Weil Gotshal & Manges’ stunning collapse sends the firm’s nearly 600 associates out on the job market with their career paths newly upended.

The crop of lawyers now looking for work includes a new class of first-year associates that started at Weil earlier this month, as well as more experienced attorneys who have toiled for years for a shot at making partner at what was one of the premier US law firms. A Weil human resources official said in a Friday email to US associates that the firm will use an internal job board to post openings elsewhere.

“Everyone has to look out for number one at this point,” said an associate at the firm, which is preparing to wind down following a raft of partner exits and failed merger talks.…