Folks, what is the market practice for the notice period of associates at corp law firms? I joined a mid-size firm since graduating in 2019, and have a three-month period, but I've seen some people leaving within a month after serving the notice. However, my team has seen quite a few exits in the last 6 months, and the recent quitters were made to serve the entire three months of notice period.

I've started hunting for a new job, but the two-month notice period seems a bit of a hurdle as most recruiters are looking to fill the positions immediately. Also, my retainer only has a one way buyout clause in favour of the firm, so there's no way I can buy it out (as suggested in some other thread here).

Would really love to have some suggestions on how to tackle this problem. I was thinking of putting in the papers and then starting the job hunt, but that seems a bit of a risk right now given how the job market is, and I feel if I'm not able to land a job within three months, I'll lose all leverage at future interviews.

Has anyone left their firm without serving the entire notice period? And can anyone give me an idea as to what consequences I could be facing?

Would really appreciate any and all advice. Thanks in advance!

Terminate for Fundamental Breach. Terminate the Notice Period Clause specifically for fundamental breach. See if all the Associates are enrolled. Even if one is not enrolled (Highly likely), its enough for you to prove fundamental breach as you would be furthering the unauthorised practice of law and they represented to you that they are a firm of advocates. No firm will litigate this if it means admitting that they have unenrolled staff.