Why am I still working for a company who fired me for too many errors?

Question

I have over 20 years in the legal field. I was hired (temp to perm) as a legal sec. After 60 days I would be considered for perm. position. The 60th day the lawyer cursed & screamed at me. A position was open same firm, different lawyers. I asked to be considered for the position. I was hired permanent with full benefits. In less than 2 months (on a Wed) I was told my last day would be Fri because I was not a match for that desk and then told me all of my good qualities & wished other employees were like me. Then they offered me an "over flow" job part time (until I find another job because they just can't boot me out). I am still working there 3-5 hrs per night same rate of pay. I was told as long as there is "over flow" work I can continue to work. I was also told they'd give me a good refer. to those who call and that I could give them any reason I want for me not working there, just let them know. BUT for unemployment purposes-fired is the reason. Can I get unemploymt? Opins pls

Answer 1

The legal field is wierd like that. My GF had worked as a paralegal before and she is about to take the bar. Her main gripe was that, in the legal field, you could be great at your job, but it only takes one Attorney not to like you for you to get booted out. All I can say to you is take everything that you can and don't get upset about it. If they want to give you less work at the same rate....great, if they want to give you a great refer.....great. Make the best out of the situation. Be nice to everyone, do what you are told and at the end of the day, find a firm where they will really appreciate you and your experience.

Answer 2

I am sorry to hear that you are having such a bad experience at this company.

When you committed errors, were you given a warning beforehand of what the consequense would be if there is no improvement in your performance? What is the procedure for how performance issues handled prior to termination. (Every company should have one).

Law firms can be a highly toxic and demanding place to work.

Did the human resources manager provide details as to why you were not a good match for the position? Did you provide any information in your interview or application that may have mislead the hiring manager to believing you were qualified when you really weren't?

If they did not provide you with a legitimate excuse for retracting your permanent postion at the company, you met the qualifications and expectations at the time you were offered the position, and you did not do anything to cause your own termination (which I doubt because you are still working there).

Then this company is just trying to bully you out the door. If I were you I would contact your local labor board and find out what your legal rights are. Under federal law, I believe you have to be employed for atleast 3 months to be considered for unemployment benefits, but if you were wrongfully terminated, you may have grounds for a lawsuit, but if not you should still file a compliant against this company with the labor board.

It is wrong and just straight out mean to hire someone and then unhire them without a valid reason, and then offer another short-term assignment as way to keep you quiet until you leave is just bogus.

Stand up for yourself even if you don't want to work there anymore. Your 20 year reputation should not be ruined now.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Most states offer unemployment to people who are fired or laid off. In your case, they terminated your employment because your skills were not a match for the job they hired you for. It works better for you in terms of collecting unemployment. The company should have told you that even though they were hiring you, it was a probationary time and that if your skills weren't a match, you would be let go. Doesn't sound like they were very forthright in their hiring practices.

Answer 5

I believe to qualify for unemployment you have to be in the company for 6 months or more. Either way you sound like a very smart, competent, professional employee. You can get a job next week if you want to. You don't have to take that kind of abuse. I hope it all works out.

Answer 6

No you can't get unemployment, because you still technically have a job. The reason you are getting fired sounds like it is because of your boss and not the company. Has he/she gone through a lot of secretaries in the past?

Answer 7

I do not think you can if your not full time and also I quess you don't have or don't need health benefits. Get a new job, with your qualification it should not be hard. Let these joker attorneys handle there own excess work load...Good Luck!!!

Answer 8

If fired is the reason and you continue to work you will beat them for unemployment. Their reference is really more value able to you so reconsider and look for other employment and count your blessings because they are probably giving you compared to that now. good luck.:-)

Answer 9

Sounds like they're playing you for a fool. Go find a decent job.

Answer 10

yes..if you are fired..I would collect unemployment. They are just tagging you along b/c they dont want to pay unemployment.