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[quote=Anonymous]OP - I was in a very similar situation back in the 2008-2009 era (less the recent parental leave).  7th year female associate at a DC big law firm in a practice area where the hours had dried up.  My annual reviews, including the most recent a few months before, had all been stellar.  And then one day a partner met with me and informed me that I was on the list to be terminated for poor performance, but if I agreed to start looking for a job, the firm would let me hang around for 6 months (very generous, in retrospect).  The partner could not describe where I had performed poorly.

I was in shock.  I was emotionally devastated and it shook my confidence.  But I reasoned that I didn't want to fight to stay at a place that didn't want me, so I started looking.  The partners were all very supportive, with several connecting me with their clients to discuss potential in-house roles.  Another partner connected me to several attorneys in the federal government, so I could learn more about roles there.  The firm also paid for career counseling/resume building.

[all of this support was of course completely inconsistent with an imminent termination for poor performance.]

It took about 45 days, but I landed a great job in-house, and the firm threw me a very nice farewell party when I left.  And as it turned out, the in-house role was a great one for me and much better than law firm life.  I remain in contact with many of those partners and have used them as references when applying for other positions.

Based on my experience, I really recommend that you take the long-term view.  Yes, this really stings, and I get the appeal of arguing retaliation, of pushing for more severance.  But....I think you will be far better off in the long run if you use this as an opportunity to find a new and better role.

If you are going to ask for anything, I would ask for a) more time with your name on the website and your work email account active and b) placement counseling.  I would also talk to individual partners and see if they are aware of any positions opening up with clients.  Do some networking.

It sounds odd, but in a way you have received a gift - you can look for a new role without worrying too much about concealing it from your current employer, and you can do it with the full support of the firm.  Take this chance to evaluate your career and then move in the direction that you want.  [/quote]

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