Expendable: That's What Knowledge Workers Are Up Against

 The rules of the game in large law firms are obvious or should be: Everyone is expendable, with the exception of those with enough of a powerhouse brand to grow their book of business. They're the ones who Cravath, Kirkland & Ellis and Paul Weiss hire for about $20 million annually, with multi-year guarantees. Meanwhile even some equity partners are getting the boot.

Yet, professional anonymous networks still post sagas, like this one on Reddit, about those stunned and deeply hurt that they were informed that they have no long-term future with the firm. Until "the talk" their billing and reviews were all exceeding expectations. They felt okay about things.

One nine-year associate who was gently but surely forced out was reeling in disbelief. In 2008, he came to me for coaching to try to be able to put together a next. He had gone from $300k to $40k (the latter earned doing a bit of legal business for friends and family). Should he think the unthinkable: leaving the practice of law?

The reality of Big Law is that most slots are "dangerous" to be in. Those include counsel, non-equity partner, junior equity partner, very senior associate and, of course, at the base of the pyramid structure, where newbies create no real value. Those lawyers are easily replaceable.  

Across sectors smart players carve out a niche they own. And they don't hire in the kind of talent who could replace them. An example from the old days when media relations was the core competence of public relations firms was the principal with all the media contacts. Those contacts represented their portable book of business. The agency wasn't going to mess with them. They came and went as they pleased. 

In my coaching I guide professionals to figure out what they can provide the labor market/services and products that others can't. Otherwise, I bluntly note, you'll be among the knowledge workers who have become a dime a dozen. 

Low on hope about finding, holding, or moving on to better work?  Getting that back is the first step. Then you and I, as your career coach, move on to diagnosing what's in the way, trying out the solutions and creating the communications you need. Free consultation. No pressure. After that, fees custom-made for your budget. Please contact for an appointment Jane Genova (text/phone 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com).