Quitting With Grace
My colleague Carey Bertolet has a nice piece on quitting with grace. If you are an associate at a large firm and you hope some day to build you own practice at a smaller firm, her advice is well worth heeding.
I have worked with many associates who have left large firm positions and done an excellent job of leveraging their big firm contacts once they are out the door. In fact, building your relationships with partners and associates while you are at a large firm is probably the most important thing you can do for your career in the long run.
Partners at large firms can become excellent referral sources for clients who cannot afford large firm fees. They can also become referral sources for conflicts work. If your goal is to go in-house some day, these individuals can also be an important source of information about companies that need in-house counsel.
I have worked with many associates who have left large firm positions and done an excellent job of leveraging their big firm contacts once they are out the door. In fact, building your relationships with partners and associates while you are at a large firm is probably the most important thing you can do for your career in the long run.
Partners at large firms can become excellent referral sources for clients who cannot afford large firm fees. They can also become referral sources for conflicts work. If your goal is to go in-house some day, these individuals can also be an important source of information about companies that need in-house counsel.
Labels: career success in the law
posted by Stephen Seckler, Esq. at 12:30 PM
1 Comments:
This post is so right on. I was actually asked to leave my law firm, and given 6 months to find another position. At the end of 6 months, nothing had turned up (it was during a recession), so I decided to start my own firm. But I was still furious on my last day, and I was inclined to send a "good riddance" email. My husband, however, persuaded me not to, so I simply sent an email wishing everyone well and left.
Now, 13 years later, my former firm still refers me cases and serves as a positive reference. The firm has probably accounted for at least 6 figures in revenues over the past years. The lawyers provide me with career advice and I've had lunch with many of my former colleagues over the years. None of that would have happened if I'd have burned bridges.
Post a Comment
<< Home