Is asking firm partner for help in a job hunt a wise move?

Most law firms avoid posting jobs on Indeed or LinkedIn due to high costs. Instead, they publish them on their own websites, bar association pages, and niche legal boards. LawCrossing finds these hidden jobs, giving you access to exclusive opportunities. Sign up now!

published June 16, 2012

By Maria Laus, Author - LawCrossing

Question:

I am planning to look for a job here in Dallas. My partner is somewhat aware that I've been unhappy with my hours. I think he would help me find another position since he has so many connections here in town and is generally a nice guy. Should I let him know I am looking for a new position and see if he will help me?

S.J. Dallas, TX

Answer:

I wish I could be optimistic and encourage you here, but the answer is categorically “no.” I can't tell you how many times I've seen this backfire, even when the partner does try to help the associate. My golden rule is: You should never, ever tell your firm you are looking. You should be as careful during a job search as possible. Until your conflicts are cleared at your new firm, your old firm shouldn't know anything about your search.

Let's examine a few scenarios I have encountered:

You ask your partner to help you but he does so ineffectively

Several times, I have encountered associates who have asked their partners for their assistance in helping them find another job, either as an active assistant in the search or as a reference. What can happen is that time may go on and the associate doesn't find a job after several months. Then her hours dwindle because the partner worries she may ditch him on a project and leave. She then gets a bad review and gets laid off several months later.

Your partner asks you if you are looking for a new position and you confirm that you are

It feels unethical to lie especially when directly confronted about interviewing. However, I recently worked with a finance candidate who missed work once a week for three weeks (he was interviewing in New York). When the firm asked him if the absences were for interviews, he said yes, and was let go on the spot. He felt it wrong to lie, but unfortunately he paid the price and had six months with no salary and a family to support before he found a position.

You are not careful with your conversations, emails, and voicemails

It's important to be just as careful with office staff and other associates when conducting a job search. Your job search should not be shared with your coworkers. I recently worked with an associate whose secretaries gossiped that he was interviewing (discovered via a voicemail that she had access to) and the firm happened to let him go two weeks later for a trumped up reason. Another candidate asked an associate their opinion on a firm where they were interviewing and the news got back to a partner.

Further, you should NOT use your work email to conduct a search. Always use a personal email address. Also, it's best to use your cell number, not an office line.

Gain an advantage in your legal job search. LawCrossing uncovers hidden positions that firms post on their own websites and industry-specific job boards—jobs that never appear on Indeed or LinkedIn. Don't miss out. Sign up now!