Transitioning In-House - References

[BuckDancer]

Hello everyone,

I am considering a transition to an in-house counsel role. All of my professional experience is at the same firm. My firm has no idea that I am considering leaving.

My question is, should I expect to be asked for references for in-house counsel roles? If so, does anyone have any recommendations on how to navigate this considering my only valuable professional reference is essentially a non-starter?

Given that my sole professional hiring experience is the 2L recruit, I am feeling very naive about this process. 

Thanks in advance. 

[canuckfanatic]

In my experience, the company you’re interviewing with should not expect you to get a reference from your current employer. Since you don’t have a prior legal employer, they should understand if you tell them that you don’t have any relevant/recent references. I wouldn’t stress about it too much.

How long ago did you graduate? If you really need a reference, a law prof might work.

[easttowest]

You may be asked. Consider your network. Maybe a senior associate you worked well with who left the firm?