3L with big law in need of some advice Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hi everyone, anonymous for reasons I think self evident from the following.. Could really use some advice here. Currently a 3L at a school just outside T14 with big law in So Cal. Received multiple offers in the area from great firms, but ultimately chose my current firm because of the people, more laid back culture and that I would be placed within the firm's reputable corporate/finance transactional team in that market. Fast forward to the end of my SA this past summer, and I come to learn that the co-heads of the firm's transactional practice (firm does mostly mid market M&A) decided to move on to another firm. Both had good sized books of business and solid reputations, so the move was understandable given the then current state of my firm. I wouldn't call these partners mentors per se, but I did have a good relationship with them that did have an impact on me deciding to accept my offer in the first place. Other associates within the practice group have also moved on to other firms/in-house for reasons I can't help but feel as an abandon the sinking ship type move. I've tried to keep in touch with some contacts who are still there to determine if the firm is at least actively trying to fill their departures, but the firm seems noncommittal to bringing in any new partners to fill the void in work (corporate practice area isn't their specialty). I know my start day is still ways away, but I'm beginning to feel a little fearful of the situation -- particularly, the lack of work and that the majority of people I worked with over summer are no longer at the firm. I would really like to hit the ground running when I start and don't want my growth as an attorney stunted by lack of work or experience. Not sure if I should let things play or start looking for other options? Any advice on how to approach this situation would be helpful. Thanks!

[FND]

Not sure if I should let things play or start looking for other options?

Why not both?

There are never many biglaw positions available for a recent grad, so you might not be able to find a position for quite some time. At the same time, while the practice area may now be on life support, it's also possible that, with most of the attorneys in the practice group leaving, there might not be enough sticking around to handle what little work they do have, and that could give you a tremendous opportunity to step up.

I'd start looking for an alternative position ASAP, but in the meantime a job is better than no job. Worst case scenario, you'll be out of a job in a few months anyway, and will have a head start on the hunt. Best case scenario, you stay there and have a long and illustrious career.

[acr]

Not sure if I should let things play or start looking for other options?

Why not both?

There are never many biglaw positions available for a recent grad, so you might not be able to find a position for quite some time. At the same time, while the practice area may now be on life support, it's also possible that, with most of the attorneys in the practice group leaving, there might not be enough sticking around to handle what little work they do have, and that could give you a tremendous opportunity to step up.

I'd start looking for an alternative position ASAP, but in the meantime a job is better than no job. Worst case scenario, you'll be out of a job in a few months anyway, and will have a head start on the hunt. Best case scenario, you stay there and have a long and illustrious career.

Nothing more needs to be said than this. Look for better options in the time that you have; and, if you don't have anything set up by your start date, see how things play out at this firm.

[Idontwanttomakeaname]

I wouldn't call these partners mentors per se, but I did have a good relationship with them that did have an impact on me deciding to accept my offer in the first place.

Have you considered reaching out to these partners directly? I know of at least one friend who worked in a group where several of the partners lateraled after his summer and he followed them to their new firm as a first year. I would just tell them what you told us: that you were excited to work with them which was part of the reason you accepted and that you’d like to know if there is an opening for you. The worst that could happen is they say no.

[notinbiglaw]

You need to:
1. reach out to the departing partners
2. get the ball rolling hard on 3L recruiting. You got a very very credible story on why you're doing 3L with an offer in hand.

[bwh8813]

Yeah, shoot those partners an email congratulating them on their move. Let them know that, selfishly, you are disappointed because you were looking forward to working with them but ask them to keep you in mind should they need junior associates. Even if it's not right at the beginning of your stub year, they might need someone shortly down the road.