The question.

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I am the business-development liaison for a small practice group. Our practice group leader left and recently invited me to join him in his new firm in a similar role. How should I evaluate this opportunity in these uncertain times?

Eva Wisnik

I recommend conducting your own due-diligence. First, request a job description and ask to meet the marketing team at the new firm, as well as someone on the HR team who can explain the firm's benefits. Ask questions about the goals of the firm, why they joined the firm initially and what keeps them engaged on a daily basis. After these meetings, make a list of pros and cons to weigh against each other.

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As a non-partner, it's going to be hard to get any concrete firm financial information; but, I would guess that the practice group leader would not have made the move if he or she hadn't analyzed the financials. In the end, go with your gut. Ask yourself this: Which firm and position will offer the greatest learning opportunity in the most positive environment?

Eva Wisnik is president of Wisnik Career Enterprises, Inc., which specializes in placing legal marketing and recruiting professionals. She can be reached at marketing@wisnik.com or 212/370-1010.

Adam Severson

Generally speaking, I think people may be a little gun shy to make a move in uncertain times with fears of "last-one-in, first-one-out. "You're right to be evaluating this change in scenery seriously. There are a number of factors or questions you should ask about the new firm, including:

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* Is the relevant practice considered a strategic priority of the new firm?

* Is the practice busy in this economy?

* Is your colleague the practice chair? If not, how would you work with him and the new practice chair?

* Has the new firm dealt with any layoffs?

* What's the culture towards marketing and business development?

* Who else would you work with?

* Who would be your colleagues within the marketing and business-development department?

* How would your joining the firm be received by them?

* Regardless of his input, if you were thinking of making a change, would this opportunity be on your list?

Ultimately, you need to consider how happy and fulfilled you are in your current role and whether you like the people you work with. I would recommend getting to know others in the firm and potentially on your team. Chemistry reigns supreme in your day-to-day working life. Good luck!

Adam Severson is the...