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Layoffs at Heller Staffers

published September 29, 2008

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( 2 votes, average: 3.6 out of 5)
What do you think about this article? Rate it using the stars above and let us know what you think in the comments below.
That's what happened to the legal staff at Heller Ehrman last week; they now have less than sixty days to find new jobs. While the attorneys can take their clients and work with them to their new destinations, the staffers are not so lucky.

The firm has promised to focus on the legal staff and their employment, but that is still cold comfort for those being laid off.


Unfortunately, this story will probably be heard time and again as the economy worsens. What, then, can legal staffers do when the firm they work for goes under?

The first thing to do is to realize that all is not lost. There is still work out there.

In fact, the easiest thing to do is to keep track of where your former bosses go. Who hired the partners, attorneys, and so forth? Chances are, like in the case of Heller, some other law firm will snap up an entire group of work and attorneys. And if one is a staffer on those projects, it should be easy enough to be brought along. Remember, all those firms who hire a bunch of new attorneys need to hire staff for them, too.

Even though Heller is gone, most of the firm's attorneys — and that's 750 attorneys in total — will find work somewhere else. And most of them will need staff support.

So tip number one is to keep in touch with your associates at the firm. Some will get hired quickly, and perhaps they can help you out.

Tip two is networking. Most legal staffers know other staffers from other firms, and those acquaintances can be an incredible resource. After all, legal staffers know more about what is going on than most of the attorneys at a firm anyway.

So call up your friends at the other firms out there. They will be sympathetic and perhaps will know of some good resources.

Third, look at the legal job boards. Sites like LawCrossing also track legal staffing jobs, and there are always plenty being posted. Getting in early will help your chances, because there will probably be a flood of resumes soon.

Fourth, don't forget smaller firms and solo practitioners. They need competent help as well and would probably love a chance to get some legal staff that worked for a larger company. Plus, the firm culture is probably more laid back at the smaller firms.

Speaking of companies, don't forget the legal departments at large corporations. They also need legal staff, and that is an area that not many think of when they think of legal staffers. Many of the large corporate legal departments have lots of attorneys, and some paralegal or legal secretary work is likely available as well.

It may be hard out there these days, but there are still plenty of options. And don't forget the silver lining: When you leave because the firm dissolved, it means you weren't fired and didn't quit. So, there shouldn't be any uncomfortable questions about why you're looking for a new job.

Good luck!

published September 29, 2008

( 2 votes, average: 3.6 out of 5)
What do you think about this article? Rate it using the stars above and let us know what you think in the comments below.