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Any family lawyers here?
Messed up a document production. What now?
Insight on Venable?
Rising Star
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Rising Star
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.
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.
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.
How low were your hours?
Everyone is in this predicament. I would count your blessings that they gave you 4 months.
Literally thought the same thing. 4 months is very generous... but it's never pleasant having to face the actual situation... what could I have done differently?
I worked for a Family Law Firm for the last 4 years. I was supposed to get 2 weeks vacation every year, but was never allowed to take it because of the volume of caseloads. I worked weekends, from home, gave my entire life. Literally 60 hour work weeks. Although I was being recruited while actively working there, I had promised the firm owner that I would stay until he retired. Loyal and faithful.
A month ago our firm owner announced retirement, giving a week notice to our end date, no severance, and no payout for the 8 weeks of vacation over the 4 years I worked there. He told me that my 6 figure salary should have placed me in a financial position to move forward. I have never heard of any attorney retiring doing this to his staff and associates.
Although I have had job offers, I have been really angry and resentful and I now have anxiety and depression as this has affected my life, my huge student loan payments, and now have no medical insurance because the firm paid it and I’m a breast cancer survivor and can not privately afford the premium.
Has this happened to anyone? If so, how do I get past the anger? And is there any recourse I can take? This just doesn’t seem right.
Speak with some plaintiff side employment attorneys who have experience suing law firms. They can provide advice and counsel on this situation. At minimum, ask about how you can get your unused PTO paid out.
Apply for unemployment insurance and health insurance through the state healthcare exchange.
I am so sorry you are dealing with this. I hope your next job is far better for work life balance, and that you are able to enjoy your personal time and health.
Thanks, it wasn’t exactly what I wanted but i enjoyed the people and the work was interesting and I thought I would be able to build a book here. However, some retirements happened and internal politics probably didn’t help.
You can do it, don't freak. Get yourself a recruiter that specializes in placing lawyers.
Let them terminate you. If you quit, no unemployment.
But not black mark on your record, either.
Hang in there. If you've been given "the talk" they probably would like to keep you but you need to up your game. Get out of the doghouse and keep looking for a new position if this isn't what you wanted.