poop

New shit has come to light? I think I need a White Russian. Don't forget about league night on Thursday Elie, 'cause Liam and me - we gonna fuck you up. Enough of this bush league psyche out shit.

You're free to pursue other options because you Arent going to have a job in Feb.

"To be clear, Arent Fox is not rescinding anybody's offer in the manner some of our commenters have suggested. The firm just doesn't appear to be entirely clear on when its new people will be able to start, because of the general problems in the market."

Guess what? This is the case for EVERY FIRM. Just because firms have confirmed start dates for 3L's doesn't mean that they will actually start on those days. All of these firms are pushing start dates back as a STALLING TACTIC, not a strategic move. They are simply crossing their fingers and hoping that the economy recovers. If it doesn't, none of the incoming class is going to start. There is no work for them. They can't make any money for the firm. The sooner people get this into their heads the better.

OMG

This is the beginning of firms realizing that they don't need the 2009 graduating class, becuase the 2010 class will come on as first years soon enough. Firms will now fire the 2009 class year, and just keep the 2010 class year.

The 2009 graduating class is a lost generation.

This is the beginning of firms realizing that they don't need the 2009 graduating class, becuase the 2010 class will come on as first years soon enough. Firms will now fire the 2009 class year, and just keep the 2010 class year.

The 2009 graduating class is a lost generation.

wait... so I need permission from my firm before I pursue other options? At-will employment only cuts one way?

The s*it has not yet hit the fan. Screw start date deferrals - just wait until 50% of summers get no-offered. THEN we'll see some real wailing and gnashing of teeth.

End of August = the implosion of hopes and dreams.

jesus, that is some rough stuff.

That hiring partner *would* scare the hell out of me. Pretty damn clear I'm an unwanted employee at will.

Wiley Rein: October 2010 start dates with public interest stipend. They're making calls today.

WTF? they are free to pursue other employment? It certainly looks like a half-assed "cold-offer" or attempt at rescission to me.

Arent you glad you don't work for Arent Fox?

Suck my Skadden prestige.

Jesus, I'm a summer at Wiley. Is my job safe? Government applications, here I come.

13,

Why is the nerd chef of WD-50 offering a PI stipend?

Serious post -- I'm totally depressed. Can someone please recommend a therapist in the Manhattan?

Thanks,
JPM

elie, you are going easy on arent fox. what that partner said is obviously a cold-offer, which has the clear result of a rescission. get real.

Dallas, Texas - Land of the $30k millionaire

16--Probably not. And if you are going to work there and you're not interested in Communications law, forget about it.

8 = unemployed 2010 law grad

4 = comment of the year

Arent you glad I didn't say banana?

Shit.

-16

I'm taking my deferral stipend, blowing it on weed, and going on reality television. Look for me on Survivor/Amazing Race/Ninja Warrior.

Still paying Joe Price's salary?

16: you haven't been safe since wiley cold-offered clerks in the fall

sinking. ship.

26 = Man With The Plan

Definitely applying for some reality shows, that would be badass.

Someone think of a unique relationship I can fabricate for Amazing Race.

Hmmm.

F U C K

16 - Good luck with the government apps. There are several hundred resumes on my desk.

-G-Man Hiring Manager

Hey 30, want to be "blog friends"? Don't think they've done that yet.

Locke Lord announcing layoffs. Firm meeting at 3 central

I'm sinking my deferral stipend into Big Macs and candy bars. Look for me on Biggest Loser.

I agree w/ the double poster above. The 2009 graduating class really hasn't nothing going for it; basically the '09s will be in the same boat as the '10s as if 2010 just had twice as many graduates.

If you are planning on graduating in May '09, you might want to consider pulling out and taking one semester of law school next year to finish up.

8/9 is partially right. There will be a "lost generation," but that will be the class of 2010, not 2009. The class of 2009 has already been hired and firms have already committed capital through their previous summer salary and barbri expenses and will continue to incur expenses for their bar fees and stipends/advances as part of deferral programs. The "lost generation" will be the class of 2010 because firms haven't committed anything to them yet and all of the deferrals will start in 2010 anyway.

5 - you are absolutely right. There is no way for a firm to know that they will have enough work for their new hires by any specific date. The last time that was true was around the time the class of 2008 started in September of last year. I think all of us who have had our start dates pushed back, not once, but twice, know that already. Start dates are no longer a guarantee, period.

37 is right. Class of 2010 is going to be ravaged by no-offers. That's a mighty taint on a resume. Start looking for other options, 2Ls.

