The Leopard Chat series continues on our Attorney side, with our 5th and final topic: Lateral Moves In Today’s Climate. Marjorie Grossberg of Major, Lindsey and Africa and Nancy Zehner of The Artemis Group offer sound advice to attorneys that many should hear. This is a brief look at what you’ll find in the video, and we encourage you to take a look!
Law firm hiring has decreased over the past several months and as a result, many attorneys are wary of making a job change in the current industry climate. That wariness could actually be a mistake. “People have the mistaken belief that it’s last in, first out and that’s definitely not the case,” says Marjorie Grossberg. “It’s a good time to make a move when you hit a downturn in the economy, because everything is scrutinized. If they’re looking, they really need somebody, they really need the talent.”
Nancy Zehner agreed that with assessment, adding that the jobs being offered today have been so scrutinized that, “you can be sure of having a job a year from now, or two years from now – perhaps even more so than where you are now. Don’t let a good opportunity pass you by.”
Many attorneys are seeking to move in front of the curve to avoid being laid off. “They see the writing on the wall, “ Marjorie says. “ It’s good to be proactive and it’s easier to find a job when you have a job.” There is also a sense that the media available today inflames the hysteria among attorneys and general public alike. When the general public hears from every media source that the economy is tanking, they stop spending and stuff their money in their mattress. When attorneys see postings on websites that suggest dire circumstances or rumors about a firm’s stability, it can cause them to stay put when moving might be the best course. “ There is a lot of information out there now, some of which is true and some of which is not true. You have to parse through that information,” Marjorie suggests. “Yes, some practices are suffering, but at the same firm there are those that are hiring like gang busters.” A good recruiter can help an attorney distinguish fact from fiction about job opportunities. Their insight can help attorneys make a wiser decision and help them search more discreetly. Nancy also adds that, “ a good recruiter will let you know how active the search is and let you know your chances of being seen.”
Attorneys should also take a good look at their current situation and evaluate their future opportunities. Are they getting work? Are they getting challenging work? If you’re not busy enough, that could be a sign that it’s time to move on. Nancy says, “ If you’re not getting work at your firm, your skills could be stagnating. By going to a firm that has the work, you are giving yourself the opportunity to be more on the fast track.”
Changing jobs is stressful in any business environment and while this is a more challenging time, it doesn’t mean that opportunities don’t exist or that it’s a wrong time make a move. Career moves make sense when they make sense for you. If you’re unhappy a firm, there is no real reason to stay when another opportunity might offer even greater stability and sense of satisfaction. Taking a look at what’s available to you can be a very smart thing to do. It could actually be a great time to move!
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