Is leaving a firm before your first year a career mistake? I’m generally not happy with the work and the pay but I’m afraid of how it will look on my resume...

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

In the most lawyerly way...it depends. Some factors are whether it’s bad enough that you’re not learning, wasting your time, is not safe, and also how much time you have left before the year is up. My friends who left prior to 1 year, had a range of compelling reasons and always had something else lined up before leaving. A few years down the road, seems to have had zero impact on their careers. However, if you’re jumping ship every 2 months or so, that’s a different situation, and you may want to stick it out a bit longer. Not all of our work is going to be interesting all the time.

like

Not listing becomes awkward for conflicts checks.

like

I’ve been in a very similar position so I understand how deflating it is to work so hard through school and the bar, only to not like what you end up doing. I left my first firm in about 9 months. I got swept up in the “big law” hiring mill during school, which sitting back 2 years post graduation, is just not what I ever wanted. Problem was I really enjoyed law school and found out basically 1 month into my first job that I hadn’t widdled down what kind of work I wanted to do, and realized corporate/M&A was both not stimulating and an absolutely awful situation as far as work/life balance. Took those 9 months to really think about what I wanted, and ended up switching over to plaintiff’s side securities litigation, which is far more in line with why I originally decided to go to law school. When I was interviewing for my current job, the hiring partners/people I interviewed with loved my story and bought it because it was the truth. This is all a long winded way of saying what others have. If you have legitimate reasons, its never too early to make a move because making a move like I did at year 4-5 would be much more difficult than year 1-2. At the same time, lawyers are excellent at smelling BS, so take some time to make sure its really that you don’t like what you are doing and not some other “soft” reason for leaving your current firm.

like

Apologies, my intention was not at all to question your motives. Figured this thread would get some hits and was talking big picture. Your reasons are your own, I only meant to explain that any move, especially an early one, should be made with deliberation, and be explainable both in the near and long term. Good luck!

like
Recent IconRecent

OP, sounds like you are in a sinking ship. That’s a sound reason to leave and explains leaving in a year or less. But find another job first; as someone who has done alot of hiring, I think it’s odd to leave a job without another job lined up - economically, there are few people who can afford that so I wonder if the person was actually terminated. If the person was terminated they have to say that.

likehelpful

I agree.

like

Currently grappling with that myself. Changed firms about a year ago to switch from insurance defense to commercial litigation. I feel like my career is regressing. At my old firm I was managing 30-40 cases on my own in addition to helping partners with more complex matters. At the new one, I’m not trusted to do anything and I never have enough work. I also deal with insane levels of micromanagement that now have me second guessing every decision I make. I started casually looking for another job at the 6 month mark and recently started applying. Staying here is literally going to drive me crazy. I like working. I like being an attorney. Not having enough work and being given mundane tasks makes me feel so under-utilized and under-appreciated. At the end of the day, you have to do what’s best for you. I’ve been on a few interviews and have been asked why I’m leaving so soon. I explain the lack of work (which is firm wide and not just with respect to me), the lack of autonomy compared to my prior role, and that I want to feel more challenged. I don’t get the impression that I’m being judged for it. Most interviewers seem understanding about the situation.

like

I’m in my second year and at my second job. Left my first job after 3 months being licensed because the billables were too much and the work was boring. Hasn’t hurt me yet...

like

If you do leave early, make sure you choose wisely on the second firm. Leaving two places in less than a year is a neon light to hiring managers.

like

I was at a crappy firm for about six months (I just really needed a job) before i left for my current firm. I am learning so much more, getting paid much better, and overall much happier.

likehelpful

Not at all. I left
After 6 months and am much happier now and learning so much more. There is no cookie cutter rule for this kind of thing. Sure jumping around a bunch may raise eyeballs, but if it’s a one off and it’s for a better opportunity/ something that’ll make you happier it’s worth it.
Sometimes great opportunities come up that are better for your happiness and career and when they do, don’t let some arbitrary rule hold you back! Best of luck im sure whatever decision you make will work out!

like

I made a move from my first job after only eight months because I didn’t want to work in that field and didn’t see a future in it. When I interviewed with my current employer, I communicated that clearly, and spoke well of my now prior boss. So long as you explain your reasons for jumping ship, it shouldn’t be an issue. Depending on the practice area, you might want to consider making a move sooner rather than later because if you wait too long, you might not be marketable

likeuplifting

I left my first firm after 9 months. I hated my boss. But I've been at my current firm for 5 years.

like

I agree with the general idea that it depends, but from my personal experience I think it makes sense to get where you want to be as soon as possible. I left after less than a year, many people criticized me but it ended up being the best decision. A lot of people at the firm I was at tried to make similar moves later but the need to “retool” them and their lack of experience made it much harder for them to move.