37, you are an idiot or maybe just a 2009 grad in denial. Read the post -- Arent fox just cold offered its 2009 class. That's strong evidence that the the 2009 class is the lost generation. Q.E.D.

Now, 2010 might also end up screwed too, but they will have another year to recover if the economy improves.

2009 is SOL, however.

Hey 2Ls, it's not too late to go to Afghanistan. Save the world for a few years, then try again. Semper Fi.

Sorry 40, I didn't realize Aren't (Hiring) Fox was a market setter. My bad.

-37

37 & 40 -

Both of you should be voting for conservatives in the 2010 midterms.

40 = Arent Fox summer trying to recover from crapping his pants.

To the Class of 2009:

Why arent you hiding your dicks in the foxhole?

40 - except that most of you won't get offers, so let's be clear, there are no winners here.

I find it hard to beleive that A-F would invest 22 x barbri, + summer pay, + stipends and NOT hire (eventually), so here's what I think ... I think that they and the other firms are hoping that the system "flushes" out those who would be willing to go elsewhere. Then possibly the work load will be approrpriate to the number of people left in the pool. Its done in other industries, so why not at A-F and others? I do think that a clarification e-mail from A-F is also in order ... and also, what's with the paltry $5G as compared to others? That's another reason why I believe my theory works ... a larger stipend keeps MORE people around, NOT less.

MegaMillions is at $43 million. Odds are about as good as landing a job. Sweet.

47 - just keep telling yourself that

What I loved was the fact that Arent Fox gave "permission" to look elsewhere. Thank you for releasing me from my non-binding agreement.

Now if I could just find a job elsewhere.

You're right 47! No one will lose their jobs, we're all safe. I'll sleep like a baby tonight.

I have to agree that 2009 may be a "lost generation." Many of my partners are already speaking of the upcoming first years in the past tense. They are taking a wait and see approach with the next year's class. I am hearing the same thing from friends at other firms. Arent Fox is just one of the first one that has come out and said that in public. I feel bad for the people graduating this year, but the is just no work available.

I have large boobs, long legs, blonde hair, and loose morals. Am I safe?

Are law firms really that bad at managing? They already invested a lot in the 2009 class. Why would firms prefer the 2010 summers to them in anyway since they've invested nothing in them at this point.?

By "partner", 52 actually meant "fellow 2Ls realizing they have no future but trying to pin it on 3Ls to make ourselves feel better, even though we know its really us that are screwed."

Please update the previous comment.

Thank you.

I shit in your milk.

47,

See the firms that rescinded 3L offers still giving $5k and bar expenses.

Anyone else secretly excited to see the guaranteed 50% or greater no-offer rate this summer? Lots of whiny summers are going to be crying to mommy and daddy come August. Fun stuff.

3Ls arent just fucked, their careers have flatlined. Time to call the pallbearer.

I definitely think AF is hoping most of the 2009 class goes elsewhere so that at least some of the class can actually start in February and they won't have to pick and choose who will be the lucky ones. One big problem? THERE IS NO ELSEWHERE TO GO...

54 - because last year's summers are already written off. The money spent on them is already accounted for in last year's budget. The problem is figuring out how to pay for them once they show up as even more unprofitable first years. The easy answer is to drop them, save a few million dollars, and re-set with 2010's and/or laterals.

It's not just that some SAs will be no-offered, many will be let go during the summer for such things as getting drunk at firm events where the alcohol flowed freely. For class of 2010, it's a NO-FUN SUMMER TRAP!

It is astounding the degree of sniping between the class of 2009 and 2010. The antagonism and anxiety must be intense, I'm sure because both classes are competing for the same jobs with the same start dates. While the majority of the 2009 class will probably not find employment because the deferred start dates will just be cancelled (and the 2010 class will fare better, but not by much), I think that law students should be displaying more professionalism in their postings here.

58 - yes. My hours will go up.

-Mid-Level Associate with such little work he can troll ATL at 4:20 in the afternoon.

Why are incoming Arent first years convinced that their offers have been rescinded if this is not true?

62, you're kidding yourself if you think there will be open-bar events. The only way SAs will get drunk is if they bring their own flask, in which case they did it to themselves.

63, you must be new here. Law students are students, and by definition not professionals. Snipe away, little children.

In light of their various shenanigans, the assorted firm mottos/marketing catchphrases under their brands are begging for a photoshop contest.

Arent Fox: "Smart in your world" -> "Crapped on your world"

White & Case: "Worldwide. For Our Clients." -> "80% Worldwide. For Our Partners."

