Laid off, hired a lawyer to negotiate a bigger package and now feel blacklisted Don't trust that my ex-boss didn't gossip about it.

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Anonymous

02/13/21 at 1:17AM UTC

Laid off, hired a lawyer to negotiate a bigger package and now feel blacklisted Don't trust that my ex-boss didn't gossip about it.

Now feel like old colleagues resent me and even worse, can't seem to find a new job in my industry. It's as if I'm being shamed. It's 100% legal to hire an attorney and even states so in the paperwork they have you sign. However, everything was done "behind closed doors" so I don't know what was actually said and if my lawyer burned a bridge. Anyone else experience anything similar or have an opinion on this?

14 Comments

Anonymous

02/13/21 at 4:33AM UTC

Are there any real signs of true blacklisting? Are you sure there is residual damage being done to your reputation? Hiring an attorney is really very very routine. No one really bats an eye these days it's do common. In 2021 I would be shocked that there are very many people who don't seek legal representation to help them navigate their exit package. I've hired an attorney on every package I've been offered. It just doesn't make sense not to. Could your lack of offers in your field be due to the economy and Covid19?

User edited comment on 02/13/21 at 4:35AM UTC

1 Reply

User deleted comment on 02/14/21 at 3:20AM UTC

Anonymous

02/14/21 at 3:25AM UTC

Yes, current economy isn't helping. Thanks for sharing your experience. Didn't realize it was so common to hire an attorney. It was a 1st for me & guess I felt guilty for being ungrateful.

Anonymous

02/13/21 at 4:38AM UTC

Why would negotiating a settlement be shameful?????? I don't get it. Are you sure there is reason for being shamed? You didn't kill anyone. You lost your job. No shame in that.

Anonymous

02/14/21 at 3:26AM UTC

Shame for being ungrateful for package offered since an At Will employment could have meant no severance at all.

Kelly Brennan

Non profit consultant and Writer.

02/17/21 at 3:27PM UTC

First, feel what you feel, take a breath and try to think forward. Previous colleagues unfortunately can say whatever they wish. It shows their character, which can be an eye opener. You'll never know what happened in negotiations, I know it's hard, but you have to settle with that. I understand from experience. Focus your energy on your search, which is a challenge during these unusual times. Always keep your communications positive when speaking about your previous employment. Hiring managers are more understanding these days in being laid off. Keep focused on you. Wishing you luck.

1 Reply

Anonymous

02/17/21 at 8:24PM UTC

Thanks for your kind words!

Abby Berger

Comms Strategist

02/17/21 at 4:42PM UTC

Hi anon - hang in there, I understand well the challenge in job searching during this crazy time -- and the inevitable thoughts that cross our mind of why this recruiter or that company didn't work out. That said, as others have mentioned -- unless you are in a tiny, specialized profession and only applying to companies connected to your old workplace, odds are your coworkers are not so malicious or bored to be spreading misinformation about you (even if there was a reason they'd feel burned though it doesn't sound like there is in your case!). Stay positive, keep at it and something better will land soon. And in the meantime, use linkedin to scope out people at the places you're applying which can help showing any connections to your former colleagues so you can prepare accordingly.

LORI-ANN BURLINGAME

364

02/17/21 at 7:48PM UTC

When you say the word "attorney" to any company, they go on the defensive. And, they get ready for battle. However, why did you hire an attorney to negotiate your compensation package? It appears that you have asked a 3rd party to intervene on your behalf? Could this be seen as a lack of self-leadership on your part? .

1 Reply

Anonymous

02/17/21 at 8:26PM UTC

It was recommended by someone I trusted and did the same in the past & was successful.

1 Reply

LORI-ANN BURLINGAME

364

02/18/21 at 2:36AM UTC

Unfortunately, what works once may not work a second time. However, I am sending you positive energy that this will work out for the best.

renee2

217

02/17/21 at 7:53PM UTC

It is 100 percent legal to hire an attorney to represent you, and it's also 100 percent probable that doing so is going to earn you a representation; and one you might not like. And that sucks, but it is reality. At this point, you have no way of knowing exactly what your lawyer said or did (you only have his / her side of the conversation). If you are willing to fall on your sword, go back to your former company for an exit interview...share that you don't know what happened behind closed doors, but it was not your intent to leave under bad terms. If the company has an HR department or representative, start there, but it would be especially good if you could get to your boss or the company CEO eventually. Right now, you don't have enough information (or at least there's not enough here) to really know if you've been blacklisted or not. It may just be that industry insiders know you lawyered up...and that's can be (not always) a red flag for employers. That's a tough reputation to overcome. Mending fences with your former company might be a way to start. This is a great learning opportunity for both you and your former employer. It won't be easy, but may be very helpful to you moving forward. Good luck to you.

Anonymous

02/18/21 at 2:07AM UTC

I was "downsized" in March with no real explanation other than my salary is too high. I find that hard to believe when I had co-workers that came from NYC and I have a very fair salary for what I do in the middle of the midwest. Also, I was the only one in my dept that was let go. I really wish HR could be honest with why so I know better in the future. Regardless, it was difficult for me to find a lawyer to handle my severance since the company was a large one in the area and the attorneys did not want to be blackballed. In years past, the company gave 13 weeks of severance and I got 2 offered to me. The attorney that I talked with said that I was lucky to get anything with Covid as an excuse for them. I personally was able to triple it to 6 weeks and felt if I did get a win with all 13, I would have had to pay 40% of it back in fees. So I would take the severance package he was able to get you as a win. If it makes any difference, an old employer laid of 50% of the executive/management team with no severance in December. I hope you are able to find a rewarding position soon.

1 Reply

Anonymous

02/18/21 at 6:01AM UTC

Thank you & the best to you too!

Laura McCann

322

Driving results through people engagement

02/19/21 at 1:18PM UTC

Hi there- it is perfectly normal and fine to hire an attorney with separation packages. Some people negotiate without an attorney but both methods are perfectly acceptable and within normal scope.