The firm has had several very public layoffs and I know there are more coming. Things are so tight that office supplies aren't being restocked and the firm is no longer supplying water for the water coolers. There are rumors that serious rainmakers are moving elsewhere.
See the following articles for more information:
- Should I Stay or Should I Go?: A Recruiter Reflects on an Age-Old Question
- When is the Right Time to Make a Lateral Move?
Is it this bad everywhere? Should I even bother to try to switch firms?
Answer:
Are you serious? Are you really questioning whether or not you should be out there interviewing? Your current firm sounds like a disaster.
Instead of sitting on what appears to be the deck chairs of the Titanic, get your resume together and start your interviewing process as soon as possible. You really don't want to still be thinking about whether or not you are on a sinking ship long after you are at the bottom of the ocean.
No, it is not that bad everywhere. In fact, it seems as if things are really picking up. There is even hiring going on in the corporate sector. Perhaps the worst really is behind us. That is, just about everywhere except at your firm. And even if the world of law firms is not as prosperous as it was several years ago, the litigation departments are thriving and are always in need of top litigation associates.
I understand that you like your firm and that you have been receiving outstanding reviews. However, if the firm closes the doors and ceases to do business, what good will those reviews or your enjoyment of the firm do for you? You need to start believing what you see happening around you.
The firm has already had several "very public" layoffs and you somehow know that more are about to take place. Even with excellent reviews, if your department is not busy, you might be in the next wave of layoffs.
What really concerns me is the fact that supplies are not being replenished. Doesn't this tell you something about the future of the firm? I would feel comfortable in predicting that the powers that be are not finding it necessary to bring in any more toner for the copy machines because they suspect that those machines will be silent any day now.
No more water for the water cooler? Either your firm is the cheapest firm ever or you are simply not reading the writing on the wall. How about the rumor that the major rainmakers are about to jump ship? Wouldn't you expect to hear the death knell at that point?
Here are some things that you must take into consideration. First of all, since there have already been several waves of layoffs, as soon as you enter the job market you will be asked if you were part of those layoffs. You want to be able to let any recruiter and/or future employer know that you are still gainfully employed and that your reviews have been very good. Don't wait until you are asked to leave the firm – get out into the interviewing world while you are still a well-respected associate with the firm.
Secondly, are any of those supposedly moving rainmakers in your department? If so, you might very well be a welcome addition to their move since your reviews have been positive. If you have any kind of relationship with these partners, you might want to drop a very tactful hint that you enjoy working with them and would love to continue working with them in the future.
By the way, and not that this should make a difference as to whether or not you should start a job search at this time, but it may not be your entire firm that is about to go under. It might very well just be your branch office that is falling apart. Or perhaps a merger is about to be announced and you all are about to be moved to another law firm's office building. I don't think that is the case, but there is a very slight chance that you are overreacting and not correctly reading the situation. No matter what, you need to make a move to another firm.
If things are as bad at this firm as you have described, I can assure you that the word is out on the street that the firm is about to implode. It won't take much explaining as to why you are out looking for a new firm, but again, you want your search to take place while the firm is still in business and you are still employed there. Don't be defensive when you are asked – and you will be – by recruiters or potential employers if you were part of the layoffs. It is a natural assumption and you can be proud to say that you are still gainfully employed.
One of the hardest parts about starting a job search is actually doing it. I have been rather harsh with you here because I think it is important for you to face reality and face it now, not later. Get your resume together and call your favorite recruiter right now. You sound as if you are a very marketable and viable candidate and I would imagine that any recruiter would be delighted to hear from you. Please don't delay – it sounds as if your firm is on its last legs and you need to move as soon as possible. Best of luck to you in your move.
Please see this article to find out if litigation is right for you: Why Most Attorneys Have No Business Being Litigators: Fifteen Reasons Why You Should Not Be a Litigator
- See Guide to Making a Lateral Move as a Legal Associate for more information.
- When Is the Best Time to Make a Move
- 15 Reasons You Should Leave Your Law Firm and Look for a New Job
- Lateral Movement - Time to Go
About Harrison Barnes
No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.
A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter
Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:
- Immigration Law
- Workers Compensation
- Insurance
- Family Law
- Trust and Estate
- Municipal law
- And many more...
This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.
Proven Success at All Levels
With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:
- Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
- Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
- Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
- Growing firms in small and rural markets
He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.
Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search
Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.
The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys
Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.
- His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
- He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
- His placement success is unmatched-see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
- He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.
Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes
If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.
Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here
With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.
A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success
Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.
Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:
- Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
- Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
- Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.
This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.
A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives
Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.
He has worked with:
- Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
- Senior attorneys who believed they were "too experienced" to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
- Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options-only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
- Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.
For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.
Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation
If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.
Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.
Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.
About BCG Attorney Search
BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.
Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays
You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts
You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives
Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.
Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.
To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.
