#136: When Your BigLaw Firm Wants You to Move On - But Hasn't Yet Said When

What happens when you're told, often indirectly, that your future is no longer with the firm while receiving little clarity about when you are actually expected to leave. A practice group leader may encourage you to explore opportunities, a managing partner may suggest thinking about your next chapter, or attorney development may offer to help with a transition. The language can sound supportive, and there may be no immediate deadline, but by the time these conversations are happening, the decision about your long-term future at the firm has often already been made. The issue you are now facing is now timing, not whether you are leaving. In this episode, I explain how to act strategically rather than waiting for the firm to define your timeline. I walk through the kinds of questions you need to ask of your firm beyond just about timing; the decisions you should begin making even without a departure date or if that date is flexible; and why your current title, client access, relationships, credibility, and income give you valuable leverage while you are still employed. I also discuss how to evaluate help from partners, coaches, and attorney development without allowing the firm's desire for a successful exit to dictate your next career move. Most importantly, I explain how to protect your reputation, strengthen relationships, explore opportunities, and preserve your options so that ambiguity does not cost you valuable time or force you into a rushed decision. At a Glance 01:20 How to recognize when a BigLaw firm is signaling your exit 02:10 Why your future may be decided without a departure date 03:46 What firms mean when they encourage you to explore the market 04:35 What can affect how much runway you receive 05:03 How to use your leverage while you're still employed 05:31 What to ask about your timeline, compensation, and transition 06:16 Why no deadline doesn't mean unlimited time 06:43 What to consider about compensation and work commitments 07:40 Why you should start networking and preparing now 08:32 How to leave your firm from a position of strength 09:47 Why waiting can turn your transition into a reactive job search 10:23 How your goals differ from the firm's transition goals 11:11 When the firm's transition help can be valuable 12:23 Why someone else's urgency shouldn't drive your career strategy 12:46 The difference between being receptive and being directed 13:48 How ambiguity can cost you time and opportunities 14:35 Why you should act even without a clear timeline 15:00 What you already know despite uncertainty about timing 15:52 The bigger question of what comes next in your career  For Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast here!  For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars. Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting? Here are ways to reach out to her: www.lauraterrell.com  laura@lauraterrell.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/  Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast