Julie Brush Julie Brush

Question: I'm deep in the interview process for a new job, but just received a big raise from my current employer. So I'd like to withdraw my candidacy. How do I do so without burning a bridge?

Answer: There are several factors that can influence a lawyer to enter the job market and pursue his/her next opportunity. One of them…is money. Being paid “too little” can lead a lawyer to believe s/he is undervalued, unappreciated and unheard. These feelings can breed resentment, which starts setting in and escalates until a boiling point is reached. It is at this time, a lawyer makes the decision to explore the market and confirm what his or her value is…or is not.

It sounds like money was a material factor in your desire to pursue other opportunities. And now that that issue has been remedied, your interest in leaving is gone (at least for now). But you are in deep discussions with another employer – presumably one that has spent time and energy pursuing your candidacy. So how do you withdraw without burning a bridge? Does it even matter if you're not going to take the job anyway?