The last several years, the economy has been in a downward trend. Of course, you knew that. And with that downward spiral, has come the demise of many law firms and the subsequent loss of jobs.
No industry has been left unscathed, including legal. What were once considered lifetime firms are no more.
This week, we are hearing grumblings of another BigLaw firm on the verge of collapse. No need to name names, it really doesn't matter.
What does matter though is what you do before you're handed a pink slip.
We all know that these jobs are pretty much "at-will," which means that nothing is guaranteed.
However, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that if you are dealt an unavoidable blow, you will be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Some useful tips.
1. Network.
It's always good to make a few friends. It's a small legal world, and people move around. Join your local chapter of LSI. Get together with a former colleague for lunch or after hours.
2. Hone Your Skills
No one does everything well. We all have our areas of strength and weakness. However, it doesn't hurt to take a class now and then to brush up on software applications that you don't use often.
3. Do Your Research
Subscribe to industry trade magazines and blogs. A good site to peruse weekly is abovethelaw.com.
4. Find A Good Recruiter In Your Area
If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's probably a duck. If you see a mass exodus of attorneys at your firm, chances are, staff layoffs are looming. There are many good recruiting firms nationwide. One good resource is Davidson Staffing, which offers not only placement but training seminars and webinars.
None of us want to "move our cheese," (TM) but sometimes we don't have a choice.
TGIF!
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