How to Know When It’s Time to Leave Your Law Firm

Whether you're at a large firm or a boutique practice, it’s normal to have tough weeks—or even tough months. But how do you know when it’s more than just a rough patch? If you’ve been questioning whether your current firm is still the right place for you, here are clear signs it might be time to move on—and what to do about it.

🚩 1. You’re No Longer Growing

If your work feels repetitive, you're not getting meaningful feedback, or you’ve been passed over for stretch assignments, that’s a signal.
Legal careers thrive on learning. If you’re stagnating, you may be limiting your future marketability.

🚩 2. There’s No Clear Path Forward

Are you unsure what advancement looks like at your firm? Are partners vague about your future?
If you don’t see a realistic path to partnership—or an alternative leadership role—you could be wasting your prime development years.

🚩 3. You Dread Mondays (and Tuesdays... and Thursdays)

Everyone has hard days. But if you're constantly drained, disconnected, or dreading your work—even on lighter days—it might not be burnout.
It might be misalignment. With your team. With your work. Or with your firm’s values.

🚩 4. The Culture Feels Off

A toxic environment doesn’t always scream “toxic.” Sometimes it’s subtle:

• Poor communication

• Lack of transparency

• A culture of blame instead of support

• Microaggressions or lack of DEI progress

If you’re exhausted by the people, not the work, trust that instinct.

🚩 5. Your Long-Term Goals Don’t Match the Firm’s Direction

Maybe you want to go in-house. Maybe you care more about litigation strategy than billable hours.
If your firm isn’t aligned with your evolving goals, that’s okay—but don’t ignore that mismatch.

🧭 What to Do Next

You don’t need to quit tomorrow. But it might be time to explore:

• 📄 Updating your resume and LinkedIn

• 🧭 Talking with a legal recruiter (that’s where I come in!)

• 💬 Having honest conversations with mentors you trust

Leaving your firm is a big decision—but staying somewhere that’s not right for you can quietly derail your momentum.

💼 Curious about what else is out there? Let’s talk.
I specialize in helping attorneys make intentional, strategic moves—without burning bridges. Use my contact information below to work with Premier Pursuit to find your next work home!

Martina Ellerbe
Legal Recruiter
PREMIER PURSUIT
Expert Legal Recruitment | Empowering Attorneys. Elevating Legal Teams.
Book an Appointment
201-745-5901
recruiting@premierpursuitllc.com
www.premierpursuitllc.com