September 2008

Dear Sidebar:

I'm a summer associate at a 15-20 attorney firm that, because of the firm's smaller size, does not always extend offers at the end of the summer. I would like to ask for letters of recommendation in case I have to search for a job somewhere else after graduation (I'm a 3L), but I'm not sure of the proper etiquette. I've received great reviews of my work, so I'm almost certain that the attorneys wouldn't mind. I just don't know how to go about asking.

—Reluctant Recommendation Requester

Dear Reluctant:

Unless there are hidden agendas at work, the best way to request a letter of recommendation is simply to ask for it in a direct and honest manner. If we are reading between the lines accurately, you are concerned that the request may hurt your chance of getting an offer from your current employer. At the same time, you want to hedge your bets and get involved in the job hunt promptly, just in case you ultimately do not receive an offer from them.

Given the good work you’ve done and the relationships you formed with the lawyers at your firm, it would be odd for your current employers to respond negatively to a straightforward request for recommendation letters. They probably already know your predicament and may have already discussed your need to move on if they can’t make you an offer. In that scenario, the recommendation letters are there for the asking.

Preface your request by expressing your preference to remain with the firm if a position is available for you, but explain your need to protect yourself. A good lawyer plans for the best- and worst-case scenarios, and that is all you would be doing here. Making the request also could have helpful side effects. The prospect of losing you to another firm may prompt your firm to make a decision sooner than expected.

You really have nothing to lose in making the request, and in doing so sooner rather than later. If your request prompts an adverse reaction, that should tell you that you probably weren’t going to get either a job offer or a recommendation to others, and that those probably aren’t the kind of people you want to be working with in any event.

Good luck.

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