Help! In house lawyer question

[Anonymous]

I'm a long-time biglaw attorney. A job was just posted for one of my clients for an in house counsel position. It sounds perfect for me. My issue is that I don't know what the next step is. Do I apply online through their system? Do I call the client up and say "Hey, is this a position that might be right for me, and can I send you my resume?" Do I contact one of the partners at the firm and let them know that there is an opportunity to go inhouse with a client?

I don't want to jeopardize my firm job, but this seems like a great opportunity. The client knows I do good work, but we do not have the kind of relationship where I call them up frequently.

[Anonymous]

I don't know much about the culture of big law, but if I was a client and looking for an attorney I would think it's a little weird if someone that we work with just submitted an online application with no phone call or contact otherwise. even if you don't just call them up frequently they are familiar with you, correct? so just call them.

can't speak to what ramifications it may have at your firm, or their relationship with your client. no one wants to burn bridges but there's generally a way to go about things that keep everyone feeling respected.

[Anonymous]

I'm a lawyer, I would give your client a call and tell them that you saw the position and that you think you would be a good fit, and you plan to submit an application. Don't say anything to your firm unless you get an offer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a lawyer, I would give your client a call and tell them that you saw the position and that you think you would be a good fit, and you plan to submit an application. Don't say anything to your firm unless you get an offer.

Agree with this PP. I did this for a position I wasn't all that qualified for - reached out to someone at the client's office that I had a good relationship with and told her I was interested in the position. She was super helpful and submitted my application for me. Although I didn't get it (again, it was a stretch qualification wise) it didn't have any negative effect on our relationship. As far as I know the client never told the partners at my firm that I had applied.

[Anonymous]

I'm a partner at a law firm. If you know the client reasonably well, I would recommend reaching out to him/her directly and expressing your interest.

If you let the firm know you're interested and don't get an offer, there may be a perception that your real long term goal is to go in-house. This happened to one of our associates, and I think it hurt her in terms of partnership consideration.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a partner at a law firm. If you know the client reasonably well, I would recommend reaching out to him/her directly and expressing your interest.

If you let the firm know you're interested and don't get an offer, there may be a perception that your real long term goal is to go in-house. This happened to one of our associates, and I think it hurt her in terms of partnership consideration.

Thanks -- I'm already past the partnership consideration stage (I am counsel). But I think you're right that it's best to deal with them directly.

[Anonymous]

OP here -- if my options are voicemail or email, which would you choose?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here -- if my options are voicemail or email, which would you choose?

Maybe voicemail if they don't pick up.

[Anonymous]

Agree with the above. Reach out to client directly. Though if it is a large company you will still have to apply online as a formality to get into their HR system.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a long-time biglaw attorney. A job was just posted for one of my clients for an in house counsel position. It sounds perfect for me. My issue is that I don't know what the next step is. Do I apply online through their system? Do I call the client up and say "Hey, is this a position that might be right for me, and can I send you my resume?" Do I contact one of the partners at the firm and let them know that there is an opportunity to go inhouse with a client?

I don't want to jeopardize my firm job, but this seems like a great opportunity. The client knows I do good work, but we do not have the kind of relationship where I call them up frequently.

Work it through your closest contact at your client. Person to person. Do NOT tell anyone at your firm.