Lateral partner moves can be stressful when you don’t know what to expect.
I get that. As a lateral partner recruiter passionate about your happiness, regardless of whether you change firms, we want you to be as educated and clear as possible about what you might expect with a lateral partner move.
That’s where I hope you’ll find this guide helpful. I’ve compiled resources designed to help you:
- Decide if it’s time to find a new firm
- Feel confident in the process
- Assess firms for fit, compensation, and culture
- Understand the role of recruiters (and how to find the right one)
Why lateral partner moves can be difficult decisions
If making a lateral partner move was easy, there wouldn’t be so many attorneys who feel stuck. Even rainmakers with millions in business can struggle with lateral transitions, and here’s why:
Clients (even good ones) don’t always follow
Client loyalty isn’t guaranteed. A 2024 report found that some partners lose up to 40% of their expected book after a move. Institutional ties, existing firm relationships, and internal conflicts all factor into whether a client stays with you—or decides to stay put.
Culture is underappreciated in the job search
A 2023 survey found that 40% of laterals fail to integrate at their new firms due to cultural misalignment. Just because a firm looks great financially doesn’t mean it will support how you do business.
Compensation models vary dramatically
Origination credit, equity stakes, and profitability calculations can significantly affect compensation packages. And with firms showing less flexibility in negotiations, you need to understand how your value translates in a new environment.
Lateral partner integrations can be bumpy
Studies show that 30% of laterals leave within five years. Even great fits can struggle with internal referrals, firm bureaucracy, and practice group politics. (That’s why you want the perfect fit, not just a good one.)
The market has changed
Lateral hiring has gotten more selective. Since 2023, firms have focused on strategic growth over filling vacancies, so you must have a strong business case for your lateral move.
The seasoned attorney’s guide to lateral partner moves
At this stage in your career, you don’t want a firm that looks good on paper but will give you more of the same problems.
You want to be sure it works for you, and that’s exactly where these resources will come in handy. From deciding whether it’s time to make the leap to evaluating your options to finding the right support, I hope you find the information valuable.
Is it time to find a new firm?
How do you know when it’s time to take action? If you’ve reached a growth plateau, are constantly seeking support, or are experiencing burnout, these insights can help you feel confident about taking the next steps.
Top 5 reasons partners make a lateral move
What are the biggest motivators for partners to make a lateral move? They might surprise you.
When a lateral move WON’T make you happier
Changing firms can be the right move, but sometimes it’s a misstep.
Do these 10 common law firm partner complaints sound familiar?
Leadership, lack of support, and culture fit are just a few of the issues that cause attorneys to consider a lateral move.
The myth of weekend work: how rainmakers take back their time
Working on the weekends can be a slippery slope, but it’s possible to reestablish work-life boundaries.
Is your law firm a good fit?
Even high-performing partners can struggle at firms that aren’t aligned with their values.
What to expect from the lateral partner hiring process
Taking the step from wanting to leave to being prepared to leave is easier when you know what the lateral partner hiring process entails.
What is Involved in Making A Lateral Law Firm Partner Move?
From initial outreach to final negotiations, this guide breaks down what’s involved in a smooth transition.
How long is the law firm lateral partner hiring process?
Timing is everything in lateral hiring, and many factors can speed up or slow down the process.
Do lateral partners need resumes?
A resume isn’t always necessary—but when it is, you want to get it right.
Lateral partner interviews: what to expect
Even for seasoned attorneys, lateral partner interviews can look different from what you’re used to.
The lateral partner questionnaire (LPQ)
Firms use the LPQ to assess your book of business, financials, and practice history. How do you prepare for it?
What counts in your book of business
When it comes to your book of business, not all revenue is equal.
How do you assess firms for fit, compensation, and culture?
You’ve worked too hard to settle for a firm that doesn’t support your goals. The right firm should give you resources to grow, leadership that values your contributions, and a compensation structure that reflects your success.
How to find the exact, right, perfect fit firm for you
Not every firm is built for rainmakers. To have a thriving career, focus on finding one that aligns with your business goals and practice style.
What do you want from a law firm? Your personalized checklist
Every partner’s priorities are different—and that’s okay. Use this checklist to clarify what matters to you when choosing your next firm.
How do lateral partners choose a firm? These 3 factors are key
Lateral partner moves are most successful when they focus on these three factors.
Profit per partner in law firms and what it means for lateral partners
Understand profit-per-partner (PPP) metrics to evaluate a potential firm’s financial health—and how it impacts you.
7 crucial law firm partner compensation model factors you must understand
From equity partnership to realization rates to origination credit, there’s much more to compensation than billable hours.
Law firm culture & rainmakers
Some firms embrace rainmakers—others don’t. How can you tell if a firm truly supports business development?
How can a recruiter make lateral moves easier?
A recruiter should be more than an intermediary. The right one helps you identify the best opportunities, navigate negotiations, and avoid common pitfalls.
Should I use a legal recruiter?
What are the pros and cons of working with a recruiter on your lateral move?
Choosing the right lateral partner recruiter matters: here’s where to begin
You’re interested in finding a lateral partner recruiter, but how do you find the right one?
5 questions you should always ask a legal recruiter before working with them
Before partnering with a recruiter, ask these five key questions.
Additional resources to help you evaluate your lateral partner recruiting opportunity
- Use our business plan template to map your future and start the lateral partner recruiting process.
- Download How to be an in-demand law firm partner anytime.
Contact me anytime to discuss a move, whether you are ready or want to explore options.