What is legal outplacement?

Legal outplacement is an employer-funded, personalized service that addresses the career needs of attorneys moving out of their positions. While this service does not provide jobs for out-of-work lawyers, it does provide assistance, support and education in securing a new position and/or exploring alternative careers.

Why offer legal outplacement?

To facilitate the process of termination, many law firms and corporate legal departments have taken advantage of preserving the good will of their attorneys by offering them the benefit of legal outplacement services. Whether it is an attorney's decision to leave, or the firm's decision to terminate an individual, the service provides the necessary bridge to maintaining good relationships within the firm and in the legal community.

How does legal outplacement work?

The first step is to help the attorney adjust to the shock of job loss and the resulting fears around job transition. This step is necessary to help the individual move past negative feelings that, if not identified and dealt with, can interfere with the rest of the process and possibly derail the job search.

The next step is to assess the attorney's transferable skills, experience and education. The assessment helps to crystallize thinking and generate ideas for targeting specific practice areas and employers. Then, a personalized marketing plan is developed, complete with potential contacts, marketing strategies and network-building techniques. Outplacement coaching provides advice and assistance in implementing the plan and with interviewing and negotiation strategy. Resume and targeted letter writing assistance is also provided.

Coaching is available throughout the process, providing ongoing support and helping to handle motivational barriers if they develop.

Additional questions? Contact Roy.