Weathering Uncertainty

Since the beginning of 2008, the sound of law firms tightening their belts has become audible. Some attorneys have lost jobs. Senior partners have been demoted, and junior partners unable to develop business have been forced out.

I have not yet seen any attorneys standing on the streets of DC with "Will Work for a Latte" signs. But there are people in the legal industry experiencing uncertainty and loss for the first time in their professional lives. The familiar bubble of prosperity in which we have lived over the past decade has finally popped.

I do not attribute the condition of the overall law firm market to the economy alone. It is the result of a complex combination of factors stemming from changes in the investment industry and the lending crisis, accompanied by the at times careless and overly rapid expansion of some firms and the homogenization of their identities.

The latter factors are the ones I believe will emerge as a major turning point in the industry. But that is an article for another time. Today the question on a lot of minds is how best to navigate the murky waters of law firm life at a time when what the future holds is not something we can take for granted anymore. Here are a few thoughts:

Big-Picture Strategies
 

• Keep your cool — this too shall pass. This is the third economic recession I have worked through in the industry. Typically, they have been brief for law firms, and while some practice areas have slowed, others will pick up. Fortunes will be made, and the legal profession will prevail, hopefully becoming smarter about how we approach growth and competition among firms.
• Count your blessings for making a wise career choice. We are among the fortunate as far as professions go. If you look around, there are many industries being hit far harder than the practice of law.
• Take care of yourself and focus on your well-being. Avoid the news for 24 hours if you are feeling overwhelmed by the gloom. Do everything in your power to maintain a positive outlook.
• Volunteer and do something to help those less fortunate. Perspective is everything.

Work-Specific Strategies
 

• While at work, build your relationships and express a willingness to pitch in on other projects when you have time.
• If your hours are fewer than you'd like, hold your nose and pitch in on a document review or any other project that you can help out with.
• Focus on the quality of the work you produce and maintain the highest possible level of professionalism in all your interactions.
• Take a seminar or class and build or enhance a skill that is in need of fortification in your practice group.
• Write an article and get it published or talk to your practice group's leaders if you have ideas for client seminars or other business development suggestions.
• Keep in touch with the latest trends in your practice and cultivate your knowledge of those areas.

Precautionary Measures and Steps to Take If You Lose Your Job
 

• Get your resume in order and order a copy of your transcript. Hopefully you will not need it, but should you conclude your practice group is too slow or find yourself among those who are being let go, having things in order will position you to move more quickly.
• If at all possible, do not quit your job before you have another one, no matter how slow things get.
• If you get laid off, don't panic. Negotiate the best possible severance arrangement you can.
• Find out why to the extent possible you are being let go. Knowing whether the decision was economic or performance based is useful.
• Line up references before leaving the firm and discuss how the firm intends to handle requests.
• Ask for a copy of your personnel file. If you have written evaluations, keep a copy of each.
• Tell the truth to potential employers. Eventually the rumors will make their way into the local legal trade papers, and if you are interviewing with a firm and are asked about layoffs at your current or recent employer but have not been forthcoming, it could cost you an offer.
• Network. Sometimes former colleagues or law school chums are a great source of leads on jobs. Join your alumni association and sign up for professional directories such as LinkedIn.
• Consult with a career coach. (A lot of firms will provide this service to support you in finding a new position, but if you can't negotiate it into your severance, find someone on your own.)
• Before submitting any resumes through friends or colleagues in other firms, speak with a professional recruiter or, better yet, a couple of recruiters.

You may not hear the same advice from each recruiter you consult, but it is worth considering the opinions of several recruiters before determining the best approach to your search. A good recruiter can be helpful in obtaining your next job, even if you've been let go.

On the flip side, there are circumstances where working through a recruiter may not be in your best interest. If that is the case, an ethical recruiter will advise you to conduct a search on your own and offer you a few tips on how to proceed.

Taking the time to understand how an individual recruiter works and directly requesting candid feedback on your prospects and the current market conditions in your practice area is worthwhile. If it seems like the recruiter does not know the market or has no strategic advice on how to approach things, think twice before agreeing to allow the recruiter to submit you anywhere. You are entrusting your career to someone, so choose wisely.

And if you see any lawyers begging for a latte outside of Starbucks, buy them one. You never know where your paths might cross again in better times. I promise that the good times will return. They always do.

See the Top 32 Reasons Attorneys Lose Their Jobs Inside of Law Firms to learn some of the most common reasons attorneys are fired or let go from law firms.

About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.