Career Clinic: I want to make my secondment permanent

Not uncommon

Notwithstanding the non-poaching clauses which are usually contained in secondment agreements, it's not unusual for discussions to be had at the end of a successful secondment about a secondee staying on. If your seconding bank thinks you're up to it (and up for it - and you'll need to ensure that this is indeed seen to be the case), then they'll sound you out about it fairly discreetly. You will, however, need to make the first move and indicate to your secondor manager that you would be interested in staying on (if they've got the budget, like you, etc etc). Don't forget though that banks enjoy taking on secondees from City firms free of cost; they use it as part of the quid pro quo for empanelling a firm. In these cost-sensitive times, your bank may not be able to afford you.

City Woman -22 Feb 2010 | 14:51

Quid pro quo - perhaps you were seconded with the view that you would jump ship...

ANON -22 Feb 2010 | 17:22

I agree with City Woman. It's very common and firms see it as a means in keeping clients happy/solidify the relationship.

Although the bank may not have the funds to take on staff now, it could mean setting the foundation for the future... worth making some enquiries...

Anonymous -22 Feb 2010 | 23:00

In my experience it's always best for the client to ask for you to stay than for you to ask them. This is just in case the client doesn't feel the same about you and they will tell your employers.

Anonymous -24 Feb 2010 | 15:50

Go for it

Just ask your in-house manager for a coffee and advice about when the right time is go to in-house, what experience GCs look for in associates, what long term in-house life is like etc. That way, he/she can sound you out for a job if they like you, but if they don't or don't have a job to give, they can just give you some generic advice, then no embarassment on either side. I'm a head of legal and I certainly wouldn't run off to the seconding law firm to tell them that the secondee was thinking of leaving, and would like to think that most other GCs wouldn't either!

headoflegal -25 Feb 2010 | 11:14

I had a secondee at my firm who was really good. When it got near to the end of her secondment, I started looking for a replacement. When she heard, she felt bad that I had not asked her before placing the add. Obviously once I knew she was interested in moving in-house, I hired her. So... do not assume that someone will know that you are desiring a move in-house (especially as the financial remuneration in-house will not typically be as high as in private practice).

Anonymous -23 Mar 2010 | 10:54

It may be worth having a chat about this with the client. If they aren't interested, they will certainly let you know, and you won't lose any respect.

If they are interested, they can then let your firm know and you probably won't lose any goodwill there either.

Anonymous -23 Mar 2010 | 10:55