1st Year Associate Let Go - Requesting Helpful Advice Forum

[Anonymous User]

I've been a lurker on these boards for years, but haven't used them myself because most of my questions have already been asked and answered by other users. However, I think my situation is unique enough that I'd appreciate any advice that anyone's willing to give. Please understand that I'm in a difficult place emotionally right now, and would appreciate some amount of sensitivity in replying to this post.

I'm a first-year associate (T20, top 30% if that matters anymore) practicing at a fairly large firm in a regional market. I'm also the first junior associate that this particular office has ever hired. As such, my hours were low for the first half of 2018 (averaging ~135-140 per month), as many senior associates and partners did not want to expend the time to train a new associate. I did find a niche working for a couple of senior associates, but they both left to pursue other employment opportunities. In the past few months, we've lost two partners and several mid-level associates to other employment opportunities, either due to compensation or culture or some combination of the two. After the mass exit, I got staffed on several cases and my hours went up, but the managing shareholder spoke to me about issues with responsiveness. In the 2-3 weeks since then, I believe that I've made a marked improvement and have not heard negative feedback from anyone. However, this morning, the managing shareholder pulled me in to inform me that "it wasn't working out" and that I would be permitted to stay on for another month to seek alternative employment, while still managing my deadlines. I actually had to reach out to several shareholders/of counsel that I had pending deadlines for and explain the situation, which was awful and humiliating, and all were surprised--one told me he was upset because I had great work product. I was shocked because I was expecting some sort of written documentation before this to signal that I should start looking, were things ever to go south. I was never even spoken to until about 2-3 weeks ago.

I've never had any complaints about my work product, but I have struggled with immediate responsiveness and managing deadlines. I understand that this is part of the job and something that I'm going to need to exponentially improve on at my next firm. However, the culture at this firm was a bit toxic (I'd rather not get into details because that's not productive at this point), and if I'm able to find another job, it will be a bit of a relief to start over. I'm definitely looking for a firm that will expend more effort in developing junior attorneys, but I know that the onus for this terrible situation lies mainly with me.

Having said all that, the panic is sinking in. I am terrified that if I don't find another job in a month, I will be unemployable forever. I also don't even know how to go about finding another job. I need to update my LinkedIn and resume, but then what? How do I find quality legal recruiters in my area? And do I explain to the recruiters what has happened, or do I just pretend that I'm seeking a new job because I'm looking for a change?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Anonymous User]

I'm not going to lie - that sounds like a really shitty situation to be in. It sounds like you (obviously) could have done things better, but so could they. And it is incredibly shitty for them to only give you one month to look around - 3 months is the standard minimum (unless there was a specific HR concern).

That being said, don't give up hope - but be as proactive as you possibly can. It will be much much easier to find something while you're still employed than after the 1 month is up. I would reach out to every recruiter that has ever contacted you and see if they know of anyone looking for a first year. Ask all your friends if they know of any recruiters to put you in touch with. I would also reach out to entry-level recruiting coordinators at every firm in town directly to see if they are interested. If there are any other markets you are open to moving to, I would probably reach out to those firms as well.

I wouldn't tell people you were let go either - if someone asks why you're leaving, I would think that you describe all the departures that have taken place and that you want somewhere with more work. I wouldn't lie if you are directly asked whether you were asked to find other employment, but I would try to avoid that description as much as possible. I doubt many people will come out and directly ask you that.

[Anonymous User]

This really sucks, OP. I'm sorry.

1. Reach out to your law school's career services office. You are not the first person to go through this.
2. Speak to the senior associates/partners you worked with who exited and inquire about opportunities at those firms.
3. Speak to the senior people at your current firm who like/support you and seek their advice/connections/job opportunities they may know about.
4. Speak to friends, acquaintances, etc. in the region and ask them if they know of any opportunities.

Goes without saying, when speaking to people who don't know why you're exiting, I think it's pretty easy to make implications that you're leaving because of culture and because the people you worked with/your mentors exited. Happens all the time.

[QContinuum]

I'm so sorry. Can't really advise beyond: 1) Request more website time if at all possible, and 2) If there are any particular seniors who you're confident would be supportive (maybe some of the folks you used to work for, who've since left for greener pastures?), reach out to them and try to get them to help.

