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Anonymous User wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 21, 2023 12:12 pm

I accepted an offer in a different practice and different level firm (think biglaw to midlaw that doesn’t have my current practice area), so I’m not expecting any issues with conflicts, but I won’t give notice until everything goes through because of the economy we’re in. How do I navigate this time pre-notice? I don’t want to burn any bridges, but I don’t want to continue to suffer at a job I’m not staying in.

existentialcrisis wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 21, 2023 2:35 pm

Take a vacation.

Although that could mean less of a payout when you quit, but could be worth it depending on your circumstances.

Anonymous User wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 21, 2023 2:44 pm

existentialcrisis wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 21, 2023 2:35 pm

Take a vacation.

Although that could mean less of a payout when you quit, but could be worth it depending on your circumstances.

Don’t have much of a vacation culture in my group, and it’s really frowned upon when things are hectic. Hoping to hide.

Anonymous User wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 22, 2023 2:17 pm

I am in the same boat OP. I think maintaining your relationships, particularly if you are staying in the same market, is pretty important. The way you leave goes a long way in maintaining your reputation with the firm. Work from home and don't ask for more work, but I wouldn't do anything drastic.

Anonymous User wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 22, 2023 3:20 pm

I don't think it's particularly drastic to turn down work or take a vacation when you expect to leave the firm within the next 2-3 months. Personally I would be professional about the work I have but also wouldn't try to jump as high as expected in this job. People will remember if you leave things a mess, but I doubt they will remember that you said you were too busy or you took a vacation, especially if you otherwise we're respected. I guess it's just a personal decision hoe risk averse you are.

Anonymous User wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 22, 2023 3:22 pm

Anonymous User wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 22, 2023 3:20 pm

I don't think it's particularly drastic to turn down work or take a vacation when you expect to leave the firm within the next 2-3 months. Personally I would be professional about the work I have but also wouldn't try to jump as high as expected in this job. People will remember if you leave things a mess, but I doubt they will remember that you said you were too busy or you took a vacation, especially if you otherwise we're respected. I guess it's just a personal decision hoe risk averse you are.

Agreed on the vacation part. I wouldn't take a month off, but taking a week off is definitely fine.

Monochromatic Oeuvre wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 23, 2023 1:49 am

Firm #1: I got the offer at the start of Month X and immediately scheduled a two-week vacation that would begin in the middle of Month X. That gave them a month to do conflicts (if it takes longer than that, there's probably an issue) and it was as much as I could take without dipping into my departure payout. I reminded partners about it like three times to ensure I would only finish up what I was already on and wouldn't get put on anything new (except for really minor stuff), and then gave notice the morning I got back. After notice I deliberately avoided scheduling an official departure date and pushed back my start date at the new firm so I could have more time as a "lame duck." Was able to last until the end of Month X+1, so basically two months of wind-down, during which I billed probably 50 total hours. No one ever got mad because I never left anyone dry, or even turned down any work; just made a timeline on which it was impossible to staff me.

Firm #2 paid out all accrued vacation time so there was no point in taking one. I just gave notice right when it looked like I was about to be fucked on six different deals. Finished anything that had to be mine and asked to transition anything someone else could do. Tried the same "leave the departure date open" tactic and was told my employment was ending the following Friday, no discussion. Won't always work, lol.

I always maximized the money and minimized the hours as soon as I knew I wouldn't be staying at a firm. Never lost a wink of sleep over it. Gotta save your burnout when you can if you expect to have a long career in Biglaw.

Monochromatic Oeuvre wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 23, 2023 1:49 am

Firm #1: I got the offer at the start of Month X and immediately scheduled a two-week vacation that would begin in the middle of Month X. That gave them a month to do conflicts (if it takes longer than that, there's probably an issue) and it was as much as I could take without dipping into my departure payout. I reminded partners about it like three times to ensure I would only finish up what I was already on and wouldn't get put on anything new (except for really minor stuff), and then gave notice the morning I got back. After notice I deliberately avoided scheduling an official departure date and pushed back my start date at the new firm so I could have more time as a "lame duck." Was able to last until the end of Month X+1, so basically two months of wind-down, during which I billed probably 50 total hours. No one ever got mad because I never left anyone dry, or even turned down any work; just made a timeline on which it was impossible to staff me.

Firm #2 paid out all accrued vacation time so there was no point in taking one. I just gave notice right when it looked like I was about to be fucked on six different deals. Finished anything that had to be mine and asked to transition anything someone else could do. Tried the same "leave the departure date open" tactic and was told my employment was ending the following Friday, no discussion. Won't always work, lol.

I always maximized the money and minimized the hours as soon as I knew I wouldn't be staying at a firm. Never lost a wink of sleep over it. Gotta save your burnout when you can if you expect to have a long career in Biglaw.