Deciding to leave your law firm is rarely a simple decision. Whether you’re making a lateral move, going in-house, launching a solo practice, or stepping away from law altogether, how you exit matters. From protecting your reputation to navigating ethical obligations, there are practical and professional considerations that can significantly impact your next chapter. A well-planned departure helps preserve relationships, ensures compliance with firm policies, and sets you up for long-term success.
How you leave a law firm can have a lasting impact on your reputation. From timing your notice to managing client transitions, professionalism is key. Review your employment agreement for any notice or non-solicitation clauses and prepare your exit with discretion. Whether you’re taking clients or moving on quietly, a thoughtful plan helps you leave on good terms and avoid unnecessary conflict.
Decide When You’re Leaving and Why
Before you start drafting a resignation letter or scheduling exit meetings, take time to clarify both your timing and your reasons for leaving. Are you making a lateral move to expand your practice? Seeking better work-life balance? Leaving a toxic culture? Understanding your motivations will help guide your next steps and ensure your decision is intentional, not reactionary.
If you’re still weighing options, consider speaking with a recruiter or trusted advisor who can help you evaluate your goals. Timing also matters. Leaving during a lull may allow for a smoother transition, while leaving in the middle of a major deal or trial may create unnecessary tension. A thoughtful decision about when and why you’re leaving can help you control the narrative and exit with professionalism.
You May Have Contractual or Ethical Obligations
Before giving notice, review your employment agreement, partnership documents, or any prior written policies you’ve sif2gned. Many firms include provisions related to non-solicitation, confidentiality, notice periods, and client communication. Violating those terms, whether intentionally or not, can result in reputational damage or even legal action.
Beyond contractual issues, attorneys must also adhere to ethical obligations outlined by their state bar. For example, rules around client notification, file transfer, and conflicts of interest can vary, and missteps can create professional liability. If you’re unsure of the boundaries, consult your jurisdiction’s rules of professional conduct or seek guidance from an outside advisor. The more informed you are about your obligations, the more confidently and cleanly you can make your transition.
Try to Avoid Leaving at the Worst Possible Time
While there’s rarely a perfect moment to leave a law firm, some timing is clearly better than others. If you’re mid-trial, leading a major transaction, or responsible for a key client relationship, an abrupt departure can burn bridges. Wherever possible, avoid exiting during critical phases of a case or right before deadlines that depend on your work. Not only does poor timing frustrate your colleagues, but it may also affect your reputation and future references.
If you anticipate conflicts with your departure, consider discussing a longer transition period or helping identify coverage before you leave. Firms will often remember how you exited more vividly than when you arrived, so aim to leave your team positioned for success, not scrambling to recover.
Notice Periods and Immediate Departures
In most legal settings, two weeks’ notice remains the professional standard, giving the firm time to reassign cases, notify clients, and manage internal logistics. Senior attorneys or those managing high-stakes matters may choose to offer more time or collaborate on a transition plan tailored to the firm’s needs.
However, not all firms handle departures the same way. Particularly in competitive practice areas or when you are joining a rival firm, leadership may decide to end your tenure immediately, cutting off access to systems, clients, or offices to protect sensitive information. This is not always personal, it is often standard policy.
Because immediate departures are a real possibility, prepare before giving notice. Have your files organized, personal belongings removed, and your professional contacts (within ethical bounds) backed up. This way, whether you stay for two weeks or leave the same day, you can exit cleanly, preserve your reputation, and minimize stress during the transition.
Plan Your Announcement
Announcing your departure deserves the same care you bring to client communications or courtroom arguments. Start by informing firm leadership directly, ideally in a private meeting with your managing partner or supervisor. Be brief, respectful, and prepared to explain your decision without going into unnecessary detail. Once leadership is informed, follow the firm’s internal process for broader announcements.
In some cases, the firm may ask to control the messaging to clients and colleagues. Regardless, avoid venting or sharing your plans informally before making an official announcement. Word travels quickly in legal circles, and how you communicate your departure can shape your reputation well beyond your current firm. A clear, respectful message goes a long way in keeping relationships intact.
You Need to Review Your Book of Business
If you’ve built a client base or cultivated ongoing matters, you’ll need to take stock before leaving. This includes identifying which clients you’ve originated, where conflicts may exist, and how your departure could affect client relationships. Depending on your firm’s policies and your role, you may or may not have a clear claim to those clients once you leave. Transparency and ethics are key. Review fee arrangements, ongoing case timelines, and communications history.
You should also assess which clients may follow you and which are likely to remain with the firm. If you plan to take clients with you, be sure to understand the professional conduct rules that govern solicitation, notice, and client autonomy. A clear, documented understanding of your book of business will help you transition cleanly and protect your reputation on both sides.
Review When You Can Notify Clients of Your Departure
In most jurisdictions, clients have the right to choose their counsel. However, you cannot notify clients of your departure before informing your firm. In fact, doing so may violate your ethical duties and create liability risks. Once your firm is informed and you’ve reviewed your employment agreement and applicable bar rules, you can begin the notification process.
Some firms may require joint notices to clients, while others allow individual outreach. Timing and language matter. Your message should clearly state that you are leaving, identify your new firm (if applicable), and give the client a choice to stay with the firm, follow you, or seek alternative representation. Make sure to document these communications and follow any applicable recordkeeping requirements. By handling client notice properly, you reduce the risk of disputes and demonstrate continued professionalism.
Preparing for What’s Next
Leaving your law firm is more than just a career move; it’s a professional transition that requires planning, discretion, and the right support. Whether you’re exploring a lateral opportunity, going in-house, or simply ready for a change, taking the right steps now can set you up for long-term success.
Momentum Search Partners has helped hundreds of attorneys navigate their next chapter with confidence. Our team understands the nuances of law firm departures and can guide you through the process with discretion and insight.
If you’re considering a move, contact Momentum Search Partners to explore your options and take the next step in your legal career.