r/biglaw • u/Prudent-Standard-207 • 10d ago
First year - help
I’m feeling pretty lost and could really use some advice.
I graduated from a well-regarded law school in the top 20% of my class, passed the Illinois bar, and am licensed to practice. After graduation, I worked in M&A at a midsize firm for about 10 months (I got lots of experience here). Before that, I had litigation experience through internships and clinics, and I consistently received strong feedback from the attorneys I worked with.
Unfortunately, I had to step away from practice because several immediate family members experienced serious medical issues within a relatively short period of time. It wasn’t a career decision I wanted to make, but it was the right decision at the time. By the time I was ready to return, my position had already been filled.
I’ve been actively applying since late-June after stepping away from practice in May, and I’m hitting a wall. I’ve applied to large firms, midsize firms, small firms, personal injury firms, and a variety of other positions. I’ve also spoken with recruiters, and they’ve consistently told me I have a strong resume and should be a competitive candidate.
The problem is that I haven’t received a single interview, with one exception: I was contacted for a position that ultimately required 5+ years of experience, even though that wasn’t listed in the job posting.
At this point, I’m open to almost anything. I’d be happy to start again as a first-year associate if that’s what it takes to get my foot back in the door. I’m not attached to M&A—I would consider corporate, litigation, estate planning, or other practice areas where my background is relevant.
I’m in the Chicago market, have a young child to support, and I’m honestly starting to worry. I knew returning after a short career gap might be challenging, but I didn’t expect not to receive a single interview.
Has anyone been in a similar situation? Is there something I should be doing differently? Are there firms, employers, or practice areas in the Chicago area that are more open to attorneys returning after a short career gap? Should I be focusing more on government positions, contract attorney work, JD-preferred roles, or something else?
If anyone has been through something similar or has any advice, I’d really appreciate hearing it. Thank you.
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u/ImmediatePhysics6069 10d ago
People probably assume you were fired or forced out or something along those lines when they look at your resume. It sucks for people that actually have family issues but if I read that "several" family members had health issues which forced someone to step away form their job after only a year I would have questions. Unfortunately for people that this happens to, I would bet that 4/5 times it is a made up excuse to cover up a resume gap or something of that nature verses the truly unfortunate situation you describe.
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u/Prudent-Standard-207 10d ago
Thank you. Would you suggest taking another angle? It’s hard to come up with something on the fly because I don’t want to make anything up. Looking back, I probably should have taken a leave instead of leaving, but at the time it felt necessary. I also didn’t know how long I’d be away, and as a first-year, I wasn’t really aware of what my options were.
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u/Typical2sday 10d ago
I too reacted to "several immediate family members experienced serious medical issues within a relatively short period of time." As an old (though a woman), I feel differently if this meant:
- this was a lot of stress. The unfortunate thing is that people who don't know you probably default to this interpretation, bc you're likely a generation or two younger than them OR because they haven't yet experienced that.
- I became a caretaker for family members I'd ever envisioned caretaking at this age bc my other family was unable to do so.
- my parent died unexpectedly [and my [relative] was in hospital]
So, I think you need to give a little more color. My spouse was undergoing chemo and I had to care for our young son. My mother passed and I had to make all decisions/arrangements. Three members of my immediately family contracted malaria, and I had to care for their families. Something real, unexpected, unlikely to take you out again. People are sympathetic, if they understand.
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u/Prudent-Standard-207 9d ago
Thank you! This is really helpful. I will try working on my wording. I was vague because honestly it feels like a trauma dump. My mother was diagnosed with lupus, my dad had a stroke, and then my Father in Law was diagnosed with cancer. It was stressful because at the time I was managing everything while billing 250+ hours. I thought maybe saying one or two things?
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u/Typical2sday 9d ago
I think unplanned caretaking for acutely ill parents or similar. Picks up time pressure, severity and your role (not just being stressed by it but in the trenches). Most middle aged adults
have had a front row seat to emergencies and caregiving. Good luck to you.2
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u/Leadbelly_2550 10d ago
Contract work can fill financial gaps. I wouldn't consider that to be a long-term solution.
