Unemployed Lawyers: Leveraging Experience in a Changing Market

Jared Correia wrote an excellent post on why older lawyers are finding it harder to stay employed and the challenges encountered because of certain employer assumptions. Now it’s time to focus on what out-of-work senior lawyers should be doing to rejoin the workforce.

Here are my to-dos.

1. Count Your Blessings

You have plenty to be grateful for. It may be your family, your health, your friends, and perhaps you even own a house where the mortgage has been paid. Every day, remind yourself of what these things are. You are more than a job; never forget that.

2. Stop Feeling Sorry for Yourself

It’s time for some tough love. I am well aware that whatever the circumstances surrounding your job loss, you believe it just doesn’t seem fair. And you know what? You’re probably right. But get over it. Dwelling on the past will not help you find a job. In fact, it will hinder your job search. No one wants to hire someone who complains or whines about their predicament. Do not start your job search until you can start looking forward. Think ahead, not behind.

3. Take Care of Yourself

Being unemployed and looking for work is stressful. Don’t be too hard on yourself. While looking for a job is a full-time job, you still need to take a break. Exercise. Read a novel. Do whatever it takes to relax your mind and body on a regular basis.

4. Take a “Time Out”

Your next job may very well be the last one in your career. Reflect. Do you really still want to do the same old, same old? Perhaps now is the time to explore something new (within or outside of the legal profession) that you were too risk-averse to consider while employed.

5. Be Persistent and Patient

Looking for work is never easy — and it certainly is not when some of your hair is gray. Stay focused on your job-hunting plan and don’t give up. Accept the fact that it will likely take longer than you hope to find a new job. And yes, even though it is against the law, you may even be discriminated against because of your age. The likelihood of proving that, however, is slim to none. (I practiced employment law for 20 years before becoming an attorney coach and know this area all too well.) It is usually best to move on. There are employers who value experience and maturity; you’ll just have to keep searching until you find them. And you will, if you remember the “two P’s” and are persistent and patient.

6. Navigating Public Sector Shifts

The landscape of legal employment is constantly evolving, and recent times have seen significant shifts within the public sector. Budgetary constraints, policy changes, and evolving administrative priorities are leading to reductions in legal staff at various levels of government. If you’ve found yourself impacted by these changes, know that you are not alone.

• Understand the Context: Research the specific reasons behind the layoffs in your sector. Was it a broad restructuring, or a focused policy change? Understanding the context can help you tailor your job search and identify potential opportunities in related areas.
• Highlight Transferable Skills: Government legal work often involves complex regulatory analysis, policy interpretation, and meticulous attention to detail. These skills are highly transferable to other sectors, including private practice, non-profits, and compliance roles. Emphasize these skills in your resume and networking conversations.
• Explore Related Sectors: Consider roles in regulatory compliance within private industries, positions in non-profit organizations focused on policy advocacy, or even teaching opportunities in legal studies. Your expertise in government law and policy can be a valuable asset in these areas.
• Networking is Key: Government legal communities often have strong professional networks. Leverage these connections to learn about potential opportunities and gain insights into the changing landscape. Attend industry events, join relevant professional associations, and reach out to former colleagues and mentors.
• Consider Contract or Project-Based Work: In times of transition, contract or project-based legal work can provide valuable experience and income while you search for a permanent position. Many government agencies and private firms seek experienced lawyers for short-term projects.

The public sector’s fluctuations can be challenging, but your experience and expertise remain valuable. By understanding the context, highlighting your transferable skills, and exploring related sectors, you can navigate these shifts and find new opportunities.

This Too Shall Pass

You’ve already lived a relatively full life. So being unemployed as a senior lawyer is probably not your first significant setback, be it professional or personal. You’ve bounced back before, and there is no reason to think you can’t do it one more time.

Good luck. A little of that can’t hurt, either!

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