I am in shock after being told I have 4 months to find another role due to low hours and lack of work in my practice (both of which I knew but was standard for my practice). I have a wife and children and I’m struggling on what to do. I have been in the market looking to lateral and have had a few leads, but for some reason, I never thought I would get this talk. Now I feel like all the pressure has dropped on me and am I close to breaking down.

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The good news is that you already started looking for a new role, and the better news is that you have at least 4 months more to do it before it becomes a real issue. Not all firms give that kind of lead time.

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Take the day off and get some sleep tonight. Avoid alcohol. Take a walk tomorrow morning and think about your game plan.

Avoid doing any more work for this employer if you can. Just focus on your next thing.

There are temp and contract roles that can help bridge the gap. Reach out to your networks for unadvertised job openings. You’ve got this.

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Sounds like a plan. Another avenue could be the clients—if you’re interested in in-house work, perhaps a client may have opportunities. My Big Law firm would also actively help associates find jobs with clients. It was a win-win for the firm, since they continued to get work from the out-placed associate.

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Thanks everyone. I will be ok. When I posted I was in a moment of true shock and I’ve had some time (i.e, the afternoon/evening) to process and grieve. As a positive, I know I have at least 4 viable job opportunities I’ve been networking for over the last few months. I believe I’m going to be successful when all said and done.

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Of course you'll be fine this is just a temporary inconvenience. Keep your chin up and don't let this get you down. Is there a God who knows all and sees all.

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Please take care of yourself friend.

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I completely understand where you're coming from. Facing a similar situation myself, except I'm single with no family support. I gave myself a few days to internally freak out but have now been trying to focus on doing whatever I need to do to position myself for the next thing.

I'm sorry this is happening to you. Nothing is worse than being out of control.

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Lots of good advice in this thread. Also, examine your monthly expenditures, cut out the fat, and go on an austerity budget. Not only will this stretch your remaining paychecks, it will also help you regain a sense of control over your life. Best of luck to you.

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Sending you ❤️. You could be any of us.

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Take a moment to take care of yourself. Sending you ❤️.

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Sub-700 but I am also at a firm whose hours requirement is below 1750. In sum, my practice area is just no longer being prioritized. I have a few clients and I assisted elsewhere when needed, but in the end if I want true growth in my speciality I was always going to have to leave. I knew that, the firm knew that and they just ripped the bandaid off.

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This really sounds more like your area of law is being eliminated from the firm's offerings rather than you specifically. I know that's cheap consolation, but hopefully you can find a firm (or like-minded) associates that concentrate on that area. Maybe even solo for a while.

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I know this is rather trite, but everything happens for a reason, might not understand when it happens, but it does. More times than not, you come out even better on the other side. Hang in there, all will be well.

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I’m very sorry that you have to be dealing with this. It is soul-crushing, and at times can become overwhelming. It will be easy to become paralyzed with fear and doubt. At these times it may be helpful to just focus on the next little step or task. Updating one line in your resume (or if applicable adding another deal to your deal sheet) is something. One foot in front of the other, one step at a time. I know it’s scary, but you can get through this.

likehelpful

Find a place that appreciates you and offers solutions; run out of this practice and never look back. Better things are ahead for you my friend. If this is the way they are handling this, they don’t have your back. Don’t waste another minute there. Look into state or local government, pay won’t be lucrative, but they won’t give you ultimatums and put you in such an awkward position.

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Update: received a verbal offer from my number 1 firm today. Also am in the interview process with a v100 and a chambers ranked boutique. Thank you for all the support!

likeuplifting

Congratulations!!

Hang in there something will come through for you. Things are difficult for a lot of people. I am praying for you

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If you know this about your practice and your boss knows this about too, then do not take it personally. Tough times are ahead with Trump administration, so firms might cut areas of practice that are risky or less profitable.

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Attorney 2. I just call it like I see it. Given your comments, “kid” seemed about right. But you’re right and I do apologize. Kids don’t recite talking points as good as you do (or inject them into any and every situation regardless of relevance). That takes effort, talent! And you’ve got both! There’s a word for people like that… I’ll let you look it up. But in the meantime keep fighting that good fight! It’s inspiring! Even if it impairs your ability to… you know… actually contribute something of substance to OPs situation. Priorities amiright?!

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There is a Job for you at Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers

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Very much appreciate! But I am on the east coast!

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I don't know where you are or what practice area you are in, but my firm has some posted lateral opportunities. Let me know if you would like me to message them.

likehelpful

Today, take one step forward. That’s it. Just one. Big step, small step. Does. not. matter. Just move. Then tomorrow, take another. And then another. Do not let fear paralyze you. If you need motivation, sit with your kid for an hour. Then go take another step. I have no idea who you are. But I do know that you can absolutely do this. Also… go watch the locker room scene from Any Given Sunday. Then go fight for that inch.

likeuplifting

Thank you for this. Told my close network and have people looking into things for me. Worked out this morning and I am about to submit my first application after the news. Getting past the shock is the first step.

likeuplifting

You can find another job. I believe in you! 🫵💪

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I am amazed that you were provided four months. I just had the same exact thing and all I got was two weeks.

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I’m really sorry man, and I’m thankful my firm provided that leeway. You can maybe ask yours for more time? Good luck to you as well.

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