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I am a second year associate (barely) preparing to lateral. I like my current firm (around 70 attorneys). I work closely with a few partners, whom I really enjoy ― they all have been extremely supportive (I’ve enjoyed my time here). However, a new opportunity arose (hundreds of attorney in multiple locations) and I am about to accept their offer ― I am working on my letter of resignation. Question is: should I just submit my LOR to the managing partner and let her handle it from there? Or, are there some additional steps I should consider in respect to the partners I have been working closely with? The firm I am going to has an office in my area, but (unfortunately) I will be assigned to another city. If they ask why I am leaving, the honest answer is $50k a year more (our firm starts in the medium-low six figures).

As far as notice. Hopefully two weeks notice will suffice. How did you handle your lateral? Whatever details you can provide is appreciated.

You should talk to the partners you work with closely in person.

That said, if I were you, I probably wouldn't lateral. 50k isn't that much more money (especially given taxes will take about 40%) for the risk of working for d-bags or working in a worse environment. A lot of firms are terrible places to work for, just make sure you know what you're getting into.

Using your calculation, the net increase is $2,500 a month extra. Seems like $2,500 a month could pay the monthly mortgage on a nice home. On your other issue, leaving a firm you like versus leaving for a firm that you “hope” will be as good, is of some concern.

Anonymous User wrote:Using your calculation, the net increase is $2,500 a month extra. Seems like $2,500 a month could pay the monthly mortgage on a nice home. On your other issue, leaving a firm you like versus leaving for a firm that you “hope” will be as good, is of some concern.

I don't think the risk is worth 2.5k. I also think you should add to that you have to build your reputation (whatever that may be) again from the ground up

Anonymous User wrote:You should talk to the partners you work with closely in person.

That said, if I were you, I probably wouldn't lateral. 50k isn't that much more money (especially given taxes will take about 40%) for the risk of working for d-bags or working in a worse environment. A lot of firms are terrible places to work for, just make sure you know what you're getting into.

I don't believe I am the only one who disagrees with the statement that an addition $50,000 per year "isn't that much more money." I think you otherwise make valid points, but even for the rich, another $50,000 a year in annual salary is something to consider and can make up for some unknown variables in the equation.

NotMyRealName09 wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:You should talk to the partners you work with closely in person.

That said, if I were you, I probably wouldn't lateral. 50k isn't that much more money (especially given taxes will take about 40%) for the risk of working for d-bags or working in a worse environment. A lot of firms are terrible places to work for, just make sure you know what you're getting into.

I don't believe I am the only one who disagrees with the statement that an addition $50,000 per year "isn't that much more money." I think you otherwise make valid points, but even for the rich, another $50,000 a year in annual salary is something to consider and can make up for some unknown variables in the equation.

It's not that much more in places like Manhattan....where you are taxed to death and then charged an additional fee for dying. For multi-millionaires, an additional 50k (so really 30k a year after taxes) is peanuts.

I think the risk is too high switching jobs though if you like your current firm.

It seems strange to me that people (who likely didn't even consider firms that paid less than market) are being so risk averse over a nearly 50% salary jump. I know that TLS tends towards being patronizing (usually for good reason), but isn't it a bit much? I'd like to presume OP thought about all the other considerations (e.g., practice areas, long term career goals, level of responsibility, geographic mobility, etc) in addition to money.

Personally, a 50k raise can be lot of money (and for most people it is a huge amount of money). I'm not going to presume that it isn't. OP is the only one who can really value whether that raise is worth the risks of going to new firm.

@OP: With regards to notice, I'd mostly be mindful of the people you work with. Try not to leave them in the lurch. I'd probably let the partners you work closest with know before HR (though I've never left a firm so I can't be sure what's the best course) and, if pressed, I probably wouldn't say it's about the money (I think most people are going to look down at that).

50k is a lot of money especially considering the percentage increase as the previous poster mentioned. When I was still looking at firms, someone told me that almost everyone would make a move for a 10% raise. Granted, if you were getting a raise moving to a similar place then it's likely your skill set is more valued there where as OP is changing markets. Still, 50k in the 100-150 range over 5 years is the difference between a down payment on a beautiful home, and renting. Come on now.

Anonymous User wrote:50k is a lot of money especially considering the percentage increase as the previous poster mentioned. When I was still looking at firms, a partner at the firm I wound up going to told me there's a value in fitting in but that it's almost always best to make a move for a 10% raise. Granted, if you were getting a raise moving to a similar place then it's likely your skill set is more valued there where as OP is changing markets. Still, 50k in the 100-150 range is a quality of life difference. You're talking about an extra $30k in savings a year if the expenses stay consistent. 5 years is the difference between a down payment on a beautiful home, and renting. Come on now.

