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How much should you work in your notice period?
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I got away with seven weeks back in 2013/14 (big’ish law) but was warned that even though I was leaving without another job, there was a real chance of being escorted out of the building. Instead I argued a motion on my second to last day…
Maybe there’s a middle ground. Like in a month, give your 2 weeks notice (assuming you can afford to float for a month) with the option of staying an additional 2-4 weeks if they need it. Let them decide, I’m sure they would appreciate the flexibility.
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2 weeks
Only if you can financially tolerate being terminated on the spot. Else, two weeks.
Not crazy, and a lot of firms appreciate it. When I gave 2 weeks' notice, the partners (who all loved me) told me I shouldn't have felt the need to hide it. They would have liked more time to hire someone, and said they would have been happy to give references to my interviewers. Apparently the associate before me gave several months' notice. BUT be prepared to be escorted out on the spot in case your firm isn't so nice. Ideally you'd figure out how your firm is to departing associates before making this decision, but I have no idea how you could possibly do that.
I need to relocate due to family health issues. I currently work at a smaller, close knit firm, and have great relationships with everyone, so it pains me to leave. The partner I work most closely with is going to be extremely busy for the next few months, so I’d like to give him the courtesy of being able to find a replacement before he gets slammed. I’m also in a sort of niche practice for my firm, so would want to help transition cases. I already have another job lined up, but won’t be able to start it until I move, which I don’t expect to be until the summer.
No, mine said they wished I had given more than 2 weeks. You’re helping them out by giving advance notice unless there’s a chance they’ll terminate you immediately.
I wouldn’t give that much notice. It very well could backfire and you are terminated on the spot. They’ll even say “We love you but it’s just an HR policy” so don’t count on your good relationships.
That said, it might not be a problem at all either. I actually did something a little bit similar where I sort of discussed the possibility of me maybe leaving in the future but not giving actual notice. It’s more of a hypothetical that way. If you give notice then you’ve quit and lose all kinds of valuable job related protections too. You want to be in the position where they have to fire you before the 2 weeks.