Your Legal Career Needs a SWOT Analysis—Here’s How to Do ItÂ
The legal industry isn’t exactly known for sitting still. One day, you’re hearing about record BigLaw bonuses, the next it’s about layoffs and hiring freezes. If you’re a lawyer at any level, whether you’re a first-year associate or a seasoned partner, you’ve probably felt the whiplash of our ever-changing profession. Here’s the thing: hoping your […]
Why Happy Lawyers Make Lateral Moves: Debunking Career Change Myths
Introduction Many people believe that only unhappy lawyers make lateral moves, but this common misconception couldn’t be further from the truth. Successful attorneys regularly make strategic lateral moves to advance their careers, improve practice alignment, and achieve long-term professional goals. This comprehensive guide explores why even satisfied lawyers choose to make lateral moves and how […]
Should You Make a Lateral Move Before Making Partner? Pros and Cons
If you’re considering a lateral move before making partner, you’re not alone. Picture this: It’s 2 a.m., and one of our candidates is still at their desk, staring at a contract draft that needs to be perfect by morning. Their phone buzzes with a LinkedIn message from a recruiter: “Opportunity at a top firm. Partner […]
How to Spot a Stagnant Career and What to Do About It – Signs it’s time for a change
In the demanding world of legal practice, it’s easy to become so immersed in case files and client matters that you hardly notice your career has plateaued. At Lateral Link, we regularly speak with talented attorneys who suddenly realize years have passed without meaningful professional growth. This blog explores how to identify the warning signs […]
The Art of Professional Transitions: How to Leave a Job While Keeping Doors Open
In today’s dynamic professional landscape, career paths rarely follow a straight line. Sometimes, life circumstances require us to make unexpected changes, and how we handle these transitions can significantly impact our future opportunities. The key lies not just in making the move, but in how we manage our departures and maintain professional relationships along the […]
Career Advancement in Legal Profession: Exploring Lateral Moves and Reasons Lawyers Switch Firms
Countless attorneys experience satisfaction with their current law firms. However, a perplexing query often surfaces: “Why shoulder the challenge of starting anew or abandon established relationships?” The primary motivation behind such a decision lies in career progression. Progressive lawyers steering their professional journeys recognize the pitfalls of complacency and strive for career evolution that should […]
Lessons for Success from a Former BigLaw Associate
Ed. note: This is the latest installment in a series of posts on lateral associate and partner moves from Lateral Link’s team of expert contributors. Abby Gordon is a Senior Director with Lateral Link’s New York office. Abby works with attorney candidates on law firm and in-house searches, primarily in New York, Boston, and Europe. Prior to joining Lateral […]
Is It Time For You To Move (Cities)?
Those who watched enviously as their friends and coworkers jetted off to escape last winter’s onslaught of sleet, snow, or storms, can attest that wanderlust should qualify as a basic tenant of the human condition. The desire to move is not novel, but it is becoming more feasible and commonplace as technology innovates in tandem. […]