LATERAL LINK

At Lateral Link, we spend a great deal of time speaking with associates about their career plans. While some associates are concerned about just keeping their jobs, others want advice on how to keep their careers “on track” in a down market. It is difficult when there isn't much work to go around ( I mean, hey, is 1,000 really the new 2,000?!), but here are some ideas for keeping your career “on track.”

1. Let the partners know that you are there and are available for work

This may sound trite, but it is important. Keep in touch with the partners in your group. Talk to them and remind them that you work there. Don't hide in your office trying to avoid the ax. And when you do get work, don't forget to record your projects on your deal sheet.

2. Maintain your level of commitment to the firm and to your work product

Work is scarce and there is little room for error. Make sure that your work product is flawless. In this market, you can bet firms are paying close attention to performance.

3. Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer

Partner in your group need something done? Volunteer! An undesirable project? Volunteer! Pro-bono? Volunteer! Summer mentor? Volunteer! I think you get the point. Be part of the team and help get things done.

Incidentally, bonding with your colleagues is a very good idea. If your firm has a softball team, join it. If you aren't athletically inclined, go support the team. Be involved and stay connected.

4. Be upbeat and positive

It is so difficult to maintain a positive attitude right now. Even if you are not in peril, you have probably watched as colleagues were shown the door. It's challenging, for sure. But, honestly, your attitude must continue to shine. Try to be positive and upbeat. No one likes a downer. Smile, laugh and know that this will not last forever. It's important that the team have some cheerleaders. Be one of them!

5. Work hard

Work hard on any matter given to you. If you are lucky enough to be busy, relish the opportunity to get some experience and hours. Don't try to leave the office for dinner plans.

6. Bank some pro-bono hours

In many practices, pro bono is an opportunity to get valuable experience. Pro bono can supplement your knowledge base – especially when billable work is scarce. For litigators, it is a great way to get deposition and court experience that might not otherwise be available to you. For corporate and tax associates, the opportunity to draft incorporation documents might not seem like a thrill – but you can learn from it. Commit yourself to finding whatever work you can.

7. Write articles, give internal firm presentations and sit on panels

A down market is a great opportunity to raise your profile. For once, attorneys have time to attend presentations. Offer to write the first draft of an article for a partner. Speak at presentations for the summer associates. Let the members of your team and the firm's other groups know who you are.

8. Study some area of law and become an expert on something

Now is a good opportunity to dig into a new area within your practice. Many people become partner or counsel because they know a specific area of the law very well that others do not know at all. Newly released tax legislation or guidance? Learn it, summarize it, share it!

9. Never speak poorly about your firm

Don't like the recent layoffs? Salary cuts? New firm policies? Too bad. There is a huge chance that no one – partners included – like them. As we've mentioned before, firms like a team player. (See also Tip #4).

10. Lay groundwork for business development efforts

Often, there isn't time to lay the foundation for business development. Now is a great time to start. Put together all of your contacts, start reconnecting with folks and get out there! Speak to senior folks in your group about their business development strategies and work on your own plan.

If you are in a smaller market, you might want to start thinking about a wish list of clients and develop ideas on how to make that happen. Sending a recently written article on a novel area of the law (applicable, of course, to the company's business) might be a good way to introduce yourself.

11. Investigate other practices

While now is not the time to make a practice switch, it is a good time to investigate other practices, albeit discreetly. Is there a practice area in which you see yourself in the long-term? Research the practice and the work. Note that while many associates are attempting to move to bankruptcy right now, there probably won't be a need for so many bankruptcy attorneys in four years. Think long-term, and don't jump without careful thought.

12. Maintain your reputation

Be honest. Be a team player. Be the person others want with them “in the foxhole.” That's probably the kind of person they'd want as their partner.