Lateral Interviews

Many firms will want to call references at your current firm. If you are concerned about having a job while interviewing, you should ask your interviewers to call your references after you receive and accept an offer. Just be aware that many government employers, as well as some firms and in-house employers, will insist on calling references before making you an offer. Ask if they would be willing to rely on former colleagues who left your current firm. Think about this in advance and have a list of references ready for this occasion. It may also be worth mentioning all the good feedback you have received from your current employer, which indicates you are well-liked and may help you get out of having to provide references.

Your references will usually have no impact on whether you receive an offer, and they will almost never be used to rescind an offer unless something has gone terribly wrong at your current job. But be aware that legal employers check references very carefully when you apply for a lateral position. Never make misrepresentations, and make sure your story is consistent with what you expect your references to say.