Personal Update

[Lilavati]

Because what is happening to my employer (Dewey & LeBoeuf) is so public, I thought I'd give an update. For those of of us in the DC office, May 15th will be the last day of operations, and our employment will terminate as of that date. We are having a final gathering tonight to say goodbye.

I am fine. I have two offers (one official, one not yet official) from large, well-respected firms, and am waiting to hear from a smaller firm that would offer a different path if I chose to take it. I will be ok, regardless of what I decide to do. Thanks to everyone who sent vibes, prayers and good wishes! (Now pray I make the right choice . . . )

Most of the other attorneys have at least a port in which to take cover from the storm, as do most of the staff, and many have fantastic opportunities. Those that do not, especially the younger attorneys and remaining staff . . . well, they could still use vibes and prayers if you have got any to spare. The rest of us are trying to help them the best we can, but its a very tough market, especially for attorneys with no experience and staff who are nearing retirement age or had manager status. Those that departing partners have not been able to help are in a tough spot.

 

[Dekka]

Glad to hear you will be ok! That sound rough for some of the others.

 

[Shai]

Good vibes to all of you -- best of luck in your choice and for those still looking for their next opportunity

 

[Taqroy]

I'm glad things are working out for you!! I hope everyone else can find something too.

 

[Lilavati]

Thanks everyone.

I can't complain. I've been very lucky through this, and have received help and support from places I didn't expect. One of the things I've learned is that crises make us show our true colors . . . for better or for worse. Many of my colleagues have shown that they are better people than I thought they were . . . some have shown that they are worse . . . and all have shown that they are far more complicated!

It is hard though. I started crying the other day after my practice group left (I have the option to join them). Another associate was worried, afraid they'd "left" me (getting left behind by your group isn't just professionally devastating . . . its humiliating). I said no, no I was fine, its just that . . . everyone was leaving. The halls were empty.

When I was a summer associate, the then managing partner of the DC office gave us hardhats with the firm logo (it was LeBoeuf Lamb then) and took us on a tour of the building as it was being build. It was just a concrete shell . . . we walked up 12 flights of stairs, and he showed us where our offices would be, talked about his plans, how he was going to decorate the space . . . the next summer it was complete and I started work in the building we'd seen going up. I started work in the office he'd described for us . . . it was a gorgeous office (not always practical, but gorgeous).

Now I walk the halls and it echoes. Some of the art work has already been sold. The halls are filled with boxes. In DC we didn't have the chaos the news is showing in the NY office; its been very orderly as everyone quietly takes their possessions and leaves. I was there, pretty much every day, for 5 years, and even the people who were not my friends were familiar. It breaks my heart.

I know its hard to feel sorry for a bunch of corporate lawyers, particularly those from an NY "mega-firm". But I wish the press would see this with something other than schadenfreude. Something has died (or more correctly, was brutally killed) and its part of a larger death within the profession . . . I don't know what I'm saying . . .

 

[Renee750il]

I think I can understand, some, Lil -- as much as anyone who isn't you might be able to. (((((HUGS)))))

 

[LindaJD]

I wish you the best in whatever path you choose.

 

[M&M's Mommy]

I'm glad to hear that. When God closes a door, he always opens a window.

 

[Bunny82]

I don't really understand the whole thing, it is "over my head" but what I do understand, all I think I need to understand is that there are people who are need of prayers and good vibes so I am sending them along with continued prayers and vibes for you Lil.

 

[Xandra]

I've been following and am really glad you have options, though I understand it must be sad to see the death and dismemberment of something you've been apart of. I hope your your co-workers' luck picks up in time!

 

[yoko]

I haven't said any thing because I really didn't know what to say. I was without a job about two years ago and I know it was a terrifying time. I couldn't imagine what people with families to take care of go through.

I've kept you and all your coworkers in my thoughts. Loosing a job isn't something I'd wish on my worst enemy and I hope everyone gets through this with the least amount of stress/anxiety as possible.