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Which V20 has the worst culture and why?
90´s throwback Coronavirus mashup
Bowl Leader
Rising Star
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Which V20 has the worst culture and why?
The fact that you made it to big law to even get to this point says a lot about your abilities and work ethic. Rely on those innate strengths, don’t let this one event redefine an entire lifetime of work. It’s okay and def totally normal to feel down about this. But don’t let that overshadow all of your accomplishments up to this point. You’re capable and you can handle this!
Mentor
Take a few days to wallow. Then, make a plan for your next move. You made it into biglaw, so you’re capable, smart, and can definitely figure this out. Target what you want to do next and go for it!
Good luck! I am rooting for you. It's okay to feel down and out over a lay off.
Subject Expert
This. You’re allowed to be upset. Give yourself a few days to moop around and be in a bad mood, but afterwards hit the ground running with recruiters.
This job is not who you are.
Having been on both sides - receiving the news and making the decision to reduce headcount, I can tell you it is not you or your performance that resulted in this. We work in an industry which has its ups and downs. But you will get an opportunity very soon …. something much better than what you had currently!
You can do it OP. I was laid off from a T120 firm. Some dark days, but flash forward and I’m at Latham now. don’t let anything and anyone stop you from the things you want to achieve.
Carefully procured on-to-the-next-firm playlist 🙏🏼 you’ve got this OP
Coach
This is amazing
I am in the same boat. My website time has three weeks and the firm hasn't gotten back to me re extension. It is tough for juniors to lateral right now. All we can do is keep pounding. Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
I was there twice! It’s the fucking worst!! Sorry it happened to you and hope you’re able to salvage some of this sudden free time (know it’s hard to enjoy when you’re life was just upended). If it’s any consolation, I’ve been laid off twice and still managed to make it back into big law. Let the recruiters do the work and just focus on you for a bit. Good luck bud!
Subject Expert
Hopefully you were provided some severance in addition to the website time. If you're making a concerted good faith effort, I've heard that many firms will extend the website time.
That said, it's coming up on end of year, people leave big law all the time. Be proactive and don't take it personally if firms pass or don't move. Every interaction, interview, mixer, happy hour or otherwise is an opportunity. Check in with your pals from law school see if any of them know of anything.
I've not seen what year / practice area you're in but more likely than not, with even a year of big law, you will have some noteworthy deals under your belt. That coupled with your law school credentials should make you competitive not only at peer firms but also at smaller mid levers firms.
But during this time, I would also encourage you to look in the mirror. Ask yourself, what would you have done differently? Were you responsive? Did you take ownership of your work? Did you review the work product you sent out that second or even third time before it went above you. There are ways to make yourself market proof, unfortunately there usually at the expense of your personal life, but just this opportunity to really evaluate what OP wants for OP and use that as the basis to determine the next move.
You are not alone - you are neither the first, nor the last (in being laid off, depressed, or anxious). Give yourself grace, time to reassess, and allow yourself to actually walk through this valley. There is no good that can come from rushing your feelings away. God/you/your loved ones AND your future employer, want more for you.
You belong. You are more than enough. You are worthy. You bring something to the table that NO ONE else does. Today, you will choose joy, positivity, and self love for 30 seconds. Tomorrow, for 1 minute. And so on Until, before you know it, you’ve reached the end of this valley, and things are looking up ♥️
Mentor
Name and shame
Enthusiast
This happened to me too. It sucked. I took a couple of days to process and feel all the feelings before really getting in the job hunt. I ended up getting a really great in house gig. It will all work out. Wishing you the best of luck!
Just take some time to recharge first. Not too much time, but take some time. Sit with your feelings. Cry. Be angry. Then reengage. Ask for an extension to the end of the year if needed. Reach out to law school friends. You made it to big law because they saw something in you. That thing is there. Tap into it. You’ve got this.
Thank you so much everyone!! I really appreciate it! I appreciate all of your kind words!
If anyone knows of any openings, please let me know! My experience is in Corporate/M&A on the West Coast.
Thank you!!
2020
Mentor
I’m so sorry 🥺 How many years of experience do you have and what practice group/jurisdiction?
Don’t worry! Everything will work out for the best 💙
You’ll be ok, stay strong and believe in yourself. ♥️
Enthusiast
It sucks, but it’s not the end of the world. You will bounce back—everyone generally does. Silver lining: think about how mentally tough you will be after overcoming this much adversity.
I am so sorry. It is the firms loss. If you need any help with referrals to firms send me a DM!