Outted at a conservative firm - next steps? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I am a gay, midlevel associate at a V100/200 firm in one of the major Southern cities. The firm has about 400 attorneys, but the firm does not have any LGBTQ attorneys (at least according to NALP). Most of the partners in my section are conservative Republicans and don't hide their leanings. All the associates in my group (except for me) are married and have at least one kid. I've been at the firm for 3 years and the partners liked working with me, my work product, and my hours. I have enjoyed working at the firm, but it has been awkward being the only single person in my section, especially when a lot of the out of work events involve families or spouses.

A few weeks ago, I attended a LGBTQ bar association function. A local magazine was taking pictures at the event and some of those pictures ended up on their website. Since those pictures were published, the partners have been avoiding me and my work is starting to slow down. None of the partners have spoken to me about the pictures, but a lot of the associates in my firm told me they saw the pictures.

I don't think I am in danger of immediately getting fired, but I am definitely getting the cold shoulder by the partners and my work flow is slowing down a lot. I have been working with a couple recruiters, but there are not a lot of job opportunities for my practice/class year. Additionally, none of the more progressive firms in my area appear to be hiring.

Should I continue relying on the recruiters or start applying on my own? If I send cover letters to those "progressive firms", what should I say in the letter regarding why I want to leave my current firm?

[zot1]

Apply to everything.

[Desert Fox]

Do not shittalk your old firm in cover letters or interviews. It's a big red flag. Just make up a good positive reason for wanting the new firm.

Sorry this is happening to you.

Maybe join https://m.facebook.com/LGBTrump /s

[CaptainJapan]

I am a gay, midlevel associate at a V100/200 firm in one of the major Southern cities. The firm has about 400 attorneys, but the firm does not have any LGBTQ attorneys (at least according to NALP). Most of the partners in my section are conservative Republicans and don't hide their leanings. All the associates in my group (except for me) are married and have at least one kid. I've been at the firm for 3 years and the partners liked working with me, my work product, and my hours. I have enjoyed working at the firm, but it has been awkward being the only single person in my section, especially when a lot of the out of work events involve families or spouses.

A few weeks ago, I attended a LGBTQ bar association function. A local magazine was taking pictures at the event and some of those pictures ended up on their website. Since those pictures were published, the partners have been avoiding me and my work is starting to slow down. None of the partners have spoken to me about the pictures, but a lot of the associates in my firm told me they saw the pictures.

I don't think I am in danger of immediately getting fired, but I am definitely getting the cold shoulder by the partners and my work flow is slowing down a lot. I have been working with a couple recruiters, but there are not a lot of job opportunities for my practice/class year. Additionally, none of the more progressive firms in my area appear to be hiring.

Should I continue relying on the recruiters or start applying on my own? If I send cover letters to those "progressive firms", what should I say in the letter regarding why I want to leave my current firm?

I obviously don't know your firm but this sounds like quite a leap to make based on business slowing down after being outed...I mean this in a totally non-sarcastic way, have you considered for a moment that you're imagining something that isn't there?

[bearsfan23]

Do not shittalk your old firm in cover letters or interviews. It's a big red flag. Just make up a good positive reason for wanting the new firm.

Sorry this is happening to you.

Maybe join https://m.facebook.com/LGBTrump /s

[Anonymous User]

You don't need to explain your reasons for leaving in a cover letter.

"Hi, my name is Joe. I want this position, and I think I'm qualified because ___. I want to be at your firm in particular because ___. Thank you for your consideration."

If asked in an interview, just say something like "I'm just looking for a firm that does [something good about firm where you're interviewing]; I know [firm] does [thing] a lot, and I [respect/love/whatever] that they do it." Even if they press, just keep insisting it's not because this firm is bad, and is purely because of how great the interviewing firm is.

[Prana-9]

You don't need to explain your reasons for leaving in a cover letter.

"Hi, my name is Joe. I want this position, and I think I'm qualified because ___. I want to be at your firm in particular because ___. Thank you for your consideration."

If asked in an interview, just say something like "I'm just looking for a firm that does [something good about firm where you're interviewing]; I know [firm] does [thing] a lot, and I [respect/love/whatever] that they do it." Even if they press, just keep insisting it's not because this firm is bad, and is purely because of how great the interviewing firm is.

This.

