Managing Your Legal Career
King County Bar Bulletin
Making a Career Move After 50 / Have You Ever Been Fired?
By Karen J. Summerville
Q. I am in my early fifties and contemplating a career move. Should I avoid using dates in my resume so I don't give away my age? Will my age put me at a disadvantage?
A. Not unless you let it! In the right position, your life and work experience will give you the edge over other candidates. If you have been looking through the job classifieds, you have undoubtedly noticed that most employers are looking to hire individuals with three to seven years of relevant experience. Rarely do employers run ads seeking individuals with twenty-plus years experience. That doesn't mean there aren't excellent opportunities out there for mature attorneys. For those of us who have been out of law school more than ten years, the best opportunities will probably be found through our personal contacts, not through the classifieds. You may be tempted to answer an ad for an interesting opportunity seeking an attorney with far less experience than you. It may not hurt to answer such an ad, but it is probably unlikely you will receive serious consideration. Why not? The company or firm has assessed its needs and has probably determined that they need someone to assist general counsel. Would you be willing to take directions from someone who may be considerably younger than you? Would you be willing to accept a salary that is appropriate for a junior attorney? Probably not. A better approach, is to learn more about companies and firms by reading and talking to trusted colleagues and friends. Through your networking find out if there is a need for a more senior attorney with your expertise. If it appears from your research that someone may have a need, ask a colleague to make an introduction for you. Yes, this takes considerably more effort than simply answering an ad, but it is also more likely to be successful.
About your resume-There are career guides that recommend omitting graduation dates and even employment dates if you are over forty-five. Talking to local recruiters and other career professionals, the general consensus is: "Don't omit these dates." Instead, you may want to emphasize your youthfulness by including athletic interests under "Activities." If your computer skills are good, list them as well. An employer will be less concerned with your age, if you are healthy and up-to-date with technology.
At any age it is important to assess carefully your values, talents and skills before attempting a career move. This is particularly true if you have significant work experience. There are fewer positions at the higher levels and higher salaries. Only an attorney who is able to articulate why she is the best qualified is likely to land one of these positions.
Answering the question, "Have you ever been fired?
Q. I am a fourth year associate at a large law firm. During my last review two months ago, I was told that "things are not working out." After that review I immediately began actively looking for a new job. There is a job in the public sector I am very interested in, but the application form asks, "Have you ever been fired or asked to resign?" How do I answer this question?"
A. As with any inquiry, you should answer honestly. But without more information, I wouldn't know how to answer the question honestly. Were you told that you should look for another job? Or, was it simply a statement that you were not on track to partnership? If your supervising attorney were asked, what would she say? In all likelihood, any offer you might receive would be contingent upon reference checks, including one of your current employer. Although it may be awkward, the best approach would be to discuss this issue with someone in the firm you can trust. In most situations you would not want your employer to know you are looking elsewhere, but under the circumstances they shouldn't be surprised. Ask someone in a position of authority (associate committee, executive committee, head of your department, supervising attorney) how you should answer the question. You are to be commended. Not all associates who receive a bad review take the initiative to look for a new job until it's too late (i.e. they are asked to leave). It is almost always easier to find a new job while you are still employed.