The first phase of the economic recovery has finally hit the legal profession: Large cases are being tried, IPOs are happening again and funding is once again available for startup companies. Along with this uptick in work has come an increase in lateral partner movements and associate hiring. Partners and associates who have been unsatisfied with their current firms, but did not want to leave in times of uncertainty, are now actively looking to move. Their wait is over. They are very clear about why they are moving and what they want out of a new professional home.
As a seasoned recruiter, working primarily with partners and practice groups, I’ve witnessed many motivations for lateral moves in the past 13 years and have a clear sense of how firms can retain the talent they have nurtured. While by no means is this list exhaustive, it is informative. Below are the top 11 reasons attorneys leave their firms:
