Summary: There are only three acceptable reasons to jump to a new law firm. The other reasons can be fixed or are livable.
Read the full article There Are Only Three Reasons an Attorney Should Ever Switch Law Firms
Harrison Barnes lays out the hard truth about when it is acceptable to leave one law firm for another. According to the expert legal recruiter, you should only jump ship if one of the following three reasons applies:
Reason 1: Office politics
There are firms where you may not fit in with the culture, leaving you alienated. This leaves you missing out on all kinds of chances for advancement, consistent access to work, protection from layoffs, learning opportunities, insider information, and more. In any case, get as close as you can to the powerhouses of the firm or risk being exposed with no protection. Minimize your mistakes and avoid making any disparaging or negative comments that could come back to haunt you. If you find yourself isolated without any true allies, and you can’t turn around the situation, it may be time for you to find a new place of employment.
Reason 2: Lack of work
When you lack work, you can’t bill hours. A law firm doesn’t make money by having you sit around. A lack of work is not always the lawyer’s fault because a firm may just be suffering; however, it is still a lawyer’s responsibility to find new work or find a new firm that has work. If a firm is not lacking in work but the lawyer is, office politics may be to blame. Alternatively, the firm may have problems such as exorbitant billing rates, an emphasis on the wrong practice areas, a recent merger or reorganization, too many lawyers on the payroll, or other reasons. If you’re not busy for several months in a row, it’s time to look for a new firm.
Reason 3: Better opportunities
Depending on your experience and practice area, you may be able to move to a more prestigious law firm. Working for a more prestigious firm will give you better access to bigger clients, the ability to develop greater skills, and freedom to move around with highly successful lawyers. Be prepared for longer hours in a competitive atmosphere.
See 12 Reasons You Can’t Land an Interview
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