When Your Work Provider Leaves for Another Firm

When your primary work provider departs and leaves you behind, it could have career-changing implications for you, or it could end up meaning very little.


Where will your work come from now?

Chances are, when your work provider left, she took her business with her.  If you want to stay at your firm without her, you must ask yourself where your work will come from.  Do you have excellent relationships with other partners in the firm who have work to give you?  Are those partners fully staffed for associates or could they perhaps use your help?  Approach those partners, and speak to them frankly.  They know that your work provider is gone, and they may be expecting your call.  They are probably wondering whether you will a) stick around; b) follow your work provider to her new firm; or c) go to another firm.  If you plan to stay at your current firm, tell them.  If they don’t have the work, hopefully they will tell you honestly, and, if there is not enough work to fill your plate, you can start to look around at other firms before you are laid off.  Whatever you do, don’t sit on your hands.

Why did your work provider not bring you with her when she left?

If you decide to go to another firm because your work provider did not bring you with her to her new firm, you are going to have to explain why she didn’t.  Do you know why?  If not, take your former work provider to lunch and ask her.  It could be that the firm already has associates to help her, and did not allow her to bring you.  It could be that she brought more senior associates, but not you, because you are simply too junior.  It could be that she plans to bring you, but later (in which case, you need to ask yourself whether you want to go).  You need to find out her reasons, so that you can explain to potential employers why she didn’t bring you, because I can guarantee it will be the first question they ask.  Also, you need to secure an excellent reference from her if she tells you that she can’t bring you.  Even if the reason is that you underperformed, or for some reason she was not happy with your performance, you can probably still secure an excellent reference.  Partners tend to be hesitant to give negative references, and if you ask her to her face, it is harder for her to say no.

How do you move to another firm?

If you decide at this point to move to another firm, it is probably because a) there is no work for you at your current firm, and b) your work provider can’t or won’t take you with her to the new firm.  These things will not necessarily reflect poorly on you, but you must absolutely be prepared to explain both of them.  Why is there no work for you at your current firm?  You must allay any fears that the remaining partners simply don’t like your work and don’t trust you.  Again, securing excellent references from partners you have worked for will help to dispel any suspicion.  Similarly, you must explain why your work provider didn’t bring you.  There are many perfectly acceptable reasons why she didn’t, and if you can offer a positive reference from her, the better off you will be.

Remember the Golden Rule of Interviewing.

On a final note, remember that if you go on the market for another job, you must never, ever appear bitter or angry about what happened to you.  Your work provider left and there was no work for you from the remaining partners.  Perhaps you were laid off.  No matter what happened, it reflects best on you to always speak positively about your former firm and your former work provider.  Don’t let any negativity creep into the interview process.
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.