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BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 7:07 pm
by 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?
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 7:10 pm
by Anonymous User
lit or corp?
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 7:12 pm
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote: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.
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 7:13 pm
by Anonymous User
I would attempt to move to a busier group if there's a rotation mechanism
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 7:15 pm
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote:Anonymous User wrote: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?
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 7:16 pm
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote:Anonymous User wrote:Anonymous User wrote: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.
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 7:17 pm
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote:I would attempt to move to a busier group if there's a rotation mechanism
Not an option.
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 7:17 pm
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote:Anonymous User wrote: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
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 7:18 pm
by rpupkin
Anonymous User wrote:Anonymous User wrote: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.
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 7:18 pm
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote:Anonymous User wrote: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.
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 7:27 pm
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote:Anonymous User wrote:Anonymous User wrote: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.
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 7:33 pm
by TheDogWhisperer
Anonymous User wrote: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
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 7:38 pm
by rahulg91
Anonymous User wrote:Anonymous User wrote:
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?
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 7:39 pm
by Anonymous User
I understand. My mind is a little messy right now.
Think Detroit.
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 7:40 pm
by Anonymous User
rahulg91 wrote:Anonymous User wrote:Anonymous User wrote:
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.
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 7:41 pm
by rpupkin
Anonymous User wrote:rahulg91 wrote:
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.
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 7:42 pm
by Jchance
I'd start applying if i was you.
Use
http://www.gobiglaw.com
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 7:42 pm
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote:rahulg91 wrote:Anonymous User wrote:Anonymous User wrote:
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.
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 7:47 pm
by 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.
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 7:50 pm
by UVAIce
Minneapolis then? I wouldnt be surprised.
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 8:52 pm
by glitched
What makes you so sure? What did they say?
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 10:10 pm
by mr.hands
glitched wrote: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?
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 10:16 pm
by 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.
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 10:17 pm
by Cogburn87
mr.hands wrote: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.
Re: BIGLAW - Got word of potential layoff - how to handle?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2015 10:22 pm
by 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