Finding a lateral associate with the qualities and qualifications desired by the firm is only half of the battle. The other, and often equally daunting half, is helping the lateral transition into the firm. More specifically, the challenges in helping a lateral associate learn, adapt and embrace a new firm’s culture are plentiful. Every law firm has a culture or personality unique to it. The willingness and ability to adapt to a firm’s unique culture is part of what makes a successful lateral associate.
Undoubtedly, lateral attorneys join new firms with their own way of doing things, views on practice and beliefs on how a firm should and will operate. A lateral attorney’s perceptions are often based upon experiences at former firms or a former firm’s culture. Despite the challenges in helping a lateral associate shed the remains of a former firm’s culture and adapt to the current firm’s culture, this must be a priority, as the benefits will prove plentiful.
