Leaving a Law Firm: How to Give Notice the Right Way

Giving notice is a critical step to making a successful career move, and you owe it to yourself to do it right and ultimately keep bridges intact

You had been contemplating a move for a while; you started interviewing, homed in on a firm or company that you felt was the right fit, and you got an offer. What comes next is the inevitable feeling of elation after achieving this goal and earning a sought-after role. Shortly thereafter, the other reality begins to set in—how and when are you going to put in notice at your current firm?

The first inclination in some cases may be to Jerry Maguire the situation and storm out with a bang. Not a good idea. Or the notion of submitting your notice may conjure feelings of guilt, disloyalty, or dishonesty. While those feelings are normal, they are not going to serve you in the long run. You’ve worked hard for this new opportunity, and you deserve the exciting challenge that lies ahead.

So, do your best to move past the reticence (or any opposite impulse) and instead use your time to figure out with whom, when, and how you are going to share the news of your departure. Because whether or not you realize it, this is a critical step to making a successful career move—and you owe it to yourself to do it right and ultimately keep bridges intact.

Below are a few things to consider when leaving a law position. Keep in mind that this does not constitute legal advice, nor does it address your particular situation. For more precise requirements, reference your state’s bar association and Rules of Professional Conduct or the ABA guidelines to get a grasp on your obligations.

1.       How much notice do you give?

Two weeks, right? This rule of thumb doesn’t necessarily apply to lawyers. For all attorneys, client interests should remain a priority, and there is rarely an acceptable reason to leave them hanging, especially if there is a trial, a deal closing, or an important deadline on the horizon.

If you’re leaving a law firm (especially if you are a partner), you’ll also want to check your signed contracts for any notice requirements. Some agreements require you to give up to six months of notice. Bottom line: use your discretion and any obligations when deciding how much notice to give. This can vary on a case-by-case basis. But as a safeguard, refrain from giving any notice until you have formally accepted your new position and all conditions on your offer have been formally met.

2.       Who do you give notice to?

Although you may feel excited about your new position and upcoming career move, you don’t want the news delivered to your superiors through the grapevine. It needs to come directly from you, and the first person that you should personally deliver the news to should be your immediate supervisor. The operative word here is personally—it should ideally not come in the form of a phone call, voicemail, or email. After you’ve had the conversation, you’ll also want to ask whether there is anybody else that you need to notify.

3.       How do you give notice?

After you’ve personally shared the news of your departure, you should follow up with a formal, written letter of resignation. Friday afternoons are the optimal time for this type of correspondence as this provides ample time over the weekend for key stakeholders to digest the information. Explain your decision to leave in a positive way and maintain a strong focus on the opportunity and moving closer to your goals, as opposed to touching on any negative experiences you’ve encountered while working in your current role.

4.       How do you share the news with colleagues?

After you’ve shared the news with the powers-that-be and submitted your written resignation, you should let your colleagues know you’re leaving. It’s fine to tell your closest coworkers in person, but for everyone else, a short email is acceptable. Just like your formal resignation, keep your email positive and focused on the exciting opportunity ahead.

Refrain from being boastful or using this as a platform to share any negative feelings about your current role or firm. Express any gratitude for the professional companionship and support that you have received from everyone, and wish them good luck moving forward.

5.       What should you avoid when giving notice and leaving a job?

If you want to leave your current role on good terms and avoid burning bridges or committing any actionable offenses, you’ll want to refrain from the following:

●        Soliciting clients too soon, specifically before you’ve given notice

●        Using company resources or time to conduct a job search or complete onboarding documents

●        Taking anything that doesn’t belong to you, especially intellectual property

The most important thing to remember throughout your resignation process is to do everything you can to avoid burning bridges. Even if you’re resentful, angry, or hurt, it’s imperative that you stay positive and refrain from badmouthing anybody. The law community is smaller than one might think, so it’s crucial that you leave on the best terms and under the best circumstances possible. Your career will be better for it.

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