How To Discuss A Layoff | BCGSearch.com

How To Discuss A Layoff

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They are often concerned with how to spin the situation or discuss this painful experience in an interview.
How To Discuss A Layoff

Since the legal market downturn, many associates are either currently laid off, or have experienced a layoff at some point in their legal career.  They are often concerned with how to spin the situation or discuss this painful experience in an interview.  Here are some tips:

1. Don’t Lie.


If you were laid off (“laid off” meaning: terminated for lack of work or similar fiscal reasons, rather than for poor performance), I advise you to be honest about it, both with your legal recruiter and with any interviewers.  The most obvious reason is that whoever is seriously thinking of hiring you will almost certainly find out what happened when checking your references or asking their own connections about you.  If they find out something that is different from what you told them, you will find yourself out of the running.

Most law firms understand that most mass associate layoffs during the market downturn were due to fiscal mismanagement at a macro level, and will not penalize the associate for this.  It is true that a few law firms still stigmatize associates who were laid off, but there is simply nothing you can do about that.  One thing is certain; lying will not help you.

2. Don’t Badmouth Your Former Employer

If you were laid off, you likely have some bitterness about what happened to you.  That’s natural.  However, you are ill-served by discussing the shortcomings of your former firm in an interview or cover letter.  In fact, the more positive things you can say about the firm that laid you off, the more you convey an impression the firm also valued you.  Focus on the projects you loved, the partners you enjoyed working with, and the highest levels of responsibility you were entrusted with.  This shows that you are team player and that you like being a lawyer.  It also shows your resilience, positive attitude, and professionalism.
 
I advise associates to summarize the layoff in the most judicious and neutral terms.  If you were at a large firm, any mass layoffs probably got publicity, so you can refer your listener to another source; for example, “I was laid off during XYZ’s well-publicized mass layoff of 2009, which was fiscally driven,” then cite an article.  If you made it through several rounds of layoffs, be sure to mention that as well.  Then move on to the next topic.

3. Get great references, and cite your great reviews and feedback.

In order to quell any doubts a potential employer may have about your performance abilities, find as many cheerleaders as possible.  If you were at a firm that gave written performance evaluations, and yours were excellent, offer them to your interviewer or at the end of your cover letter.  You may also cite positive feedback you received in passing, “X client/X partner told me I was their go-to associate.”  Also, be sure that any references you give will sing your praises and will drive the point home that the firm would have retained you if they could have.   The strength and enthusiasm of the reference is more important than how well-known or prestigious that person is.  Therefore, it is better to use a lesser-known partner who thinks the world of you than a famous rainmaker who may not remember who you are.

Learn why attorneys usually fail law firm phone-screening interviews in this article:
 
To sum up, be forthright yet brief about what happened to you, and make clear that you were, and still are, primed for success as an attorney.  A layoff is a devastating experience, but remember: it is very possible to recover from it with minimal damage to your career.
 

About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.


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.


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