Turning To Plan B

While the layoffs that are occurring now in the legal sector and across the economy are very real and are making life difficult for a significant percentage of Americans (after all, even if we are comfortable in our own jobs, we certainly know people who are out of work), layoffs do not tell the whole story about what is going on in the legal industry.
 

When dot-com mania ruled, we read about lawyers and other professionals joining start-up companies in droves. There was a pervasive message that there was an epidemic causing lawyers to leave law-firm practices in search of stock options, subsequent wealth, and early retirement. While some lawyers certainly did achieve great wealth this way, most did not. In fact, most kept their law firm jobs.

Today, instead of reading about lawyers who have achieved great paper wealth before the age of 30, we hear about law firms freezing salaries and laying off hundreds of associates and staff.

Yesterday, the National Law Journal published an article which used the phrase ''Black Thursday'' to describe the fact that six prominent firms sent more than 700 attorneys and legal staffers packing.

The Vast Majority of Lawyers Will Not Lose Their Jobs during this Downturn

In reality, the majority of lawyers in law-firm practice never had a chance to seek their fortunes at fast-growing companies during the roaring '90s (though many wanted to).

Similarly, the vast majority of lawyers employed today are likely to have the same jobs in six months, and those who are unemployed are likely to be fully employed sometime in 2009.

There is a simple message in all of this. While current employment statistics can be sobering, it is important to keep a positive attitude and not to let your personal aspirations be ruled by these general trends. After all, if you are in the job market (due to a layoff or because you need a change), you are not looking for 100,000 jobs. You are only looking for one.

But what about the fact that you always planned to become a partner at a large law firm and now you don't have a job?

Adopting Plan B Is Not Easy for a Successful Person, but It Is Necessary

No one likes being unemployed, and the psychological impact of unemployment can be deep. This is true whether you come from a top law school and landed a job at a top law firm or whether you graduated in the bottom half of your third tier law school.

But if you are used to being successful (you were a top student in high school which enabled you to attend a top 10 college; you graduated with honors from your Ivy League college and did very well in law school; finally, you landed a job with one of the top law firms in New York), being laid off may come as a particular shock. This wasn't supposed to happen.

Well guess what? It did and now you need to go to formulate a Plan B.

The good news is that in all likelihood, you will end up being happier in the long run. There is a lot of evidence that lawyers who work in smaller firms are an overall happier lot. The same is true for in-house counsel.

In the meantime, you need to manage your emotions.

Have the Right Attitude in Public

Companies hire individuals who demonstrate a high level of interest in the employer and show a positive attitude about contributing towards the success of the firm.

Consequently, the last thing you want to do when you are job hunting is to focus too much on the shrinking size of the classifieds and the grim news on the business pages. To paraphrase my son's first grade teacher, ''If you think you can [find a job], you might; if you think you can't, you're right.'

You may not always feel optimistic about your prospects; but it is counterproductive to articulate your negative emotions in public. If you feel the need to vent, look to friends, family, and other unemployed colleagues for support.

When you are unemployed, it is critical to get exercise and take the time to do some things that you enjoy. Find constructive ways to structure and fill your free time so that you feel valuable.

Take on pro bono or non-legal volunteer activities and look for activities that may expose you to potential employers. Attend bar association lunches on topics that interest you and make a point of talking to at least one person you do not know.

Write an article on a topic that you want employers to associate with you and get it published. Spend more time with your children or partner, train for a bike-a-thon, brush up on the piano, or get caught up on world affairs.

Though you can expect ups and downs, you will find that if you make constructive use of your free time, it will be easier to project a positive image of yourself when you do meet with prospective employers.

Don't eschew all jobs with start-up companies. Do the proper risk analysis. Too many lawyers jumped to dot-coms, never considering the potential downside. With all of the negative publicity surrounding the demise of many tech companies, it is easy to go too far in the other direction (i.e., avoid the risk entirely). But younger companies can often offer some of the most interesting opportunities for growth.

Look for the Best Package and Stay Focused

Every job is a series of tradeoffs. Figure out what is most important in your career now (chance to manage others, opportunity to try a new practice area, ability to work in a supportive environment).

Weigh opportunities against these factors. But don't expect to find a job that meets 100 percent of your needs. Any office will have some people you do not like working with and some work you would rather not do.

Furthermore, staying focused on a particular practice area or industry will set you apart from the pack. Looking for ''anything'' smells of desperation. Telling people in your network that you are looking for ''anything'' will also make it much more difficult for people to help you.

Tell them the one or two things you are looking for (e.g., ''I am looking for a litigation position at a large bank or financial services company; I would also consider a position in risk management at an insurance company or a litigation associate position at a litigation boutique that focuses on commercial litigation.'')

Because of the way our memories work, it is easier to remember someone if you can make a specific association with that person. So give your networking contacts an easy way to remember you. Boil down what you are looking for to one or two strong sentences.

You may need to compromise more in a recessionary environment and you may come across opportunities that do not precisely meet your search criteria. You should consider these opportunities as they present themselves. But do not succumb to the temptation to broaden your search generally.

Look for Temp Assignments and Don't Give Up

Look for temp assignments that have future prospects. While a temp agency may be part of your strategy, you are probably better off making your own contacts. Temp agencies tend to have lower-level work (e.g., a firm or company that needs an army of lawyers to help review discovery documents or perform due diligence in a large merger).

Ask the lawyers in your network whether they know anyone who might be busy enough to need temp help.

Don't lose perspective, but be realistic. High-paying jobs take time to find in a good economy. It is therefore especially important to keep up your level of contacts in a down economy.

Yes, We Can

For most of us, job hunting is a very unpleasant experience. No one likes rejection and anyone looking for a job as a professional is likely to experience a lot of rejection - even in a strong economy.

If you keep the proper perspective and continue to remind yourself that unemployment is only a temporary state, you are likely to feel better about yourself and more likely to make a good impression when you are speaking with a potential employer.

You will also be more motivated to keep your level of contacts high, which in turn will expose you to more opportunity. So hang in there and the next time you are having a bad day, do something nice for yourself. You deserve it, and it will help you get back in the saddle tomorrow.


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.