What is a “lateral move”? It’s the move a lawyer makes, either within their current company or to a new organization with similar title, pay and responsibility according to salary.com.
Lateral hiring is an effective way for law firms to increase or diversify business in targeted geographic or practice areas. It’s a trend that is expected to grow in the months ahead as firms continue to seek ways to generate new sources of income. Most of Robert Half’s South Florida lateral hiring is being done by midsize and boutique firms that have a critical need for experienced associates to help them expand high-demand practice groups. Most attorneys from law firms move at least once during their first three to six years of practice. Associates can leave a firm for several reasons: they are working long hours with high billables or on the other hand, don’t have enough work, they may not like the culture of the firm or are working with an abusive partner, they may want out of a niche practice area, or they want development and training opportunities/mentorship.
