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Including the 2 week notice, how much time is reasonable to take off before starting a new biglaw job? Ideally I want to take 2 weeks off, meaning 1 month until start. Is this too much? What is the protocol? Thank you in advance.

I took two weeks off between jobs (so started 4 weeks after accepting the job) and I would absolutely recommend asking. Those two weeks off were fantastically wonderful.

The question i wanted to know was whether asking for 2 weeks off after 2 week notice is common. I am sure it's nice.

I mean I'm not sure why it's only about asking and not about telling. You'll discuss the start date for your new job with them. Tell them you can start whatever date is two weeks after you finish at the old job, but then ask if that poses a problem for them. They may say they really need you to start sooner and you'll have to negotiate. You're not going to get the offer rescinded if you propose a two week break before starting, though. There's absolutely nothing that requires people to start a new job the day after the old one ends - you work out whatever date best suits both of you.

I think the conventional wisdom to take as long as you possibly can. It's almost inevitable that your new firm will ask you to start ASAP. It's OK to push back for a couple of weeks, but you also risk annoying your new coworkers if you ask for 3 months off.

I've taken 1.5 and 2 months off between different big law jobs. I suggest taking as much time as possible to relax and unwind and maybe try something new.

Anonymous User wrote:I've taken 1.5 and 2 months off between different big law jobs. I suggest taking as much time as possible to relax and unwind and maybe try something new.

Any chance you can PM me, anon?

I personally took 2 weeks off between biglaw jobs. The time was incredibly relaxing, peaceful, and rejuvenating. Looking at my phone and realizing that the firm email app was uninstalled was so unbelievably satisfying. You could take a week or 2 longer if you really want. All depends on how urgent your new firm's need is. If they really need someone ASAP, may not be any time in between.

As. Long. As. You. Can.

Anonymous User wrote:Including the 2 week notice, how much time is reasonable to take off before starting a new biglaw job? Ideally I want to take 2 weeks off, meaning 1 month until start. Is this too much? What is the protocol? Thank you in advance.

I took 1 month off between firm jobs. Would absolutely recommend it (longer if they'll let you). I traveled, visited family, got dental work done I'd been delaying b/c I couldn't find time to be on painkillers, without the stress of having to respond to anyone. Obviously the firm wanted me to start "ASAP", but I figured they got along fine w/o me before then and could survive one more month.

I've taken 2 months and 3 months off between jobs. Best decisions I've made with regards to my career so far. Both times I was going to firms.

I took 2 months off. Crazy not to, if you can afford it and the firm is ok with it.

I took 6 weeks off when I switched jobs. It's not a cheap vacation, but it's one of the few opportunities you will get as a lawyer to get some time with zero work interruptions guaranteed. The new employer is unlikely to mind if you ask for some time as long as you aren't asking for six months or something.

To those of you who took ~2 months off between jobs: how did you do this? Did you leave your first job without a second one lined up? Or did you negotiate a late start date?

Has anyone tried asking for a couple of extra weeks off between jobs (or thought about trying it) in the context where you're asking for a full year-end bonus from the new firm? In other words, if you're moving in like March 2019 and asking them to pay you a full market bonus in December 2019?

butlerraider1 wrote:To those of you who took ~2 months off between jobs: how did you do this? Did you leave your first job without a second one lined up? Or did you negotiate a late start date?

When I accepted one offer, I let the partner know I had vacation plans already booked (I had one week) and weddings to attend the rest of the summer, so starting in the beginning of October would be the best for me if that works for him (this was late June). He said that was perfectly fine and that was that. Second time I took time I had to move to a different state so I pretty much said I need to time offload the lease, pack and move and find a place. I took a 6 week vacation and spent another 4 weeks moving and unpacking and getting used to my new home. Seems like if they want you its pretty easy to take some time, but I'm sure if you're lateraling to a top firm, they might get sort of pissed off....I could definitely see that.

Any experience on this with the Feds? Trying to give a start date now after receiving a firm offer.