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It sounds like you've been managing some really tough situations and there are good explanations for at least some of your moves. Do you know partners at any firms you are interested in? If so, they may be your best bet to get someone's attention. If not and you aren't already, I'd strongly consider working with a recruiter. They can often help message some of these contextual factors for you to get your foot in the door.
No relations with partners. And I’ve been using a recruiter, but getting absolutely no traction. They probably think I’m flighty, which I don’t blame them for due to the number of moves. But I promise I’m not. It’s been a series of unfortunate hands dealt, but I excelled at my first 2 firms and I just need one more opportunity. I won’t mess up because I know I can’t.
Coach
Man we have to stop with this narrative about too many lateral moves. OP hate to break it to you but it’s likely not the # of moves you’ve made. It’s something else going on. You have a clearly articulated reason for the moves not to mention most/many attorneys have around this # of moves
Also, recruiters are required to disclose when their candidate has an end date, so it's not really practical for someone who has been pushed out to use a recruiter.
I don’t think it’s the number of firms you’ve been at bc that’s not that much and u had considerable stints at each
Coach
You are assuming a lot about the ones reviewing your resume
Hindsight being 20/20 I now realize that I should have taken extended time off (like FMLA) instead of trying to push through and do everything at work and on my personal life. So my work suffered bc I thought I could be superwoman. And now I’m getting literally no interviews, which I suspect is due to two short stints back to back. My personal issues have resolved and I know I can excel (like I did before) if someone just took another chance on me. Am I cooked?
I feel like moving to the 3rd firm is really what screwed me. I got a referral to go to a higher ranked firm after only 8 months, so of course I took that opportunity. But now it just looks like I’m a flight risk. I really only want to work at one more place for the rest of my life.
@SLC1 Thank you for your words of encouragement. Yes, I’m definitely willing to move practice areas. I’m in registered funds now, but definitely willing to make a switch. I’m tied to my region due to the aforementioned family matters. Also would consider going in house as well.
OP, just keep applying. I’m applying to my sixth firm now, and firms are still biting.
Sent you a DM
Subject Expert
Could u go inhouse? Have u tried mid firms in non-major markets?
F
Community Builder
Shoot me a dm confidentially and I’d be happy to have a brief call to see if I can point you in a different direction than you’ve explored.
F
Retake the LSAT?
OP, have you considered just leaving the 2nd firm off your resume? This is especially easy to do if the entirety of the 8 month period fell within the same calendar year. Just structure your resume so you divulge which years were spent at the firm rather than month + year.
For example:
Firm 1, Litigation Associate (2019 - 2022)
[Omit Firm 2]
Firm 3, Litigation Associate (2023 - Present)
Agreed — don’t lie if asked (you almost certainly won’t be) — but a good rule of thumb is to craft your resume to include only things that make your application stronger (e.g., if your GPA wasn’t stellar, it’s okay to omit; if you obtained a random master’s degree in basket weaving before going to law school, no need to mention; if you interned for a non-profit that no longer fits your professional narrative, feel free to exclude; etc.). This is totally fair game and you shouldn’t feel unethical about it.
Caveat of course being that, when it comes to the post-offer conflicts check/background check, include it all. It will not matter at that stage and will not be held against your candidacy.