I will caveat point 2) by saying that you should only reach out to people you're 100% sure would be helpful. Folks who're no longer with the firm would probably be your best bets; anyone still at the firm may backstab you out of loyalty to the firm.

[Anonymous User]

It's a shitty situation and nothing we can say will change that.

Realize that you're not in an unusual spot. Biglaw associate counts are not growing, yet they hire many thousands of fresh associates every year. To make room, many associates get the talk you got. The biglaw business model is actually quite primitive. An hour of work is sold, the associate gets 1/4 of the money, the partner who sold that hour of work gets about half of it, and overhead gets the other 1/4 or so. If there's no work for you, that whole model falls apart and the only rational business decision is to cut you loose. The difference between you and those other associates is that you didn't get to work three years, but in the big scheme of things you didn't lose that much and, to look at the positive side, you get an early head start on life after biglaw.

Start sending out your resume. gobiglaw.com goinhouse.com and all that but also to small firms, government or whever.

If you have federal student loans call them as soon as your income dries up so you can go on PAYE.

[totesTheGoat]

I've never had any complaints about my work product, but I have struggled with immediate responsiveness and managing deadlines. I understand that this is part of the job and something that I'm going to need to exponentially improve on at my next firm.

As does every 1st year. It was just an excuse to downsize more now that the office is half empty. I'm guessing that whoever fought to open a position up to you in the first place left in the exodus, and the person/people who originally opposed hiring a new associate are now in control.

Anyway, improving your responsiveness should be waaaaaaay on the backburner right now.

Having said all that, the panic is sinking in. I am terrified that if I don't find another job in a month, I will be unemployable forever. I also don't even know how to go about finding another job. I need to update my LinkedIn and resume, but then what? How do I find quality legal recruiters in my area? And do I explain to the recruiters what has happened, or do I just pretend that I'm seeking a new job because I'm looking for a change?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Given how fresh you still are, try reaching out to your school's career services office. They may be a good resource for you still. Perhaps call up some of your former coworkers who left in the mass exodus and see if they have any leads. I'd also see if the state bar association or any other legal associations you're a member of have a jobs board or any other assistance.

I see that a few others have posted some good stuff while I was typing, so I'll stop before I repeat them too much.

[Anonymous User]

If it makes you feel better, I read this situation as the firm having economic problems and not at all a reflection on your skill as an attorney. “Responsiveness” is usually a BS excuse - people get fired typically for major errors like blowing deadlines or not researching jurisdiction, not being a little late responding to emails. Doesn’t mean you can’t improve (can’t we all) but the pattern of folks leaving for other employment seems like it is a firm issue.

I think the first thing to do would be to seek some advice from shareholders/partners still at the firm and to try and negotiate. Ask whether you can work on a 1099 or PT basis for a few months while you wrap up or transition to other folks. Failing that, ask whether you can have 4-6 months of website time. I would not say any of this out loud, but the firm is clearly under financial pressure. They want you to have a smooth transition, and if you have 3-6 months on the website to look for a new job and then transition seamlessly that is lot better for them than you leaving in a month and telling every one you are interviewing with that the firm is bleeding people.

I would talk to the seniors who left the firm and get some advice. In my job search the most helpful people have been senior associates who left the firm. Maybe they will even have some leads for you or agree to have you work on a PT basis for them if you are up against a wall.

You need to call up recruiters asap and start looking. Spruce up your resume and linked in. Apply for every job you can on linked in. Hiring is going to pick up right after Labor Day and you want to be in the best position possible to transition somewhere else.

[SFSpartan]

First, I'm really, truly sorry that this is happening to you. It sounds like your firm may be having financial issues. That probably doesn't take the sting off things, but at least from your description, it doesn't sound like your work was to blame here.

As far as advice you should (a) request as much website time as you can get, ideally at least 6 months; (b) reach out to recruiters and other attorneys you know - the job market is pretty hot right now, so that should help you find something; (c) get your financial house in order - I know it's probably the last thing you want to think about right now, but think about ways you can make money if you have a short employment gap. Flipping shit from thrift stores on Amazon and eBay can be a great way to make a little money and reduce your cash burn.

[Anonymous User]

Hi all - OP here. I appreciate all of the advice and sensitivity. I was nervous to post, as I'm obviously embarrassed, so thank you for making me feel a bit better.