Allston + Bird: "Leadership. Creativity. Results." -> "Leadership. Creativity. Results. Bankruptcy."

And so on.

Seriously, I don't understand the comments that argue 2010 will be chosen over 2010. In the fall of 2010, firms will choose between deferred 2009's, who have already received money for bar expenses, (not to mention deferral stipends) versus 2010 summers who they can simply no-offer and not have to pay bar and other expenses. All else being equal (there's no star 2010 candidates) why not choose the class you've already invested in and save yourself the 2010 bar expenses?

65- what happened did not leave the incomings with any feeling of security at all. They no longer have access to a salary advance, are being given a relatively low stipend, and it was very clearly communicated to them that Feb 2010 is "earliest" as there are no guarantees that things will turn around in the economy, i.e. that there will be work in Feb 2010. Sad situation...

This Class of '09 vs. Class of '10 shit needs to stop

Who are the five who get to start in November, and how did the firm pick them? I'm assuming it wasn't random . . . .

53 ---- only once a month

71 - agreed. The fucking will be equally distributed. Study hard and hope for the best. Believe it or not, law firms are still looking to hire, just in smaller numbers. Put yourself among the elite, or look elsewhere.

53 ---- only once a month

73 - Thanks. Want to come up to my office? Kisses.

-53

69 et al are right on this one. I'm not on a hiring committee by a close friend of mine is. Our firm has every intention of honoring its deferral dates, but we're also preparing to be rather tough on this year's summers and only plan on making offers to about half of them. 2Ls either need to really find a way to stand out positively (mainly by attitude and demeanor, because "work product" for summers is a joke) or should think about taking some time off from school and joining the class of 2011. Hopefully hiring is back on track by then.

71: "This Class of '09 vs. Class of '10 shit needs to stop."

I disagree. Both of these classes are known to be two of the weakest classes in major law schools in the last three decades. It is these two weak classes that have really caused a lot of the downturn in offers and starting salaries. The economy is just a small factor. I think the two classes should be going all out to destroy each other.

I swear to God, I'll pistol whip the next guy who says shenanigans!

77 - the key word in your comment is "hopefully." I'm sure that firms have every intention of honoring everything offer they've made - just as they had every intention of not firing associates and staff up to this date. But what firms intend and what they do in 6, 8, 10, months' time are not necessarily the same. That is the source of all the angst - that what firms say and what they do are not the same. See, e.g., rescinding 3L offers.

As a member of the Class of 2009, let me be the first to say that I feel as though I'm completely f 'd, and I wish I was a member of the Class of 2010. Let me explain.

By the time my firm announced it was pushing back start dates and the economy completely tanked, it was spring of 2009. That means that any chance to get a position with a "premier" federal agency that opens doors down the road are small. The honors programs for the DOJ and SEC closed their doors in the fall. Clerkship season is over. Now, if I wanted one of those jobs, I will have to try to get in the door as an "experienced" attorney. Problem? The people already in those positions are not going to leave in this environment. The competition for what few positions are open will be fierce, and the talent pool applying will be the best ever, as one can expect not only the thousands of laid off attorneys, but also the nervous attorneys who still have jobs to apply. Of course, I will have no experience, save for some B.S. "public interest" job that simply won't be as impressive as what other people have done. The Class of 2010 is better off because they are still eligible for the federal honors programs and still have the dream of a clerkship.

Second, I am spending a year of my life doing something I had ZERO interest in doing in the first place (public interest), but will now be doing because I need a job and it is the only thing I can possibly get. That means I have to waste a year waiting for the market to recover. The class of 2010 does not have to waste a year of their lives doing something they do not want to do (except waste a year and $40k on law school tuition, but that is a topic for another thread). The class of 2011 is even better off for the same reason.

Third, despite chatter from the talking heads that we are becoming a socialist country, this is capitalist country. Under capitalism, you are up or out. No elite institution (including elite law firms) keeps around those just treading water; they are always going to flock to and cultivate the "hot" new talent. At best, my fellow members of the Class of 2009 will be going head to head now with not only the best of our class, but the best of 2010. If that happens, I'll be the first to admit that things haven't turned out so bad, because at least we had the chance to compete. What is more likely to happen, I fear, is that we will be yesterday's news. A footnote of sorrow relegated to the dustbin of history.

Its not all bad. Some of us will get that government job, some may still rise above it all in the big firm context. But those will be by far the exception. Not all is lost. We can do good in smaller towns and hopefully obtain jobs in state government. Others will launch successful private practices.

