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Background: I've just heard a fairly solid rumor that the partner I get 90% of my billable work from is looking to go elsewhere. I find the work I do with him interesting and would like to do it long term. However he is a bit prickly to work for and I really enjoy the firm we are with now. While there are folks in the practice group who do similar things, it's not squarely in the niche I have begun to develop with the potentially leaving partner.

I am looking for advice on factors to consider when the partner you work for jumps ship for another firm. If the rumors are true, I suspect it will go down very quickly and I want to have thought about it for a bit. Of course, this assumes he even asks me to go with him.

Obviously, salary terms will be important (currently at a firm that pays market), as will location. What other things do I need to consider? Any terms I should request as a condition of moving if I decide to?

And what about factors for staying? I think I have a solid reputation and the firm would be happy to have me stay, but what should I be thinking about in terms of getting the hours and reinventing my practice after only a 2-3 years. I want to make sure I will get new work after the rainmaker leaves; I don't want to be shown the door at the end of the year (or next) because I'm not making hours.

Thanks, all. I know the typical TLS modus operandi is to ask clarifying questions, but I have given as much as I am comfortable providing at this point in the process to avoid outing myself. I will consider questions, but just because I do not answer doesn't mean I don't appreciate your thoughts. If speculation turns to fact, I will update with more information.

Does the partner actually like you? Have you talked to him about the situation at all?

NorCalLaw wrote:Does the partner actually like you?

I am fairly certain the answer is yes, despite his prickly bluster. I think I'd be asked to come as it's basically him and me. Unless he wants to start over with a new associate...

NorCalLaw wrote:Have you talked to him about the situation at all?

Not sure I want to do that. He will shoot the messenger if he thinks people are talking. I also don't want to talk with others in the firm and spread the rumors to others.

(I don't need to work for warm and fuzzy bosses (otherwise I wouldn't even be entertaining the possibility of moving)).

Anonymous User wrote:

NorCalLaw wrote:Does the partner actually like you?

I am fairly certain the answer is yes, despite his prickly bluster. I think I'd be asked to come as it's basically him and me. Unless he wants to start over with a new associate...

NorCalLaw wrote:Have you talked to him about the situation at all?

Not sure I want to do that. He will shoot the messenger if he thinks people are talking. I also don't want to talk with others in the firm and spread the rumors to others.

(I don't need to work for warm and fuzzy bosses (otherwise I wouldn't even be entertaining the possibility of moving)).

It might be worth seeking him out for a private chat sometime to help figure out where you stand, if that is within the realm of possibility. I don't really see why he would blame you if you broached it properly, but you know him better than me, after all. It doesn't sound like he's an especially approachable character.

If he isn't comfortable speaking with you, I would be concerned about whether he would, in fact, take you with him. Another thing to consider is the relative stability of the new job- presumably you're doing a good job at your current firm, and hopefully more than just this partner have recognized that fact. Who knows how your new firm will end up liking you, or if it will be the same sort of environment that has worked out for you. They're presumably interested primarily in the partner, not necessarily his baggage. Basically, it seems generally riskier to go than to stay, all things being equal, but again, you know the individual facts better.

doublepost.