In any market, it’s always important to have your OWN clients.
But today more than ever, it’s critical that you maintain client relationships that will transfer with you if you switch firms.
There’s a lot of partner movement in the market currently.
As a partner in a market like this, there’s no chance of moving without portable clients.
While no one knows when the economy will change, the best thing you can do for your career is to have leverage.
And if you want to have leverage, you have to have a book of business to take with you to your next firm.
From my perch, it’s just as important to be a talented attorney as it is to have a practice of your own.
Remember, this is the business of law and a lot of factors go into whether or not you’re hired.
If you want to continue this conversation, send me a direct message. I’m always happy to discuss!
You got a job offer! Amazing! However, it may not be the right fit for you or perhaps you’ve already accepted another offer. There’s a way to decline the offer that will leave you appearing professional, classy and even leave the door open for future possibilities. Here’s our suggestions for doing just that:
-DECLINE RESPECTFULLY: decline in a timely fashion, giving the employer plenty of time to continue searching for the ideal candidate. Demonstrate the same level of respect for them that they gave to you.
-MAINTAIN POSITIVITY: try to maintain a positive relationship with them by attributing your decline to reasons outside of their control such as, “my long-term goals are more aligned with a different firm.” Avoid blaming the firm or their culture for your decline.
-EXPRESS GRATITUDE: make sure to convey how thankful you are that they gave you a job offer. Gratitude goes a long way & it’s important for them to know that you were happy to receive the offer, even if it ultimately wasn’t right.
Langer Search can help you navigate the job search every step of the way. It’s not easy to tactfully decline an offer, but we have the experience and knowledge to advise you to position yourself strategically while leaving doors open.
Here are my top tips for sealing the deal in your job interview. When “dress professionally and arrive on time” is a given, here’s how to go above and beyond:
SHOW CONCRETE EXAMPLES OF HOW YOUR SKILLS ARE TRANSFERABLE: This will require some work on your behalf as you know your experience best. Walk your interviewer through your resume and deal sheet strategically. Your goal is to convey a cohesive and convincing argument of how your skills directly relate to this job.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK ON THE FIRM: This one is absolutely crucial. You can ascertain information about the firm on their website, in articles written about the firm online on other websites AND by speaking to colleagues who work there or know someone who works there. Get creative and learn as much as you can about the firm.
BE YOURSELF, DON’T TRY TO IMPRESS: Try to be as authentic as possible. You’ll connect more naturally with your interviewer because you’re most comfortable in your own skin.
COME WITH THOUGHTFUL QUESTIONS: Jot down thoughtful questions tailored to your particular practice. The level of detail of your questions reflects the level of interest you have for the job and will signal to your interviewer that you want the job.
When you start your career at a law firm, you’re joining as a junior associate. No matter how much experience or development you make at the firm, some senior associates and partners may never see you as more than that. Perspective is everything.
While you may still be thought of as the junior associate at your own firm, once you send your resume and deal sheet around, attorneys at other firms will see you for who you actually are. A rockstar candidate with partner potential. Your personality will be fresh and you may offer a unique set of skills to this new firm. Just because you’re not on the partner track at one firm, it does not mean you wouldn’t make partner at another one.
Your mindset is a very powerful thing. You’re perceived the same way as you think of yourself. You can change your mindset if you change your environment. My advice is not to just leave your firm because of the reasons I outlined above, but to be mindful of the way you’re perceived. And you’re smart.
Read the writing on the wall. If you get the sense that you’ll never be on the partner track at your current firm, it’s best to move on and “reinvent yourself” at a new firm. The fresh perspective brings new opportunities for growth and oftentimes, partnership.
Stop for a moment.
If I asked you right now what your long-term goals are, could you answer?
If you can, that’s great, but if you can’t, I’d like to suggest that mapping them out is the most important thing you can do today…
Goals aren’t just for sales people and entrepreneurs. As an attorney, it’s important to hold yourself accountable to your goals and ensure that you’re making the right moves for your career. But do you know what you would like to achieve?
Ultimately, not having your long-term goals figured out will prevent you from achieving your full potential and highest level of success.
Working towards a goal (or a set of goals) is really exciting. It gives you purpose and energy. What you do today has a direct impact on tomorrow. Let’s set some goals and position you for long-term growth and success!
I believe in the importance of short-term, medium-term and long-term goals. It’s important to set goals for each day, week and month as well as for the year and for 5-10 years out. This plan should include your career and personal goals.
Start thinking about what it is you want to achieve. Write it down, map it out and break it down into shorter term achievements that are attainable.
Your overall long-term success starts by achieving your short-term goals. I always welcome the opportunity to talk to candidates, find out what their goals are and how we can make the right moves to achieve them. Let’s create a plan together and start to execute it!
Consider this exciting hypothetical:
You got an offer! Amazing! It’s from a firm you really see yourself at, in a role that positions you for long-term success. You’re really happy. You sleep on it, let the idea set in a bit and then your mind starts to turn. You may start to wonder, “if they gave me an offer, what else would they be willing to give me?”
Signing bonuses are great. Who wouldn’t want an additional sum added to their package just for landing their dream job? But, a signing bonus is something that’s earned, not demanded. We will advocate and negotiate on your behalf to get the most comprehensive offer for you.
If you’re leaving your firm and are foregoing some compensation, the most important factor is timing. Were you counting on that year-end bonus to make a down payment on a house? Pay off your law school loans? Are you getting married or having a baby this year? In these situations, it makes sense to ask for additional funds, but you should be prepared to accept the offer without it.
Langer Search helps you negotiate your offer and we advocate for signing bonuses. We understand that there are nuances and employ an approach tailored to your needs and situation such that both parties are satisfied by the end of a negotiation. We take the time to understand our candidates as individuals and look forward to helping you navigate your placement from inception to completion.
