potential return to old firm Forum

[Anonymous User]

I lateraled from my original firm about 2.5 years ago and I liked it so much better than my current firm and am considering trying to go back. I left on good terms and I'm debating reaching out to a partner I worked with to see if there's any interest in having me back since they're hiring for the position. Or should I go through the firm's site and apply that way?

Has anyone done this and if so, how did you approach it? Did you have to go through the formal screener/interview process again even though you previously worked there or was the process quicker and more informal?

[Anonymous User]

I lateraled from my original firm about 2.5 years ago and I liked it so much better than my current firm and am considering trying to go back. I left on good terms and I'm debating reaching out to a partner I worked with to see if there's any interest in having me back since they're hiring for the position. Or should I go through the firm's site and apply that way?

Has anyone done this and if so, how did you approach it? Did you have to go through the formal screener/interview process again even though you previously worked there or was the process quicker and more informal?

I have not but I have a colleague that went from firm 1, to firm 2, back to firm 1, and back to firm 2 within a matter of like 3 years. It's definitely doable, but that was a particularly good associate.

[Anonymous User]

I have not but I have a colleague that went from firm 1, to firm 2, back to firm 1, and back to firm 2 within a matter of like 3 years. It's definitely doable, but that was a particularly good associate.

wow, def sounds like a unique case but yeah it seems doable. did they have to interview each time?

[Anonymous User]

I lateraled from my original firm about 2.5 years ago and I liked it so much better than my current firm and am considering trying to go back. I left on good terms and I'm debating reaching out to a partner I worked with to see if there's any interest in having me back since they're hiring for the position. Or should I go through the firm's site and apply that way?

Has anyone done this and if so, how did you approach it? Did you have to go through the formal screener/interview process again even though you previously worked there or was the process quicker and more informal?

I have not but I have a colleague that went from firm 1, to firm 2, back to firm 1, and back to firm 2 within a matter of like 3 years. It's definitely doable, but that was a particularly good associate.

I also had a coworker who did this, never worked with them but they must have been good

[Anonymous User]

I have not but I have a colleague that went from firm 1, to firm 2, back to firm 1, and back to firm 2 within a matter of like 3 years. It's definitely doable, but that was a particularly good associate.

I also had a coworker who did this, never worked with them but they must have been good

good to know it's possible. will email a partner i worked with and see if there's any interest

[Anonymous User]

I have not but I have a colleague that went from firm 1, to firm 2, back to firm 1, and back to firm 2 within a matter of like 3 years. It's definitely doable, but that was a particularly good associate.

I also had a coworker who did this, never worked with them but they must have been good

good to know it's possible. will email a partner i worked with and see if there's any interest

Sounds like a good plan. I personally made a jump back to my prior firm for similar reasons after a much shorter time away. Did not go through the standard application channels and instead texted a partner I was on good terms with. Interest was mutual, had a call with him and then a call with a higher up partner and got an offer during that call. Definitely helped that I left without burning bridges.

[Anonymous User]

Sounds like a good plan. I personally made a jump back to my prior firm for similar reasons after a much shorter time away. Did not go through the standard application channels and instead texted a partner I was on good terms with. Interest was mutual, had a call with him and then a call with a higher up partner and got an offer during that call. Definitely helped that I left without burning bridges.

that’s awesome! I assume the calls just involved like what kind of work you’d want to do if you came back & finding out why you wanted to return?

[Anonymous User]

Sounds like a good plan. I personally made a jump back to my prior firm for similar reasons after a much shorter time away. Did not go through the standard application channels and instead texted a partner I was on good terms with. Interest was mutual, had a call with him and then a call with a higher up partner and got an offer during that call. Definitely helped that I left without burning bridges.

that’s awesome! I assume the calls just involved like what kind of work you’d want to do if you came back & finding out why you wanted to return?

Yes, exactly. Basically just like how can we make your return better so that the same issues that caused the departure don't occur, why us over the other firm, etc.