I would not be to worried about one move early in your career. Yes, many moves in a short period sucks, but Ultimately if you can tell a coherent story about each of your moves, it’s not going to raise too many eyebrows.

like

Do you - nothing is career suicide and if you’re genuinely not happy with your work or pay, then why would you stay? Because you’re scared of what others will say? Forget about that and have confidence in yourself. The right firm will never fault you for wanting more.

like

It's only a mistake if you are leaving a good firm and a good fit. Figure out how much you work for the firm, how much you get paid for that work, look and ask what your peers/friends are doing, think about the work environment, and think about what actually makes you enjoy being a lawyer then go after that. If you like the firm and they are investing in you, you might want to stay. If not then you may want to go. What does 'investing in you' look like? It's hard to say, it's a two way street, that's all I got to say.

like

As a former hiring partner in a major law firm, I do not see any down side as long as you have a reasonable explanation for your leaving your current law firm. You should to keep your current position while looking for a new position. Make certain you present a honest resume of your background and experience.

likehelpful

I left my first lawyer job 4 months in. I jumped ship for a government position I had always wanted. Good thing, too, because my old firm laid off the last 4 people they had hired once corona hit. I surely would’ve been one of them, since I was their most recent hire (even out of the 4 they let go) 😱

like

I think jumping around a lot after short stints may raise eyeballs but not so sure a one off will make a huge difference. You should really ask some recruiters what they think and then carefully reflect about your situation. At my 2nd law firm, I worked for a partner who was just horrible but wanted to wait 1 year before jumping due to the same concerns, and I am not so sure it was the best decision. I suffered until this partner finally left the firm and wound up staying at the firm, which dwindled in size, for 4.5 years. If I had to do it all over again, I would not have joined that firm.

like

Just be honest why you are leaving. Perhaps your interviewers went through the same thing. Or if they have not, I guarantee you they have thought about what if they had started with a bad firm. Either way, people can connect with honesty. Just be honest with everyone. There is no overthinking this.

likehelpful

What if I told you that in the grand scheme of things it isn’t likely to matter?

like

I had an extremely low paying, demoralizing job at the beginning of my career. I gave it the year and then got the hell out. That is what I would recommend you do.

like

As mentioned in other posts, it depends. Yes, you can reinvent yourself, you can redirect. Your resume is a marketing tool. I assessed what I did best & built on that. My firm & my choice of partners fits what I do well. This pause in life is an opportunity to assess. All the best to those rethinking their career.

like

Related Posts

I got a vaccine appointment at javits but I just got one sooner at NYU. Am I able to transfer the javits appointment to a family member?

like

Any openings for sales in NBFC?

like

PwC risk assurance folks, how hard is it to transfer from process assurance to internal audit?

like

Which companies in Seattle offer Kaiser health insurance? Considering exploring other opportunities but need to stay within the Kaiser network

like

Hi Coders. I'm working as a business analyst but not using coding knowledge. Company won't even pay for my certification. Any advice on any jobs who may need medical coders as Business Analysts?

like
likefunny

DM for referrals for Backend, Frontend, and QA engineers at ThoughtSpot.
Location - Hyderabad, Trivendrum
Excellent Product based companies with amazing work culture ❤️

like

Has anyone received an offer letter from EXL (Inductis India Pvt Ltd) that was extremely restrictive and reading which felt like one is signing up for going to prison rather than get employment? No leave policy mentioned, hundreds of paragraphs of worst case scenarios, pathetic salary breakup, etc. ?

like

What is the salary cap for C3A grade at TCS ?

like

What is MSI hike % range rolled out today for Wipro employees

like

Parthenon hiring at the moment? The EY careers site seems to be under construction until End of Month. Senior associate level.

like

What to say on compensation calls? They give u the numbers. You say ok. What else?

like

After 3 years of dealing with the worst firm I've ever had the displeasure of working for, I finally landed my dream gig at a small specialty firm. The people at the new firm are all SMEs featured in and contributors to the most notable business publications in the world, less than 100 employees, better benefits, unlimimted PTO, doubled my pay and landed a senior role.

