Best way of telling current employer you're leaving Forum

[Anonymous User]

2L - have been working as a clerk at a small firm since the fall. Accepted a position at another firm for the summer. Firm I'm at now doesn't give me much work/hasn't said anything about working over the summer or coming on as an associate. Firm I'll be at over the summer said there is a possibility of coming on as an associate. What's the best way to tell them I'm leaving for a better opportunity while still being respectful? I've never really been in this position

[zot1]

Just talk to your supervisor. It's not that big of a deal.

[misterjames]

agree with zot, this sounds pretty straightforward. next time you get a chance to speak with your supervisor just say "wanted to let you know my last day here will be [xyz]."

[Abbie Doobie]

i want to thank you for the opportunity to start my legal career at the firm and to develop my skill set

[ur_hero]

2L - have been working as a clerk at a small firm since the fall. Accepted a position at another firm for the summer. Firm I'm at now doesn't give me much work/hasn't said anything about working over the summer or coming on as an associate. Firm I'll be at over the summer said there is a possibility of coming on as an associate. What's the best way to tell them I'm leaving for a better opportunity while still being respectful? I've never really been in this position

Not a big deal....And you don't have to be apologetic about it either.

"Hey, I just wanted to let you know in advance that I have just accepted an opportunity with another firm for this upcoming Summer. I really appreciate having had the chance to work with you and everything I learned . . . this was a tough decision, but believe this is the best move for my career goals."

[ClubberLang]

2L - have been working as a clerk at a small firm since the fall. Accepted a position at another firm for the summer. Firm I'm at now doesn't give me much work/hasn't said anything about working over the summer or coming on as an associate. Firm I'll be at over the summer said there is a possibility of coming on as an associate. What's the best way to tell them I'm leaving for a better opportunity while still being respectful? I've never really been in this position

Not a big deal....And you don't have to be apologetic about it either.

"Hey, I just wanted to let you know in advance that I have just accepted an opportunity with another firm for this upcoming Summer. I really appreciate having had the chance to work with you and everything I learned . . . this was a tough decision, but believe this is the best move for my career goals."

Don't say that. It does nothing for you, and at worst they'll think you are insincere, because, quite honestly, it does not sound like it was a tough decision.

[ur_hero]

2L - have been working as a clerk at a small firm since the fall. Accepted a position at another firm for the summer. Firm I'm at now doesn't give me much work/hasn't said anything about working over the summer or coming on as an associate. Firm I'll be at over the summer said there is a possibility of coming on as an associate. What's the best way to tell them I'm leaving for a better opportunity while still being respectful? I've never really been in this position

Not a big deal....And you don't have to be apologetic about it either.

"Hey, I just wanted to let you know in advance that I have just accepted an opportunity with another firm for this upcoming Summer. I really appreciate having had the chance to work with you and everything I learned . . . this was a tough decision, but believe this is the best move for my career goals."

Don't say that. It does nothing for you, and at worst they'll think you are insincere, because, quite honestly, it does not sound like it was a tough decision.

So don't be courteous and tactful? Got it.

[lolwat]

I think the point was that you can go overboard with the supposed courtesy/tact. I would have stopped at the second sentence myself too.

[Anonymous User]

OP here

Was thinking of getting a small thank you gift for the partners I worked with, any suggestions or is this not really necessary?

[trebekismyhero]

OP here

Was thinking of getting a small thank you gift for the partners I worked with, any suggestions or is this not really necessary?

Not necessary.

[zot1]

OP here

Was thinking of getting a small thank you gift for the partners I worked with, any suggestions or is this not really necessary?

Not necessary.

[Anonymous User]

,

[Anonymous User]

So, would a $10-$20 amazon gift card with a thank you note look tacky?

[Anonymous User]

I also have a question about this

I wanted to give a two week notice but the attorney I work with isn't here and I'm not sure when he's getting back. Is it fine to send him an email telling him I'll be leaving or should I wait till he gets back?

[chili_davis]

OP, IMO the best way to let your employers know is with a two-week notice. I would say a gift card or equivalent is comparable to giving your teacher an apple. Take the professional route with a notice, thank you, and hand shake.

[ur_hero]

So, would a $10-$20 amazon gift card with a thank you note look tacky?

I think this would be weird.

[ur_hero]

I think the point was that you can go overboard with the supposed courtesy/tact. I would have stopped at the second sentence myself too.

Honestly, it's just an example of a pretty standard thing to say. If people are stressing over a few words in this context, they are overthinking it.

Point is, be a human being. Worst thing that can happen is if they liked you enough to be mildly disappointed.

[trebekismyhero]

So, would a $10-$20 amazon gift card with a thank you note look tacky?

I think this would be weird.

Very weird. What is the point?

[Anonymous User]

I also have a question about this

I wanted to give a two week notice but the attorney I work with isn't here and I'm not sure when he's getting back. Is it fine to send him an email telling him I'll be leaving or should I wait till he gets back?

I just had to do this - I sent a short email, saying that we needed to talk but I'd prefer to talk on the phone. The attorney knew what that meant and called back. If you know the attorney will be back tomorrow, then I would wait, but if it'll be a couple of days then best to get moving. I think in person or as close to in person conversations are the best, but it depends on your relationship with the attorney, how long you've been there, if you're a law student clerking who they expect will move on vs. an associate, etc.

[Anonymous User]

My parents aren't from here and in there culture gift giving is huge. Even though I've lived here my whole life I guess there are some aspects of American culture I'm still not familiar with

[trebekismyhero]

My parents aren't from here and in there culture gift giving is huge. Even though I've lived here my whole life I guess there are some aspects of American culture I'm still not familiar with

As a general rule, you don't give your bosses gifts except maybe for very special occasions. Especially when you're leaving. You thank them for everything, maybe offer to buy a drink and keep in touch. That's the extent of gift giving

[sms18]

So, would a $10-$20 amazon gift card with a thank you note look tacky?

Please don't do this.

[Anonymous User]

Is there a thread about how best to quit from a legal job? I'm about to quit from my first real-world job and was wondering if there is anything different I ought to do other than give two weeks notice to HR.

[trebekismyhero]

Is there a thread about how best to quit from a legal job? I'm about to quit from my first real-world job and was wondering if there is anything different I ought to do other than give two weeks notice to HR.

Just have a conversation with your supervisor and HR. Don't need to overthink it

[jchiles]

So, would a $10-$20 amazon gift card with a thank you note look tacky?

Fwiw i don't think there is any situation where I would buy an adult a 10-20 amazon gift card. No thank you gift is necessary in any situation like this.