Broken Promises in Lateral Hiring

The reasons for making a lateral move are varied. Sometimes, the lure of another firm will trigger a move (e.g., opportunity to get more exposure to particular types of transactions or clients; better partnership prospects due to the importance of a practice area at another firm; chance to play a central role in building a new regional office).

A variety of factors can also encourage an associate to head for the door (e.g., personality or cultural clashes). In some cases, starting a family will trigger a geographic move in order to be closer to grandparents.


Lifelong employment is gone
Whatever the reasons that attorneys have for switching firms, one thing is clear: The old paradigm of lifelong employment is long gone in the law.

This may be unsettling to many attorneys (aversion to risk is an occupational hazard). But staying put is no guarantee that things won't change around you. In the workplace of the 21st century, expect change.

So what happens if you do make a lateral move but life in your new firm is not what you expected? In truth, this is not the exception to the case. If you elect to make a lateral move, understand that some things will not turn out the way you planned.

'Broken' promises
I do not mean to suggest that law firms deliberately mislead talent when they are recruiting. Nor do I want to suggest that lateral moves are too risky and should be avoided. Hiring is a complicated process that involves a lot of speculation. When a firm makes the decision to hire, the firm has made certain business predictions.

For example, a busy corporate department or securities litigation practice may hire an associate when work seems to be bursting at the seams. What happens if a major private equity client encounters some financial difficulties right after the new associate starts? What if the litigation group settles a few major cases?

If you are smart about your due diligence process, you can minimize some of your risk. If a partner tells you about a major client who is the source of a lot of deal work, ask about some of the other clients. Is the firm's practice diversified?

Talk to associates about the procedural posture of the major cases. Is anything close to settlement? Is there more work in the wings?

Before accepting an offer, go over the issues that are important to you and confirm that the firm is on the same page. If you care about hours, ask associates how many weekends they have worked in the last six months.

Expect the unexpected
All the due diligence in the world, however, cannot entirely eliminate risk. Despite your best efforts to get the lay of the land at the new firm (before accepting an offer), things can change quickly once you are there.

Law firms are not making widgets. While most will do their best to project your workload, at most firms deal and case flow fluctuate in unpredictable ways.

Therefore, it is important to distinguish between false promises that were made simply to convince you to join the "other team" and sincere promises that a firm is unable to keep because of a change in business circumstances.

Make the best of the situation
Interviewing is a quick courtship. Given the constraints of the interviewing process and the constant change in most law firms, it is difficult if not impossible to know everything there is to know about a firm. It is also hard to know what the chemistry will be like with your colleagues until you are actually working with them.

During the interviewing process, everyone is trying to make a good impression. Neither side wants to reveal too much "dirty laundry" at this point in the relationship. While there is sometimes a deliberate attempt to mislead, emphasizing the positive is more often simply good marketing (for both the candidate and for the firm).

Size up the situation after you have been there for a few months. Think about your core reasons for making the move and measure the new firm through this lens. If the fundamental reasons for your move still hold, then try to be a little flexible about the less important factors (e.g., the fact that a partner gave you the wrong information about health insurance premiums, that one of the five partners you thought you were working with is moving to another firm, that your office faces the Charles River instead of the Boston Harbor, that casual Fridays are only in the summer).

If some of the fundamentals seem to be missing (e.g., you have not been able to work on a particular type of deal or with a particular practice group), then do not be afraid to speak up. Fundamentally, you are responsible for your own career. Understand, however, that it can take a while for certain work to trickle down to the associate level.

But if your primary motivation for moving is not being satisfied, do not be afraid to explore other opportunities. Moving again laterally is unlikely to damage your reputation if you make the move for a good reason.

On the other hand, be prudent about giving the new firm the better part of a year to make good on the promises you were given at the start. You may well find that patience is a great career asset.

About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.