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

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

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• Immigration Law
• Workers Compensation
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This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

Proven Success at All Levels

With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

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He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

• His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
• He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
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If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.

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With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

• Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
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A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

He has worked with:

• Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
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For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.

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If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.

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Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.

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.