Need some advice, please. A friend chairs her law firm's RE department and has been trying to get me to join as partner for years now. I did a couple of years big law 15 years ago and hated my firm, but loved the work. I meet with the firm partners in a week to ask any questions I have. They really want me on board. What questions should I be asking to make sure I know what I'm getting into? I've worked with them from the outside on mutual deals for years, so I have no reservations about them.

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If you’re ever going to jump to a firm this seems like a good set up. Many times former in house counsel struggle for a few years, if not longer, to develop business. This is often due to the fact that they haven’t invested time throughout the years cultivating relationships with companies who are consumers of legal services. Instead, they’ve focused on relationships with law firms that they could hire.

So understanding what their expectations are of you to develop business in the near and mid term are important. Also understand where your workflow will come from until you have a stand alone book of business.

Finally, ask what successes people out of state or coming from in house positions have had transitioning to partner and developing a book of business. Ask what the firm has done to support those people’s efforts and how long it took. Also ask if any former in-house counsel moving to their firm have failed and why.

Happy to answer any questions as I’ve seen this process many times. Some with success and some without.

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S1 - noted and very much appreciated. 😊

Those are all spot on points. I would also be curious what the expectation is for you to bring the work over from your existing company. Meeting the production requirements is hard enough but bringing in additional business is much harder.

Just make sure the upside is quantifiably worth it. There is a lot of bureaucracy to contend with back in firm life.

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P1 - this is why I left my first firm years ago for in-house. The firm I was with was VERY toxic, and especially my practice group. After I left, the firm actually fired the group because it was so toxic, if that says anything. Needless to say, I haven't been keen to return to a firm. This firm is medium sized, very well respected, has two of the largest clients locally, and has had them for over 50 years. I've worked with their clients and them for the last 15 years and always enjoy the interaction. I frequently attend their sponsored events and mingle with them and their clients. I've been out of the firm long enough that an inside perspective of what questions I need to ask is helpful.

As for upside - I would potentially make 7 times my current salary and be back to doing what I love. It all seems like a no brainer, which is why I'm cautious. I trust my friend and the people I've worked with there, but I need to make sure I know exactly what I'm getting into.

To me, the precise details of your pay package and terms are very important. Also equity/non-equity status. And terms of the partnership agreement.

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I have been on both sides. Going back to a firm after a long time away can take some adjusting to but I glad I did.

Not sure what you should ask but I think the first thing is to think about what you want and why you would do it? Then what are their expectations of you? Might be a earning curve? Are they ok with that? Where is the work coming from?

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Just wanted to thank everyone again for their thoughts on this. I had an excellent conversation with a group of the partners and spent three hours getting as much information as possible. In the end I am very comfortable making the decision to join them. Here's to a new adventure!

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