Is it dumb to talk to a partner about an in house offer I have? I’m not sold on the position so I’m legit interested in her opinion as a someone whose been a mentor to me. I’m a 5th year biglaw assoc.

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Disagree with others: Not dumb, but don’t come out and say that you’ve interviewed/have an offer, and certainly not at first/in your first conversation.

I would have a more general discussion about your trajectory, her perspective on whether going for partnership is worth it, what sacrifices she thinks are necessary to continue to succeed, etc. She isn’t dumb, and she knows most associates won’t make partner at the firm they start at. Indeed, sending attorneys in-house is one important source of new business—it isn’t just your bridge, it is hers, too.

I’ve had partners say things like “If I was starting my career now, I would never pursue partnership—the path and perks aren’t what they used to be for young lawyers and junior partners.” Feel our how your mentor thinks about career paths for young associates in general. If you have the opening, steer the conversation from general to the specific. Of course partners don’t want or hope for their go-to-associates to leave, but it’s not like they don’t appreciate the dilemma we are in or recognize that the path isn’t for everyone.

I don’t think you should necessarily say you have an offer, but if the conversation goes well, you can discuss the opening and ask whether she thinks you should explore it. I am not a betting man, but if I was, I would bet she would say yes (assuming you do have a mentor in her as you say).

If you get immediate resistance to the topic entirely, find another mentor. Someone who prioritizes the interests of the firm over what is best for you in the context of such a conversation is not a mentor, and is likely to use the relationship to manipulate you if push comes to shove. Find someone outside your practice group or even at another firm.

likesmarthelpful

Smart partners like placing associates/junior partners to get more business if they can.

So find out if the position is one that will allow you to assign work. If so that should be part of your conversation. Also if there is a chance to rise internally to get to a position where you can assign work.

Make sure you’ve had the mentor discussion either way. Let her know that’s how you look at things and ask if she’s ok with that role. Just don’t forget it’s a two way relationship and you are both helping one another.

Good luck!

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I don’t like to bluff so I would not mention another offer unless I was prepared to take it if the conversation didn’t go well.

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Find someone else to talk about it with. 

likehelpful

Proceed with caution. I do not think it is dumb but it is risky. We had a similar situation at our firm and the partner told the associate to take it and leave that day. If you are posting here and asking the general question, this tells me you have some concern. I’d err on the side of caution and seek the opinion of an alternative mentor, such as someone who is not employed by your current firm.

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