The Greek philosopher Heraclitus is credited with saying that “the only thing constant in life is change.” This axiom is certainly true as it relates to the present day market for lawyers and law firms. Technology and the ease with which people can travel is shrinking the world in which we live; and other market forces are being fundamentally altered by the way people view the world. For this reason, an accomplished legal career looks significantly different than it did 10 years ago. Because lawyers are using different metrics to evaluate success, law firms must do the same to maintain longevity.

Approximately a year ago, I was working in a wonderful suburban Philadelphia law firm. The firm was highly successful, the people with whom I worked were phenomenal, and I was enjoying my work. An unexpected opportunity came along, however, for me to move laterally to my current firm, Offit Kurman. Ultimately, I decided to change the law firm with which I was affiliated knowing I was taking a chance by leaving an already good situation behind.