50k (30k post taxes) in NYC wouldn't be the difference between renting or buying in 5 years...lol...more like 10+ years.... But for secondary markets, maybe. I don't know where OP Is moving to (higher COL or not) so he'd have to factor that in as well.

As for being risk averse - some of us currently work at firms, large firms, and have for years, and we know it's hard as shit to find a good fit for a firm. There's a reason why attrition is so high. I personally wouldn't recommend moving if you like the firm you currently work at, and I'd be wary of moving to a bigger firm.

Anyway, just saying, with higher pay usually comes higher cost.

why are those people keep saying NYC to 190k? it's only 30k more anyways

Figured I'd offer some food for thought since I know someone who made this move:

X was an associate at Great Boutique, a specialized firm with 3 offices, each in a major market. Great Boutique paid below market (~120 for first years) but, because of its size, allowed young attorneys to gain great experience early on. X worked at Great Boutique for 4 years when an opportunity came up at a V10 in the same city. He took it, looking forward to the extra pay and the bump in prestige.

4 months go by and X hates the V10 firm and the work. In his words, he no longer feels like "part of a team" but only a small, unimportant pawn. He hated it so much he actually quit, with no job lined up ,and even considered leaving legal practice altogether.

Somehow a partner at Great Boutique heard about X's recent situation and decided to call him up, offer him his position back, as well the opportunity to lead his first big case (a fantastic nod of appreciation and, an added bonus, giving him more control of his hours).

X returned to Great Boutique and has never been happier.

I'd personally tell everyone you worked with and liked, and thank them for being great mentors. I'd be prepared to explain the move as a very hard one that came down to personal finances and other easy to understand considerations (maybe family needs?). When I left a firm to go to the government, I was really afraid that I was throwing away a solid firm job to find that my landing spot was much worse. So I really went out of my way to thank everyone. I was told by partners in 3 different offices that I could come back any time, and one of the partners calls/texts me every few months to tell me the same. I also saw a guy leave the firm I was at as a third year, go to a competitor, make partner with the competitor, burn out there as a junior partner, and then come back to the firm I was at as of counsel after taking a 6 month break. He did the same thing I did when he left. It might not be necessary, and you might not be so lucky if it is necessary, but it's worth a shot in case things don't turn out as well as you hope at your new spot.

bk1 wrote:@OP: With regards to notice, I'd mostly be mindful of the people you work with. Try not to leave them in the lurch. I'd probably let the partners you work closest with know before HR (though I've never left a firm so I can't be sure what's the best course) and, if pressed, I probably wouldn't say it's about the money (I think most people are going to look down at that).

OP here…. I plan to personally submit my written resignation to the managing partner. Then comes the hard part, personally notifying the partners I work closely with or have cases with. After that, as people come into my office, I’ll mention that I am leaving. If asked why ― the truth is, the firm I am going to is very successful with the type of law I prefer. I do not plan to mention money. As far as money goes, the downside is that I live in a ridiculously high COL city and my new city’s COL isn’t any better.

I hope I can pull this off without burning any bridges. Hopefully my notice of staying until the first of the month will be viewed favorably.

BTW: Thanks to everyone for all the feedback....good stuff!

OP ― Done. Turned in my notice, all is good. It was pretty much hassle free. Since I am lateraling up, the firm seems to understand ― especially given my preference to the type of law I am pursuing. All I have to do now is clean out my office before the first of the month. I am not looking forward to the relocation hassle, i.e., house hunting, movers, deposits, etc. A bit shocking is that a modest fully furnished corp apartment is like $4k a month (upper-end options are $6k monthly)…figure that I’ll be there for a good two months ― might be a bit cheaper just to stay at a hotel (but given food costs., perhaps not). Fortunate that my lease runs out on the 5th…good timing. I made good friends here, so that part is sad. We all promised to stay in touch. I will miss my office view.

The hardest part is studying for another bar exam. The things we do for a bump in pay!

If there are any laterals here who have been through this relocation adventure, all tips are welcomed.

Maybe not exactly apples-to-apples ― I was transferred to an in-state satellite office. My tip is to ask for moving expenses, at least a month of temporary accommodations (they even threw in a food allowance I had not requested) and transportation money to travel back to your former residence (especially if you own a home). In your case bar fees (which I would think is an automatic). Hardest part is learning how to navigate your new city. If you get a good realtor, they can be very helpful in showing you around.

OP. Associates have been good natured, but dismayed, that I am departing sunny CA for a place that has an overabundance of snowplows! Other than a few glares, the only partner blowback is that a two week notice is on the very low end of sufficient. I have been in touch with a number of realtors, the price of homes (condos and apartments) are extreme but not any worse than here. In a nutshell, the lateral experience (from one state to another) is a hassle. My only advice to anyone looking to change firms, best to see if you can make it in-state (same city would actually be better).