A funny story…
This is how I accidentally helped someone make partner. Allow me to explain.
Earlier in the summer I met a new candidate (currently counsel at a law firm) for coffee. He said, “I’m open to taking a few meetings, but if I get an offer I may take it back to my current firm.” “Alright,” I thought, “let’s see where this goes.” While I typically don’t advise going back to your current firm (you had wanted to leave for a reason), my job is to present great opportunities and the rest is up to you.
Here’s how it went down:
My candidate went through the interview process at a phenomenal firm with a great reputation. He subsequently got an offer, which included a very aggressive compensation package. In my opinion he would’ve been very successful at this new firm, as it was a great fit, but sometimes there’s more than one solution.
Fast forward and he decided to present the offer to his old firm. After several days of deliberation, his firm guaranteed him a partner position at the end of 2021. A rare occurrence, but an amazing result, nonetheless. Giving someone an ultimatum isn’t a “best practice” or something I typically recommend, but in this case, his firm was a great place to make partner and it worked out.
I’m happy to have been part of his success story and if I can recommend anything from this experience it’s that you should ALWAYS take the meeting.