Handing counsel out - discuss with seniors on next step?

Hi,

Thanks for sharing this; it’s a difficult moment but also a fairly common situation in MBB firms. I spent about 10 years in MBB and saw this happen many times.

If an associate I had a good personal relationship with (or even a friendship) approached me with this kind of request when I was a Principal, I would typically try my best to help and I would treat the information as strictly confidential. That said, I would only suggest doing this with people you truly trust and have a personal connection with, not simply Project Leaders or Principals you happened to work with on a case.

One point to keep in mind is that once you disclose that you are being counseled out, there is essentially no way back. Speaking honestly, if I knew someone was already in an outplacement situation, even if I wanted to help them, I would probably avoid staffing them on my projects, mainly because I would worry about motivation or continuity.

So my advice would be:

• Speak only with a very small number of trusted seniors
• Treat those conversations as career advice and networking for next steps
• Be mindful that sharing the information changes how people may view staffing decisions

If you’d like to discuss the situation more privately, feel free to reach out.

Best,
Franco

Hi there,

Yes, reach out. But be strategic.

Your concern about it circulating broadly is valid. So be selective. Pick one or two people max... the ones who genuinely liked your work and would go to bat for you. A direct, private conversation asking for their advice and staying connected is both normal and smart. That's not broadcasting. That's networking. A well placed referral from someone at PL or Principal level is genuinely valuable. Don't leave that on the table.

On the "why are you leaving" question: don't lie, but don't volunteer either. "I've learned a lot here and I'm ready for a new challenge" covers most situations. If they ask directly, you tell the truth. But you don't lead with it, and you don't make it the story.

The people who bounce back from counsel out well are the ones who move fast, network hard, and don't let the situation define the narrative. You're already thinking about this the right way.

Read this before you land at your next firm: https://www.preplounge.com/en/blog/consulting/career/tips-for-consultants

For the broader career thinking here: search The Consulting Offer Blueprint on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

A coaching session can also help you think through the exact wording and strategy: https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/coaching-packages-5/31

Good luck, keep moving.

hey there :)

Yes, it can actually make sense to speak with a few trusted seniors you worked well with. In many cases they already have a sense of the situation, and good relationships at MBB often translate into people quietly helping with introductions or referrals. The key is to be selective and speak only with people you truly trust rather than broadcasting it widely. Most seniors handle these conversations discreetly.

If the topic of your departure comes up externally, it’s usually best to frame it neutrally. You can position it as exploring opportunities that are a better fit for your strengths or interests rather than going into internal performance details. This is quite common in consulting and usually not viewed negatively if you handle the narrative calmly and professionally.

Wishing you the best with the next step, and feel free to reach out if you want to talk it through.

best,
Alessa :)

Yes, reach out. But be selective.

Go to seniors you have a real relationship with, not just people you worked with once. They have seen this before and most will handle it with more discretion than you expect.

When you reach out, keep it simple:

• Tell them you are at a transition point and would value their perspective
• You do not need to lead with the counsel-out detail. Let the conversation get there naturally
• If they ask, be honest

On word spreading: the risk is real but smaller than you think, especially with PLs and Principals. Just use your judgment on who actually has your back.

On what to say before you have landed something:

• "I am exploring what is next" is enough for most situations
• If pushed, "it was a mutual decision" is honest and professional

On the referral ask: ask for advice first. Let the referral come up naturally. Leading with the ask feels transactional.

Move quickly. Momentum matters here.

This is a really tough spot to be in, and your instinct to seek advice from trusted seniors is a good one. You absolutely should reach out to those specific Project Leaders or Principals you have a strong connection with. It's fair to worry about information circulating, but at that level, most understand discretion and the reality of how careers evolve inside the firm. The value of their advice and potential referrals far outweighs the minimal risk of a breach of confidence.

These seniors have often seen similar situations, understand the internal mechanics, and are best positioned to offer genuine career advice and, critically, referrals to their external networks. Many will be genuinely invested in helping you land softly. Frame your ask around seeking their advice on your long-term career direction, mentioning you're exploring options outside of the firm, rather than explicitly stating "I'm being counselled out" upfront. Lead with proactively managing your career, and they'll likely connect the dots themselves.

When you're asked about leaving, especially before you've secured a new role, you'll want to frame it strategically and positively. Something like, "I've had a valuable experience at [Firm Name], but through it, I've identified a clear interest in [specific industry/role type] where I believe my strengths in [specific skill] would be a better long-term fit, and I'm actively exploring opportunities in that space." This frames it as a strategic, growth-oriented move on your part, rather than a reaction to an internal situation. Never speak negatively about the firm.

Navigating this can be stressful, but leveraging your network is key. All the best.

Sorry to hear about this situation. 

Indeed, if you feel it would be helpful to discuss with others and seek their advice, then definitely do it. Start with those who are closest to you and whom you trust the most. 

See how that goes and take it from there.

Best,

Cristian