Keep looking for what you want and deserve. I'm happy to be forging a better path away from what I've had to endure.

likeuplifting

Financing Q from incoming MBA student: Applied through Juno and just got approved for a loan from Earnest. Three quick questions: 1) confirming that I can only borrow for the upcoming year and would have to reapply next year? 2) I got 5.16% Fix APR - should I accept or look elsewhere? 3) does having a co-signer make a big difference?

like
like

Need 11 likes for DM

like

I’m a former EA intern. Is there anyone at Electronic Arts (EA) who’s not planning to redeem all of their free games? Figured I’d ask before purchasing just in case 😂

like

Any tips on delegating the ‘right amount’? I’m being asked to perform acting manager role and now have two levels under me.. and I am having some difficulty gauging how much I should be delegating. I don’t want to overwhelm the ‘acting senior’ staff but also want to delegate enough so that I can cover all my areas.

likehelpful

Considering ongoing slowdown and upcoming recession, would it be ok to accept the new offer at this juncture? Will the companies sustain with this package in coming time?

CCTC 42LPA
Offered 68LPA
YOE : 14 years experience
Tech stack - CloudOps

like

WPP to merge the world’s oldest rock band The Rolling Stones with the world’s second oldest rock band Aerosmith to form ‘Rolling Smith’ For a combined age of 634.

likefunny

Additional Posts in Law

My company forces all employees to submit an email every day with an hour by hour summary of what they did. Any other companies other than firms doing something like this?

likesmartfunny

Does your firm deal well with associates who need religious accommodations? If e.g. they’re observing Shabbat, do you always make sure to have at least someone on the team who isn’t? Are you even allowed to ask? Pardon my ignorance.

like

Does anyone know if a trustee can pursue litigation on a PI case that is part of the bankruptcy estate if there is an automatic stay in place?

like

Thinking of starting my own law firm. Has anyone on here gone solo? how did you go about floating your paycheck up front. I was thinking family law while taking on PI?

like

Any loopholes to prevent Westlaw from logging out every 5 minutes? That’s not enough time to get all my tears out before going back to my 20 Westlaw tabs

like

Anyone know what’s the deal with Polsinelli? Just trying to figure out whether they’re the right fit for me. I’m currently in a boutique IP firm. I work pretty hard but it’s obviously not Big Law.

like

Tips for avoiding / reducing eye strain after staring at a computer all day every day? Sometimes I think this job is gonna make me go blind.

like

Are the people you know complying with CDC and other guidance about social distancing, especially in the evenings?(Continued in comments)

like

EOY review time! Boutique firm with large workload. I’ve signed multiple clients and met my billable requirements in the months I’ve been here. Is a 20k raise request reasonable?

like

I have to fill out a background check form for a position and it asks if I've ever been discharged from a job. Does getting "the talk" --i.e. being told your future isn't at the firm as a senior associate--count as being discharged? Any thoughts are much appreciated!

like

How long does it take you to do the following tasks? Draft contact, revise contract, research brief, draft brief, review documents (I’m assisting with bills). Thanks

like

Which books would you recommend to a product counel for tech startup about strategy, management, and leadership?

like

Anyone have some sample fee schedules I can look at for flat rate transactional services, like IP matters (non-patent) and contracts? I have market data but I’d like a broader sample size especially since I’m planning to steeply discount my rates until my book is built up more.

like

Are thank you emails after an interview still necessary? For context, never communicated by email with the interviewers and could only guess their emails.

like

I put in my notice last week at my current firm. MP was shaking with anger when I told him. Toxic partners, commonplace sexism, and widespread bullying. I was only there 6 months. Walking out of that office, I felt 50lbs lighter. I just want to remind you all that you’re better than some people will try to make you feel, and no one can look out for your interests better than you!

like

Here to restate the understated truth of our profession..

Post Photo
likesmartuplifting

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

like

My favorite office activity: canceling meetings.

like

Any Attorneys receive permission to engage in outside business activity? I am onboarding at a global company (not a law firm) in a JD preferred position. I’ve been solo mainly helping small biz set up LLCs. I wonder if this is permissible? Yes, I did disclose, just eager to hear back.

like

Advice requested: When you were a legal intern or a summer, what type of projects did you like best? What was most helpful to you when you received a new assignment? Anything you wish your mentor did/didn’t do? I’m working with my first ever intern and trying to structure projects so they know that the work is important and relevant to the business, and why, and to provide enough background info on the area of law so they don’t spin wheels on the basics. What else should I be doing?

likehelpful

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

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

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