Many, if not most, of my law school friends have switched firms after 2-3 years working in prior firm. It's nothing to be concerned.

[Borhas]

maybe also start documenting everything, they'll probably be good at covering their ass but you don't want to just get soft fired for some bullshit reason like that

[MKC]

maybe also start documenting everything, they'll probably be good at covering their ass but you don't want to just get soft fired for some bullshit reason like that

I don't know that it'll do him any good. Last I checked sexual orientation wasn't a protected class.

[Borhas]

maybe also start documenting everything, they'll probably be good at covering their ass but you don't want to just get soft fired for some bullshit reason like that

I don't know that it'll do him any good. Last I checked sexual orientation wasn't a protected class.

really, that sucks, but maybe it will be by the time he gets fired

[First Offense]

maybe also start documenting everything, they'll probably be good at covering their ass but you don't want to just get soft fired for some bullshit reason like that

I don't know that it'll do him any good. Last I checked sexual orientation wasn't a protected class.

You know that's short-lived. Should definitely document.

[zot1]

maybe also start documenting everything, they'll probably be good at covering their ass but you don't want to just get soft fired for some bullshit reason like that

I don't know that it'll do him any good. Last I checked sexual orientation wasn't a protected class.

Some courts have found it a claim under sex discrimination. Would definitely document.

[Winter is Coming]

maybe also start documenting everything, they'll probably be good at covering their ass but you don't want to just get soft fired for some bullshit reason like that

I don't know that it'll do him any good. Last I checked sexual orientation wasn't a protected class.

Some courts have found it a claim under sex discrimination. Would definitely document.

Yeah it's also possible it could be covered under a state or local ordinance, document what you can.

[Phil Brooks]

Delete - see next post.

[Phil Brooks]

I am sorry that you work for immature children. Once you find a new job I would either sue the firm or expose it to ATL or some other public forum. What the hell is their problem--are they worried you will "make them gay" or something? This is ridiculous.

[patentlitigatrix]

My understanding is that sexual orientation protection in employment is state by state, which is completely crazy to me.

On a more practical level, looking for other employment might be a mixed blessing. Covering up who you are has to completely suck.

[zot1]

My understanding is that sexual orientation protection in employment is state by state, which is completely crazy to me.

On a more practical level, looking for other employment might be a mixed blessing. Covering up who you are has to completely suck.

Title VII may apply except in some exceptions.

The employer might be covered, but finding out whether the business qualifies is not simple. I believe you can call EEOC and they ask you questions to determine if it could work.

Some courts and definitely EEOC have prosecuted sexual orientation discrimination under sex discrimination.

Still, I don't see why it would ever be a bad idea to document to CYA.

[Offline]

My understanding is that sexual orientation protection in employment is state by state, which is completely crazy to me.

On a more practical level, looking for other employment might be a mixed blessing. Covering up who you are has to completely suck.

This. OP sorry you have to put up with this bullshit. I hope you know those ignorant satanists represent nothing of their alleged faith.

[Mr. Archer]

I wouldn't advise trying to publicly shame the firm on a site like ATL unless you're fired without a good reason. If you just leave the firm and believe something was happening without proof, you run the risk of hurting yourself. The firm would figure out it was you trying to shame them, and the legal community is small.

The slowdown in work could have nothing to do with the picture. Have the partners gone periods of time without talking to you before? Has work slowed down before? If you're close with other associates, try to see if they've experienced a slowdown.

Also, you could check your contract about discrimination based on sexual orientation policies.

[A. Nony Mouse]

Contract?

[Mr. Archer]

If sexual orientation discrimination is covered by any state laws, the contract will probably have, or really should have, a statement in it reflecting that the employer doesn't discriminate based on sexual orientation. The statement itself probably wouldn't give any protection, it's just something to check.

[A. Nony Mouse]

I didn't realize most people had contracts.

[Mr. Archer]

Good point. OP might not have a contract.

[shock259]

Definitely could be legimimate but it could also be a coincidence. If you are a paranoid person, definitely feel free to apply other places. But I'd be wary about making too many irreversible steps without something more concrete. Maybe things are just slow.

[rom10]

I wish I had something useful to offer, but sadly I can't bring anything that hasn't already been said. I just wanted to add my voice to those saying that it's horrible you have to deal with this, and I hope things work out well for you. Keep your head up.