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I am currently employed at an lower end Amlaw 100 firm and another firm has directly reached out to me to "recruit" me. The Partners at that firm are eager to speak with me. What is an appropriate way of handling this situation if I decide I don't want to join them after speaking with them? Trying to be gentle and keep the connection for future.

I’ve never seen this happen for an associate. Is this common?

"thank you very much for your offer. I really appreciate you reaching out to me, and while I find your offer tempting, right now I am not ready to make the switch. Please feel free to reach out again in the future."

I've had this happen as well recently. What year are you?

Of course you can talk to them, but keep the expectations low. "I'm really happy where I am, but I'm always happy to learn more." Then if you want to turn them down, just say that it sounds like a wonderful offer and a great firm, but that in the end you prefer the work/practice group/responsibility level that you have now. We're all adults, they're not going to blackball you for saying no (and if they do, chances are you don't want to work for them anyway).

To the other poster, I'm a mid-level at a v50, and I rarely get cold offers directly from other firms, but partners I already know at other firms certainly mention that they'd be more than happy to talk if I'm looking. Not sure how unusual (or not) it is.

I know partners in my firm are willing to speak to associates at other firms that we recommend for hire. Apparently we are not getting enough qualified applicants. I know the market is taking a hit right now, but honestly, the legal market seems to be just as hot right now.

FND wrote:"thank you very much for your offer. I really appreciate you reaching out to me, and while I find your offer tempting, right now I am not ready to make the switch. Please feel free to reach out again in the future."

This is the email you send *after* accepting the meeting and turning it down if you’re not interested.

Always accept meetings.

AVBucks4239 wrote:

FND wrote:"thank you very much for your offer. I really appreciate you reaching out to me, and while I find your offer tempting, right now I am not ready to make the switch. Please feel free to reach out again in the future."

This is the email you send *after* accepting the meeting and turning it down if you’re not interested.

Always accept meetings.

agreed. always accept meetings.

I've accepted such meetings between signing a new employment contract and the start date of said contract.

Thank you all for your advice! I really appreciate it. I was hesitant on whether to take the meeting precisely because I was worried about potentially "alienating" this other firm in the future.

To answer one of the other members question, I am in my 4th year.