How Lawyers Survive Being Fired; Like Riding in a Careening Car, One Says

Bill Dugan
Dec 14, 2008 7:08 PM CST

It is not good to get fired.  My girlfriend got fired, and I wound up the loser because of it.

Warren Kraft
Dec 15, 2008 3:50 PM CST

I was “retired” as chief legal counsel, immediately preceding the city manager out the door as the political winds of change swept through our little corner of heaven.  It didn’t help to have a council pandering to the local newspaper, whose executive editor carried a grudge as big as his ego. 

At some point, no matter how strong we think we are, the stress is exceptionally heavy—I had “urgent” quadruple bypass the following week (mostly genetics). 

The irony: I was part of the HR decision-making team that terminated about five folks, mostly for work rule issues, rather than downsizing or politics.  No matter how you cut it, the sting is part of the process and cannot be minimized.

A couple of things helped: a wide support network of my colleagues.  Via list-serv and private e-mail, we chatted, consoled and cajoled, and provided perspective.  Most state bar associations have some type of network support system; use it early and often. Despite the feeling of loneliness, one is not alone.

A local attorney called the day the city announced my “retirement” and offered me a position with his law firm.  He renewed that offer when I completed cardio rehab and was ready for the workforce again.

A state colleague invited me to apply for an opening in her office.  Unfortunately, the surgery and a life-threatening relapse prevented me from pursuing that angle. 

Another state colleague ensured that I was considered for two openings with her city but it was too early in the recovery stage.

A national colleague offered to sponsor my bar membership in his state to succeed him when he (really) retired at year’s end. 

A longtime friend and colleague introduced me to his firm’s president who offered me a position.  After spending a short period as fulltime, I went to “of counsel” status to pursue the next opportunity.

Finally, an in-state colleague who hired me because she never believed what the politicos/newspaper said.

Bottom line: while it is hard not to lose confidence in yourself, if you held true to your ethics, if you practiced your practice fairly, if your dedication is known beyond your particular corner of heaven, there may be a long journey between the sting of losing one’s comfort zone and setting the stage for perhaps a better comeback. 

One former colleague remarked that as the door to city hall closed behind me, within a year, two doors of opportunity opened up, such that I am much better off than she is—still working within that horrendous environment. I am lucky because I can joke about it (NOW) and commiserate with those friends left behind in a very undesirable environment.

And undergirding all of that: a truly wonderful life companion, my reason-for-living.

Deb Volberg Pagnotta
Dec 26, 2008 3:54 PM CST

Warren Kraft: Bravo to you—being let go for any reason is tremendoulsy stressful, but politics can make it that much more so.  Your advice is excellent.  I’m happy to hear how well you’ve landed.