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I think there’s some tact involved with giving notice. I first spoke with my direct boss, the partner that I work with daily. I would’ve talked to him directly, but we live in different countries. I then emailed my resignation to his bosses, the partners that I speak to every once in a while. HR then reached out to me to discuss specifics. With everyone else, depending on how much I value our relationship, I called or texted to let them know my last day. TBH, I think this depends on what you’re leaving for. I’m leaving to finally pursue my dream, and gave 3-week notice because of how busy my team is. Everyone seemed very supportive and happy, although not sure how much of it is true
Last time i left a firm to another firm, i emailed the managing director and the general counsel of the firm in anticipation of contentious departure. It did become contentious as i was locked out of the office within an hour. But i have already taken my belongings. So, i just needed to return firm devices. Before that, i only gave notification to my direct boss/partner. You wouldn’t be surprised if the entire partnership knows your departure within minutes of that notification. So, just notify your boss and expect immediate reaction (positive or negative) from all partners.
When I lateraled I talked to the partners I worked with most closely with, then any other associates I worked with the most. There really wasn’t any hard feelings or bad reasons why I left my last firm so it was to express my appreciation for mentorship and opportunities over the last several years.
Most firms have forms via workday or similar where you simply put in your resignation and it’ll kickstart the HR team for outgoing processes.
1. The partners you directly work with
2. Managing partner, or whoever fills that role
3. HR
4. Everyone else
Congrats. I did this a few weeks ago. I went to the managing partner of our office. Just had a conversation.
Tell managing partner over phone or in person. Then, do the same with partners you work with. Then, email HR and managing partner thanking them for the opportunity and offering to stay on two weeks to transfer files.
A1, hard disagree. A2 is giving excellent advice.
I started with my biggest client. Then managing partner, then other partners.
oC1 I would typically agree but DGC1 indicated it was HIS client. If it was a firm client or another attorney’s client then I would not goto the client first.
Ultimately I think the best advice is to goto the people that matter the most to you relationally and work out from there.