Ex-Associate Hit with ‘Wave of Negativity’ at Session for Jobless
Legal recruiters in Los Angeles told a standing-room only crowd of jobless lawyers at a panel discussion on Wednesday that they might have to look outside the law for jobs.
The dismal news had lawyers dressed in interview suits heading for the exits rather than staying to chat with the legal recruiters, the Daily Journal reports (sub. req.).
The “repeated theme of the evening” was that lawyers should look outside the law for jobs—perhaps as paralegal instructors or in human resources departments. Other options: move to the Midwest, where some midsize law firms are still hiring, or try going solo.
A former associate at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips explained why he didn’t stick around after the program. “I really don’t feel like networking right now after I was just hit with this wave of negativity,” he told the Daily Journal.
His friend, a co-worker also laid off from Manatt, said she already had plans for a new career. “I guess it’s time to wipe the slate clean and try something new,” she told the publication.
Other lawyers at the event may be considering similar options. When one panelist asked the unemployed lawyers whether they had really enjoyed practicing law, only a few raised their hands in response.
