I left my previous firm as part of a team move and, now that I’ve had some distance, I’m finding myself questioning whether it was the right decision. In hindsight, I’m wondering whether I should have stayed where I was .I’d be interested to hear from anyone who’s had a similar experience. Have you ever moved and later had doubts? Have you moved back to a previous firm? If so, how did you approach it? And how has it worked out?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I’m currently about to lateral. My best friend gave me one piece of advice: you’re going to find yourself in a position where you doubt or even regret your decision at some point. Stay the course—if you thought it through, then you’ve made the right decision and it’s totally natural to have some grief about leaving. (Of course, if the situation is objectively awful now, that’s different).

like

I have never wanted to go back to any firm I have left 😂😂

funny

If you like your team and they keep you reliably busy, stay the course. Even if the new firm has its issues, you’ll find issues at all firms. And issues often improve over time. It looks good on your resume that you were asked to join a partner.

like

Coming from a slightly different perspective - as someone who followed someone else and would never have chosen to go to the new firm on my own - I think it's worth listening to your gut if you have doubts. Obviously make sure you've stayed long enough to know whether the new firm truly has red flags (anything less than a year is probably too soon to tell). But I personally think it's more important to feel integrated and like the firm is a good fit over the long term than to blindly follow someone else. Especially as you get more senior and inevitably want to be somewhat independent from the partner(s) you lateraled with. In my case, I ended up lateraling to a completely different firm myself after a few years, but did entertain going back to my prior firm and know the door would have been open.

like

Totally agree and want to distinguish it from my response in two important ways: (1) yes, after a year+, if you still really don’t like it, you can leave but it seems OP is having immediate regrets and (2) I specifically noted “if you thought it through” — not in a condescending way at all, but I feel like following someone else isn’t the same thing as thinking about the firm as part of a fuller decision to leave where you’re at. Maybe not fully distinguishable but just seems like your response is slightly niche (though not a bad perspective).

like

Don’t look back. Leave that in the past and push forward to a better future. Looking back and doubting where you are now may only hinder your present progress to building something better. What’s done is done. Move on.

Related Posts

Anyone ever hire a social media expert to set up LinkedIn and FB? Results?

like

Coinbase should do a Black Friday sale.

like

Hi, I have got an offer with Wells Fargo, India. I have 8+ years experience in .net full stack. I am offered 23lpa fixed + 3 variable. Am i offered low for a 8+ yrs in Wells Fargo? Is so, what's the salary i should request to hr?

like

Anyone here do Instacart or similar service and find it worthwhile?

like

I’m trying to cut down on carbs and ease into keto but I find I have no energy and my workouts are lower quality. Others experience the same thing? Does this go away?

like

Has anyone dealt with a lack of praise from attorneys? I'm not someone who needs to hear "good job" all the time, but we just got a huge deal closed that I worked really hard on and had a lot of overtime. And once it closed, the lead attorney praised the other attorneys, and said nothing about me or my work. I might just be overly sensitive, but it kind of stung. Thoughts?

like

A little bit of motivation for us all.

Post Photo
funnylikehelpful

Hey all, please give me some ❤️ so I can send a dm

like

How much Salesforce can offer for a 4 years Salesforce developer? Considering programming skills are good and have good knowledge on LWC and integrations?

like

I love that the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense is quoting Monkey D. Luffy.

Post Photo
likeupliftingfunny

Anyone know where to find consistent, decent indoor pickup runs for basketball in the city? For post-covid obv, but wanted to start thinking about a gym that wouldn’t break the bank. Thanks!

like

We recently started the fertilization process with frozen eggs. I had 11 frozen and all survived the thaw but only 3 turned into embryos. We are waiting to see how many get to the blast state. Does any one know where I can find statistics on what the typical attrition / success rates are?

like

Okay admit it. Whose dog has an Instagram account? Mine does! Not sure if we can share the handles here or not but she definitely has more followers than I do. 🤣🦊

Post Photo
likefunny

Me deciding if imma be homeless or go make that bread

Post Photo
like

Does UKG has any sales positions?

Generally curious how many companies offer phone reimbursement? My last gig did not but the current one does. Legally it seems, all employers are required to do so if we use our phone in literally any capacity (video call, slack, teams, emails etc). How prevalent is the issue of not reimbursing phone dues?

like

Are we still feeling HD Nov 15th or so puts?
I’m also watching X and Real quite closely for an opportunity for puts as well.
Also UVXY or possibly just VIX calls with a few months to expiry

Selling Official GMAT 2020 and Manahattan Prep + Notebook

Original value of 350, accepting best offer for pickup in Midtown (starting offer 250)

like

H1-B transfer question

I recently accepted an offer to join a company (A) . They started my H1-B transfer and I received today the approval notice for the transfer.

