New York City Bar Association Career Search Support Group

Due to demand, the City Bar is continuing to hold support groups for its members who have been affected by the current economic climate. The group will be led by practicing attorney, psychologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Einstein Medical School, Sylvan Schaffer. The meetings are not self-contained but continuous and progressive, so the participants should try to come for multiple sessions.

Dr. Schaffer has a unique approach that will help members cope with the emotional and psychological blocks related to job loss and job search. The support group will:

Provide a forum for members to discuss the impact of job loss and job search on their daily lives

Provide insight for members to overcome hurdles to job search, e.g., negative thinking, feelings of shame and diminished self-esteem, depression

Address the "myths" of what a lawyer can or cannot do, e.g., temporary work, contract work

Help members refocus their energy on a new venture before abandoning the profession

At each meeting Dr. Schaffer will present some instructive material, coaching and skills training. There will be ample opportunity for the participants to discuss their particular needs and feelings regarding their situation. The group will meet on Wednesdays from 12-1 PM at the House of the Association on the following dates: November 4, November 11 and December 2. There is no fee to attend these groups, but enrollment is restricted to NYC Bar Association members (so join), and registration for each date is required.