Career Center Tip of the Day: Evaluating the Counteroffer -- Should You Stay or Should You Go? (Part 1)

The current installment of the Career Center “Tip of the Day” series focuses on helping associates evaluate the counteroffer. Since most law firms have trimmed the “fat” and reduced the number of attorneys on their payrolls, associates have been working harder and billing record hours. It is not surprising that many associates will be searching for jobs at new firms — and some will be fortunate enough to secure new positions. For the first time since the recession began, firms may actually be disappointed when one of their associates gets hired at another law firm, and are more likely to present these associates with tempting counteroffers.

We all know the studies and employment reports: it costs a firm more to hire new employees than to retain current employees. This fact is especially true for firms operating with fewer associates and an increased amount of work projected in 2011. It is important to be prepared and know how to react when presented with a counteroffer.

These tips will assist you in case you are ever put in the unenviable (or maybe enviable?) position of dealing with a counteroffer from your current firm. Now, on to the first tip….

Reassess your experience at your current firm and look at the main reasons why you decided to look for a new job. Some of the issues or concerns might be the following: work load; quality of work provided; personal growth/partnership potential; firm/practice viability; firm dynamics; co-workers/partners you work with; benefits; salary/bonuses; etc.

Also, don’t forget to review the intangible reasons: Do you feel appreciated at work? Is your work at the firm fulfilling? Are you satisfied with the work-life balance at your current firm?

By reviewing the reasons that instigated your job search, you will then be in a position to analyze all of the negative features of your current firm. Now ask yourself: Does the counteroffer address all of those issues?

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If you don’t mesh well with your current firm’s culture, it is highly doubtful that the counteroffer will change that. Maybe you are a lone wolf who prefers working at a firm that fosters individuality and personal achievements. Or maybe you are a team player who thrives in a team-oriented environment that rewards firm or group performance.

Either way, you will be kidding yourself if you think the firm will change its culture to retain you. Odds are, there are multiple reasons why you are unhappy at your current firm. By considering all of these reasons in its totality, you won’t be blinded by the dollar figures or other perks of a counteroffer.

If you have questions about seeking new employment opportunities, or would like a professional recruiter to assist you in your job search, contact any of the experienced recruiters at Lateral Link.

ATL Career Center

Earlier: Prior Career Center posts

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