If you’ve decided to resign from your position as an attorney, it’s important to leave on a professional and courteous note. Writing a resignation letter is a formal way to announce your departure and maintain a positive relationship with your employer. In this article, we will guide you on how to write an attorney resignation letter, providing helpful tips and sample letters for different scenarios.
What To Include in an Attorney Resignation Letter
When crafting your resignation letter as an attorney, it’s essential to include the following key elements:
- Greeting: Begin your letter with a formal salutation, such as “Dear [Supervisor’s Name].”
- Date: Clearly state the date when you are writing the letter.
- Statement of Intent: Clearly state your intent to resign from your position as an attorney.
- Effective Date of Resignation: Specify the date on which your resignation will be effective. This will help your employer plan for your departure.
- Gratitude: Express your appreciation for the opportunities and experiences you’ve had with the company. This will show your professionalism and maintain a positive relationship.
- Transition Plan: Offer assistance in transitioning your responsibilities to your successor. This will help ensure a smooth handover and maintain a professional and cooperative atmosphere.
- Contact Information: Provide your new contact information so your employer can reach you after you leave the company.
- Closing: Use a formal closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name and signature.
What Not to Include in Your Attorney Resignation Letter
While it’s important to be professional, there are certain things you should avoid including in your attorney resignation letter:
- Negative Feedback: Avoid expressing negative feedback or criticism towards the company, colleagues, or management. Maintain a positive tone throughout the letter.
- Personal Reasons: You don’t need to elaborate on personal reasons for leaving. Stick to a professional tone and focus on your career advancement or new opportunities.
- Excessive Detail: Keep your resignation letter concise and to the point. Avoid providing unnecessary information or lengthy explanations.
- Emotionally Charged Language: Use neutral and professional language in your letter. Avoid using emotionally charged words or phrases.
- Unprofessional Language: Stay away from using unprofessional language or making threats. Maintain a respectful and courteous tone throughout the letter.
How To Format an Attorney Resignation Letter
Formatting is crucial when writing an attorney resignation letter to ensure it appears professional. Here’s how to format your letter:
1.Use Business Letter Format: Start with your address, followed by the date, the recipient’s address, and a formal salutation.
2.Keep It Concise: Resignation letters should be clear, concise, and no longer than one page.
3.Use a Professional Font: Choose a legible and professional font such as Arial or Times New Roman, and use a font size between 10 and 12 points.
4.Provide Your Contact Information: Include your personal contact information, such as your email address and phone number, below your name and signature.
5.Proofread Before Sending: Double-check your letter for any grammatical errors or typos before sending it. Consider having someone else review it as well.
Attorney Resignation Letter Samples
To help you craft your own resignation letter as an attorney, we provide two sample letters – one for a printed resignation letter and another for an email resignation letter.
Printed Resignation Letter Sample
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Supervisor’s Name]
[Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am writing to formally announce my resignation from my position as an attorney at [Company Name], effective [Effective Date of Resignation]. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the company and appreciate the opportunities I have been given to grow both professionally and personally.
I am grateful for the guidance and support I have received from you and the entire legal team throughout my tenure here. The knowledge and experience gained will undoubtedly play a significant role in my continued growth as an attorney.
To ensure a smooth transition, I will be more than willing to assist in handing over my ongoing cases and providing any necessary support to my successor. Please let me know how I can best facilitate this process.
I would like to extend my gratitude to all the amazing colleagues I have had the privilege of working with. The collaborative and supportive work environment at [Company Name] has truly been inspiring.
As I embark on the next chapter of my career, I will certainly cherish the memories and experiences gained during my time at [Company Name]. I would appreciate any advice or guidance you may have as I move forward.
Thank you again for everything. I have copy-signed this letter and will provide a hard copy as well. Please feel free to reach out to me at [Your New Contact Information] or via email at [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Email Resignation Letter Example
Subject: Resignation – [Your Name]
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I trust this email finds you well. I am writing to inform you of my decision to resign from my position as an attorney at [Company Name], effective [Effective Date of Resignation].
I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunities and experiences that have come my way during my time at [Company Name]. I am truly thankful for the support and guidance I have received from you and the entire legal team.
In order to ensure a smooth transition, I am more than willing to assist in transferring ongoing cases and providing any necessary support to my successor. Please let me know how I can best facilitate this process.
It has been a pleasure working alongside such amazing colleagues at [Company Name]. The collaborative and supportive work environment has contributed immensely to my professional growth.
As I begin a new chapter in my legal career, I would appreciate any advice or guidance you may have. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at [Your New Contact Information] or via email at [Your Email Address].
Thank you for your understanding and support. I look forward to keeping in touch.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Key Takeaways
- When writing an attorney resignation letter, include a greeting, statement of intent, effective date of resignation, expressions of gratitude, offer to assist in the transition, contact information, and a formal closing.
- Avoid negative feedback, personal reasons, excessive detail, emotionally charged language, and unprofessional language in your resignation letter.
- Format your attorney resignation letter using a business letter format, a professional font, and proofread before sending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I resign from my position as an attorney through email?
Yes, resigning via email is an acceptable method. Ensure your email resignation follows a professional tone and includes all the necessary elements, such as a statement of intent, effective date of resignation, and expressions of gratitude.
How much notice should I give when resigning as an attorney?
Typically, attorneys give two weeks’ notice when resigning. However, refer to your employment contract or company policies to determine the appropriate notice period.
Should I discuss my new job offer in my attorney resignation letter?
It is not necessary to discuss your new job offer in your resignation letter. Stick to a professional tone and focus on expressing gratitude and offering assistance in the transition.
Is it necessary to provide reasons for resigning in my attorney resignation letter?
No, it is not necessary to provide detailed reasons for resigning in your resignation letter. Keep the letter concise and professional, focusing on your intent to resign and expressing gratitude for the opportunities.
Can I use the attorney resignation letter samples as a starting point and customize them to fit my situation?
Absolutely! The provided resignation letter samples are meant to serve as helpful templates. Feel free to modify and personalize them according to your circumstances, ensuring the letter reflects your unique situation and sentiments.
Conclusion
Writing an attorney resignation letter is an important step to leave your position on a professional and courteous note. By following the guidelines and using the sample letters provided, you can effectively communicate your resignation while maintaining a positive relationship with your employer. Remember to be professional, express gratitude, offer assistance in the transition, and provide your contact information.
