New York Bar Group Launches Life Raft for Laid-Off Lawyers

When the New York State Bar Association created the Special Committee on Lawyers in Transition, former bar President Mark Alcott envisioned a resource for attorneys returning to the profession after a voluntary leave of absence.

But with no signs of a layoff let-up—ABAJournal.com noted 1,487 terminations in January—the NYSBA is now reaching out to members unwillingly forced out of their positions.

“The issues are very similar for a lawyer who leaves involuntarily, especially in this climate,” said Alcott, who predicts a long period of attorney dislocations to come. “There’s a danger the lawyer will lose touch with the profession, the developments of the law, sureness in their legal skills, and also lose touch with the contacts and relationships that are so much a part of the fabric of practicing law.”

Committee Chair Lauren Wachtler fields daily calls and e-mails from displaced attorneys asking, “What can you do for me?”

Turns out, quite a bit.

The committee has recruited about 50 members to help create outreach services, programs and job assistance for transitioning attorneys—including a resumé bank and advice blog set to launch later this month. The Web contributors will offer resumé and interview tips, as well as strategies for keeping a positive and active job-search process.

“This isn’t going to be over tomorrow,” said Chelsea Silverman, who is director of national staffing for Strategic Legal Solutions and plans to contribute to the committee's blog, "but we are focusing on how to make the road as smooth as possible.”