A Few Words about Jobs/Careers, Recommendations, etc.

It does seem to be that season where there's a general shuffling going on among lawyers and paralegals, and I am fielding more than the usual requests for recommendations from both sides. This makes it a good time to point out a few of my views about all of the above. I feel like I harp on this in class, but maybe not. Or maybe it's just handy to have in a written form that you can look at when it feels pertinent. These are, on the whole, my opinion, and my opinion only--but I think you'll find that many of them aren't far off the common opinion among professionals.

• You are not entitled to a recommendation from me or anyone else. No. You are not. It is a favor. You should treat it like you are asking a favor, which, in fact, you are. Ask for a reference. Do not demand ("I need a reference!"), do not announce ("I listed you as a reference"). Ask. Respect that person's time, and give him or her two weeks' notice, if possible. And if the person you asked for a reference turns you down, accept the answer graciously. Do not ask why not unless (1) you can do so politely; and (2) you genuinely want the answer and will be able to accept it. 
• It appears to be a trend among employers to send out online questionnaires to people listed as references. I understand that this may catch you off guard as well, and you may not be able to give the suggested two weeks' advance notice. Okay. These don't take nearly as much time as a carefully drafted letter of recommendation, so that's fair. On the other hand, if I happen to be up to my ears when one of those arrives in my email, I may not get to it. That's fair, too. Sorry!
• I am of the firm opinion that you should stick with a job for two years if it is humanly possible unless there is illegal activity involved on the employer's part. (Illegal activity includes sexual harassment; google Uber for examples. Lots of examples. Wow.) If you would like to switch jobs sooner than that, I cannot and will not stop you. Go for it. I wish you well. (And obviously, if you are offered a much better position less than two years in, take it!) On the other hand, I am uncomfortable being listed as a reference for someone who gives the distinct impression that he or she will head for the door at the first twinge of unhappiness. Please do not put me in that position. 
• You are my current or former students, and I adore you. Your would-be employers are my colleagues, and I respect them. I am happy to help you ... up to the point that I feel doing so would be disrespectful to my colleagues. I know how hard attorneys work, and how much a great staff member can help. I also know how much someone with attitude or attendance  issues can undermine an office. I will not knowingly put a fellow attorney in an uncomfortable position. That would be unprofessional on my part, and none of us would benefit if I were to abandon my professional reputation.

Now, get out there and make me proud!