I'm an attorney in a big law firm and just found out I'm not making partner this year. I lateral'ed to this firm 3 years ago and knew that would delay partnership by 1 year. Hard to swallow at the time b/c I was definitely on track at previous firm. But, moved to a new state to follow hubby's career, so what could I do? I waited patiently past that year (so already a year behind) to now find out that I'm not even being put up for partner this year. Of course, they said nothing about the maternity leave I just took (four months, have been back busting my rear for 2 months). They told me a little over a year ago that I would be up for partner. Of course, that was before I announced the baby growing in my belly. I'm really urked b/c I know I'm talented and do great work.
Re: Not making partner
DD -- 5YO
DS -- 3YO
I'm sorry--you have my deepest empathy. I would certainly be angry and disappointed, were I in your shoes.
What's the outlook for next year? You haven't been taken off the partnership track, have you? I hope not (unless that's what you want).
Hugs!
I would be mad too. Did they lay out what kinds of goals you should be meeting in order to make partner (other than being with the firm x number of years)? I am not in law, but in order for me to get promoted, they are pretty specific about the level of work I need to be doing to move up.
Also-- do they know you are mad/disappointed? One year, I requested a raise and didn't get it-- I had just changed managers, and I don't think he felt like he could give me a raise right away. Anyway, that year I got a bonus and a BIG raise the following year. I don't think any of that would have happened without my previously denied requests.
I'm a lawyer in a big firm, too, and even when they say it's not the economy now, they are using it to make decisions like this all the time. So many of my friends have heard the same line from their firms: "These are challenging times, but the firm's doing great! Oh, by the way, no one's making partner and salaries are frozen!"
I am sorry this has happened. It sucks. I would probably try to re-group and see what happens next year, unless you think they're lying to you or have other reasons to want to find a new job now.
That stinks. I'm sorry it happened. Are others being considered for partner this year? If you feel like you're being "mommy tracked" it may be time for a move. A lot of firms say they're family friendly but in reality, they're just not.