Is it frowned upon to jump to your third firm as a third year associate? Each jump was for higher comp and opportunity.

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Let them frown. Get that money.

likefunnysmart

Totally agree with A7

I don’t fault you but I want you to see the other side of the coin.

I’m currently hiring for an in-house role. Part of my objective is to hire someone who will stick around for a bit and grow as part of the team. It would reflect on me poorly if I hired someone and they left in six months.

3 in 3 would likely disqualify you for such a position.

likesmarthelpful

Same in private practice; that is, I manage a small litigation firm that hires only senior laterals. We don't interview attorneys that moved around a lot. Suggests that they are hard to please and won't like us or that they were hard to work with and others didn't like them.

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I would not listen to people telling you money doesn’t matter - this is a job. Firms will chew you up when busy and spit you out the door the second they are slow. Being “loyal” to an employer who is paying you less money for doing the same work is a fools game. There are some situations where an opportunity is worthwhile enough to you personally that you should accept lower pay to get it but they are few and far between and I don’t think apply to someone as junior as you. If you really love the culture and work at your less than Cravath scale firm and either have a sub-2k billing requirement (actual, not just on paper) or you love it so much you don’t mind billing 2400 for less than Cravath scale then OK, great. Stick it out. But I see posters on this app everyday crying about how they moved from Cravath scale to “lifestyle” firm for a paycut and now are billing as many or more hours, making less money, fewer resources, coworkers/partners aren’t as sharp, etc., and they’re deeply regretting their decision and want to go back.

Having a ton of moves is not great, but it’s all about the right narrative. Higher comp and better opportunity makes total sense. If you’re jumping every year among Cravath scale firms in the same geographic market I would be concerned the problem is you and not the firms. If you’re jumping for higher pay (not signing bonus but higher base comp/guaranteed bonus), or the occasional geographic market switch, makes total sense.

likehelpful

I did the same move to a “lifestyle” firm. Has been anything but. Have managed to stick it out 3+ years but am now actively seeking exit.

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3rd firm, 3 year. LOVE IT. Found my work home. No regrets.

likesmart

No. As a law clerk one of my judge’s former clerks flat out told me how she jumped forms every year for higher comp and better work life balance. Let them frown. You have to do what’s best for you and your career. Good luck!! 🍀

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Got it. When I clerked there were “career clerks” supporting senior judges that were older attorneys that moved to clerking from private practice.

Well, no. But, think Merchant of Venice, Act II, scene 7–“All that glisters is not gold.” Or if your prefer the original Latin phrase: “non omne quod nitet aurum est.” Point: comp doesn’t really matter. You’ll get that anyway, but really consider the opportunity aspect.

likeupliftingsmart

And I say this from experience. I left a firm once for what I thought was a better firm for more money but it turned out there was really (unlike what was presented to me) no room for partnership/advancement. But, in a way, though, it was a good thing, as it led me to be a co-founder of the company where I’m now GC and basically managing principal. Not for everyone though. But if you want to stay in private practice, just be careful when you jump for what you think is opportunity.

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I did the same thing and have no regrets.

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Who cares? The only reason what other people think about you having switched firms matters is if you’re looking for another job again. But if this third firm happens to be a good match, then you won’t be looking again anytime soon and that won’t matter at all. Plus, if a year from now, you seek to make a jump to the fourth firm, then it really only matters whether that fourth firm will give you an offer that you’re willing to accept.

These are all very pragmatic issues and other people’s opinions don’t matter aside from whether you’re able to land the job. If it’s a good move, go ahead and do it.

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I did the same doubles my original comp within 2 years

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Which… doesn’t answer the question at all?

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Three firms in three years? You will definitely need to explain the moves but hiring is so on fire right now you might be fine. But even in three years from now when want to go in house will have to explain what was going on. But as others are saying, try to learn something instead of chasing the money. Will be more valuable later on.

likesmart

Huge red flag.

funnylikesmart

Did this same thing and am so much happier!

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Yep, will be judged/frowned upon (with the obvious point to those that say “in this market…” being that this market won’t last forever, unlike the annual switches on your resumé….)

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Yes. It makes you look like a flake. Hiring is crazy right now, but that won’t last forever. When the hiring spree ends, firms will be aware of the ship jumpers in their ranks

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Loyalty dosent pay bills

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You might have to explain why if you jump again early (and comp might not be a sufficient answer) but I think you should go for it if it’s the right fit

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Do what you do, but also think long term about this. How will that look to an employer in the next few years? The window for an in house move opens years 4-6ish and I likely wouldn’t hire someone with that many moves. I need folks that will stick around to help me execute my strategic vision. That’s at least a 3 year gig and preferably 5.

likesmart

I know someone who jumped 5 times and became a partner. It has no impact. Don’t listen to partners who tell you it looks bad.

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It puts a lot of stress on you to prove yourself again, and if you have a significant other, there is a lot of collateral damage placed on them. That was my experience, anyway. Career wise it was benign.

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No

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