I am a second year associate and I just got fired from big law, even though the firm said they’re not going to be laying anyone off. They’re paying me severance until mid-December. Where do I go from here?

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Sorry to hear that, OP, but you’ll get through it! 😁 that’s a really generous severance. I would ask that they keep you on the website, too.

As far as next steps, take a little breather. Like a week to yourself to just unwind from the stress of all of this. Then, start getting in touch with old classmates, mentors, networks. Look into some recruiters (what job market or practice are you in, I could suggest some if I know of any). Maybe try buffing your resume with some new skills of you have the time (for example, many patent litigators will take the patent bar during down time). Finally look into a few orgs to join. Don’t do this all at once though because you’ll get overwhelmed!!

Most people I know who have been in your situation got a job in 2-3 months. That’s a standard timeline. I lateraled as a rising 3rd year and found mine in a month (big law), so don’t worry because you have plenty of time! And from what I’ve been seeing, firms are still hiring (just maybe not AS much as before).

Good luck to you!

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^ This. All sound advice. Although you probably feel like the end of the world just hit you in the head, in time this will be a blip.

Good luck OP.

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Update your Linkedin and network. I got fired in late Nov 2017 and found another job in early Feb 2018. Now that we seem to be through the worst of it, firms will likely begin hiring again. You'll find something else in no time.

likehelpful

Sorry, OP. Have any recruiters been in touch lately? Now's the time to call them back.

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Lots of big law associates are being laid off right now through no fault of their own. You won’t need to explain much in the hiring process. Good luck!

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