That is the silver lining, but right now, to me, it feels like a twelve-inch rubber dildo is breathing down my ass and I am just going to have to grin and bear it and pray that when all the f 'n is done, I can get over it.

And for all you who think I'm entitled, go f* yourself. I have worked hard my entire life and will continue to work hard tomorrow, even if I do not know what I will be working on. The class of 2009 didn't create the subprime market and we didn't ask for $160k starting salaries.

And for all of you who want to say "you'll be better for it", also go f* yourself. Stop telling that to people. If you do not realize how patronizing and stupid a comment that is, I will not explain it.

That's about it.

- Member, Class of 2009

77-- Your take is different than mine. I am on our hiring committee. We have deferred the first years. While we did intend to honor those dates, we are now consdering eliminating the many of the first year positions and hoping for better luck on next year's hires.

81, that made far too much sense. As such, you're fucked in this profession. Have you considered engineering?

81 -- You will be better for it. Trust me.

Learned Foot

71 -- no "feeling of security?" No guarantees? Boo-fucking-hoo. Welcome to being an adult in a market economy where there's less demand for your services than there was before. Suck it up, stop whining, and move on.

I'm practicing my guitar. U2 can't live forever, there has to be new superband at some point. Anyone out there play drums?

-Sad 3L

81 - oh my god you come across like such a spoiled d-bag it's almost impossible to believe. You didn't ask for big starting salaries? Then why were you so adamant about working only in biglaw? Why are you so condescending of public interest work? You're in it for the money, and maybe for the boner you get thinking about how important you believe you are.

It makes me genuinely happy to see people like you get screwed. Enjoy the dildo.

True to their name, there is nothing sly about this communication.

82 --- but are you ACTUALLY going to tell the 3L's that their offer has been rescinded or are you going to do a "cold offer;" as its called?

The 2009 v. 2010 battle is quite amusing.. However, "choosing" 2010 over 2009 is an example of foolish firm mismanagement. The firm already wasted money on 2009. That is a sunk cost. Why waste money 2010 when the firm can try salvaging as much as possible from 2009. Actually, by the time the class of 2009 starts it will largely be fall 2010 anyway.

I am glad that I put off joining you idiots in law school yet another year. Being risk adverse will pay off eventually.

ParaLegal.

8 = Class of 2010 Gunner, SA offer rescindee

and first class Dbag

81: Get a therapist. You're exactly the kind of person that makes people (lawyers and non-lawyers) hate lawyers.

81 and all you folks who think that 2010 is any better - wow, laugh out loud friends.

Huge glut of unemployed lawyers, broken big law model, economic decimation as far as the eye can see.

the only people safe are non-transactional attorneys who have a few years experience. everyone else will be competing either out of their niche, or underexperienced etc.

Think over why exactly you went to law school again. if you can't come up with any reason better than the promise of a starting salary of 160k you are not in the right profession for the moment

91 - Uh, more staff have been laid off than attorneys. Plus, if you entered law school now, you'd be in the class of 2012, and the economy will either have recovered, or we'll all be reenacting Thunder Dome. Dumb shit.

FAIL

91 - tack on another year to learn english

it is risk AVERSE not risk aDverse

-Editor in Chief

96--Sorry! I added the letter "d" when I should not have. I was so busy that I must have not been paying attention!

ParaLegal.
--no debt, rental property owner, and weekends off!

POTENTIAL PUBLIC INTEREST LAW JOB FOR THOSE TRYING TO FIND ONE:

SEARCH FOR NEW DIRECTOR IS UNDER WAY
Milan Pham, founding director of NC LEAP, is leaving to enter private practice in Durham. She will remain with the program on a part-time basis during the transition period. NC LEAP, which stands for North Carolina Lawyers for Entrepreneurs Assistance Program, is the signature project of the NCBA’s Business Law, Corporate Counsel and Intellectual Property Law sections. The search for a new director of NC LEAP has begun; click here for direct access to the job posting or access the link below for additional information.
http://www.ncbar.org/news/1/3727/index.aspx

why are so many commenters on this post retarded, geez...first of all, don't worry, if you have any talent you will find a job. LAW is booming...maybe you won't get a big starting salary but there are a lot of opportunities (ie Insurance litigation! There! I said it!) to get experience that you will later be able to use to make a quite comfortable living. Also, sooo many people who work in Biglaw suck a fat, fat cock..I see it every day...so if you are committed and, well, "deserve" it there will be room in Biglaw for you (where, though you get paid more, you learn less and more slowly, but I digress...)

