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I spent 2L summer in a boutique law firm in a major market. I did not like the work environment but accepted the job offer as that was my only offer and they are reputed to provide good training. I kept in touch with the associates there. A few months ago, few of them warned me that the firm is in trouble. In light of that, I started a job search again and managed to secure a position in a big law firm in the same market with better salary, bonus and work opportunity.
Now, the question is how do I break the news to the first firm? I obviously can't tell what's told to me in confidence but again I don't want to come off as very irresponsible by retracting my acceptance so late. Any advice will be appreciated.

I don't think there's too much you can do except be courteous, professional and brief. Don't try to justify/argue/defend/explain your decision, as doing so won't help your case with the first firm. Understand and accept that you've burned that bridge (though given that you didn't like the environment and the firm is apparently somewhat wobbly, you probably made the right call).

QContinuum wrote:I don't think there's too much you can do except be courteous, professional and brief. Don't try to justify/argue/defend/explain your decision, as doing so won't help your case with the first firm. Understand and accept that you've burned that bridge (though given that you didn't like the environment and the firm is apparently somewhat wobbly, you probably made the right call).

Completely agree. No point in explaining the why behind your decision - let them know in a succinct manner and get right to the point. Congrats on the biglaw offer acceptance and getting away from what looks like a sinking ship!

Thank you. This sounds like a good plan.

If it’s truly a boutique, I’m sure they expect this to happen for a certain percentage of incoming gifts year associates.