Being laid off from a job can be stressful for anyone, let alone lawyers. As the saying goes, when life hands you lemons, make lemonade. So what exactly can lawyers do after being laid off? Let’s explore some options.
Take Stock of Your Situation
The first step to getting back on your feet is to take stock of your current situation and assess your skillset. What areas of law do you specialize in? Are there any areas that you could expand into? This is also the time for you to review any job offers you have gotten since the layoff so that you can make an informed decision about your next steps.
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Update Your Resume and Online Presence
An up-to-date resume is essential for any lawyer looking for work after being laid off. Update all relevant information and highlight any accomplishments or awards gained during your previous employment and any volunteer work or internships completed. Remember to update your online presence too. Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date with recent experience and all contact information is correct—this will make it easier for employers to reach out if they find your profile interesting.
Start Your Law Firm
This may initially sound daunting, but it’s easier than it sounds. You can start your law firm and focus on the areas where you have the expertise or even branch out into different practice areas to expand your business. In addition, starting your law firm gives you the freedom to set your hours and take on cases that interest you instead of those assigned to you.
Take On Freelance Legal Work
If starting your law firm isn’t feasible, another option is to take on freelance legal work. Plenty of online platforms allow attorneys to connect with clients who need legal assistance on an ad-hoc basis. This way, you can decide when and how much work you want to do and still earn an income while waiting for the perfect job opportunity.
Pursue Alternative Careers
Pursuing alternative careers outside of law can be very rewarding for some lawyers looking for new challenges after being laid off. Countless fields value critical thinking skills and knowledge of legal procedures relevant to any job – including human resources, public relations, education, consulting, or even entrepreneurship. These paths offer exciting opportunities that allow you to use your skillset differently than before while still staying close to the law field without practicing it daily.
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Develop New Skills
With extra time on your hands, now is the perfect opportunity to develop new skills or expand upon existing ones. For example, you could take an online course in contract law or brush up on your research and writing abilities. Developing new skills and increasing your expertise in specific areas can make you more competitive when it comes time for job interviews or networking events.
Network & Connect With Other Professionals
Networking is vital when finding a new job after a layoff—and even before. Reach out to contacts in your current network as well as people who may be able to help connect you with potential employers. Use platforms like LinkedIn or professional associations like bar associations if they exist in your area. Attend local events where attorneys gather, such as CLE seminars or conferences, and introduce yourself around – make sure you bring plenty of business cards. It also helps build relationships with other attorneys who could potentially refer clients.
Conclusion
Remember that options are always available, no matter what you decide to do after being laid off as a lawyer. Don’t be afraid to explore new paths and try something different; the possibilities are endless. Whether you start your firm or pursue something outside the legal profession, use this time to get creative and make something new out of yourself. Good luck.
