I got the new job I wanted, but how do I give notice?

Candidates look for new jobs for an assortment of reasons and sometimes the reason may be that they really dislike their current firm, sometimes it has nothing to do with that and they truly love their current employer. In either case, even the people who claim to be miserable at their current firm seem to get nervous when the time comes to give notice! Here are some general guidelines, though your recruiter can help you walk through your specific case since these details can change from firm to firm:

1. Do not give notice until your conflicts have cleared at your new job. That means waiting until after you’ve accepted the offer, sometimes several weeks, so don’t get ahead of yourself. If there is a snag with conflicts, which is rare but does happen, you will not want to have put your current job in jeopardy!


2. After conflicts clear, it is time to give notice. You should always offer two weeks of notice to transition your work and not burn any bridges. Some firms won’t have you stay that long, but that is what you should plan on. Your new employer will be expecting that, so don’t feel pressured to offer less.


3. The first person you speak with at your current job should be the head of your department. You should bring a brief letter of resignation to their office and thank them for the experience you’ve gotten while nicely saying that you will be leaving.


4. After informing the head of your department, word will likely spread fast. It is best for you to tell as many people as possible on your own, so I’d recommend stopping by the offices of partners you do a significant amount of work for first and then speak to other attorneys in your department. Remember, your new job may call these people as references just as a final precaution, so be sure to leave on the best terms possible.


5. When you have told most of the people you work closely with, you should make a call to your HR contact and let him/her know as well. You can email your letter of resignation to that person after your phone call for their records.





 
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For specific ideas on what you can say and what your letter should look like, ask your recruiter for sample letters and wording. They can do a run through with you on your resignation speech as well. But first and foremost, make sure you have the process down! I hate to hear that a candidate put their own job in jeopardy or burned bridges at a firm because they didn’t know proper protocol.


Now that you know how to leave a job, it’s time to find a new one!

About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.