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keting results, unrealistic expecta- tions, and others. Then, reflect on this list and ask yourself if these things can be fixed.
Can This Relationship Be Saved? As you review your list of frustrations, determine if there is any action you or others could take to fix the problems. What would it take for you to change your mind and want to stay at the firm? If you feel comfortable, talk to someone at your firm who is in a position to lis- ten to your concerns, and take ac- tion on your behalf.
Focus on Your Clients. While you are going through the process above, don’t let it distract you away from providing exceptional service and the highest quality of work to your clients. If you do decide to leave in the future, it’s likely the majority of your clients will follow you.
Don’t Jump Too Quickly. Many times, frustrations can seem in- surmountable – “This firm isn’t going to change, therefore I need to leave.” Leaving is a big decision; one you want complete control over. Regardless of what you’re going through, it’s important not to just react to the situation you are facing. Rather, be proactive about determining if this is your forever firm, or not.
Talk to Your Trusted Advisers. We all have people in our lives we trust and rely on to tell it like it is. Talk to your inner circle of confi- dants and share your frustrations with them, as well as solutions you have developed. Get their opinion and be open to their ideas. They will be your advocates and will give you candid, honest feedback about your situation. Take their thoughts to heart and incorporate
their suggestions into your stay/go decision.
Consider a Career Counselor.
What if you simply don’t want to be a lawyer in private practice any- more? There are SO many posi- tions in the marketplace that value your law degree. The key is allow- ing yourself to consider other ca- reers beyond the practice of law. A trained career counselor can help you on this path.
What are your Strengths? It’s a good time to do some self-re- flection. Find out what your per- sonality preferences say by tak- ing an online (free) version of the Meyers Briggs-Type Indicator at www.16personalities.com. You can then purchase a book called, “Do What You Are” by Paul D. Tieger, which will show you what others with your personality pref- erences are doing in their careers.
If after careful deliberation you decide leaving your firm is the right move, consider the following ideas as you prepare to leave.
STEP 2:
TAKING THE PLUNGE
Review Your Employment Contract or Partnership Agree- ment. Read the fine print of your employment agreement. Talk to a plaintiff ’s employment lawyer about how best to end your rela- tionship with your law firm.
Pull Your Billing and Revenue History Together. The first thing a prospective law firm is going to ask about is your annual billings, fees received, and accounts receiv- able. Get your finances in order by creating a summary of your fee re- ceipts for the past three years. Any firm will want three to five years of
“proof ” of your annual billings and collections.
How Do You Want to Practice?
Do you want to move to a simi- lar-sized firm, a boutique firm, a small firm, a large mega-firm, go in-house with a client, move into a government position? It’s impor- tant to know what type of practice will better meet your career re- quirements and put all your effort into landing the type of position you want.
Beef Up Your Marketing Tools. Now is the time to make sure your website biography is up to date and includes recent presentations, awards, articles written, volunteer commitments, pro bono work, blog posts you have written, and any other information that shows the type of lawyer you are.
Update Your LinkedIn Profile and Engage. You own your per- sonal LinkedIn profile. As you beef up your website biography, also make changes and updates to your LinkedIn profile. Prospec- tive employers will look at both.
NEVER BURN BRIDGES
The legal industry is a relation- ship business, and the legal com- munity is generally a pretty tight- ly knit group. Remember, lawyers talk about other lawyers. Your reputation is the most important asset you have. Regardless of per- sonality differences you may have with certain lawyers, don’t burn any bridges. Don’t disparage your current firm or any of its attor- neys. Take the high road if you choose to move on, because to- day’s nemesis could become your ally.
TERRIE S. WHEELER, MBC, IS PRESIDENT OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES MARKETING LLC, WWW.PSM-MARKETING.COM, A 35-PERSON FIRM THAT DOES BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COACHING FOR ATTORNEYS. REACH OUT TO TERRIE AT TERRIE@ PSM-MARKETING.COM.
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