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Legal Staff Layoffs: Warning Signs and How to Deal with Them

published February 16, 2009

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( 188 votes, average: 4.5 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.
It has become a ritual to hear about so-and-so law firm cutting staff to save its bottom line. Layoffs come suddenly, and even if you expect them, you are always disappointed when they’re announced. In this shaky phase, it is always advisable to work toward your Plan B (in fact, you should also have a Plan C).


 
Legal Staff Layoffs: Warning Signs and How to Deal with Them

Warning Signs

Yes, your firm does leave clues. You just need to keep your mind open to be able to pick up on them at the right time. Watch out for these layoff red flags:

 
  • Loss of client/s or closure of books of business— If your law firm recently lost one or more clients and does not have any new contracts in the near future, it will think of cutting costs. Employee salaries form a major portion of the employer’s operating cost, and thus it may resort to layoffs. A recent news article on Law.com reported that on average, for each legal assistant or other staffer laid off, a law firm saves about $100,000.
     
  • Reported losses or low profits— If your firm quarterly profits are way below expectations, you should know that to stay in business, it needs to cut expenses. That is where you and various others like you might come into picture.
     
  • Merger—Your firm may be in merger talks or might already have finalized one. There is a possibility that someone else also shares the same job duties as you in the other company and you are redundant to the merged entity.
     
  • Delay in salaries—You receive salaries much later than the normal schedule. Though this does not necessarily prove that your firm is in crisis, it may be a warning sign.
     
  • More secret meetings at higher management—Though confidential meetings are quite common even on a general level, more closed doors and longer meeting schedules are worth considering as warning signs.
     
  • Pay cuts or demotion—Your employer announced firm-wide salary cuts. This is an official declaration that your firm is in crisis. You should be aware of what its next step will be.
     
  • Office shutdowns—Your national firm just closed its non-revenue-generating offices at a few locations. Or it is planning to convert its two-floor suite to one floor. Or maybe it is considering shifting base to a smaller office. You should know all these are warning signs.
     
  • Office rumors—Though office rumors should be considered most unreliable, you should not completely turn your back to these. Sometimes, these gossips do carry some amount of truth.
     
  • Stringent hiring freeze—You have a lot of work that could be shared but your firm says no to hiring (strictly). This shows that your firm is resisting layoffs.
     
  • Sudden resignation by top management—Your firm’s partner puts in his papers suddenly or your company’s general counsel decided to leave unexpectedly (mostly without citing any definite reasons). This is surely a red flag.

How to Deal with It

While you cannot escape this bitter truth, you have to learn to handle these tough times. Here are some ways in which you can become recession resistant and prepare yourself for the worst to come:

  • Update your resume—For any warning sign, you should immediately update your resume or seek professional assistance. You have worked in this organization for years and that should be reflected correctly on your resume.
     
  • Create your portfolio—Every client that you worked with and every case that you worked on should be handy. Use a pen drive to save all your work and organize it at home to create your portfolio. Make sure you do not take any confidential documents by mistake. Only take what your law firm would allow you to.
     
  • Become indispensable—While still employed, you might just save yourself from this axe. Demonstrate to your employer that you are able to work efficiently and are willing to take new challenges. Your employer should realize that you are an asset/investment to the organization in every way.
     
  • Get in touch with ex-colleagues or old employers—You might have been on good terms with some ex-colleague or old employer. Start building your network again. Email them or search and add them on Facebook or MySpace.
     
  • Stay current—Keep yourself updated with the latest hiring trends. Read HR magazines and Internet articles that advise on the latest attributes to a successful interview in the legal industry.
     
  • Learn while you can—Your colleague excels at something that is quite sought after in current times. Learn that skill and update your old skills. You never know what particular skill might land you your next job.
     
  • Prepare your post-layoff budget—Do you have enough savings to carry on until you find your next job? Create a budget and start saving. That latest Mac or cell phone can wait!
     
  • Further education—This might actually be an opportunity for you. You always wanted to study but had no time; this may be your chance. Go back to school or take an online certification program.
     
  • Join a professional network—Join professional associations in your city or state. This will create or enhance your network and help you find unknown opportunities.
     
  • Do not procrastinate—Whatever you do, do not procrastinate. If you have indentified the warning signs, you do not have much time. You can come out of this crisis only if you want to.

published February 16, 2009

( 188 votes, average: 4.5 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.