Surging Lateral Market – Making sense of your options

Quality opportunities for successful Lateral Partners, Counsels and Attorneys are the best I've seen in 15 years.  Especially in the thriving Boston market, the demand for high-caliber talent has never been greater and with the recent entrée of more international firms such as White & Case and Wilson Sonsini into Boston; and other significant firms eyeing this area for future openings, the competition for dynamic and productive attorneys is vigorous.  As a result, some attorneys are wondering if they should take advantage of this favorable climate and consider exploring a lateral move.

All careers merit an examination from time to time - and when the market is this active, it makes sense to review your options and ensure that you have the best possible platform available for your practice.  It is a responsibility that attorneys have that is different from other professionals, as decisions you make about your career directly affect not only your income, but your clients and their well-being.

Obviously, making a lateral move is a decision that will impact your career for years to come and it can be overwhelming to investigate the market with all its rapid changes, and quantify how it affects you, your practice, the support you have and the additional support you may need, the impact it has on your clients and your ability to reach your practice goals.  Yet, as they say: timing is everything!   The busier and more active your practice is (when you don't have an extra minute to spare), is the most appropriate time to explore opportunities.  You owe it to yourself and your clients to be working in an environment that allows your practice to flourish. 

That's why it is beneficial to consult with a professional who can provide you with meaningful information about the current legal landscape and the firms that are best suited to support you, your practice and your business development efforts.  An experienced Recruiter with a thorough understanding of what it takes to make a successful lateral move will have first-hand knowledge to help you focus only on those opportunities that are relevant to your goals.  An experienced Recruiter will guide you through the process and work closely with you to ensure a smooth and rewarding transition.  Even if you are not sure that this is the right time for you to make a move, developing a relationship with a Recruiter will help keep you abreast of market conditions, and then, when you are ready to move, that Recruiter will already be prepared to assist you in securing the position that meets your goals efficiently.

Currently, there is a great deal of interest on the part of law firms looking for new lateral talent, but it's difficult to predict how long these favorable conditions will last.  If you think a lateral move might be something to consider, contact me for a confidential discussion.  I will help you review your options and if you decide that a move is in your best interest, I will position you to take advantage of the best legal market in years.  

 - Michael