Also - as INTELLIGENT commenters have pointed out on so many earlier posts - the entire business model of Biglaw may soon have to change. CHANGE. That doesn't mean "no jobs" that means that young lawyers will be able to create new business models and ball out. Also, all the baby boomer lawyers are going to retire sooner or later...I mean...you can't really be an old-ass person and still be a great lawyer...its a brain job.

However, no commenters on this post are pointing this stuff out. Maybe because (Hannah) ARENDT FUCKS isn't exactly the "Elite Firm Numero Uno"...I mean, you guys even lost the Eichmann trial and that wouldve been a no-brainer for me!

HOLLA @ A BALLA

PEACE

All this doom and gloom is just wrong. The recession is over. All the pushed back 3L's will be given chances to start early come Sept or Oct. Mark my words.

And 81, just chill dude.

88: low hanging fruit, but I laughed anyway. Thanks.

shenanigans

Some of the recent toolshed posts are underscoring my point - two weakest graduating classes of lawyers in some time.

-78

100 - as Matt Taibbi put it - our government is a proxy aig writ incalculably large.

you keep telling yourself this recessions over if it improves your sense of job security - the sky is falling though.

81- heh, you said member.

also, genius, a) government work is considered public interest and b) instead of whining on ATL you could probably find a place in the godawful non-profit/legal services sector that will give you lots of yummy experience for when you apply to that government job once the recession is over.

the most screwed classes are 2007 and 2008 who have been laid off or about to be. Not enough experience to get a lateral position without some luck. Since firms will eventually need some lower-level associates - can't bill for due diligence/doc review at 4th/5th year billing rates - they will take some 2009 and some 2010 associates, but much less than before.

104 - continual insistence that the sky is falling will inevitably cause an anvil to hit you on the head.

So yes I will choose to be an optimist.

- 100.

107 - NO, but this fiananco-government complex will.

you can be an optimist pessimist or atheist, nothing will change the fact that our country is insolvent.

106 - wildly false because 2007/2008 have severance packages/some salary in the bank. 2009/2010 have no money at all...

Arent Fox - What a crap firm.

And 57, name a V 100 firm that did what you claim (i.e., rescind 3L offers and pay just 5 k).

Let's face it, we all wish we were class of 2004 right now. We would have ridden the salary wave up, paid off our loans and gotten the fuck out of biglaw by this point.

This 2009 = "lost generation" schitck is already pretty old. Fuck you.

86: Are you in NYC? I play drums and am up for jamming. Better odds than biglaw these days. I even have practice space. LMK

I hope the partners have come to their senses and ousted the obstructionist criminal Joseph Price!

JUSTICE FOR ROBERT WONE
www.whomurderedrobertwone.com

82 -- if YOU are on a hiring committee, then you should have a better command of the English language. Shame on you for instilling fear!

82 -- if YOU are on a hiring committee, then you should have a better command of the English language. Shame on you for instilling fear!

...time to watch a REAL law firm ---Boston Legal is on ...

Deferred Associates-NJ Public Interest Organizations want you. Attend the NJ deferred associates job fair on 4/8 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center to learn about 14 NJ public interest organizations with jobs openings for you. Newark Mayor Booker will speak as will White & Case partner Jack E. Pace III. Register at www.vljnj.org or search NJ Deferred Associates Job Fair on facebook.

What does this have to do with LAYOFFS at the Bratislava office of Cahill?

As a member of the class of 2010 I feel like I am in a much worse position than 2009 graduates. First off, who knows if I'm even going to get an offer? 2009 graduates already have offers so they already have a leg-up in the competition. Firms will definitely consider the size of their 2009 first year class before they give offers to the class of 2010.

Also, as a member of the class of 2010 I can attest the we smell much worse than the class of 2009.

-- 2010 Class Member.

wow, reading the classes of 2007-2010 engaging in this oppression olympics makes me really glad that i was class of 2006.

78 - Each incoming class is more impressive than the previous class. Sorry about your tiny pink LSAT score.

Falsely advertised: Firms that fall short of what they claim to be

The Worst Ten

1. Luce Forward (3L offers revoked; summer program cancelled)
2. Orrick (20% of associates fired; some 3L's start in 3/10)
3. Pillsbury
4. White & Case
5. Cooley Godward (13% of associates fired)
6. Squire Sanders (2L summer offers revoked; 7 wk summer program)
7. Arent Fox
8. Alston Bird (firing first year associates due to “performance reasons”)
9. Morgan Lewis
10. Davis Polk (V5 w/ no severance just notification)

Yo, assholes, this motherfucker's dead!

