I want my law application to highlight my work experience since it's an area of strength for me. Because of this, I want to ask my employer for a reference. However, I plan to continue working at my current job for the next year before starting school and am nervous that asking for a reference from my workplace could result in reduced opportunities at work or employment risk for me. I could, however, ask for a reference from a client executive I know well who recently left the company for another opportunity. How would it be perceived to submit a reference letter from a past executive from my company, rather than a current one? Also, does anyone have experience asking for a reference from a current employer who does not yet know that you plan to leave the company?