In response to the economic pressures facing the legal profession, the Maryland State Bar Association has taken the proactive approach to begin the conversation of "How to stay up in a down economy" and "What do I do if I become Unemployed"

Resources below are provided as a member service of the Maryland State Bar Association. If you are not currently a member, please visit our Member Services page to learn more about how the MSBA benefits its members and to access an online application

  
   

  Crossroads

First Things First If You Lose Your Job

1. Apply for unemployment insurance. (More details below)
2. Contact the Maryland State Bar Association AND Client Protection Fund change your name and address. YOU MUST CONTACT BOTH.

To change information for MSBA:
By Internet
By Email
By phone to membership: 800-492-1964
By fax to Membership 410-685-1016
By Mail: Membership, MSBA, 520 West Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

3. Contact Creditors if necessary. (More details below)
4. Update your resume. Practice your elevator speech.
5. If necessary, delete as much as possible any "inappropriate" Myspace, Facebook, or other social networking posts.
6. Become more active with the MSBA and local and specialty bars to expand your network. Join the MSBA Young Lawyer Section Facebook Group
To join MSBA sections and Email Lists.
7. Sign up for local bar referral services A list of all bar associations with Lawyer Referral Services is available at http://www.msba.org/public/referral.htm.
8. Consider Solo Practice.
Contact Pat Yevics at MSBA at 800-492-1964, ext 3039 if you have any questions.
For a copy of our binder on How to Start a Solo Practice, please send an email to Monica Rodrigues
Attend Hanging Out A Shingle seminar, Saturday, July 18, 2009 at Holiday Inn, Laurel
Attend Solo Day at the Annual Meeting, Friday, June 12, 2009


Information About Unemployment Compensation

Top Ten Things to Do When You Are Laid Off

Warning Signs

 

Career Information Resources

 

 

Finances
 It is critical to take a hard look at your expenses and determine what must absolutely be paid and what expenses can be cut. Cut your expenses to the bone. If you have been laid off, only spend money on essential expenses and any items the will assist you in either getting another job, training for a new position or consider alternative type of practice settings.

 

 

Health Issues
 

 

Office Resource Issues
You may have been used to having access to resources such at internet, fax machines, copier and other items. It is important to create a secure "office" space in your home to begin your search or even start a solo practice. Remember if you are starting to do client work from a home office either on a desktop or laptop computer, that information is confidential and must be treated the same as it would be in an off site office.

 

Copyright © Maryland State Bar Association Inc. All Rights Reserved.