100 - I'm kinda ininterested in what you are saying since it may be the only "sunny" comment here. I still think that A-F as well as others are to flush out their 3L's and that as the list of 3L's shrinks to match the firm income, then the hirings will also start up again.

Lost Generations!! LOL You guys are idiots.

Hey ... what is A-F's stipend ... this site says its $15,000.

http://lawfirmchaos.blogspot.com/

see #83 on the site's chart

word is that arent is getting ready for more layoffs.

128 - aren't they ALL?

I'm not in law, but having followed above-the-law for the past few months for mainly the hilarious associates advise section, and reading about the latest (minute-by-minute it seems) developments - this whole thing reminds me an awful lot of what we went through in the banking and consulting world back in 2000-2002. The dot-com bubble collapsed and all of us newly-minted-MBAs-to-be off backpacking through Europe awaited in eager anticipation to find out more about what was going to happen to our Wall St. jobs.

Looking back to that, I see a lot of similarities comparing it to this situation now with the BigLaw world. For what it's worth, here's some takeaways from that experience 6 years ago:

1. Reputation - This is the time when firms can really stick to the promises and peachy-pitches they made to students during the info sessions and networking fairs. They can claim the firm really values "transparency" and "openness" but only during tough times like these can they back that claim up, and truly prove their mettle. I'm not too familiar with law firms but a quick glance on Arent Fox's website showed the statement "We strive, in every matter we handle, to engage the issue from all angles. To bring fresh thinking to common legal problems and uncommon invention to the most complicated problems.". No offense - but there doesn't seem to be much 'fresh thinking' or 'uncommon invention' going on with these firms. They're playing the typical games - stall tactics, keeping students in the dark with a lack of transparency, and having them clutch to false hope (instead of reality). I, along with many of my MBA classmates years ago, went through the very same thing and believe me, the firms that decided to give crappy stipends, no support in finding externship opportunities at client companies or offering to use their network of contacts to find you alternative employment, and delayed start dates 2,3,4 times are all still paying for it years later. The firm I had an offer with which eventually got rescinded, still has trouble recruiting top talent because of posts on Vault message boards made over 6 years ago! Bottom line is, no future investment into brand building will be able to offset the negative publicity and perception these firms will receive in the coming months, and if a firm wants to maintain long term reputation it's in their best interest to give students a fair deal (and most importantly, a helpful hand) during these tough times.

2. Keeping The System In Check. For us MBAs (and I believe it works the same for you LawYellers) we had to sign some ethical code with our careers department that we wouldn't accept more than 1 offer. So if we had an offer from Goldman and another from Lehman, and we weren't sure which one we wanted at the time, we'd have to make the decision and stick to it. This helped ensure recruiting efforts were as effective as possible for the companies themselves, and people weren't hoarding numerous job offers. After '02, guess what happened? That whole system went to crap - people were signing whatever number of offers they got without any shame. If the Banks could tell me I wasn't needed, I could tell them the same thing (and just like them, I could tell them weeks before they had planned on my joining). It took B-schools a lot of time/effort to get that ethical system back on track, and if both Law Schools and Law Firms don't take some proper, united, somewhat consistent actions in how to deal with these times of economic uncertainty - it's going to come back to bite you guys, big time!

3. Thinking Strategically. What many firms fail to remember during times like these is that there is opportunity in despair - if they only think strategically. Of course everyone realizes its not totally the Firms fault for having to delay start dates, make layoffs, etc. - but the way they decide to handle it will really go a long way. This is a time firms can start to set themselves apart from the others. If these smartsy students at these big time law firms are helped placed at some public sector companies, existing clients, international agencies, etc. for a year while the law firms get back on track - this will only help the firm itself! So for those firms not providing contacts to these incoming associates, or offering to leverage their network to find external placements, you're only hurting yourself. While you guys are sorting your stuff out, you could potentially have a dedicated, eager, incoming associate work at a client and generate more business development opportunities for the firm in the future, as well as crucially relationship build and market the firm. Many of my Consultant friends did an externship at client companies via the network of contacts of the firm partners - they gained valuable operational experience, were able to make important inroads and relationships with the clients, understand their clients business better, and it resulted in many, many future consulting opportunities for the Firms once budgets for consulting services started going back up.

Hey A-F --- how's about loosening up those purse strings somewhat and at least increase the stipend OR do a PI stipend AND maybe some medical insurance help??? It couldn't hurt!!!

sigh. this stinks.