The process of changing law firms, also known as ‘going lateral’, can be a complex task. Without proper guidance, such transitions may potentially fumble, causing delay and discouragement. In an insightful article by Lateral Link Director, Nick Pappas, shared on Above the Law, Pappas discusses his experiences during two ‘lateral’ moves.
Legal recruiters played a vital role in Pappas’s successful transitions, assisting with decisions which led to a substantial increase in his compensation and firm prestige. Formal education was not used as the sole determining factor when choosing a recruiter partner – instead, the focus was on finding recruiters who aligned with his career aspirations, while being realistic in their judgments.
In the article, Pappas emphasized the necessity of a legal recruiter who acts not simply as a placement agent but as a career adviser. Their duties, he suggests, should go beyond simple placement and instead, provide practical advice and assistance in achieving your career goals.
A couple of dos and don’ts arising from his experience may consequently be useful for legal professionals contemplating a move:
- Review recruiter’s LinkedIn, website, and articles before choosing to ensure alignment with your career objectives.
- Always remember to ascertain that your chosen recruiters are solution-focused and are not overly keen on merely filling positions.
- Ensure not to engage multiple recruiters concurrently. This may potentially lead to confusion and difficulties in managing applications, which may deter your negotiations.
- Choose a recruiter that is responsive and consistently updates you throughout the process.
Keeping these tips in mind may potentially allow you to minimize the stress associated with transitioning across firms, while ensuring that your professional growth stays on the right track.