Speak with a legal recruiter a few months before any BigLaw lateral move
It's the start of a new year. This is a time when someone naturally thinks about making a change, and that includes BigLaw associates and their careers. But if you've been contemplating a lateral move - to shift your practice or client base, to change your compensation, to relocate geographically, or otherwise - it can take some time to execute a successful lateral move in the world of large law firms.
Time is needed to prepare a for a successful lateral BigLaw move for a number of reasons:
To discuss the state of hiring and your search goals
When it comes to BigLaw lateral opportunities for an associate, the type and quantity very much depend on the associate and what they are looking for next. Candidates often ask whether lateral hiring is "booming" or "slow" and the answer always depends. If you are an associate in a niche practice that is slow and you want to move to a firm doing that same kind of work in the same market, then it is likely that opportunities will be few and far between. On the other hand, if you are in a somewhat busy practice area and have some flexibility regarding the type of work and location, more opportunities may be available.
To time outreach to firms thoughtfully
Once you and your recruiter have aligned your search goals with the market's status, it's crucial to time your outreach to firms carefully. Your recruiter should provide a tailored list of firms that align with your goals. Some firms may have urgent openings where timing is critical, while others may not have immediate openings but could consider a candidate with your background. Your recruiter might also recommend starting the search at a later time when the hiring market for your target position is more active.
To prepare strong materials, especially a tailored resume
Materials required for a lateral move typically include a resume, law school transcript, and a writing sample. While a cover letter may also be necessary, your recruiter might handle contextualizing your interest with their firm contacts. References may be needed later, but a request from your current employer is very rare. The primary focus should be on creating a highly tailored resume that effectively communicates your relevant experience to potential employers. Depending on the target firm, you may need to make slight adjustments to your resume. New firm employers often rely on the resume to learn about candidates, so collaborating closely with your recruiter on this is vital.
To refine your messaging and to prepare for interviews
Regarding lateral interviews, many candidates believe, "I know how to talk about my work. I think I'm all set." However, before making a lateral move, it's essential to approach interviews thoughtfully. Firstly, be clear and consistent about your interest in transitioning to a new firm. Identify what attracts you to the potential new employer and why it's a better fit than your current one. Additionally, be prepared to discuss your experience succinctly yet comprehensively. Your recruiter should work with you to craft compelling narratives about the projects you've worked on and your role in them.
To make sure you are making the right choice
The timeline for many lateral BigLaw candidates is often ASAP!, driven by factors at their current firm. Still, particularly in the context of lateral moves within BigLaw, careful consideration and preparation are essential. While there are differences between large law firms, there are also many similarities. Taking the time to thoroughly evaluate new firms ensures that a potential new employer offers a significant enough departure from your current one.
When it comes to making a lateral move within BigLaw, it's important to work with a recruiter that will take the time to consider your goals and only approach firms that make sense for those goals. You can learn more about my approach to legal recruiting on my website, www.gridlinesearch.com. And if you want to have a free call to discuss your thoughts and plans for a lateral move, you can grab time on my calendar at calendly.com/gridline.