However, I accepted last week a (better) offer at another company (B) and they will start soon my H1-B transfer.

I attend to tell company (A) on Monday that I will not be joining them. Will there be any issue with company B filing for a H1-B transfer soon?

like

How much does a biomedical bench tech make in Toronto area?

like

Additional Posts in Law

I’m my partners only associate and I went on parental leave two weeks ago. I feel horrible for leaving him to handle our cases alone, but am trying to focus on my wife and new baby. That being said, should I still offer to handle minor matters that come in to ease the workload off my boss? He’s been super cool during my entire leave, so I don’t feel pressured to one bit.

like

I have a partner that calls me multiple times a day to talk about updates on our cases. Sometimes just to ask “anything to update me on?” He’s known across all of the associates for doing this. Most of the calls repeat information I’ve already provided in emails to him or the client. I normally bill this time as “strategize on” or “consider XYZ in further of” and it keeps getting appealed. Any advice?

like

Does anyone enjoy lender work? If so, what about it did you find appealing? I’ve somehow been saddled with all the lender work at my firm (despite never having expressed an interest in it and having no experience with it) and it’s miserable. Having said that, our other practice areas are slowing down significantly and I don’t know if I want to rock the boat. Any advice would be much appreciated!

like

Anyone at Pryor Cashman have intel on firm culture, work/life balance, and comp?

like

California 🐟 does your vacation payout when you leave your job get taxed at regular wage, or bonus, levels? Does your employer have discretion to choose?

like

What’s the best way to turn down a 2nd interview? During the 1st interview, I learned that the compensation for the role is not within the range that I am looking for and requires 400 more billable hours a year than what I bill now. I’d basically be laterally for my current salary just to bill 400 more hours. I also wasn’t aware that the local office was strictly ID. Firm website advertises lots of practice areas. Any advice? TIA!

like

What’s your take on Lydecker? What is the culture? Market salary? Expectation on billable hours? Mentorship? Etc.?

like

I’ve always wondered how are lawyers chosen to be recognized in magazines or online publications as “Best Lawyers”/“Rising Stars”? I’ve always assumed it’s a circle jerk of some sorts for Big Firms nominating each other, but I have no idea.

like

Anyone know when Ch. 7 BKs must close by? Is this changed by when there are adversary proceedings (alleged fraudulent transfers made to a bank for CC payments)? Asking for my friend who is unfortunately involved bc of his parents, who are the debtors (he isn’t a defendant or a debtor in this, but the payments were made to a CC in his name—a CC he didnt know was opened in his name).

Its in Texas, and the initial BK filing was made about 23 months ago. TIA!

like

Does anyone know the reputation of the Boston based Morgan and Morgan attorneys? Is it a good working environment?

like

Thinking about applying as a lateral to Quinn Emmanuel LA. Thoughts on hours, etc.?

like

Anyone here work in litigation for a few years after law school, and then leave to clerk for a federal judge for 2 years? If so, did you have any difficulty finding a job at a law firm for after the clerkship is over / did this set back your career progression law firm-wise at all?

like

I have a second interview tomorrow. I already spoke with the partners and now I’ll be speaking with some associates. Any tips on what I should discuss and what questions should I ask?

like

How do I train my critical thinking skills? Any book recommendations?

like

Negotiating a settlement. I’m at $10k, opposing counsel is at $20k. My client won’t go higher than $15k. OC has come down to 17.5k and says his client won’t budge from that. Do I offer 12.5k so we can hopefully meet in the middle at 15k? Is that how the settlement game is played? Seems dumb we can’t just say let’s meet in the middle now and be done with this. (I’m a first year, first time negotiating a settlement on my own and I don’t want to screw this up!)

like

I'm a long time prosecutor getting into the ID game and billable hours. Are there any resources out there that can help me get more effective/efficient without spending months/years learning the hard way? Some days I'm at the office 10 hours, took virtually no breaks and yet only bill 7. 🤬

like

Hope I can win without playing

Post Photo
likefunny

Second year associate here who recently switched from litigation to corporate law. I am absolutely swamped while simultaneously having no idea what I’m doing ever and I’m feeling so burnt out. The partners are pretty great and feedback is constructive which I’m grateful for, but I’m so desperate for a compliment I’ve been saving any scrap of positivity in a folder 😭 it’s December 22 and I haven’t done my Christmas shopping because I don’t feel capable of thinking about it. I need a hug.

likeuplifting

That time of year... friends in the office giving me funny/cool gifts. I’ll need to reciprocate but am just brain dead these days.

What are some of the best “office” gifts you’ve received in the past?

like

Any insight on Gordon Rees pay for 2-3 year associate in a non-major market? I know they don’t pay market, but there are no BigLaw firms in my city

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal