First Steps When You've Been Laid Off

First Steps When You've Been Laid Off -- or are Otherwise Unemployed during a Down Economy

by Marilyn Tucker, Director of Alumni Career Services

During these difficult economic times, hundreds of lawyers throughout the US and in some locales abroad are being told that it is time to move on. If you are in that situation, you are not alone; you truly are in very good company.

Be Certain to Have References Lined Up

    1. You will need a positive reference from a partner or senior level colleague.
    2. Before talking with the individual who is likely to be your reference,
      sit down and create a bullet point list of the projects/cases you worked on with that individual and possibly even the outcome of the case.
      • Then when you do meet, share your list with this individual, and
        let them know you put the list together for two reasons: (a) certainly to
        help you in talking with prospective employers but also (b) to assist them
        in providing you with a strong reference even if they are not called upon to
        do so for quite a while after your departure.
      • Otherwise, because your recommender probably works with associates, and because of the possible time lag, it is likely that their comments to a prospective employer will be broad and general and thus far less valuable. You need to help them to help you by providing this bullet point list which should enable them to provide concrete examples of your value.
      • You might even suggest that he/she keep this list handy so that they can
        simply pull it out of a drawer when they get an unexpected call from a
        potential employer.
    3. If you have been told (or if you suspect) that you are being let go for performance reasons, you definitely will need a good reference. In this case, of course, it may take a bit more strategizing to get such a reference.
      • If you are concerned about the quality of a reference you will get
        from the employer—and/or since so many firms have policies about only
        confirming dates of employment, you may want to ask a partner or senior
        associate you worked with who is now at a different organization.
    4. Now is a good time to contact previous legal employers about a reference that also may be helpful as you proceed.
    5. Consider talking with a previous supervisor you may have had in a non-legal
      job. Given the tight nexus between law and business, you will find that many of them have valuable legal contacts they are willing to share.
    6. If you graduated fairly recently, a faculty member who knew you well may still be a valuable reference.
      • Moreover, faculty members are frequently willing to refer you to other
        alumni with whom they maintain contact.

Involving Others in Your Search

    1. If the firm has provided you with assistance from an Outplacement Counselor, take full advantage of that opportunity. Outplacement professionals can be excellent resources; trust them to be helpful.
    2. On the other hand, avoid the temptation to immediately enlist the assistance of a headhunter particularly if you are a relatively recent graduate.
      • When money is tight, employers are less likely to pay a premium to a search consultant.
    3. Networking
      • Networking is an important part of any professional job search; however, in a difficult economy, it is even more important.
        • The value of the networking is diminished if it is not face-to-face contact with another individual. If your location makes that difficult, be aware that telephone networking simply is unlikely to produce the same results. Nonetheless, telephoning networking is better than doing nothing and reducing your people contact.
      • Use email contact to set up the networking appointment. Make certain to explain that you are interested in learning from that individual’s experience and expertise; that you are not coming to them for a job. Also mention in that same email that you will (a) follow up with a call to set up a meeting, and that when you are together, you will be very sensitive to their time constraints.
      • When you arrive at the networking appointment, do not use a bait and switch tactic. Rather repeat that you are there seeking advice and suggestions re: where the industry is going? What practice areas tend to be ‘hot’ in a down economy, etc.
      • There likely are advantages to LinkedIn and other professional
        networking sites. (See “Ten Ways to Use LinkedIn to Find a Job”)
    4. Consider doing a Martindale Hubble (www.martindale.com) search for Georgetown alums in your city, and even in your practice area.
      • Also consider doing a search of alums from your undergraduate institution who are practicing lawyers—check with the school’s Alumni Office.
        • Especially valuable if you went to a small undergraduate institution.
        • If you attended a private high school, you may find that such a network can be quite valuable.
    5. Consider getting involved in Bar Association Activities—it is a great way to meet new people and to network.
      • As a volunteer you can give as much or as little time as you choose.
      • Be selective about the types of projects you will take on. Aside from “giving back”, these projects should benefit you in some small way. Thus, consider projects that will:
        • Provide additional contacts
        • Involve your writing a report that will be published with your name as author
        • Give you the opportunity to do some public speaking or writing.
      • Alums frequently report that their job offer came from someone with whom they worked on a Bar Association or non profit volunteer project.

The Job Search

    1. Understand that all job seekers will experience a good amount of rejection during a down economy.
    2. Once you get started in the job search, it is easy to forget that this is a very tough market--do keep that it mind--it is not “You”.
    3. It is important that you keep tabs on what is happening in the market--and thus, you should be reading the financial papers, following trends and reading between the lines.
      • If a firm has hired a bankruptcy expert to develop a new practice group, will that firm need additional associates to support that practice?
      • Read local business journals to increase your understanding of the market and thus make you more knowledgeable in your interviews. In addition to The Wall Street Journal and possibly Fortune, Fast Company, Business Week, etc. do not neglect papers like Virginia Business.
    4. Market conditions make it necessary for all job seekers to think broadly and creatively—do not confine yourself to the same large firms.
      • What else is out there?
      • Did you regret not doing a judicial clerkship earlier?
      • What federal agencies are thriving in this economy?
      • Working for a solo practitioner? Many alumni have been able to change specialty practice areas because of short term work they did for a solo
        practitioner.
    5. What's the worst case scenario? Ask yourself this question.
      • Is it an alternative legal career?
      • Might you have to fall back on a previous career?
    6. In the interim should you be doing legal temp work?
      • Pro: If there are jobs to be had now, they usually pay well—and require working full time—no time left to seek permanent legal employment
      • Con: Since the temp job could last for 10-12+ months, there is no time left to devote to the long term career goals. Additionally, with firm business being down, the temp market is not what it has been in better economic times.
    7. Consider other temporary positions that will allow you time to continue the job search.
      • Other positions are not likely to be well paid, but often they are more flexible regarding work hours and thus will keep the focus and energy on your goal, another legal position.
      • While you want to get your legal career back on track, law school loans are looming --and you may have to compromise for now.
      • Alumni are making time to do such things as teaching in an adult education program, studying a language that will be of value when the market rebounds, editing manuscripts, etc.
    8. Resist the temptation early in your search to begin looking for an alternative legal career.
      • Remember, the legal job search is going to take quite a while—and it will require Persistence, Persistence, Persistence.
      • However, if you want a legal job, be patient, be persistent and make it happen.
      • What is the right time to begin considering an alternative career? Timing will be different for everyone - - as will their financial situation.

You Have an Interview

    1. Prepare by researching the prospective employer as fully as possible.
      • If you have been laid off or if your job has been deferred, t will be
        important to rehearse the answer to questions like the one below.
    2. If your firm has 23 litigation associates, why were you the one choose
      to leave?
    3. Have good answers to questions that you can expect to get
      • Why were your told to move on?
      • Be prepared to talk about your successes while you were at the firm. What projects are you particularly proud of?
      • Do not wait for this question. Find a way to let the interviewer know about your accomplishment/major projects.

Be Good to Yourself --and Stay Positive

  1. Very Important--Keep up with friends, classmates/colleagues in the legal profession--do not fade out of sight.
    • Engage your personal support network.
    • Increase your connections: consider getting involved in Bar Association Activities, a great way to meet people and to network.
  2. Consider appointing a "job search boss" whom you meet with weekly to report on what you have done, and brainstorm with that individual about other things you can be doing.
  3. Give yourself rewards: schedule time to exercise, visit a friend, go to a movie or whatever you enjoy doing to relax.
  4. People hire people who are positive and upbeat. It's important to take care of yourself and do the things that help you sustain a positive outlook