Q’s for hiring partners and recruiters - you know that most associates quit their managing attorneys and not the firm/case. I’m in that boat. What do I say to a prospective employer about the situation of why I want to jump ship?

Very brief background - I’m a senior associate who has been on one complex commercial litigation case for over a year. Over time, the relationships between attorneys on the case have deteriorated to the point that it is affecting my productivity/work. I want out.

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Say that you are looking for a different experience, practice, firm size, or whatever. Do not dump on your firm or supervisor or whatever you say will bounce off the intended target and hit you in the face.

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Figure out a positive way to articulate your interest in the job you’re interviewing for and focus on what attracts you to that job rather than what’s driving you away from your current job. There’s no way to say “I hate my now” in a way that will come across well for you.

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I left my old job because I essentially hated everyone who managed me. In my interview (with the job I have now and that I really enjoy) I told them that I liked all the people at my old place, thought they were very competent, but I was looking to expand my opportunities and I felt a little stuck and didn’t feel that I was getting those opportunities, while the new place had XYZ qualities that the old place lacked. That was a graceful way (to me, at least), not to trash the actual people while making it clear that the old workplace was not a good fit for me. Hope that helps!

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That was the other thing too—you just never know who knows who. I didn’t want to go around trashing people who (1) might be able to help me in some capacity down the road and (2) this world is small and someone might know someone who knows that person or place that you trashed. So I just wanted to make sure to be careful

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Thank you so much. So helpful.

Not a hiring partner but I have always been honest in interviews about why I want to leave and I have always gotten an offer. Most attorneys have been there and get it.

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Good to hear and good work :). Thank you.

Agree. It’s a red flag when you trash your former firm/colleagues. There are many people who never accept their part in a bad situation- it’s always 100% others’ fault. When I hear someone trash former colleagues, I think “this person projects their shortcomings on everyone else. Ding.” So much better to talk about the positives you are looking for.

Thank you!

I think there are ways to say it without saying it. I’ve interviewed candidates and I can’t help feeling a little off about someone if they dump on their current employer. That said, if you keep it short and to the point, rather than going on and on about all the reasons why it isn’t working, it can be a small bump in the interview and not a focal point. I doubt there are many employers who would turn you down just because you admitted you don’t like your current employer.

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