BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I will keep this very vague. I am a first year, my work has been hit and miss. I was subtly informed today that the firm may make some layoffs and I am on the block. How does one handle this situation?

[Anonymous User]

lit or corp?

[Anonymous User]

lit or corp?

Corp.

Some more facts:

- no debt
- 26
- K-JD
- saved every dime for the most part that I have made so far.

[Anonymous User]

I would attempt to move to a busier group if there's a rotation mechanism

[Anonymous User]

lit or corp?

Corp.

Some more facts:

- no debt
- 26
- K-JD
- saved every dime for the most part that I have made so far.

major market or secondary market?

[Anonymous User]

lit or corp?

Corp.

Some more facts:

- no debt
- 26
- K-JD
- saved every dime for the most part that I have made so far.

major market or secondary market?

Good question. Major secondary in Midwest.

[Anonymous User]

I would attempt to move to a busier group if there's a rotation mechanism

Not an option.

[Anonymous User]

lit or corp?

Corp.

Some more facts:

- no debt
- 26
- K-JD
- saved every dime for the most part that I have made so far.

lateral to another big law, market is doing pretty well. If you are in a major market, it shouldn't be a problem

[rpupkin]

lit or corp?

Corp.

I'm not in corp., but all I hear nowadays is how corporate groups are insanely busy. Although there normally isn't a lateral market for first-years with no real experience, you might get a bite from a place that needs bodies. Quietly reach out to anyone you know at a corporate practice at another firm and ask if they would be open to hiring someone like you.

[Anonymous User]

I would attempt to move to a busier group if there's a rotation mechanism

Not an option.

Have you been applying? There are quite a few biglaw jobs posted for transactional people at various firms.

[Anonymous User]

I would attempt to move to a busier group if there's a rotation mechanism

Not an option.

Have you been applying? There are quite a few biglaw jobs posted for transactional people at various firms.

I have not applied. I've barely been at my firm a year and I sm not near the major markets. I'm not even sure how the layoff process goes down.

[TheDogWhisperer]

I will keep this very vague. I am a first year, my work has been hit and miss. I was subtly informed today that the firm may make some layoffs and I am on the block. How does one handle this situation?

I think 90% of every first-year work is a hit and miss from what I've read on tls... I wouldn't be too hard on myself and think you're being laid off b/c of your work

[rahulg91]

major market or secondary market?

Good question. Major secondary in Midwest.

What is a "major secondary market?" Not trying to be an asshole just genuinely confused. Like Minneapolis or Detroit?

[Anonymous User]

I understand. My mind is a little messy right now.

Think Detroit.

[Anonymous User]

major market or secondary market?

Good question. Major secondary in Midwest.

What is a "major secondary market?" Not trying to be an asshole just genuinely confused. Like Minneapolis or Detroit?

No way, I think it would be Dallas or Houston.

[rpupkin]

What is a "major secondary market?" Not trying to be an asshole just genuinely confused. Like Minneapolis or Detroit?

No way, I think it would be Dallas or Houston.

Those would be great examples....except for the "midwest" part.

[Jchance]

I'd start applying if i was you.

Use http://www.gobiglaw.com

[Anonymous User]

major market or secondary market?

Good question. Major secondary in Midwest.

What is a "major secondary market?" Not trying to be an asshole just genuinely confused. Like Minneapolis or Detroit?

No way, I think it would be Dallas or Houston.

It's Detorit size. I would prefer to be vague as possible.

[unlicensedpotato]

I mean, is there much to do besides do the best job you possibly can while working and applying to other firm jobs when you aren't working?

If you start applying now, you hopefully have at least 6 months or until the end of the year before you would be laid off (if it comes to that). The main issue is that people may think you're doing a bad job when you're applying to leave as a first-year. One way to mitigate this is the above advice to reach out to people you know at other firms rather than applying directly. That would give you the opportunity to explain to your friends that your firm may be planning layoffs generally and you just happen to the be the last one in.

[UVAIce]

Minneapolis then? I wouldnt be surprised.

[glitched]

What makes you so sure? What did they say?

[mr.hands]

What makes you so sure? What did they say?

This. Also, find a headhunter. Corporate is a hot practice group and they'll help you.

Do you have a SO or family that would prevent you from going to a different market in the region?

[Lawyerrr]

Not an expert in this, but sometimes, it's better to get laid off than quit because then you get a severance package. So if it's possible, maybe try to tee up another job while simultaneously getting laid off.

Again, not an expert. Maybe someone else can provide more color.

[Cogburn87]

Also, find a headhunter.

Recruiters are pretty trash. Even moreso for a first year with no real experience. They are just going to want to send his resume to every major firm in the market, and OP can do that on his own.

[Anonymous User]

So this is weird...

2nd year, and my BL firm also hinted at layoffs in an office email. My transactional group is getting no business (odd) so I feel that I'm on the chopping block.

Think V50-V100


Looking to lateral to a safer firm

-edited to not out myself