Legally Speaking’s Counsel to Counsel

January 20, 2009 Legal Recruiter No Comments

By:    Nancy C. Grimes

        President, Managing Partner

        Grimes Legal, Inc.

Nancy Grimes has over twenty years’ experience serving the legal industry.  Clients include international, national, regional, local and independent law firms and attorneys.  “Counsel to Counsel” is updated bi-weekly.  Have a question you’d like answered?  Email it to ncgrimes@grimeslegal.com. 

 

The Question:  It seems that every time I turn on the news or open my email, I hear about another law firm that’s laying off associates.  I haven’t heard anything in the rumor mill regarding my firm, but I don’t want to get caught with my proverbial pants down.  What signs of an impending layoff should I look for?

Signed,

Better Safe than Sorry

 

 

Better Safe than Sorry, it’s always better to be proactive than reactive.  Take the initiative – this will allow you the opportunity to take a thorough but leisurely look at the market and determine what’s in your best interest.  There are various layoff signals you should be on the lookout for.  You may notice one or more of the following:

  • Attorneys in your practice area are being reassigned to other practices within the firm.
  • The firm is cutting back expenses in all areas.
  • If other people are getting work in your department and you’re not, this might be a sign that you’re about to be laid off. 
  • If other departments are busy and yours aren’t, this can also be a sign of impending layoffs.
  • Observe the morale of partners in your practice area.  If you notice differences in their demeanor, it may be a sign things are not looking good.

Nancy C. Grimes,

President, Managing Partner

GLI/Grimes Legal, Inc.