Have you ever felt like you need to be more intellectually challenged? I’m a senior associate in a Band 3 appellate practice and often feel like the attorneys I work with aren’t at the peak of intellectual capability. Is that a dumb reason to move firms? They all seem to think I’m a genius and want me to review everything, but I don’t feel stimulated by them. And I don’t feel like they’re helping me to become a better attorney. I’m left wondering if there are brighter groups out there.

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lol “my colleagues are kinda dumb” is a hilarious, if understandable, reason to lateral to a stronger firm/practice. In all seriousness though, I get the instinct. I also don’t want to be the “smartest guy in the room” because then who am I learning from? Just be careful how you frame this in interviews to avoid coming across as arrogant. Saying you want to be around lawyers at the top of their field lands a lot better than saying your current colleagues aren’t all that sharp.

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Thanks A1. I think I could frame this differently for interviews—there are also other, perhaps less controversial reasons that I could focus on as to why I’d want to leave. But I like your framing!

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Lol. Not dumb at all, but def don’t say anything approaching this in interviews.

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Doing work that is intellectually stimulating and working with people you respect at a place that has energy is so important! I think it’s a great reason to look for something new.

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