If you recently lost your job, finding another job is at the top of your priority list. However, the rush to find another job quickly can cause some attorneys to overlook important tools that every unemployed person needs.  Below are a few of the essentials unemployed attorneys need as they begin their job search:

1. Unemployment Insurance. While you may have significant savings, stock options and other assets to support you and your family, unemployment insurance is something every out-of-work attorney should apply for immediately.  Don’t look at as a handout. Unemployment insurance is paid for by your employer and one of the perks of being an employee. Once you’re laid off, apply for unemployment insurance immediately and avoid liquidating your other assets which you may need if your unemployment insurance benefits are exhausted.
2. Healthcare Insurance. The old cliché “What can go wrong will go wrong” has never seems to be especially true when dealing with health issues. Many unemployed workers forgo signing up their COBRA health insurance coverage because they want to save money; but one major health problem can be financially devastating for the unemployed. Even if you can’t afford the expense of COBRA consider getting a cheap catastrophic healthcare plan so that you’re covered for major health emergencies.
3. Jobless Support Network.  When unemployment only lasted a few months, it was okay to go it alone. But now that unemployment can last as long as two years for some attorneys it’s important to build a support network of  peers who can help you with your job search. Exchanging tips, resources and encouragement with other unemployed attorneys can go a long way in staving off job search frustration.