Is it taboo to ask big law partners to be references to government or public interest jobs?

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Partners at my firm will often try to talk you out of the opportunity if they value you so usually doesn’t work at my place. But if you have a sponsor who is a partner they will ultimately help.

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Good to know! Some of the orgs I’ve been looking at are community partner orgs. I just wanted to ask about networking without shaking the boat too much.

No, but just know you probably can’t go back if you do get the govt/PI job, and if you don’t get the govt/PI job you may not get laid off right away, but your firm is going to have in mind that you’re not committed to the firm.

If your reference is someone at a former employer, I’d go for it.

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Thanks! I was worried about a short term layoff. But I am feeling pretty confident that once I leave big law, I won’t be turning back. But I am a team player and would do my best to leave on the best note possible.

Why? There are transferable skills in both fields. I don’t think it’s taboo.

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I agree the skills are practical! I’ve heard mumblings that you don’t ask about moving to new jobs. But PI/Gov work seems different than going to a peer firm.

When I was heading to government I had a partner who was about to retire and was a good mentor to me serve as a reference. Would have been awk to ask anyone else. One of the partners did participate in my security clearance interview which took place at the firm before I left. Had already resigned by then so was fine - people were generally happy for me at that point.

Partners at my firm regularly circulate job opportunities to all associates, including in-house and government positions. They understand the majority of associates eventually leave the firm. I wouldn’t sweat it.

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