitt, Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft, Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge, O’Melveny & Myers, and Clifford Chance are among the firms that have laid off significant numbers of associates in the past year; the trend, in all likelihood, is not over. Obviously this is a concern for current law students looking to choose a firm, as well as associates in firms who might be wondering if they’re next. This post is the second in a two-part series about layoffs and what it means for your career. Last week we covered advice for law students; this week we have advice for Associates.

Am I Going To Be Laid Off? The Warning Signs.

If it looks like you’re going to be laid off, try to leave the firm before you’re fired. Being officially out-placed can look like a blemish on your record, and detrimentally affect your job prospects later on. If you were top of the pile, you would survive a layoff, or so the perception goes.

Understandably it’s tough to decide to leave a firm when you’re not 100% sure it’s going to happen, but there are signs you can look out for that should give you a pretty good idea. If other people are getting work in your department and you’re not, this might be a sign that you’re about to be laid off. Observe how satisfied the partners seem to be with their work—if you’re working for a group of partners with low morale, this will usually trickle down to the associates. If other departments are busy and yours aren’t, this can also be a sign of impending layoffs.

Lastly, it never hurts to ask. Go to one of the partners in your group and tell them that you love the firm, but you’re wondering whether there’s enough of a need at the firm for your services. Chances are they’ll be honest with you.

I’m pretty sure I’m the next to go. What do I do now?

If you’re at a firm whose business plunges, consider contacting a legal recruiter. A recruiter can help you land at a more stable place before you’re officially let go, and spare you the problem of having a layoff on your resume. If someone comes into your office with a pink slip, negotiate to stay officially employed while you find a new job, so that you don’t have to make calls from an outplacement clinic.

Take The Opportunity To Do Something Non-Traditional.

If you have to leave the firm, take the opportunity to do something non-traditional. Do that public interest job you always wanted to do. Try a clerkship—maybe not a federal clerkship, as a federal judge won’t be happy to see that you’ve been laid off, but working for a state judge is a great option. Try a government job related to your practice area. Yes you’ll take a pay cut, but any of these experiences will give you marketable skills.

What To Do While You’re Unemployed.

First off, do pro bono work. This will show that you’re trying to be active and that you care about the profession.

Secondly, build your contacts. If your firm was doing work for an institution, for instance, see if you can arrange to do some work for that institution. The key is to keep building your skills, so that you can impress your next interviewer with how you’ve used your time.

Lastly, time permitting, try writing an article. Publications experience is always valuable, and can only help you later on when applying for jobs.

The views expressed in this article are solely the views of the author and not LexisNexis.

Updated September 30, 2009 from previous post

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Comments
xTomHagy Last Post: 5/12/2008 8:44:50 AM	Subject: Law Firm Layoffs and What to Do about Them, Part 2: Advice for Associates Date Posted: 5/12/2008 8:44:50 AM
xTomHagy Last Post: 5/12/2008 8:44:50 AM	I like the suggestion about writing articles. Since we''re talking layoffs it seems any hesitancy new attorneys might have about publishing on open Web sites might be reduced. There are at least 2,000 legal blogs out there. Legal bloggers I know are finding great value in them. Also, Lexis now has a bunch of open Web sites that feature authors and guest writers. The sites are companion desitations to this one. You can see them -- in various stages of dress -- listed at www.lexisnexis.com/hub. We liked the term "hub" so much we are using it broadly. Anyway, get on there and start sharing your opinions with the experts. Also, I read an interview in today''s Philadephia Inquirer with law firm consultant Robert Denney (www.robertdenney.com), who said to students that if you''re not coming out of a top school, look for temporary contract work (you''re competing with outsourcing like the rest of America). Calling on his admittedly cloudy crystal ball, he said rough conditions will continue this year, but once firms have adjusted we should see things pick up next year. Who knows. Create an account or login to post comments.
Razzungil Last Post: 5/18/2008 5:58:42 PM	Subject: Law Firm Layoffs and What to Do about Them, Part 2: Advice for Associates Date Posted: 5/18/2008 5:58:42 PM
Razzungil Last Post: 5/18/2008 5:58:42 PM	In contacting a legal recruiting firm, be willing to take part-time or temporary work. Such work will give you the allow you to continue working, while giving you an opportunity to prove your worth or expand your networking options. You might also consider signing up for continuing education classes, so you can meet other attorneys in the field in which you are interested. A third avenue available to you would be to get involved in your section of the local or state bar association. You will meet some of the movers and shakers in your area and may be able to find out who is hiring or what new avenues may be explored. Create an account or login to post comments.

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