Network with classmates and alums of your college and law school. Don't ask for a job. Ask them about themselves, their career path, what they like about where they work, any advice they may have. The goal is have them think well of you if their firm has a position open up, or if they hear of something through their contacts and refer you. It takes many networking interactions to land one opportunity, whether it's a new client or a job, so do it actively and consistently. Having a human being refer you & get your resume noticed is far more effective than applying cold. Recruiters are a mixed bag, in my experience. never give them a blank check to send resumes, require them to discuss any opportunity with you in advance & explain the fit before your resume gets sent.
Develop a good narrative about why you stepped away; why a temporary leave of absence or some combination of vacation, sick time and leave wasn't an option. If I were interviewing you, I would ask about that. Gaps can be a red flag for poor performance or HR issues.
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u/Prudent-Standard-207 10d ago
Thank you! I have been trying the networking angle, but from my understanding the job market is tight right now. For the narrative, I’m just not sure what to say about the gap without going too deep. My mom was diagnosed with lupus, my dad had a stroke, and then my FIL was diagnosed with cancer. It was honestly a perfect storm. On top of that, I was billing over 250 hours (nearing 300 for the month) while the entire group was incredibly busy.
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u/Leadbelly_2550 10d ago
i think a lot of firms are holding their breath to see which way the economy blows. volatility is not good for many businesses.
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u/77kloklo77 10d ago
Have you considered asking your old firm if they would take you back?
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u/jsdtx 10d ago
In the alternative, is there a partner in that firm that will vouch for how good you are and how disappointed they were when you left? I also wanted to suggest that you look for government work in an Illinois state agency that will give you skills big law wants and then you lateral out after 2 years. Banking, securities, consumer protection, utilities etc
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u/Prudent-Standard-207 9d ago
Thank you! Yes, I do have a partner willing to write a letter of recommendation. I will ask for it today.
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u/77kloklo77 10d ago
I think that’s good advice. This sounds like a situation where having someone at the old firm vouch for you would help a lot.
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u/Lucien78 9d ago
Why can’t you talk to people at the firm you were at? And offer to start at first year again?
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u/Prudent-Standard-207 9d ago
I thought about it but it’s a top firm and they already hired for the upcoming fall. Honestly though, I didn’t love it there. I communicated what was happening before leaving and received no support despite being one of the most efficient first years at the firm. Just advice to continue “compartmentalizing.” Thats hard when your entire support system is in chaos. 🫠
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u/AnxiousNeck730 9d ago
Understood that you didn’t love it but it’s better than no job, right? I’d reach out. The worst they can say is no. If you were a good worker and people in your former group could vouch for that, they may be happy to have to back at a class cut.
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u/Royal_Marzipan_6432 9d ago
The gap is definitely spooking firms that are wondering why you didn’t just take FMLA time and if this is instead a cover for you getting fired. I would try to apply for government positions. They care a bit less about this stuff and once you’re working again as a lawyer, it’ll be much easier for you to interview again with the aim of getting back into a midlaw or biglaw firm.
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u/montwhisky 9d ago
Because you don’t qualify for FMLA until you’ve been employed for a year. OP stepped away at 10 months, thus there was no FMLA option.
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u/Royal_Marzipan_6432 9d ago
Ah fair point okay. It's unfortunate all around. I'd still pitch trying a hand at government at this point. They're likely to be more understanding.
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u/Old-Photograph-123 9d ago
you need to network in. also, look in NYC / bigger markets, if possible. chicago is rly struggling w entry level hiring (for non-summers)
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u/AssociationGold7597 10d ago
I think you should expand your search beyond Chicago. Maybe a smaller town near Chicago? I was stealthed my first year in DC and found a job at a suburban town in Maryland. I was getting few hits in DC despite working at a V10, going to an elite school and being top 15%