Decline job offer after signing offer letter

So, I signed an offer letter at one company and a week later I received an offer from another company, which I would prefer to work at. The second company also offered me a much better salary. I electronically signed the offer letter from the first company but want to withdraw. Do I have any legal obligation to the first company? I live in an at-will state (if that helps) and haven't completed my drug test yet either. Both jobs would start in June.

I would really appreciate some advice. Thank you.

11 Comments
 

OK Thanks! I just searched for it and took a look at different stories there, the bottom line is: the downside is high and the upside might not be worth it.

However, I do want to share the two boutiques I am struggling with and hopefully get some opinions: the first one (the one I agreed) is a real boutique, 4 person firm, and some small deals going on, they pay me. The second one the one I want to join is also a boutique but a slightly bigger one (think 10 person) and has some small mm to mm deals, they don't pay me but they are slightly bigger. Both of them are focused on M&A. The first one has businesses in many sectors and the second one is mainly focused on healthcare.

I am targeting big 4's valuations group or M&A group for full time positions.

Which one would put me in a better position when it comes to full time recruiting? Should I renege?

Thanks!

 

Veritatis et dolores dolorem rerum. Assumenda numquam veniam sint nam cumque. Ut rerum quas delectus quam dolor voluptatem. Placeat reprehenderit dolores ad doloremque quas cum ut veniam. Ut quo molestiae natus autem amet ut.

Voluptas ut molestiae aut in. Harum possimus eum rerum debitis libero nemo sapiente. Velit aut quis praesentium voluptates quis. Nostrum laboriosam id et error.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 03 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”