4 reasons to Lateral: Associate edition

Navigating the Road to Partnership

If you are currently an associate on the partner-track in a law firm, the following points can help you decide whether making a lateral move would be best suited for your legal journey.

1. Acquiring Broad Practice Skills:

Making a lateral move in your career allows you to garner additional practice skills in your area of expertise. Every law firm exposes you to its own set of clients, representative matters, and partner legal practice styles. Understanding the varying practice styles of partners and legal needs of a broad range of clients contributes to your overall legal knowledge and effectiveness as an attorney. For instance, if you are a business litigator specializing in class actions and misrepresentation, a move to a firm handling business torts and fraud cases will broaden your litigation prowess. In addition, a career featuring multiple prestigious law firms, accompanied by valid reasons for transitions, signals your consistent ability to excel in high-intensity environments with robust practice area knowledge. This diversification cultivates you as a multifaceted attorney and sets you apart from your colleagues.

2. Your Network is Your Net-Worth:

A lateral move not only grows your practice skills but also expands your network. A move allows you to gain relationships at your new workplace while continuing to foster relationships with colleagues and clients from previous firms.  These connections can and will evolve into fruitful partnerships, mentorships, friendships, and future clientele.

3. Evaluating Compensation and Expectations:

When considering compensation and work-life balance, attorneys have fluctuating priorities. You may be looking for a more challenging work environment and higher pay, or lower pay with better work-life balance. Each law firm operates with a distinct model, including whether base compensation is lock-step or black box. The same is true for bonus structures; some firms have formulaic bonus calculations while others are discretionary, taking into account leadership, billable hours, entrepreneurship, pro-bono work, etc. Some individuals may prefer to work for a firm that offers a robust base salary, viewing this as a reliable and concrete form of remuneration. Others may be open to working at a firm that complements a lower base salary with a generous bonus structure, offering the potential to earn the same or more than a market salary. Still others may be more focused on the benefits package, including factors such as maternity and paternity leave, health insurance, and child or elder care.

4. Embracing a Lifestyle Shift:

Transitioning to a new law firm often means more than just a change in your professional landscape; it can also bring on a significant shift in your personal lifestyle. Maybe you want to pursue a different practice area, move to a different state, or be closer to family. All of these reasons are valid for a lateral move. The culture of every firm is unique and is reflected in each firm’s work ethics, social activities, and approach to work-life balance. A new environment may align more closely with your personal values and lifestyle, enhancing not only your professional satisfaction but also your overall well-being. A move may lead you to a firm that offers flexible work hours or locations, or promotes a more inclusive and diverse work environment. It's not just about pivoting your career trajectory; it's about choosing a path that enriches all facets of your life.

Crucial Considerations

It is generally not advisable to make a lateral move if you've been at a firm for less than one year. One year provides ample time to fully explore the growth opportunities that a law firm has to offer, whereas switching firms in less time might give the impression of subpar job performance. However, once you’ve hit the one year mark, feel free to explore opportunities as you learn about them.

Don't contemplate moving without giving your best in your current role. Law firms scrutinize an attorney's reasons for lateraling and are wary of poor habits or performance. If there are performance concerns, stay and improve your narrative if possible until you find the next right fit for your career. If you've tried all to no avail and need a fresh start, then a lateral move is a wise choice.

If you're not enthralled by the idea of Big Law, switching to another big law firm might not be your ideal move. Perhaps you're seeking a smaller law firm with Big Law sophistication minus the Big Law cultural expectations, or a legal adjacent role. The right answer on which factors to prioritize is the one that complements your individual situation. Speaking with a recruiter can help you explore different compensation models, firm structures and individual considerations to help you align your priorities.

Our exceptional team at Khawaja Partners is uniquely positioned to support your legal journey. With a blend of practicing attorneys, former big law attorneys, and over a decade of recruiting expertise, we understand your needs intimately. We're committed to aligning you with roles that truly satisfy your career aspirations, ensuring a seamless job search experience.

For a confidential chat specific to your goals and circumstances, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or shoot me an e-mail at ashley@khawajapartners.com.