Throughout 2021 and 2022, lateral movement in law firms was highly noticeable. Industry experts and recruiters have identified numerous factors, some personal and some professional, which impact the performance of such lateral hires, as was recently discussed in The American Lawyer. However, the definition of “success” can be somewhat elusive, shaped significantly by how firms internally appraise their attorneys.
As a factor of performance measurement, lateral hiring data from 2023 could offer insights both into prevailing patterns and specific instances of achievements or shortcomings within the hiring process. Methods of compensation also notably play a defining role in the recruiting process, acting as persuasive tools for attracting high-quality laterals.
Furthermore, understanding the intricate details of legal recruiting is critical to comprehend the underlying dynamics. A particularly enlightening piece by Dan Binstock offers significant insight into how the process of recruitment truly operates.
Ultimately, success in lateral hiring is a multifaceted issue. The multitude of factors at play—those within firms and attorney’s control and otherwise—are critical in determining whether a lateral hire will thrive in their new environment.