Summer Associate Wanting to Switch Practice Groups Forum

[Anonymous User]

Current SA at a v100 firm. During OCI sold the firm that I really wanted a specific corporate group because at the time I did. It fit for a variety of reasons. Ended up really liking a specialized litigation group. Very small summer class and I believe the expectation from the firm is that I will be joining the corporate group if I get an offer but have done about equal amounts corporate and litigation work this summer. The summer classes are small because I believe they hire based on the requests of specific groups. I know I would be happy in either spot because I love the firm and I love both groups. Don’t want to rock the boat on a really good situation but a part of me deep down would prefer to do litigation. Should I keep my mouth shut? How do offers typically go with practice groups at firms like this? Do I need to voice something before it’s too late? Or would doing that give off a bad impression? The office is also fairly corporate heavy. Any advice appreciated.

[Anonymous User]

Bump

[rowingmyboat]

Current SA at a v100 firm. During OCI sold the firm that I really wanted a specific corporate group because at the time I did. It fit for a variety of reasons. Ended up really liking a specialized litigation group. Very small summer class and I believe the expectation from the firm is that I will be joining the corporate group if I get an offer but have done about equal amounts corporate and litigation work this summer. The summer classes are small because I believe they hire based on the requests of specific groups. I know I would be happy in either spot because I love the firm and I love both groups. Don’t want to rock the boat on a really good situation but a part of me deep down would prefer to do litigation. Should I keep my mouth shut? How do offers typically go with practice groups at firms like this? Do I need to voice something before it’s too late? Or would doing that give off a bad impression? The office is also fairly corporate heavy. Any advice appreciated.

At some firms they ask you to rank preferences at the end of the year. If there is any sort of final review or meeting you have at the end of your summer, I'd bring it up then. "I enjoyed both groups and I'd be happy to be placed in either one if I receive an offer but my strong preference is litigation." If you have been working with a partner in that group too, I'd let them know or let people in that group know that you liked that group a lot and think it'd be a good placement for you. I would understand that they'll ultimately likely place you where the need is, but this is your career so at the very least let them know so you can try to go where you want to. Much harder to be placed in your second choice and later try and switch.

[Anonymous User]

The thing is my mentors are all corporate and I’m afraid to tell them that I would prefer something else because I also really like them. Any pointers?

[Npret]

Get a job offer before you do anything. You need that offer in hand before you talk to them.

[BasilHallward]

Get a job offer before you do anything. You need that offer in hand before you talk to them.

This. I got a job offer in hand and went from there. I'm now in the different (better) office with a great practice group. I really played the long game with shifting groups. And the stars definitely aligned at some points during the process.

[RaceJudicata]

Yep, wait til you have offer. If they don’t ask for practice group preference right away, wait about 6 months before you reach out to express your preference.

[Anonymous User]

In a similar position, at a litigation-heavy office and now really wanting to do corporate long-term. There aren't many corporate partners in this office so I worry about how much work I'd get as a junior associate, but also reallyyyy don't want to do litigation anymore. Would like to ask to switch offices to a more corporate-friendly office but not sure how to go about that...

[justanotherlurker]

In a similar position, at a litigation-heavy office and now really wanting to do corporate long-term. There aren't many corporate partners in this office so I worry about how much work I'd get as a junior associate, but also reallyyyy don't want to do litigation anymore. Would like to ask to switch offices to a more corporate-friendly office but not sure how to go about that...

Once you get your offer, ask your HR contact, who will have to get it approved by the hiring partners of both offices. I can't say you're guaranteed to get it, if they already have a full slate of incoming corporate first-year associates in that other office. But it's worth asking, explaining the reasons for the switch, and hoping for the best.