Regarding negotiating website time, can someone expand on what, exactly, I should ask for? I think the shareholder at issue is under the impression that I need to be employed by the firm to remain on the website. Can they keep my photo up even after I'm no longer employed by the firm? And if that's the case, what's my leverage in terms of negotiating power? They haven't asked me to sign a release or anything at this point--could I offer to sign one?

[Anonymous User]

I'm thinking this is a Greenberg Traurig/ Lower ppl firm's satellite office you are talking about. As far as I'm concerned, being "imcomplete", or "unresponsive" as a first year associate could be the perfect reason to let go when the office calls for it. You were the first junior associate htat office hired, perhaps the managing partner of that office was only given the power to hire a junior upon certain added contribution to the firm, so the major reason you are in your situation is always -- the money. Firms like Kirkland Ellis might tolerate some icky bits for a longer time. So remember, don't take it personally, and law isn;t the only job in the world.

You kinda need to lateral ASAP if you want to stay in law, there are tons of places that take junior associates still. At the end of the day, work is just part of life.

[SFSpartan]

Hi all - OP here. I appreciate all of the advice and sensitivity. I was nervous to post, as I'm obviously embarrassed, so thank you for making me feel a bit better.

Regarding negotiating website time, can someone expand on what, exactly, I should ask for? I think the shareholder at issue is under the impression that I need to be employed by the firm to remain on the website. Can they keep my photo up even after I'm no longer employed by the firm? And if that's the case, what's my leverage in terms of negotiating power? They haven't asked me to sign a release or anything at this point--could I offer to sign one?

I'd try and see if you can just get them to do you a solid before offering to give them anything. If there are partners that like your work product (and it seems like there are), I'd seek their advice on how to go about this, and try to get them to help you.

[Anonymous User]

OP:
Ask for more website time. This is an atrocious time to be looking for another job and 90%+ chance you won't find another one in a major law firm in one month.

Tomorrow, contact your law school profs and ask them for clerkship recommendations. Tell them your situation and the need for the fast turnaround. Draft a sample recommendation letter if they ask for one. Apply to clerkships. A lot of people drop out of clerkships right about now, and judges will be looking to hire almost immediately. Apply for those clerkships everywhere in the country and I bet you will land one somewhere. Then reevaluate. You cannot be unemployed.

[Anonymous User]

And it is incredibly shitty for them to only give you one month to look around - 3 months is the standard minimum (unless there was a specific HR concern).

FWIW, I was let go from my first firm, a highly-ranked, 3+ mm ppp type place, as a second year with a little less than a month’s notice. The idea that all biglaw firms give 3 months severance (and only after 3 months of “warning time”) is oft-repeated but doesn’t always play out that way in reality.

OP: you need to start sending out resumes tomorrow. Interview all the recruiters you know of and pick one you trust. Time crunch scenarios are probably where recruiters are worth the most. You can find another job quickly (I did), and firms are usually decent about giving you website time to help with the search, assuming you’re being let go for financial or performance reasons and not something egregious. Having to find a job at the tail end of OCI when most recruiting teams are distracted is not ideal, but you have to play the hand you’re dealt.

[Anonymous User]

Sorry this happened to you.

Agree with all the posts stating you should ask/beg for more time. They can keep you on without paying you salary/benefits. Work with HR on that. You will also need to ask people there or other firms about references. And you can always take a shot at asking if they can transfer you to a different office.

Also agreed on asking your school's career services for help.

For your interviews at other biglaw firms this may be one of the few times where it is ok to mention that you were let go/you think it is financial, but stress your desire to remain at a large firm and how much you have enjoyed it. Really try to be forward thinking, it can be hard to get over the disappointment in under a month, but you can't let that show in an interview.

Also don't forget basic job sites like indeed, linkedin (premium is free for a month and helpful), ziprecruiter, etc... You may need to "settle" for a lower paying position, but it is good to have that as a back up and you can always view it as gaining some substantive experience while you continue to then apply for different jobs. When interviewing with small firms they will generally believe that biglaw just did not work out/you realized it wasn't for you.

Good luck.

[Anonymous User]

Sorry to hear, OP. Unfortunately, with OCI and all that right now, hiring seems to be slow. I’m working with a recruiter and the only firms that have gotten back so far are firms that don’t have summer programs.

I know it is uncomfortable, but have you talked to former classmates at firms? This route might be quicker than using a recruiter.