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References as a lateral
Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2021 6:07 pm
by Anonymous User
Sorry if there’s already a thread on this, but I’m assuming you need references to lateral (I haven’t started applying yet). How many do you generally need and what’s the best way to go about getting them? I presume they can only be from others in your firm or a judge from your clerkship?
Re: References as a lateral
Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2021 7:02 pm
by Anonymous User
I don’t know if you should be asking your co-workers/supervisors to serve as references while you look for opportunities to leave.Tipping them off that you are leaving could lead to them letting you go.
Re: References as a lateral
Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2021 9:49 pm
by papermateflair
When I lateralled I had to provide two references - I didn't clerk, and the firm I went to specifically wanted references from my current employer. My new firm waited until after I accepted the offer and then called my current firm to confirm I wasn't like, getting fired for something very bad. I just gave the new firm the names of two people I worked for and then told those people after I told them I was leaving that my new firm might call them for references, and that if they didn't want to provide a reference that was ok, I would understand, and I could ask someone else at the firm to do it (and of course they said yes because they had nothing to gain by saying no). I was very clear with my new firm that they could not speak to my references until I gave them permission, because if the job offer fell through and my employer found out I was job hunting they would never forgive me, and the new firm was understanding of that, so I wasn't worried someone would call too early.
Re: References as a lateral
Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2021 10:47 am
by Anonymous User
papermateflair wrote: ↑Thu Sep 30, 2021 9:49 pm
When I lateralled I had to provide two references - I didn't clerk, and the firm I went to specifically wanted references from my current employer. My new firm waited until after I accepted the offer and then called my current firm to confirm I wasn't like, getting fired for something very bad. I just gave the new firm the names of two people I worked for and then told those people after I told them I was leaving that my new firm might call them for references, and that if they didn't want to provide a reference that was ok, I would understand, and I could ask someone else at the firm to do it (and of course they said yes because they had nothing to gain by saying no). I was very clear with my new firm that they could not speak to my references until I gave them permission, because if the job offer fell through and my employer found out I was job hunting they would never forgive me, and the new firm was understanding of that, so I wasn't worried someone would call too early.
I recently lateralled. Only one firm asked for references as part of the interview process and I therefore gave references from a previous employer and a partner that had departed from my current firm. I don't think they reached out. The other firms' offer letters stated that the offer was contingent on background check, conflicts clearance and references from current firm, but they were also clear that they would not ask for the references until they'd cleared background/conflicts and given me the go-ahead to give notice. Once I gave notice, I asked two partners if they'd be my references and they agreed. I then gave their contact info to my new firm. I'm also pretty sure my old firm's policy on references is that they can only confirm dates of employment and that I was in good standing, but I'm not certain.
Re: References as a lateral
Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2021 11:37 am
by Anonymous User
I am in the process of lateraling right now. The firm I am joining asked for two references on their lateral hire information sheet. When I made clear that no references at my current firm should be called prior to me giving notice of resignation, the HR person at the firm I am joining confirmed that they do not call references. She said she plans to remove that question from the information statement for future hires.
Re: References as a lateral
Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2021 10:25 pm
by Anonymous User
I recently lateraled and I don't think they asked for any references. I guess they didn't really have to as they could just reach out to the partners at my old firm if they wanted to.