As Layoffs Surge, Long-Ago Grads Turn to Law Schools for Help
Traditionally, law school career offices focused on helping students and perhaps a few recent graduates find career-entry jobs as attorneys.
But as a growing number of law firms throughout the country lay off seasoned practitioners, the career office mission is expanding. When the University of Chicago Law School offered a free day of counseling for alumni this January, all 14 slots were filled within 24 hours, reports the Chicago Tribune.
“All of our career officers are much better equipped to deal with recent graduates than with people who have been out of school 10, 15 or 20 years,” says Matthew Donato, the U of C’s senior associate director for alumni career services. “We all readily admit that. I view my role as thinking more broadly and trying to bring together resources that concern all our alumni.”
However, the U of C and other graduate schools nationwide are offering midcareer graduates more help as they shift their focus to helping alumni weather a stunning recession. At some institutions, that can include podcast career sessions and even emergency loans, the newspaper writes.
Hence, although those who graduated long ago might not think of going to their law school alma mater for assistance if they’re looking for work, this may be a good time to call home.
